'We met on Love Island - now we've built a multi-million pound business'

Olivia and Alex Bowen are best known for coming second on Love Island back in 2016. The pair captured the hearts of the nation after falling in love on the second series of the ITV dating show. They're of few couples are still together.

The pair tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in September 2018. In June 2022, they welcomed their first baby together, their adorable son Abel, who is now two and a half. As well as finding love and having a family, the TV couple found success and fame through brand deals and TV appearances over the years.



Now they have combined their fortune to build a multi-million-pound property empire - The Bowen Homes Ltd. READ MORE: Pregnant Charlotte Crosby 'trebles' home security with patrols dogs after terrifying machete break-in Having sold their luxury Essex mansion which they spent four years renovating, the couple moved into their four bedroom, self-build home in June this year, which they bought as a Golden Brick plot. “We built the house from scratch, alongside a project manager and team,” says Olivia, 30, who studied interior design during the pandemic.

Looking back on what they thought was their dream home in the Essex countryside, Olivia says it needed a complete renovation. “It was quite an old style and we built extensions, a new kitchen, we moved rooms around. So that was our first taster at, like a really big renovation," she said.

Olivia and Alex met on Love Island in 2016 (Image: ITV) “But then, sadly, the location was just not ideal, especially after we had our baby boy, who is now two-and-a-half. So we decided to move purely for location reasons. And now we live in a town, we get to walk in the park, there are restaurants and pubs, all our friends live here.

So it’s been a really lovely move for the family.” The couple's property portfolio now includes two rental homes, a couple more properties they’ve bought this year and are in the process of finalising, and a house in Spain. “It’s going to be a holiday home at first,” says the ex-scaffolder, Alex, 33.

“We’ll use it for a few years, and let friends and family stay there whenever they want. Maybe in the future we’ll start renting it out, but at the moment it’s just something for us to enjoy with Abel before he goes to school." Olivia added: “We’re absolutely loving property and investing in property, and that’s kind of where our careers have taken us, especially me.

It’s just something that I love, love doing.” The couple's gorgeous kitchen in their new home (Image: The Bowen's/PA) But their projects haven’t been without pitfalls along the way. Olivia revealed: "Two weeks before moving into this home that we’re in now, we had a burst pipe underneath concrete, brand new tiles and wood flooring.

Consequently, she says they had to rip the whole floor up. The couple are now working with Affinity Water, who are rolling out a Look & Listen Test. “As a country, we lose £700 million a year on leaks, so in this cost of living crisis, it’s something I think everyone should be looking into – and making sure they complete this little MOT on their home," Olivia said.

“From personal experience, when we had that absolutely horrendous leak which cost us a lot of money, [I’d advise you to] make sure you check your water bills and all sorts, because it can really save the day." The couple regularly showcase their home improvements to their 736,000 Instagram followers on their home account @thebowenhome . Olivia describes her own design aesthetic as “quite country, tonal, but I really like dark, deep colours as well.

homely, cosy and lots of texture.” One of the bedrooms in the Bowen's home. (Image: The Bowen's/PA) The Bowens have shared their five top tips for home renovations: 1.

Don’t rush into anything “If you can, if it’s possible, live in a space before you make any big decisions like colour wise or moving things around,” advises Olivia. “How you live and how your house flows, how everyone wants to feel..

. you find those things out as you go along, especially if it’s a new house. “So definitely give it time and space if you can, if you have the luxury to do that.

You’re spending a lot of money and time, and heartache can be caused if you make the wrong decision. All it takes is just sitting on some decisions and not rushing into things.” 2.

Make the most of hanging art and photos This is how you personalise your home, says Olivia. “Pictures of you, pictures of your family and friends, or even nice artwork that you love. And always go for a command strip, they’re really good, rather than nailing the wall; especially if you’re in a rental, that’s really important.

” The Bowen's bathroom (Image: The Bowen's/PA) 3. Make a mood board “Use Pinterest and stuff like that and make mood boards, and just sit with them for a little while before you actually go ahead and make a purchase,” says Alex. “Because you might get everything and then not like it.

” Inspiration wise, Olivia says to have a look wherever you go. “Whether you visit a hotel, go to a restaurant, or in a nice bathroom at a restaurant, there’s so much inspiration everywhere – so always keep your eye out for special bits in places that you visit.” 4.

Leave the big jobs to the pros “You can take on and tackle challenges if you’ve got no experience in DIY, but I would leave the really big jobs up to the professionals and seek advice,” says Olivia. “Because you don’t want to end up with a problem bigger than what you’ve already got.” Alex agrees: “Tackle the big jobs first, if there are any.

Obviously, when you’re buying a property, you want to buy one with the least amount as possible really.” “For little DIYs, there are so many tutorials on YouTube, it’s a hub of so much information,” says Olivia. “So yeah, anything you want to have a go at, you can pretty much find any tutorial on YouTube.

” One of the living spaces in the Bowen's home (Image: The Bowen's/PA) 5. Make lists and be organised “I’ve always been quite an organised person,” says Olivia. “I’m a list writer.

I make a list for absolutely everything. So definitely keep your notes, even have a dedicated notebook or section on your laptop; make folders, keep a list of things and a record of everything. “And you know, have a budget.

Sometimes the budget will go out the window for unexpected items, but at least if you’re looking at it – and you’re writing everything down – you can sort of control that.”.