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An Interview with Laura Hamilton

Our exclusive chat with the 'A Place in the Sun' star

Laura Hamilton, best known as the beloved presenter of the hit British TV show A Place in the Sun, isn’t just passionate about helping others find their dream homes around the world—she’s also an accomplished property expert and renovator herself.

While assisting my family on our search for the perfect home in Mallorca, Laura made a spontaneous decision that caught even her by surprise—she found her own dream property! In our exclusive interview, I caught up with Laura to find out what drew her to take the plunge in the charming town of Pollença, her deep-rooted love for property renovation, and how her journey into transforming homes began well before her television career took off.

By Lucy Hawkins

25/11/24

Hi Laura! We met when my husband and I were on A Place in the Sun looking for properties in Mallorca. While you were showing us properties you also found yourself one! 


How long had you thought about buying in Mallorca or was it showing us Pollença that convinced you?


I’ve long talked about Mallorca and wanting to buy a place here. I love everything about the island - the architecture, the beaches, the way of life and the people. I look at a lot of houses all the time and I’ve been tempted to buy previously, but the timing was just perfect the week I filmed with you and your family. I’d just sold a property and in my downtime of helping you I decided to look at a few properties. The second one I saw in Pollença I went for. My parents were visiting me on location that week too so it was lovely.


Can you tell me about the property and the renovation that’s involved?


It’s in the heart of Pollença. It’s currently set up as a 6 bed house and it needs a fair bit of work. Well a lot of work actually! I will be remodelling it to make it a 4 bed house with a courtyard garden and pool (hopefully) subject to the required permits. I opted for the town because I wanted a ‘year round’ feel. I do love the beach and it’s great that it’s only a ten minute drive away.


When did you start renovating properties, how did you get into it?


I started renovating property when I was 19 years old. I didn’t plan to spend the rest of my life doing it but I just love turning a run down, unloved property into something beautiful. I bought a flat age 19, did it up, then 3 months after owning it I was made redundant from a job behind the scenes in TV. I decided to rent it out and move back with my parents. I then started saving another deposit and thought, I’m going to do another one… and so the renovation journey began. I’ve never looked back and it’s very much been a ‘job’ on the side of my TV stuff. I feel very lucky that I have been able to combine my passions and hobbies with my job now.


What do you look for when choosing a house to buy and renovate?


Ultimately I look for the worst house on the street and aim to make it the best! You have to buy it for the right price and be realistic about the renovation costs - they ALWAYS go over budget usually because of unforeseen situations. For my home in Pollença, I wanted to be close to the centre of town, the Calvari steps and the bars and restaurants. For me the location is usually far more important than the property because I can usually create the property the way I want it. You can never change the location.

Do you have any horror stories? Both renovation and travel?


Gosh lots. From a renovation point of view; no renovation ever goes to plan, no matter how experienced you are! I once renovated a shop, an apartment and a house at the same time. It was a massive project and the builders I used ran the wastage pipe the wrong way round and then covered it over with tons of cement before realising. It caused utter chaos as you can imagine, BUT we fixed it and I’m still here renovating, so it didn’t put me off!


You’ve seen the world, what do you love about Mallorca?


I love the architecture, the food, the lifestyle, beaches, the people, the variety on the island and the accessibility.


Is this the start of buying properties all over the world for you?


Ha, quite possibly! I’m always looking with other people on A Place in The Sun so I’m pretty sure I will buy in another country too… where is next, who knows? I have my UK home so perhaps France…we’ll have to wait and see.

You’re so busy, can you tell us about the other exciting things you’re working on?


Well, first and foremost I am a mum to my two gorgeous children, Rocco and Tahlia, who have both travelled with me since they were three weeks old. Everything I do is for them. I have always worked hard and I hope it inspires them to see that if you work hard and have a vision and dream, anything is achievable.

I’ve launched a new business, www.myrenovationinthesun.com which follows my journey of renovating in Mallorca which you will be able to watch, and I will also be running some exciting new training courses through an online platform.


I started a new podcast, ‘The Mile Fly Club’ which is a co-production with myself and a TV Producer friend. And OF COURSE I’m filming lots more of A Place in The Sun.


What’s your advice for people buying overseas and for starting a renovation project?


Buying abroad right now is so fantastic especially given the uncertainty of the UK market. There are definitely more rules and regulations when it comes to renovating overseas, but it’s very exciting and I can’t wait for people to be able to follow my journey and I can educate them along the way and hopefully inspire a few people too!


How can we stay posted with your Mallorcan project?


You can follow both my personal and business pages to find out more!


www.laurahamiltonofficial.com


www.myrenovationinthesun.com

Our exclusive chat with the 'A Place in the Sun' star

Laura Hamilton, best known as the beloved presenter of the hit British TV show A Place in the Sun, isn’t just passionate about helping others find their dream homes around the world—she’s also an accomplished property expert and renovator herself.

Do you have any horror stories? Both renovation and travel?


Gosh lots. From a renovation point of view; no renovation ever goes to plan, no matter how experienced you are! I once renovated a shop, an apartment and a house at the same time. It was a massive project and the builders I used ran the wastage pipe the wrong way round and then covered it over with tons of cement before realising. It caused utter chaos as you can imagine, BUT we fixed it and I’m still here renovating, so it didn’t put me off!


You’ve seen the world, what do you love about Mallorca?


I love the architecture, the food, the lifestyle, beaches, the people, the variety on the island and the accessibility.


Is this the start of buying properties all over the world for you?


Ha, quite possibly! I’m always looking with other people on A Place in The Sun so I’m pretty sure I will buy in another country too… where is next, who knows? I have my UK home so perhaps France…we’ll have to wait and see.