Dream Renovation: A Place In The Sun Couple Transforms Lanzarote Apartment
It’s a scenario many dream of: finding a slice of paradise abroad and making it truly your own. For Nicola and Paul, that dream became a stunning reality, much to the amazement of A Place In The Sun presenter Ben Hillman. Returning to the Canary Islands to check in on the couple he first met in November 2020, Ben was left utterly gobsmacked by the incredible four-year transformation of their new property.
The couple’s journey began with a clear vision. They were on the hunt for a one or two-bedroom apartment with a shared swimming pool and their own private outdoor space, ideally located near Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote. Their budget for this sun-drenched escape was set at £180,000. During their initial search with Ben, they fell head over heels for one particular apartment, making an offer that was happily accepted by the owner.
Fast forward to a recent episode of A Place In The Sun: What Happened Next?, and Ben was back on the island to witness the fruits of Nicola and Paul’s labour. Stepping into the living area, the presenter couldn’t contain his astonishment. “Oh my goodness, seriously, guys, this is incredible,” he exclaimed. “It’s a lot different.” Ben acknowledged that the fundamental layout, the very thing that had initially drawn them in, remained the same. However, he observed, “apart from that, my goodness it is completely new property, isn’t it?”
The transformation was evident in every corner, with the kitchen being a particular highlight. Paul proudly described their newly renovated kitchen as “perfect.” Ben, ever the curious journalist, delved into the practicalities of undertaking such a significant renovation from afar. “How easy is this to achieve when you don’t know a builder here, you don’t know how much things cost you, you don’t necessarily know where to get everything from,” he inquired. “How was that?”
Nicola shared their strategy, explaining that they relied on “recommendations for the fantastic build who’ve done where the complex.” For the actual shopping for materials, they opted for “the big major stores to buy the kitchen, the bathrooms, the tiles.” This pragmatic approach ensured they had access to quality products and reliable services.
Reflecting on the journey since their last meeting four years prior, Ben asked about the overall process. Nicola highlighted the crucial role of their solicitor. “The solicitor we had was amazing,” she stated. Paul added to this, describing the experience as being “held your hand the whole way, it’s just one step after the other, until competition.” This guidance and support were clearly instrumental in navigating the complexities of renovating a property in a foreign country.
The financial aspect was also a key talking point. Ben recalled that they purchased the property for £165,000 four years ago and asked about their total expenditure on the renovations. Nicola revealed their estimated costs, confessing, “We reckon the building cost, plumbing, rewire, kitchen, bathroom, £20,000.”
Ben, impressed by the outcome and the couple’s vision, concluded, “All in all, £180,000, I think that is money well spent.” It’s a testament to Nicola and Paul’s dedication and smart decision-making that they managed to achieve such a stunning renovation within their budget, turning their Lanzarote apartment into a true dream home.
A Place In The Sun, a beloved fixture on Channel 4 since its debut in 2000, continues to help individuals and couples find their perfect homes abroad. The show features a team of experienced property experts who guide prospective buyers through the often daunting process of purchasing property overseas. The current roster of esteemed presenters includes Ben Hillman, Jasmine Harman, Laura Hamilton, Sara Damergi, Jean Johansson, Lee Juggurnauth, Leah Charles-King, Craig Rowe, and Lucy Alexander, all dedicated to making overseas property dreams a reality for viewers.
