Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'I failed on every level'
Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts has been working to transform a rural Welsh pub into a tourist destination, but the building is still in dire need of renovation
Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts openly confessed to hitting rock bottom in his latest endeavour, as he struggles with the mammoth task of converting a down-at-heel Welsh pub into a holiday hotspot. Currently faced with the enormous challenge of refurbishing the rural Hendrewen Hotel in Rhondda Valley, the premises are far from ready, with parts of the building close to collapse.
Once confident that a two-year timeline and a £500,000 budget would suffice to revive the eight-bedroom inn, 61 year old Roberts now finds himself dealing with major delays two years into the renovation. Speaking to The Sun, he shared: "I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been."
He candidly admitted: "I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications."
Roberts estimates that the project is about "60%" complete and remains optimistic that the work will "come together really quickly" as he approaches the home stretch. His goal is to have the doors open by next Easter at the absolute latest, subject to overcoming hurdles such as planning permission related to local flood risks.
The TV personality recounted the numerous obstacles he's encountered, saying there were "lots of hoops to jump through", and initially finding the building plagued by slanted walls, collapsing windows, and bats roosting in a leaking roof, reports the Express.
In a surprising twist, Roberts revealed he hadn't even shared the news with his wife Kirsty about purchasing the dilapidated pub while in Wales recuperating from a heart operation.
The local watering hole is set to become the star of a ten-part ITV documentary series next year, cheekily titled Oops!
I Bought A Pub. Taking inspiration from Jeremy Clarkson, plans are afoot to dangle a Rolls-Royce upside down from the dining room ceiling, mirroring the chrome tractor feature at Jeremy's establishment, The Farmer's Dog.
Guests will have the chance to stay in one of the venue's eight uniquely themed bedrooms, each named after different TV shows and designed with an "individual feel".
There's also a new bar and restaurant in the works for the property.
The pub aims to bring about 30 jobs to the area, including a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will impart their knowledge to the youth.
And for those with musical aspirations, there will be a stage area to showcase their talents.
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