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Homes Under The Hammer star Martin Roberts, 61, admits he’s ‘failed on every level’ on major refurbishment project – after getting a ‘second chance at life’ following health scare

BBG News

In my own words, I must confess that my endeavor to revitalize an abandoned pub in the beautiful Rhondda Valley has not been a success, falling short in all aspects of the transformation process.

61-year-old celebrity from Homes Under The Hammer, bought the Hendrewen Hotel in Blaencwm, Rhondda, in 2023, with intentions to invest £500,000 for a comprehensive renovation of the establishment, which was once a pub.

Nestled near Martin’s farmhouse in South Wales, the renovation specialist aimed to ignite a sense of vitality within a community that seemed to have lost its spirit.

Initially, he calculated that half a million dollars would be sufficient to finish the work within about two years. However, surprisingly, even after two full years have passed, the project is still far from completion.

To be honest, the eight-bedroom house appears completely unchanged, as the presenter himself confessed that he fell short on all fronts.

Martin admitted to The Sun, “Someone who constantly advises others to adhere to their budgets and deadlines has, regrettably, fallen short in every aspect where this advice was given.

Despite the smile on my face, let me tell you, this has been quite a tough endeavor – one that I’ve never encountered before in the realm of commercial real estate. To put it frankly, this is my very first time handling such a project.

There are many residential homes and apartments, but commercial properties tend to come with additional complexities. I would estimate that we’ve nearly reached the 60% mark in our progress.

One challenge he’s faced is working with planners who firmly believe that precautions should be taken for potential flood situations.

The local youth have played a significant role in assisting Martin overpower various hurdles, enabling him to reach this stage.

A presenter is currently mentoring a group of teenagers from Wales, who are between the ages of 15 and 17. These young individuals are being trained by skilled craftsmen in different hands-on abilities that they can apply post-school.

In a region known for its poverty, Martin aspires to offer local kids an opportunity for advancement and assist them in finding jobs.

As the pub nears its completion, which is several months off, the ex-I’m A Celebrity contestant intends to hire approximately 30 local residents when it (hopefully) opens towards the end of this year.

As a fervent admirer, let me express how thrilling it is for me to share that I’m meticulously crafting the Hendrewen, ensuring that every one of its eight enchanting retreats embodies a unique TV-themed ambiance!

He intends to create a room themed after the TV series “Fawlty Towers,” another room dedicated to “A Question of Sport,” and undoubtedly, a space featuring content from the show “Homes Under The Hummer” – a program he’s been associated with for over two decades.

Martin acquired the pub located in South Wales following a serious health incident in 2022, where his heart, kidneys, and liver experienced complications.

Martin had been admitted to the hospital due to chest discomfort he thought was lingering COVID symptoms, but doctors discovered it wasn’t long COVID; instead, they found that his heart was surrounded by an excess of fluid, a condition called pericardial effusion.

Through the remarkable efforts of skilled surgeons, he received a new opportunity to live after undergoing necessary surgery.

In December 2024, Martin shared an alarming health report, expressing concerns that his time may be running out.

Speaking to TopMob, he said that he still gets twinges in his chest that cause him to panic. 

He shared that he isn’t sure about his remaining time, so he’s making an effort to accomplish as much positive impact on the world as he can.

As a diehard enthusiast, let me share my experience: It turned out that the tangible aspects of our project required more time than anticipated for us to navigate through them.

1. “I occasionally experience sharp pains, and whenever I feel one in my chest, it triggers fear within me. Anyone with heart-related issues can likely empathize with this.”

Here’s another option:

2. “From time to time, I feel a sudden, uncomfortable sensation in my chest. Each occurrence causes me anxiety. People who have experienced heart troubles may understand the apprehension associated with such sensations.”

Martin added, “They tend to release bits of information slowly, which causes a whirlwind of concern since you don’t know much about it until later.

I visited the surgeon who performed my emergency operation, and I asked him, “For how much longer could I have lived?” (or alternatively, “How long might I have remained alive?”)

He explained, “Given the circumstances, it seems unlikely that you would have survived the night. Fortunately, I was on shift at that time… You might have only had a few more hours left.

It meant that if something had happened, I would have been close to death, leaving behind my children, unable to accomplish my goals, and missing out on everything I desired to achieve.

As a die-hard fan, I can attest that healing from such experiences isn’t just about mending the body; it’s a journey through the mind as well. The emotional aspect lingers far beyond the physical recovery, making it all the more challenging.

As a wellness advocate, I was advised to ease up and take life at a gentler pace, but instead, I’ve chosen a different route – I’m embracing a more mindful approach to my lifestyle. Rather than rushing through each day without thought, I’m learning to savor moments, find balance, and nurture both my body and soul. It’s not about doing less, but rather doing more intentionally.

‘The reason behind my current project is the renovation of a pub in Wales. The aim is to contribute positively to the community, and we’re employing local children for the work. Additionally, we’re providing opportunities for disadvantaged and disengaged kids to learn construction skills.’

I’m all about spreading goodness wherever I can. Since I’m not sure how long I’ll be around, I simply wish to contribute as much as possible to make a positive impact.

The focus isn’t primarily on accumulating wealth; it’s more about leaving a lasting impact, as that’s the mark that truly endures.

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2025-06-21 13:34

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