A Dream Home Built Against the Clock
In a heartbreaking twist, Chris Hindle, a former Royal Navy pilot, has passed away just months after completing the home he had always dreamed of.
Featured on George Clarke’s Building Home, Chris, 35, and his wife Ellie were on a tight deadline to create their perfect property in the picturesque Ribble Valley, Lancashire.
The couple’s dream, however, was clouded by a devastating diagnosis: Chris was battling terminal stage-four cancer and had only a few months to live.
A Journey Back Home
Chris and Ellie had been living in Cornwall but made the emotional decision to return to Chris’s hometown.
Their goal was to build a home in the countryside, allowing them to spend precious moments with his family in his final months.
Despite the pressure of time, the couple pushed forward with their plans, hoping to create lasting memories in their new home.
Overcoming Obstacles
Their project wasn’t without challenges.
Chris had already undergone six rounds of chemotherapy, and every few weeks, he would take a break from treatment to spend quality time with Ellie, even climbing Mount Snowdon together.
The building process wasn’t easy either—delays, bad weather, and even a smashed glass door tested their resilience.
Yet, with determination, they pressed on, and Chris managed to help build much of the house himself, despite his health challenges.
A Final Christmas Together
Against all odds, Chris and Ellie managed to move into their new home just in time to spend Christmas there with loved ones.
The finished property was stunning—featuring glass sliding doors with breathtaking views of the countryside, a luxurious freestanding bath, and an open-plan living space.
Despite going over budget at £330,000, the house stood as a testament to their hard work and love.
A Tribute to Chris
At the end of the episode, viewers were left stunned by a tribute to Chris, revealing he had passed away in November 2024, just months after the filming ended.
The news left many viewers heartbroken, with many expressing their admiration for his courage and positive spirit.
Messages poured in, remembering Chris as a “remarkable” and “inspiring” man, with many reflecting on how he had fought to the end to finish his dream home.
A Home Full of Love and Legacy
Chris’s diagnosis came after he discovered a lump in his leg, which was later found to be cancer that had spread.
He and Ellie decided to tear down an old bungalow—once owned by Chris’s grandparents—and build a modern dormer bungalow in its place.
They even added a loft space to their design to make sure everything was just right.
Despite the harsh realities of his illness, Chris remained optimistic, stating that even with terminal cancer, he was determined to live life to the fullest.
The couple’s efforts were deeply moving, with Chris describing his new home as a place where he had left “a part of himself in every brick” he laid.
The final moments of the show were emotional, as host George Clarke reflected on their incredible journey and the stunning result of their hard work.
Chris’s story will always be remembered as one of hope, love, and determination in the face of unimaginable challenges.
George Clarke’s Building Home airs Wednesdays at 9 pm on Channel 4.
You can catch the first episode now.
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