The presenter loves timeless spaces, cosy spots and meaningful pieces picked up on her travels

Describe the style of your home in one sentence. 

Boutique, chic and homely.

What was most important to you when you were devising the look and feel of your spaces?

I love to create spaces that have a timeless, classic feel. I do look at what is on trend and some of the decor is reflective of that, but I always try to create spaces that I think will appeal to a wider audience.

 
What’s the best piece of property advice you’ve ever been given?

When you buy a property, always buy the worst house on the best street. You can never change a location and what you pay for a property (I.E getting it for a good price) is often more important than what you sell it for.

What corner of your home is your absolute favourite?

I love the dark green, snug TV room in my home with the log burning stove in the corner. I have a sideboard in this room that has been in every property I have lived in. It’s a piece of furniture that my uncle gave to me over 24 years ago, and it looks exactly the same now as it did then.

What are your top tips for a successful renovation?

Get your bricks in a row. Choose a property in a great location, set a budget and be prepared to go over by 15%. Keep a spreadsheet to document any spend. Have a great build team in place and make sure you know what your end goal is (I.E. flipping, renting or keeping) because what your end goal is will determine how you manage and plan the renovation.

Can you tell us about an item in your home that’s particularly meaningful.

I have a few items in my home that I have picked up on my travels. I have a curling rock from Austria that I use as a doorstop that I bought when I took part in The Jump on Channel 4. I have some candlesticks from America from when I was filming A Place in the Sun, and a cowbell from India.

I have a piece of artwork in my daughter Tahlia’s bedroom that’s by Real Hackney Dave, and another piece of artwork in my dining room made by Sarah Victoria that says ‘Get Sh!t Done,’ which is one of my favourite sayings.

Which home from A Place in the Sun would you quite happily have moved into immediately?

I bought one in June last year. It’s a townhouse in Pollensa, Mallorca. I am currently renovating it and it’s quite a big project. When it is finished it will be beautiful, and I can’t wait to share it with my friends and family. 

Is there anything you’re still keen to add to your home’s decor?

I am happy with how my home is for now. I have some feature walls using wallpaper from I Love Wallpaper, some different colours from Lick, artwork, bespoke soft furnishings, photos and some nice accessories.

Do you go all out with your table decoration when hosting or do you keep it simple?

I love dressing my dining table for dinner parties. It’s a beautiful table from the Granite & Marble Workshop. I always have flowers and candles on the table and lay it up with plates, cutlery and glasses before the guests arrive.

Have you gone with a particular look for your outdoor spaces?

I have a really lovely outdoor kitchen from Draco Grills and some beautiful outdoor furniture from Garden Trends. It’s all moveable so comes with me from house to house! I think it’s great when your outside space very much becomes an extension of the indoor space.

Will you be bringing a similar interiors feel to your Mallorcan holiday home, or will you go for something completely different given the sunnier setting?

I have a mood board already and a clear design idea of what I want to create.  It will be very different to my UK home with tiled floors and stone walls. It will be a massive transformation compared to what I bought.