In a dazzling display of creativity and heart, TV icons Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have turned a dilapidated Spanish townhouse into a breathtaking boutique B&B, selling it for a staggering six-figure profit just weeks after listing it. The project, featured in the 2025 season of their hit BBC series Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job, saw the dynamic duo transform a crumbling 100-year-old property in the historic village of Moclín, Granada, purchased for a mere €65,000 (£55,000). Listed for €245,000 (£208,355), the house went under offer in May 2025, with all proceeds destined for Comic Relief and Children in Need. This remarkable achievement, blending bold design, cultural immersion, and philanthropy, has captured the imagination of fans and sparked a global conversation about the power of restoration and giving back.
The journey began when Holden, a Britain’s Got Talent judge, and Carr, a celebrated comedian, set their sights on a neglected three-story townhouse that had stood empty for 35 years. The property, located in the sun-drenched Andalusian village of Moclín, was a far cry from the glamorous worlds of television and comedy. Its crumbling roof, decaying outbuildings, and overgrown courtyard presented a daunting challenge, but Holden and Carr embraced it with their signature enthusiasm and banter. Their goal was ambitious: to breathe new life into the house, create a chic holiday home, and raise significant funds for charity, building on the success of their previous renovations in Sicily and Tuscany.
From the outset, the project was a labor of love. Holden, known for her keen eye for design, envisioned a Moorish-inspired aesthetic that would honor Andalusia’s rich cultural heritage. Carr, with his knack for humor and hands-on approach, dove into the DIY tasks, from selecting handcrafted tiles to repairing structural damage. The pair worked alongside a local construction crew, sourcing materials like artisanal tiles from the Bert & May factory in nearby Cabra to ensure authenticity. The transformation, captured over eight episodes aired from January 2025, showcased their ability to blend modern luxury with traditional Spanish charm, creating a home that felt both timeless and inviting.
The renovated house, dubbed Casa Alamanda, is a testament to their vision. Spanning over 2,000 square feet, it features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a modern kitchen with a tiled island, and a vibrant living room that doubles as a bar area, complete with dark blue wood accents reminiscent of Holden’s own £7 million UK home. A leafy patio garden and a roof terrace offer Mediterranean-style spaces for al fresco dining, while the interiors burst with Moorish details—think intricate tilework, arched doorways, and warm, earthy tones. The property’s listing on Rightmove, marketed by Granada Village & Country, highlighted its unique blend of celebrity flair and cultural sensitivity, making it a standout in the competitive Spanish property market.
The sale, finalized just a month after the house hit the market, marks a significant financial success. Purchased for €65,000, the property’s sale price of over €245,000 translates to a profit exceeding €180,000 (£153,000), a remarkable return on investment. This achievement echoes their previous triumphs: in Sicily, they turned a €2 purchase into a €145,000 sale, and in Tuscany, a €1 house sold for €220,000. Each project has funneled profits to Comic Relief and Children in Need, raising substantial sums for vulnerable communities. The speed of the Spanish sale, driven by the duo’s bold design choices and the property’s prime location, underscores their growing reputation as savvy renovators with a knack for spotting potential in overlooked properties.
Beyond the financials, the project carries profound social impact. Moclín, like many rural Spanish villages, has faced depopulation as younger generations move to urban centers. By restoring a long-abandoned home in the village square, Holden and Carr have revitalized a piece of local history, drawing attention to Moclín’s charm and boosting its appeal to tourists and buyers. The renovation has also supported the local economy, with local artisans and tradespeople playing a key role in the transformation. This focus on community resonates with the ethos of their series, which blends entertainment with a mission to uplift forgotten places and support charitable causes.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Filming between March and September 2024 required Holden and Carr to juggle multiple commitments, including Holden’s Heart Radio show and Carr’s comedy engagements. The pair reportedly made 28 flights during production, a detail that sparked debate amid the BBC’s 2050 net-zero pledge. Despite criticism, the series earned a BAFTA Albert certification for sustainable production, with local crews and minimal UK-based staff reducing the carbon footprint. On-site, the duo faced structural hurdles, from a crumbling roof to an outbuilding on its last legs, testing their resilience and DIY skills. Yet, their camaraderie and humor—evident in moments like Carr’s quip about a “fresh” mess in the bathroom—kept spirits high, making the series a joy for viewers.
Fans have been captivated by Holden and Carr’s chemistry, which blends Holden’s practical organization with Carr’s playful bargaining. Their ability to tackle complex renovations while soaking up Spanish culture—sipping sangria, exploring Andalusian art, and embracing local traditions—has made Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job a hit. The series, available on BBC iPlayer, follows the success of Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job, which earned a National Television Award nomination. Social media buzz, particularly on X, reflects the public’s enthusiasm, with fans praising the duo’s bold designs and charitable mission. Posts from May 2025 celebrated the sale, hailing Holden and Carr as “DIY heroes” who “turn rubble into gold.”
The project also highlights broader trends in property renovation and philanthropy. Initiatives like Italy’s €1 house scheme, which inspired their earlier series, and similar efforts in Spain aim to combat rural depopulation by incentivizing restoration. Holden and Carr’s work aligns with this movement, showing how creative vision and media exposure can transform neglected properties into desirable homes. Their hands-on approach—Holden tiling floors, Carr navigating power tools—demystifies renovation, inspiring viewers to consider their own projects. Meanwhile, the charitable angle elevates the series beyond entertainment, proving that television can drive meaningful change.
Holden and Carr’s personal connection to the project adds emotional depth. Both have renovated their own homes, with Holden’s lavish Surrey mansion reflecting her love for bright, homely details, and Carr’s knack for interiors honed through hosting Interior Design Masters. Their friendship, forged over years of shared laughter, shines through in every episode, making the series as much about their bond as the renovation itself. Holden has spoken of the joy of being stopped by fans who love the show, while Carr relishes the chance to “get his hands dirty” in a new country. Their passion for design and commitment to charity have turned them into unlikely property moguls, with a fourth series in Greece already announced.
The sale of Casa Alamanda is a milestone, but it’s also a beginning. The funds raised will support Comic Relief and Children in Need, helping countless individuals across the UK. For Moclín, the renovated house is a beacon of renewal, potentially attracting more investment and visitors. For Holden and Carr, it’s another chapter in a journey that began with a lockdown pitch to the BBC and has grown into a global phenomenon. Their ability to transform a derelict property into a profitable, charity-supporting gem speaks to their creativity, tenacity, and heart.
As fans celebrate this latest triumph, the story of Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job resonates far beyond Granada. It’s a tale of two friends who saw potential where others saw ruin, who embraced a challenge with humor and skill, and who turned a forgotten house into a legacy of hope. The six-figure profit is a headline, but the real victory lies in the lives touched—by the charities funded, the community uplifted, and the viewers inspired to dream big. Holden and Carr have proven that with hard work, vision, and a touch of stardust, anything is possible.
