Place in the SUN
Laura Hamilton’s top of the props and very own ‘Place in the Sun’
Our celebrity cover journalist Angela Sara West chats exclusively with TV presenter, property developer and business owner Laura Hamilton about interiors inspo, her new I Love Wallpaper collection, property bodge jobs and red flags, the sustainable home she created here in Surrey and her sensational new Spanish restoration abode.
A familiar face on our screens for over two decades, passionate property expert Laura Hamilton is best known for co-hosting TV’s hugely popular series ‘A Place in the Sun’, passionately educating us on property in Britain and overseas for the hit Channel 4 show for over 20 years.
Assisting Brits buying both here and abroad in their quest for their perfect property in the UK, Europe and far-flung destinations such as Florida, Australia, South Africa and the Caribbean, she unearths useful local info relating to buying, running and maintaining property in each particular location on people’s property path, helping thousands of individuals and families successfully navigate the world of national and international property procurement.
Prolific property purchaser Laura has personally invested in, developed, built and renovated numerous places both here in the UK and now also abroad, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of buying both in Blighty and overseas.
“I’ve bought, renovated and sold over 20 properties over the years, and no doubt there will be more!” she tells me.
And along with the great British public, knowledgeable Laura assists other famous faces with their own abodes. “Lots of friends, both on and off screen, often ask for my advice. And I love that I’m the first person they think of when it comes to interior design.”
An expert in designing interiors and exteriors, too, property guru Laura’s passion lies in helping others make informed, confident decisions when it comes to home. Bringing her real-life experience and expertise together to simplify the process and support people at every stage of their property journey, her boundless energy and infectious sense of humour immediately put people at ease.
From holiday home dreams, acquiring a do-er upper for a fast sell to a whole new life, whether you’re looking for a quick flip or organic sustainable build, with a wealth of knowledge of property buying, unrivalled property transformation nous along with new media ventures Laura has you covered.
FROM TOP OF THE POPS TO TOP OF THE PROPS!
Laura’s TV career actually kicked off behind the camera at just 18, where she worked behind the scenes on ‘Top of the Pops’, ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Harry Potter’ before being encouraged by Dermot O’Leary and Vernon Kay to transition into presenting, starting with CITV.
From skate-off to take off, in 2011, adventure-based entertainment followed when the daredevil star ice skated her way to runner-up in ITV’s ‘Dancing On Ice’, ahead of hosting action-based challenge show ‘Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge’, while just weeks after giving birth in 2014, adrenaline junkie Laura competed in her next big challenge, Channel 4’s ‘The Jump’.
She made her property presenter debut on ‘A Place in the Sun’ in 2011, becoming a main presenter and remaining one of the show’s most recognisable faces to this day. Her coveted home renovation and property expertise led to presenting roles on C4’s ‘Beat My Build’ renovation competition and Channel 5’s ‘Cowboy Builders and Bodge Jobs’, further cementing her top reputation in lifestyle and property television.
A PASSION FOR PROPERTY
Laura’s property journey began at just 19 with the renovation of her first home. Since then, she has developed over 20 properties, blending design and investment with sustainability.
“I started young!” she says. “I bought my first small, one-bedroom flat, which was very much a ‘fixer upper’ and needed a lot of love. That’s when I realised how much I enjoy transformation: taking something that’s tired or imperfect and making it into somewhere beautiful and functional.”
With a keen eye for a bargain, Laura bought her own first home entirely self-funded. “From there, it was always about gradually taking on larger and more complex renovations. Some properties needed structural work, others cosmetic,” she reveals. “I’ve made 10 moves in 15 years!”
“I love turning a rundown old wreck into something special… When you have the bug for renovating, it’s something that you want to do over-and-over again. Over the years, I’ve moved up the ladder: bigger homes, more ambitious designs, more sustainable features, more refined finishes.”
And that string of successful property renovations has proven a huge learning curve for Laura. “I’ve learnt that every project teaches you something new… about materials, contractors, patience, design, budgeting, and also about knowing when to trust your gut.”
A LOCKDOWN LIFESAVER WITH COMMUNITY SPIRIT
In 2017, entrepreneurial Laura bought her local post office, located in a stunning Surrey setting on the village green, and became a fully qualified Post Mistress to save it from closing.
Having historically served the community as the village shop since 1907, a century later Laura not only renovated the site but created the impressive ‘Lord Roberts on The Green’, an independent Deli & Coffee Shop offering artisan produce, alongside everyday necessities, to help those in need during lockdown. Her offering served as a pillar of stability throughout the pandemic, helping locals with their food shopping and more.
Transforming Lord Roberts into a thriving café and deli whilst simultaneously serving as postmistress and landlady, the visionary presenter created a valued community space, seeing the business became the beating heart of the community, for whom it was love at first bite! “I only ran the post office for a year, because the coffee shop side of the business become more successful,” she explains.
Balancing the business with her TV work and home- schooling her two children during lockdowns, Laura put all her efforts into supplying essentials, plus a takeaway and delivery service, at her booming bistro, while an appealing alfresco area even hosted a mini post-lockdown festival!
“I am so proud of what it became. When any houses come up for sale close by, Lord Roberts is ALWAYS mentioned in the marketing material as an attraction in the area!”
Laura is not one for sitting on her laurels, and the pandemic also saw creative action on her home DIY front. With lockdowns slamming the brakes on her travels, it proved the perfect time for her to pick up a paintbrush, seeing her paint her now former house from top to bottom and renovate her kitchen “at a fraction of the cost” of having a new one installed.
Having enjoyed “every aspect” of transforming and owning Lord Roberts on the Green, she sold up a few years ago and moved to another area of our county. “When you love doing up properties or building brands as I do, you reach a point of wanting to move on,” she explains. “I was ready for the next challenge and project!”
THE REBUILD – GOING GREEN
And that challenge was soon completed. All about nature, Laura loves life here in England’s most wooded county, Surrey – my home too – where she relishes the great outdoors with her kids. After selling Lord Roberts, she purchased elsewhere in our county, turning a period property into an exciting eco home inspired by the natural environment.
The Rebuild, her historic home restoration played out on YouTube, showcased her commitment to sustainable development. “The setting was stunning, with a lake in the garden. I turned an old house with a 16th-century folly into a sustainable home. I knocked down every internal wall, increased the footprint by 48%, installed solar panels, a water treatment plant and an air-source heat pump. The property improved from an EPC rating F to a B.”
Laura lived in the property and completed it in just a year. “I turned my partially ‘off-grid home’ into something very special.”
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & PROLIFIC DIY SKILLS
Turning her hand to almost anything on the property front, this active TV frontwoman is a dab hand at DIY, and having acquired property proficiencies aplenty loves sharing her improvement tips and talents for people wanting to update on a budget.
“I’ve picked up quite a few skills over the years,” she says. “Some out of necessity, others just through curiosity! Project management has been a big one. Keeping track of all the moving parts, timelines and different contractors definitely teaches you how to stay organised. I’ve also picked up a bit of carpentry knowledge along the way and learned enough building trade lingo to at least sound like I know what I’m talking about and to understand what’s actually feasible on site.”
“On the design side, I’ve developed a real love for working with lighting, layering textures, choosing finishes, and pulling furniture schemes together. I’ve also got into interiors photography. Capturing a space once it’s finished is such a satisfying part of the process. And I’ve learned a lot about sustainable building, like how to use heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation effectively.”
As for skills she’s itching to try, “I’ve dabbled in plastering and tiling, but I’ve realised some jobs are best left to the professionals! I’m always up for learning, but I also really value the craft and experience that skilled tradespeople bring to a project.”
INTERIORS INSPO: MIXING OLD-SCHOOL MOOD BOARDS WITH PLAYFULNESS
With interior design also her “thing” alongside renovating, she tells me she’s a fan of old-school mood boards. “My design process usually starts with a ‘feeling’ or a visual spark: something I’ve seen on my travels, a room I once stayed in, a colour from nature, or even just an interesting texture.”
“From there, I start gathering inspiration: images, fabrics, wallpapers, furniture and materials. I love working with physical samples, too: paint chips, fabric swatches, little bits of wallpaper… I lay everything out to see how it all interacts, how the colours balance, the contrasts, the textures. For me, a home should feel cohesive but never too ‘done’ or overly co-ordinated. I like to create a sense of softness and calm, with layers, mixed patterns, and a bit of playfulness!”
LAURA LOVES WALLPAPER!
Last month, multi-skilled Laura launched her own luxury wallpaper range at https://ilovewallpaper.com/pages/ style-at-home-with-laura.
“I’m really proud of this collection!” she beams. The inspiration for her inaugural curated collection in collaboration with I Love Wallpaper? “It came from blending my travel memories with the textures and colours I love. Think boutique hotel elegance meets nature and architectural details: soft metallics, natural tones, tactile patterns, plus some bold feature walls that feel unexpected but still timeless.”
Her new ‘Style at Home with Laura’ collection reflects her seamless aesthetic of accessible elegance, creating a stylish space that feels both personal and high-end, but without the high price tag.
Each design has the ability to transform a room with a touch of Laura’s signature style. Affordable and easy to hang, explore this exciting new range which makes it simple to bring a touch of Laura’s expertise into your own home, effortlessly.
“With I Love Wallpaper, I wanted designs that feel luxurious yet accessible, something you can use boldly in a living room or gently in a bedroom. So, expect a mix: elegant metallics, marbled effects, foliage, classic panel looks plus textures that invite touch. All of them with good-quality finishes that elevate the space.”
Whether you’re covering an entire room or creating a feature wall, Laura tells me wallpapering offers endless design possibilities. “I LOVE wallpapering… it’s a fantastic way to bring colour, texture and personality into any room and the effect is instant! I actually learned how to wallpaper years ago on the TV show ‘Cowboy Builders and Bodge Jobs’. That experience came full circle, because I’ve now gone on to launch my own wallpaper range, which is something I’m really proud of.”
TOP PLACES IN THE SUN
Successfully combining her love for travel, design and sustainability in her role on the high-profile property hunting programme ‘A Place in the Sun’, this hands-on home restorer has travelled the world.
Visiting diverse places and properties aplenty, the much-loved presenter has starred on the hit show since 2012, giving sun-seeking property hunters guidance and sharing her pearls of wisdom aplenty.
From flash Floridian condos, stunning Spanish villas and fantastic Portuguese pads to awe-inspiring abodes in Antigua, idiosyncratic Italian dwellings and charming farmhouses in Greece, this well-travelled star has seen, and showed us, them all.
“It felt like a perfect fit!” Laura reveals of landing the role of presenting a TV programme combining her passion for property with her love of travel and adventure.
“I’ve always loved both worlds: homes, interiors, renovation and travel, exploration, seeing how people live in different places. Presenting a show where you get to visit dreamy destinations, meet people pursuing their property dreams, and combine lifestyle with
the practicalities of buying abroad… it just felt very authentic to me. Also, it’s a privilege: not everyone gets paid to do a job that they would do anyway because they love it.”
She’s found a fair few favourite properties on her global hunts. “Some homes stick in my mind because of their stunning views, whether it’s the sea, the mountains or endless countryside. Others for their architecture: a striking façade, restored original features, or even just a beautifully designed garden. I also really enjoy seeing bold renovation projects, places with real potential where people have taken creative risks. Those are always inspiring.”
Laura’s top spots? “I’ve been incredibly lucky to visit such a wide mix of places with ‘A Place in the Sun’ and each location has its own charm, but a few places really stick with me:
• Mallorca is a big favourite. There’s something magical about the light there – the way it hits the old stone walls, the traditional shutters, and how beautifully rustic features mix with clean, modern interiors. I’m always drawn to homes with original beams, thick stone walls, then suddenly a sleek kitchen or spa-like bathroom tucked inside.
• Southern Portugal and the Algarve are also high on my list. I love the emphasis on outdoor living, homes with courtyards full of tiles, shaded terraces, and that wonderful sense of flow between inside and out. They have a way of making you slow down and breathe.
• And then there’s France, especially
rural Provence and the Dordogne. I adore the character in the old farmhouses, those sloping roofs, all the texture from local stone, tiles and timber. There’s such a strong sense of place in the materials and design, and I love seeing how people update those spaces while keeping their soul.
MOODBOARDING TRAVELS
Her horizons have been broadened by an entire atlas of experiences overseas, reflected in how this property queen updates and decorates her own homes. How have her travels influenced her makeovers?
“I get a lot of interior inspiration from boutique hotels I stay in,” the home expert explains. “I’ve picked up a few little interior pieces on my travels, too!”
With her huge love of interior design and renovation, her elegant eye for design gives glamorous hotels a good run for their money. “Travelling is like real-life moodboarding for me. I’m always soaking up inspiration from the colours in the landscape, the way the light hits a wall, the details in doors, windows, ceilings, courtyards, gardens… you name it!”
“All of it feeds into the palettes, textures and overall feel I bring into my designs. I’m constantly picking up ideas, whether it’s a tile shape, a plaster finish, a fabric, or the layout of an outdoor space. It’s honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole design process.”
And she doesn’t only offer her unique insights and expert advice to prospective overseas property owners on our screens… she savours sharing her homespun knowledge on her social media channels, too.
LAURA’S OWN PLACE IN THE SUN
As for her favourite place in the sun, for this travelling TV star there’s no place like Spain.
Last year, Laura made the move to Mallorca, buying a sunny abode on a Spanish island to renovate and have fun in her very own ‘Place in the Sun’. Purchasing a renovation project in a playground of the rich and famous, her Balearic build had begun.
“Renovating properties has been a HUGE part of my life since I was 19,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion for turning a rundown wreck into something beautiful, but every property I have renovated so far has been in the UK. Renovating overseas is a completely different ball game and I am very much on a learning journey. There are so many different taxes, building permits, rules and regulations….”
Laura’s children are very much involved in the latest her long string of renovations. “I love them to see any properties I renovate before, during and, of course, the final result, teaching them that if you want something, you have to work for it”.
MY PROPERTY ABROAD COMMUNITY
With over 16 years’ experience in the overseas property market and her own personal property journey in Spain about to play out online, she’s now helping UK buyers looking for a holiday home in the sun in Hispanic hotspots, Dubai and beyond via her new website at www.mypropertyabroad.com.
Laura recently launched this one-stop hub for buying, renovating and thriving in multiple destinations across the globe, connecting serious buyers with her tried, tested and trusted partners abroad.
Learn how to ‘buy, renovate & beyond’ with Laura’s online educational platform on how to buy, renovate and beyond overseas, gain free access to recommended experts and turn your overseas property dream into reality!
Teaching buyers the entire process from start to finish, she says her recently released platform is so much more than just a course. “My Property Abroad is a true community designed to help you buy, renovate and transform your dream property in Spain and elsewhere with confidence, with me and all the right people – recommended professionals I’ve personally worked with – right by your side.”
She stresses this isn’t a “buy it and good luck” experience. “I know just how overwhelming it can be to buy property, especially when navigating another country’s legal systems, language barriers and renovation challenges.”
“As part of the ‘My Property Abroad’ community, you’ll get live webinars hosted by me, where I answer your questions and share exclusive insights, access to
a private network of experts, builders, agents and legal advisors. You’ll hear real stories, be inspired, and learn from people just like you who’ve already made the move overseas.”
Educating us on all aspects relating to buying and renovating abroad, specifically in Spain, she will also document the exciting renovation of her new home in celeb hotspot Mallorca.
SIMULTANEOUS SPANISH RENOVATIONS WITH JASMINE HARMAN
2025 sees the popular overseas property programme ‘A Place in the Sun’ celebrate 25 years. “It really is a great show, and I’m honoured to help and offer advice to house hunters and be part of something so special,” says the star of her continuing on-screen role.
The much-loved show recently won another coveted TRIC award for best daytime TV. “The second one we have won in the last two years, which is incredible,” Laura spills. “This time, however, I had the honour of accepting the award on behalf of everyone. Making an acceptance speech was slightly nerve wracking but a moment I’ll never forget…”
Laura is great friends with her fellow ‘A Place in the Sun’ presenter and Surreyite Jasmine Harman, who also recently sold her Surrey home to purchase her own place in the Spanish sun.
“Funnily enough, Jas and I ended up buying our places abroad at the exact same time!” Laura reveals to me. “I was able to give her some advice on areas and schools that I thought would be a good fit for her and her family, which was lovely. The main difference is that my place
is a bit more of a project – a big renovation in Mallorca – whereas Jas bought on the mainland. I’m planning to use mine as a holiday home rather than making a full-time move… at least, for now!”
RED FLAGS: COWBOY BUILDERS & BODGE JOBS
The biggest ‘bodge jobs’ she has uncovered on her property journeys? “I’ve definitely seen my fair share of bodge jobs over the years!” she divulges.
“Some of the worst include things like poor foundations, damp issues just being painted over, or really bad brickwork and pointing. Then there’s cutting corners
with insulation, or using cheap windows that don’t seal properly… totally false economy. One that really worries me is when wiring or plumbing is done without the right certification. And sometimes you see decorating that’s clearly just been done to cover up much bigger structural problems instead of actually fixing them.”
Red flags readers should look out for when engaging builders and other tradesmen? “There are a few big ones… If a tradesperson can’t show references or past work, that’s a worry. Same goes for anyone who won’t give you a written quote or gives you something super vague. Always ask about certifications, whether it’s for electrics, gas or plumbing. And be wary of people who seem in a rush or skip over the prep work like proper sealing, weatherproofing or insulation. That kind of stuff always comes back to bite you later…”
“Renovating overseas is a whole different ballgame. You really need to check the local rules around permits and building standards and do your homework on local tradespeople. What works in one country might be completely different in another. I’m definitely learning that as I go!”
CREATING THE WOW ON A BUDGET
How can we easily add the ‘wow’ and add value to our homes on a tight budget? “There are so many simple, cost-effective ways to add the wow factor and boost your home’s value without breaking the bank,” the property expert reveals.
She says it’s possible to add “the little touches” to a home very affordably, giving it a completely different feel. “Creating a feature wall with wallpaper, panelling or a bold paint contrast can instantly transform a space, while swapping out old handles and lighting fixtures gives rooms a quick, modern refresh.”
Alongside lending a place a fresh lick of paint, Laura also advises changing taps and shower heads to totally transform your living space. “In the kitchen, upgrading to quality worktops or wrapping existing units can deliver a high-end look for a fraction of the cost, often saving up to 80% compared to a full refit,” she reveals to me.
“A fresh coat of paint in harmonising or accent colours can uplift tired rooms, and updating soft furnishings, like cushions, curtains and rugs, brings instant warmth and texture. Even in bathrooms and kitchens, small upgrades like new mirrors, stylish hardware and better lighting can make a huge difference.”
As for her own home décor hacks, no bodge jobs here! Keeping it simple yet stylish, her recent masterful makeovers in the UK have included using muted shades, with the interiors maestro impeccably painting her kitchen cupboards and “inexpensively” re-tiling a kitchen with Moroccan-style patterned tiles inspired by her travels, complemented by a cool two- tone colour scheme of off-white and grey, creating a contemporary-classic look. She even retiled her own swimming pool in Surrey!
THIS MORNING JETSETTER – TRAVELLER’S TALES…
Back on the box, alongside property, she’s also caught the travel bug during her prolific travels, and Laura is now regarded as one of the UK’s leading travel experts, too “I’m so lucky to be able to combine my love of property and travel with my TV career,” she smiles.
With motherhood in the mix, too, Laura says her proudest productions yet, however, are her two young children. “They have already seen a lot of the world, as they get to travel with me wherever I film!”
Have kids, WILL travel, Laura frequently jets off to sunnier climes, hopping on a plane with her kids in tow. Since 2022, she has also graced our screens on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, for which she presented live location features.
She has many magical memories from filming worldwide. Any laugh-out-loud moments that have particularly stood out for the presenter?
“Ha ha! So many… but one of my most memorable was probably a few years ago when I was filming ‘A Place in The Sun’ in and it started raining and all of our cars got stuck in the mud! There were seven vehicles and we all had to be pulled out by tractors!!”
“I was once chased by wild boars on the beach in Turkey, too! Memories and friends I will treasure forever… I’ve been incredibly fortunate to stay in some lovely AND unusual places…. I’ve slept on a beach in Sri Lanka, with Bedouin Monks in the Sahara Dessert, in a treehouse on a mat in the jungle in Thailand and more!” she reveals. “My adventures have been incredible…”
BLIGHTY BUILDS
Back in Blighty, if you don’t bump into Laura at London Gatwick, you’re pretty much guaranteed to spot her here in my home county. When she’s not jetting around the world helping potential house buyers, the property guru can be found soaking up the somewhat-less-frequent sun here in Surrey.
Having found her very own place in the sun, she says the best part of her prolific TV travels is coming home. “I’ve filmed all over the UK and abroad, but always love coming back to Surrey,” she tells me. “It’s a place where I’ve lived and called ‘home for’ the last 20 years.”
#MILE FLY CLUB
Last year, Laura launched the travel entertainment podcast ‘Mile Fly Club’, a fun, entertaining and informative podcast with celebrity guests and experts who discuss their travel and lifestyle experiences.
Featuring lively conversations with famous faces including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Dame Kelly Holmes, Bradley Walsh and a few of my other famous interviewees such as Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, Jenni Falconer, Andrea McLean and Michelle Heaton, Laura’s latest series of the Mile Fly Club has landed on YouTube, and you can listen in on all major streaming platforms.
Discover travel guides, top accommodation and flight tips a-go-go, all curated by Laura herself. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or seeking hidden travel gems, strap in for an exciting ride and explore everything you need to travel smarter.
PREPARING FOR TAKE OFF…
Always seeking the next adventure, this property-and- travel aficionado continues to inspire with her boundless energy and expertise, reflecting Laura’s passion for creating unique, forward-thinking spaces.
Hot off the plane from Spain, this high-flying presenter is also a private pilot in training.
Up next for this unstoppable renovator and jet setting TV star? “I’m looking forward to filming lots more episodes of ‘A Place in the Sun’, hoping to get Mallorca finished, and of course, as you’d expect, lots more property projects… but who knows where!”
