Our contributor Vaughan Willmore reveals how there’s far more to Laura Hamilton than being a high-profile television presenter and her personal connection to Portugal.
With her warm and engaging personality, Laura Hamilton has become a household name. While many of us know her as a presenter on the popular Channel 4 show A Place in the Sun and more recently, ITV’s This Morning, Laura is also a successful businesswoman, entrepreneur, property and travel expert, podcaster, and loving mum.
Born in Surrey in 1982, Laura was a high achiever at school and developed a passion for the performing arts. After gaining A-levels at Dartford Grammar School for Girls, she turned down an offer to study law and psychology at university for a one-year contract at Channel 4 as a runner for the presenter Dermot O’Leary. Laura left Channel 4 after her contract ended and worked as an assistant floor manager on productions including Top of the Pops, which helped develop her knowledge of the television industry.
Laura’s first big break came as a presenter on Nickelodeon’s children’s television channel, where she quickly became a familiar face to young audiences. Laura’s talents led to her fronting a variety of shows before eventually progressing to even more high-profile projects. What many wouldn’t have realised is that while she was progressing her career in television, Laura was also investing in the property market, buying her first property at just 19 years of age. Transforming tired properties into beautiful homes, Laura quickly honed her skills and developed a passion for property.
Indeed, one of the most striking aspects of meeting Laura is her passion and how she’s exactly the same as you see on television – engaging, optimistic and possessing a ‘can do’ attitude. I asked her whether her outlook on life is a family trait or something that’s just inherent to who she is. “I love life,” said Laura. “I believe we’re here to experience everything life has to offer and especially for creating special moments for yourself and those you care for. We’re only here once and we need to make the most of it. If I don’t know how to do something, I don’t see that as a problem, it’s more an opportunity to learn, and I enjoy a challenge.”
In 2011, Laura took on a notable challenge by competing in ITV’s Dancing on Ice, where her skating skills, determination and personality won her second place. The show not only broadened her fanbase but also cemented her position as a prominent TV personality. A year later, she secured a role as a presenter of the ever-popular A Place in the Sun. As someone who loves to travel and loves property, it was the ideal role.
Twelve years on, and Laura continues to present the programme. She told me how she still keeps in touch with many of the people she helped to find their dream homes and how visiting Portugal has a special meaning to her. “My first overseas holiday without my parents was to Portugal,” said Laura. “I was a teenager, and I went with my boyfriend and his parents to their villa in Vilamoura. It was from that holiday in Portugal that my love of travel was born.”
Laura has now renovated 19 properties and just two months ago purchased her first property outside of the UK. She’s project managing the renovation herself and will be sharing her experiences on her website www.myrenovationinthesun.com. I asked Laura what she thought about the property market in Portugal. “Prices have certainly risen but when I compare them to the UK, I still think they offer great value, especially when you consider the quality of life you can have in places such as the Algarve. Also, with things like remote working and the flexibility that allows, there’s every chance it will become even more popular.”
Laura’s entrepreneurial spirit extends way beyond television and property. In 2017, she took on a new challenge by purchasing and transforming a local post office in Surrey into a bustling coffee shop called Lord Roberts on The Green. The shop has since become an integral part of the community, serving not solely as a coffee shop but also as a popular meeting place for local residents. The social aspect of this venture is important to Laura, who is committed to supporting numerous good causes. As an ambassador for Well Child, she’s using her fame to raise awareness and funds for children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions.
Earlier this year, Laura embarked on yet another exciting venture when she launched her first podcast, The Mile Fly Club. Laura said, “I think of it as a VIP lane to first-class travel tips, tell-all talk and turbulent life tales. It’s like the mile-high club only with more clothes! As well as featuring some never-before-heard stories about my own travels, I’m also hoping to offer some great take-home travel tips and advice.” Future guests include Bradley Walsh and the podcast can be accessed via all the main platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.
Laura is active on all the main social media channels and has nearly 30,000 followers on Facebook and an incredible 210,000 on Instagram. It’s her new website (www.laurahamiltonofficial.com) that she’s most excited about, however, where she is creating a lifestyle, travel and business-orientated community. It’s on there that Laura is sharing exclusive comments with her subscribers that are not available on her other platforms. As for any future visits to Portugal on behalf of A Place in the Sun, she told me she’s looking forward to returning and “it could happen any time” as presenters only receive a month’s notice regarding assignments.
Laura’s journey from children’s TV presenter to property expert and entrepreneur is a testament to her versatility, professionalism and passion for what she does. Her ability to balance multiple projects, grasp new opportunities, and be a loving mother to two young children, makes her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and indeed anyone keen to make the most of what life has to offer.
You can keep up to date with Laura’s adventures at www.laurahamiltonofficial.com and by visiting www.myrenovationinthesun.com and www.facebook.com/Laurahamiltonofficial
