Ryan Knight and Jen Peters-McKnight’s renovation video went viral with 2 million views after discovering ‘tonnes and tonnes of junk’ inside their Pink House auction purchase
A couple purchased a derelict property without seeing inside – and were astounded by what they discovered inside. Ryan Knight and his wife Jen Peters-McKnight, both 47, put forward a “cheeky bid” for the crumbling home and were stunned when their offer was successful.
They chose to document their refurbishment adventure as they embarked on the gruelling task of removing “tonnes and tonnes of junk”. Within a week of completing the purchase, they became overnight internet sensations with their debut video going viral hit with over two million views in just six days.
The pair currently live in a rented smallholding property in Bodedern where they operate a livery business. Searching for a renovation venture, they stumbled upon a pink-painted 1970s dwelling listed for auction and knew they had to secure it.
Jen explained: “Initially we were looking for a small house so we could do a flip and sell. But then I came across this property on Rightmove. Realising it was just down the road, we drove there next day.
“Sadly, the previous owners had fallen ill and the property had been empty for at least a couple of years. It was covered in bushes with vegetation growing into the house and an old caravan abandoned outside,” reports North Wales Live.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get in because no one knew where the keys were – we asked the auctioneers several times. We managed to get through the trees and bushes so we could peer inside – but the windows were so dirty we couldn’t really see anything.
“We were told squatters had been using it. The location was fabulous – beautiful woodland, two streams and a pond. So we put in a cheeky bid the same day we visited.”
Despite the property being scheduled for auction, bids could be submitted beforehand. Ryan and Jen’s first offer was turned down, but this didn’t discourage them.
Once back home, further research uncovered an exciting element absent from the marketing materials. Jen explained: “We looked it up on Google Earth and, viewed from above, we discovered there was a big glass peak at the centre of the house.
“It was an atrium, quite a unique feature. So we submitted another cheeky bid just before the auction was due.”
Much to their amazement, this offer was accepted. Contracts were exchanged on Friday, January 9, and the property was immediately dubbed the “Pink House”.
Upon forcing entry, they encountered a surprising discovery. “As soon as we got in, we found a big bunch of door keys hanging up!” said Jen.
“But we’ve changed all the locks anyway, and bought a new door to ensure the place is secure: we don’t want urban explorers trying to get inside. We’re here most of the time anyway.
“Inside was piled high with junk – there was tonnes and tonnes of it. We don’t know if squatters brought in stuff but it looks like the previous owners may have had an hoarding issue.
“There was lots of brand new stuff – clothes still with tags on, rugs still wrapped in plastic. There were new towels, new bedsheets – lots of stuff. But there was also mounds of rubbish that will have to be removed in skips. It looks like the previous owners had good intentions but it never materialised.”
From cardboard boxes to plastic chairs, and from spare sinks to rolled-up carpets, the sheer amount of clutter made navigating the house a challenge.
The initial task was to trim bushes blocking the front steps, followed by carving out a pathway through the house. Only then could they begin the daunting task of clearing rooms filled with rubbish – all while dodging “giant spiders”.
This threw up more surprises. “From the outside we could see it was a decent-sized house,” said Jen. “But it only when we finally got inside that we realised just how big it was – there’s almost 3,000ft of floor space!
“We found the house also had lots of big arched windows. These and other features gives it a bit of a Spanish or Mediterranean feel.”
In addition to four bedrooms, the Pink House boasts four bathrooms and a loo room near the entrance. The property includes two generous reception rooms, an atrium, and a sizeable kitchen, where grime-covered cupboard doors were pried open to reveal a substantial stash of rotting food.
“Someone forgot to do the dishes!” quipped Ryan, a gundog trainer, in one of his update videos.
Jen started sharing footage of the renovation journey on the very day the pair finalised their purchase. To her amazement, her Facebook following skyrocketed from 600 to 76,500 within just six days.
Recognising the massive interest, she’s now created @thepinkhousediaries2026 accounts across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, there’s a fresh Facebook subscription service offering exclusive content, complete with an early bird 50% reduction on the standard 99p monthly fee.
“We’ve had interest from all over the world,” she revealed. “A lot of people want to know where Anglesey is! As Ryan has an Irish accent, a few people have asked if we’re in Ireland.
“I thought we could monetise our posts to help pay for the renovations. There’s been so much interest that I’m getting a social media consultant in to see what else can be done.”
Currently, the pair remain brimming with enthusiasm and amazement at the stunning property they purchased almost by chance. They face a mammoth task ahead: fresh electrical wiring and plumbing is required throughout, whilst certain floorboards and plasterwork need replacing.
Once the builders and tradesmen arrive, Ryan will carry on working as a labourer.
Their goal is to move in properly within 12 months. “Buying the house was a big leap of faith,” said Jen.
“We know it had been up for sale multiple times with no successful offers.
“It had been effectively abandoned, and the mortgage company wanted it sold. It’s exciting, we’ve never taken on such a big challenge but we’re looking forward to it. We have good friends who are helping us, which makes a big difference.
“We’re going to take the house back to how it used to be. It will be beautiful. Our dream is to move in by next Christmas, and we’ll be sharing our progress as we go along.”
You can follow the couple’s progress on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. The TikTok page is here.
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