The High Court has stepped in to stop the restoration of a remote country cottage, after a council claimed unapproved building work had gutted the building.

West Dorset District Council has won an emergency interim injunction stopping the owner and two contractors from doing any more work at Horsehill Cottage Stoke Abbott, near Beaminster.

The listed 19th century building, next to an old, single-storey flax mill is half-hidden by beeches and can only be approached by fording a stream.

The council said internal walls, floors and ceilings and plaster had been removed and it was concerned that the work had been done without listed building consent.

The owner, who described himself only as Mr Gray said: "The council has been very helpful so I feel embarrassed. I knew that the flax mill was listed, but not the cottage. Work has stopped and I can only hope I can sort it out. I would imagine I would have to make a detailed proposal and make an application to continue. All the work that has taken place is very sound.

"We are doing the work ecologically and historically and with great care. I have been working on the project for about three years. I am not a property developer."

Council leader Robin Gould said: "This council encourages all owners to work with us and offers advice free of charge. We are always pleased to help them find an appropriate way forward when they are thinking about altering their properties in any way. West Dorset is such a beautiful area and its lovely old buildings are an important part of this."

Horsehill Cottage dates from at least 1888. The majority of houses in Stoke Abbott date from the 17th century.