Martin Roberts admits ‘I have failed’ as he delivers devastating update on work project away from BBC show
TV presenter Martin Roberts has confessed to failing “on every single level” with his ambitious renovation of a Welsh pub.
The Homes Under The Hammer star purchased the Hendrewen Hotel in Rhondda in 2023, investing £500,000 to transform the derelict property.
“For a man who spends all his time telling people to make sure they stick to their budgets and timescales, I have failed on every single level,” Roberts told The Sun.
The 61-year-old property expert had initially estimated the project would take two years to complete. However, he has already exceeded both his deadline and budget for the commercial property renovation.
The renovation has proved far more challenging than anticipated, with Roberts admitting the project is only “60 per cent” complete. “I’m still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it’s been,” he said.
The presenter acknowledged his inexperience with commercial properties has contributed to the difficulties.
He explained: “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.”
The building’s condition presented numerous obstacles, including “cock-eyed” walls, windows that were “falling down”, bats nesting in the leaking roof, and a crumbling rear section still requiring extensive work.
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Despite the setbacks, Roberts remains committed to his vision of supporting the local community.
The presenter has been working with a team of 15 to 17-year-olds alongside his tradesmen, providing them with practical skills for future employment.
“I wanted to give the kids a ‘step up the ladder’ to help them get jobs when they finish,” Roberts explained, having deliberately chosen a pub in one of the country’s most deprived areas.
The project aims to create employment for 30 local residents once completed. Roberts described the community as having “lost their heart” and hopes the renovated establishment will help revitalise the area.
The hotel will feature eight bedrooms, each themed after television programmes including Fawlty Towers, A Question of Sport and Homes Under The Hammer.
Roberts aims to open by Easter at the latest, though planning permissions and flood risk assessments remain ongoing hurdles.
The establishment will include a teaching kitchen for celebrity chefs to instruct young people and a performance stage for aspiring musicians. In a distinctive touch, Roberts plans to suspend a Rolls-Royce from the dining room ceiling.
The renovation will be documented in a ten-part ITV series titled “Oops! I Bought A Pub” scheduled for next year.