In the latest episode of Renovation Rescue, Vogue Williams and Luke Mabbott helped retired artist Penny transform her new home in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, after the loss of her partner of 20 years.
Penny's partner, Martin, died suddenly of septicaemia. Reflecting on her loss, she said: "He died very suddenly of septicaemia, virtually overnight. He was climbing trees one minute and the next minute he was gone. I woke up one day and said, 'Look, Penny, he's dead. You're alive, so get on with it and make the best of the time you have here.'"
A Fresh Start
Penny had planned a fresh start near her daughter and grandchildren, but her renovation went over budget and behind schedule, causing immense stress. "I don't think I've ever experienced this level of anxiety and stress," she revealed.
To help stretch her remaining budget, Vogue showed Penny creative ways to achieve her desired artistic aesthetic, including making cupboard doors with a lozenge-shaped detail. Luke, meanwhile, guided Penny through DIY tasks like blockwork in the courtyard and building a garden gate.
A Touching Tribute
Later, Penny showed Vogue a drawing Martin had made years earlier, which had become a treasured possession. "To me it's quite important because I haven't been able to show any of his work. He was very proud of this piece of work, actually," she said. Vogue suggested, "I think this should be the last thing that you put on the wall."
Penny agreed: "Yeah and I will feel that Martin's finally found a place." After the renovation, Vogue and Luke returned to see the transformation, with Martin's framed picture displayed prominently in the living room. "It looks amazing," said Vogue.
Penny concluded: "I feel as if I've got past the grieving stage where I'm not crying at the drop of a hat. Now, I can look at it and feel pleased that it's there. He was very pleased with that piece of work."
Renovation Rescue is available to stream on Channel 4.
