Alison Smith, Jane Rawlings, Chris Trevett, Tina Bevan, Louise Thomas and Guide Dog Zimba.
At Baker Street House in Blaenavon, residents have recently come together to give their guest bedroom a much-needed refresh — and the results are a true reflection of community spirit.
The independent living scheme offers a guest room for friends and family to stay on-site, but residents felt the space had become a little tired and in need of a brighter, more welcoming feel. Rather than waiting for change, they rolled up their sleeves and made it happen themselves.
Funded entirely through money raised at the group’s popular coffee mornings and afternoon gatherings, the project quickly became a shared goal. Residents agreed the room was an important asset, and there was a strong sense of pride in transforming it together.
Everyone played a part. From donating items such as a headboard and curtains, to upcycling bedside units, painting walls, and even laying new bathroom flooring, the project became a hands-on, collective effort.
Before photos of Baker Street House’s Guest Bedroom
The refreshed guest bedroom now has a truly personal touch, featuring artwork created by talented Baker Street residents.
Ken one of the local artists at baker street house explained he rediscovering his passion for art later in life:
“I loved art at school, but I didn’t pick it back up until I was 60. When I’m drawing, I lose myself in it. I sketch everything — cartoons, buildings, aeroplanes, trains, even local scenes. Over the years I’ve even sold some of my work and featured in the South Wales Argus.”
Ken Mapp and his Artwork at Baker Street House
The guest room is managed through a simple booking system, with a calendar displayed on the door so residents can easily check availability. To help maintain the space and contribute to future improvements, guests are asked to make a £5 per night donation. Residents who book the room take pride in preparing it for the next visitor by cleaning and resetting the space to a high standard.
For many, the room has already proved invaluable. Residents shared how it has helped during times when extra support from family is needed — particularly as individual apartments may not have the space to accommodate overnight guests. Having somewhere close by for loved ones to stay offers comfort, practicality, and peace of mind.
Alison, a resident at Baker Street House, summed up the project perfectly:
“It’s been a great project and has brought people together. So many of us chipped in, and it’s been really enjoyable to do something like this as a community.”
This transformation is more than just a room makeover — it’s a story of creativity, collaboration, and the power of people coming together to make a house feel even more like home.