Grade 2 Listed Thatched Cottage On Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
This grade 2 listed thatched cottage in Shaftesbury, which featured in the famous Hovis advert, was recently on sale through Hamptons International.
The charming property is situated on Gold Hill, which was the setting for the renowned Hovis bread TV commercial from 1973, directed by Ridley Scott.
The commercial, which sees a young boy pushing his bike with a basket full of bread up a steep hill (Gold Hill), was voted the most favourite advert of all time in one poll.
This picturesque thatched cottage epitomises the charm of English country living, featuring white walls, exposed beams, and a cozy inglenook fireplace.
Following a comprehensive refurbishment, this four-story cottage now offers three bedrooms and a open-plan sitting room/dining room with a delightful window seat.
It also showcases a modern kitchen, bathroom, shower room, and spacious loft storage.
Outside, the garden boasts a terrace, a well-kept lawn bordered by vibrant flowers, and a summerhouse.
The stunning vistas of the Blackmore Vale countryside can be savoured from this vantage point.
Previously utilised as a quaint B&B, this cottage now serves as an inviting country residence.
This charming property was available for £395,000 through Hamptons International - but it has since been sold.
Perched atop the cobblestone hill, overlooking a picturesque scene of thatched cottages nestled below and vast expanses of rolling hills in the distance, is a sight that truly takes your breath away.
It encapsulates the very essence of the countryside at its most exquisite.
Beyond the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas, there's an abundance of activities to indulge in during your visit.
At the summit of the hill stands St. Peter's Church, a venerable structure dating back to the 14th century, making it one of the few edifices in Shaftesbury that predates the 18th century.
Adjacent to the church is the former Priest's house, now converted into a charming shop and an integral part of the Gold Hill Museum.
Parallel to the renowned cobbled thoroughfare runs a wall believed to have been erected during the 1360s by King Alfred the Great, although the precise history of its construction remains shrouded in mystery.
This wall serves as a tangible relic of the ancient Shaftesbury Abbey, which traces its origins back to the year 888 and met its demise in 1539.
Each year, Gold Hill plays host to a vibrant festival celebrating local gastronomy and libations, typically held in May.
Among the festivities is a spirited cheese race, adding a dash of whimsy to the cultural revelry.
As we mentioned, Gold Hill is also known as ‘Hovis Hill’ for its feature in the Hovis TV advert in 1973.
To celebrate the 120th anniversary of Hovis, the advert featuring Gold Hill returned for a 10-day run on TV in 2006.
You’ll find the Hovis commemoration at the top of the hill.
Gold Hill has also featured on Only Fools & Horses, The Two Ronnies and ‘In a Big Country’ by Scottish rock band, Big Country in 1983.
Someone who recently visited the town said: “Picture perfect and iconic, this has been on my list for some time. It did not disappoint and was our main reason for visiting this lovely old town.
”You need not climb up to it or even down it as the best views are from the top and this is very easily accessed from the high street.”
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