Penelope Jackson (Penny) is a project manager in the property renovation sector, and author of Penny Practically Does…Renovation. From her own “Renovation Virgin” roots more than 25 years ago and entirely self-taught, her passion for enhancing and breathing new life into property morphed into a business, successfully managing significant renovation projects for both commercial and residential clients.
Having been instrumental in the rescue of several distressed projects during her renovation career, her book focuses on the step-by-practical step for the successful renovation of a property to empower every aspiring renovator. She shares her own practical approach to renovation success, which she applies herself to every job she undertakes.
Inherently practical, naturally creative and always prepared to roll her sleeves up, Penelope loves her garden, nature and the outdoors. Taught to cook as well as gather and preserve food at a young age, her kitchen is a welcome haven for family and often friends too…with an obligatory glass of wine (or two!) of course! Always an avid reader with a genuine desire to learn new things, there’s always a book on the go, usually resulting in the development of a new practical skill.
With the intention of moving to live and work in France, Penelope currently lives near Harrogate in North Yorkshire with her fiancé Robin. Together, they share a love of travel, music and their loyal motorhome, “Bessie”, who facilitates their frequent journeys to France.
“If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!”
Penelope Jackson
Real Projects
Step by Step
With the Plans
The strength of “Penny Practically Does…Renovation” is the combination of practical expertise and personal approachability. Penny is not a corporate developer or a TV presenter — she is someone who has been through the renovation process herself, made the mistakes, learned the lessons, and come out the other side with the knowledge to share.
She has a genuine love for property and bringing out the best it has to offer. She has successfully project managed many significant residential and commercial refurbishment projects for clients. She has also picked up the pieces of renovation disasters and resolved them — which means she understands not just how to do it the right way, but also what happens when it goes wrong and how to fix it.
The book is designed to feel authentic, practical, and confidence-building — not like a formal manual but written from time-served experience. Simply; honest advice from someone who genuinely wants you to succeed!
Practical expertise. Personal approachability. Real-world results.
The "Penny Practically Does…" concept was born from a simple but powerful idea: that practical knowledge acquired from genuine experience, shared honestly and accessibly, can genuinely empower people to take on projects they might otherwise find daunting. Renovation is the first subject but the broader Penny Practically Does… idea has potential well beyond property. This is just the beginning of a practical guide series that aims to put real knowledge in the hands of real people.
The first book in the series — a complete practical guide to renovating your own property, from initial vision to successful completion, step by step with the plans.
The Penny Practically Does… concept has potential beyond renovation. Future practical guides are in development — stay tuned for what comes next.
Knowledge is everything. Practical experience, shared honestly and accessibly, empowers people to take on projects with confidence — whatever their starting point.