Glenn Close Creates a Backyard Oasis for a Fellow Mental Health Advocate on 'Celebrity IOU'

Overflowing with grace and gratitude, Glenn Close builds a peaceful haven surrounded by nature for her friend, Robin.

May 31, 2023

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Celebrity I.O.U.

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Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Creating a One-of-a-Kind Backyard Sanctuary

Don’t be fooled by the sinister characters Glenn Close has played on the big screen — this global superstar has heart. On this week’s Celebrity IOU, she gives back to her friend Robin, a fellow mental health advocate and the first volunteer who signed up to support Glenn’s mental health initiative, Bring Change to Mind. "Anyone who has been a caregiver for someone dealing with mental health issues knows it’s exhausting. Everyone needs a place [where] they can find sanctuary and peace and build up their emotional strength again,” said Glenn. “Robin deserves a place to recharge.” Alongside Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, Glenn builds a backyard retreat Robin can enjoy.

SEE MORE: Celebrity I.O.U.

Glenn Reveals Robin’s New Backyard Haven

“I didn’t have a voice until you spoke up,” Robin told Glenn during the reveal. “I didn’t have the vocabulary or the courage, so [meeting you] probably saved my life.”

Before: The Backyard

Robin’s peaceful backyard boasts many mature trees. Her family has always enjoyed sitting in the outdoor chairs, sipping coffee in the morning.

After: The Backyard

The team installed an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) unit in Robin’s backyard. A foundation built of gravel and concrete posts supports the structure off the ground and improves drainage on the property.

SEE MORE: Drew Barrymore Honors Sisterhood With a Surprise Remodel

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Backyard

A prefabricated ADU allowed the design team to meet a fast timeline. The new, coastal-cozy space offers all the comforts of the main house, but with a smaller footprint. A gable roof, durable board-and-batten siding and weatherproof composite decking boosts curb appeal. The front porch — complete with sliding glass doors flanked by two potted arborvitae and a set of rocking chairs — is the perfect spot for Robin and her husband to relax with a front row seat to New England nature.

SEE MORE: Heidi Klum Transforms Her Housekeeper's Home Into a Chic Space Suitable For a Multi-Generational Family

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Backyard

Complete with electricity, HVAC and plumbing make it comfortable, Robin's new escape can function as a craft space, entertaining area or guest house.

SEE MORE: Kristin Chenoweth Gifts Her Close Friends and Property Managers With a Home Makeover

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Sitting Area

A sweet gray velvet loveseat and two white ottomans offer functional, comfortable seating for the family. Mid-tone luxury vinyl floors (they look just like natural hardwood!) ground the neutral space, contrasting subtly against the creamy walls. A tan area rug adds warmth, while a rustic ladder provides a stylish spot for blankets and other accessories. The team also created a gallery wall of framed photographs of Robin and her family.

SEE MORE: Leslie Jordan Transforms His Friends’ Home Into a Southwestern-Inspired Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Sitting Area

Large windows flood the main living space with natural daylight, bringing outdoor ambiance into this tranquil, quiet space. A wooden chair and woven ottoman add additional natural texture. Now, the bright space is perfect for reading or sipping coffee.

SEE MORE: Idina Menzel Transforms a Detached Garage Into an Office and Athletic Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Kitchen

Designed to offer the conveniences of home, a refrigerator and sink make the ADU's kitchen functional. Bonus: The bros included an induction cooktop on the island.

SEE MORE: Snoop Dogg Surprises His Business Partner With an At-Home Office and Entertaining Space

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Kitchen

Illuminated by recessed lighting, the dark gray, marbled porcelain countertops and backsplash are a welcome contrast to the light, shaker-style cabinets. An under-mount porcelain sink with a chic chrome faucet elevates the color palette, while open shelving adds functional space to display glasses and dishware.

SEE MORE: Wilmer Valderrama Turns a Garage into a Guest Suite for His Best Friend

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Kitchen

A kitchen island built for two is the perfect size for Robin and her husband. This multipurpose unit provides ample storage in the home. Two wooden counter-height stools at the kitchen island offer the couple space to dine or entertain friends. Luxury vinyl floors that extend throughout the entire dwelling are easy to clean and virtually indestructible.

SEE MORE: Lisa Kudrow Surprises Her Cousin with a Chic, Pet-Friendly Condo Remodel

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Bathroom

A three-piece bathroom makes Robin’s new dwelling fully functional as an overnight guest space. A bathtub boasting a sleek surround and high-end matte black fixtures makes a statement. A sink and vanity provide extra storage.

SEE MORE: Anthony Anderson Surprises His Brother With a Massive Home Renovation

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Craft Room/Guest Suite

Designed by Glenn with Robin in mind — and clad in vintage accessories — the dwelling's extra room acts as a crafting space. Outfitted with yarns, threads and other supplies, Robin can happily craft, relax or, as Glenn says, “recharge.”

SEE MORE: ‘Celebrity IOU’ Is Coming Back This December!

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Craft Room/Guest Suite

Robin’s love for crafting comes through in the design of her new space. Glenn had the design team include special artwork and weavings to make Robin feel at home. A lamp casts a warm glow in the evenings, while large windows let in lots of natural sunlight during the daytime.

SEE MORE: John C. Reilly Embraces Funky With a Unique Cabin Preservation Project

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

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