After rediscovering this heartwarming tale from our archives, we’re delighted to reshare the uplifting story behind our collaboration with the TV show Love Your Garden.

When picking up the phone one day, we were pleasantly surprised to learn the call was coming from Gold TV – the team behind the beloved ITV show Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh.

They needed our help to transform the garden of a truly remarkable woman, Icolyn Smith, and we couldn’t have been more excited to jump on board.

The Heartwarming Story of Icolyn Smith

Icolyn Smith, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ma’, dedicated her life to serving her community. A beacon of compassion and generosity, she was the powerhouse behind the Oxford Community Soup Kitchen, which she founded in 1989. It’s been estimated to have fed over 45,000 people facing life’s toughest challenges.

At the time of filming the show Icolyn was 88 years old and still tirelessly growing produce in her own garden, cooking, serving, and spreading love through her soup kitchen. 

When Spun Gold TV shared Icolyn’s inspiring story with us, our mission became clear – to give her a garden sanctuary worthy of her incredible spirit.

Why Summerhouse24? 

Our cabins are well-known for their build quality, durability and design range. We want all of our customers to experience the joy of their outdoor spaces worry-free for decades. By combining robust construction with aesthetic appeal, we ensure every summer house is a little slice of paradise.

Our Sophia Summer House with Veranda was the best choice for Icolyn’s garden transformation. With its perfect blend of practicality and elegance, it is ideal for creating an outdoor space that’s as versatile as it is beautiful.

Bringing a Summer Haven to Life

And so, we headed to Oxford, ready to make magic happen. We donated our Sophia cabin to this heartwarming project, knowing it was just the right fit. With its enclosed garden room and spacious veranda, it was perfect for Icolyn’s needs – providing a sheltered area for her to prepare food, enjoy projects, and have al-fresco dining with her family. 

The transformation wasn’t without its challenges. Imagine working in a small 1930s semi-detached garden with over 30 people on-site, including deliveries, skips, trades, and, of course, cameras everywhere! But with the phenomenal Rosie Irving at the helm as Project Manager, everything ran smoothly. Her leadership kept the chaos in check and the atmosphere fun.

Star-Studded Fun

One of the highlights of the project was meeting the stars themselves – Alan Titchmarsh and David Domony. Their enthusiasm and love for gardening were infectious. It wasn’t just work; it was an experience filled with laughter, learning, and a few celebrity moments to remember.

A Joyous Conclusion 

The moment of truth arrived, and the garden reveal was nothing short of spectacular. Icolyn’s reaction was priceless. Her joy and graciousness were a testament to the love and effort everyone poured into this project. We felt incredibly proud to have contributed to this beautiful transformation for a woman who had given so much to others.

The Making of a Garden Sanctuary

Transforming Icolyn Smith’s garden into a haven of tranquility and productivity was no small feat, and the behind-the-scenes action was nothing short of exhilarating. 

By the end of the project, what had started as a cluttered backyard had been transformed into a serene retreat. Watching Icolyn’s face light up during the big reveal was the ultimate reward for all our hard work. It was a poignant reminder of why we do what we do at Summerhouse24—creating spaces that bring joy and enrich lives. 

Watch the Magic

Want to see the transformation for yourself? Check out the episode featuring our Sophia Garden Room on ITV: Series 9, Episode 4

We’re also featured on the Love Your Garden Suppliers page here: Suppliers 2019 – Episode 4

At Summerhouse24, we’re not just about creating garden buildings; we’re about creating spaces where memories are made, and lives are enriched. Here’s to many more magical transformations! 

So, why wait? Find out how a Summerhouse24 cabin can transform your garden and your life. Visit our website today to explore our range of beautiful, practical garden buildings. Because with Summerhouse24, every garden has a story waiting to be told.