Artists want to retain former studio as quirky Airbnb

Fred and Lucy Baier have been professional artists for 57 years and 45 years respectively.

Artist and furniture maker Fred has been Artist in Residence at the House of Lords and his furniture can be found in the House of Lords library and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Lucy has been a practising sculptor since 1985. Her work has been purchased by the Contemporary Art Society.

The couple bought 45 High Street, Pewsey in 1989 and extended the property in 1993 to create a workshop and studio for Lucy.

In 2014, the couple decided to use the studio for guest accommodation and, from 2016, advertised it as an Airbnb, retaining the workshop as Lucy’s studio and workshop.

But in 2026 the couple were served with an enforcement notice by Wiltshire Council after being informed that they needed planning permission to change the studio into an Airbnb.

Now the artists are applying to the council for planning permission and, separately, to retain a gold-coloured enamelled steel decorative chimney pot, which extends by 60cm above the ridge of the house.

The couple’s planning agent says the chimney pot is “admired by the neighbours” and the continuity of the Airbnb business would support the tourism economy in the village.

The application faces no objection from Wiltshire Council’s conservation officer, who says the plans “will not have any harm to the significance of the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

However, the application has divided opinion among neighbours.

Neighbour Andrew Dang has told the council: “The bright yellow chimney sculpture and fluorescent orange tree constitute visual clutter that clashes with the historical grain of the skyline and street scene.”

However, Bridget Sessions said: “I have lived directly opposite number 45 High Street for the last 12 years and I have no objections to their running a holiday let. It has never caused me any problems or disturbance whatsoever and I have met many lovely people who have stayed there.

“The guests seem to love it and enjoy all the sculptures in the gardens. It’s an unusual and quirky environment and a delight to us all. The chimney pot is an unusual, fun and uplifting asset and a great conservation piece.”

A decision is expected from Wiltshire Council by the end of May.

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