Life’s too short not to live somewhere beautiful. Credit: Sharon Garner / Facebook
From Almeria sunshine to Costa del Sol sparkle – one woman, one zoo, one TV crew, and a whole lot of heart.
Q&A with Shazza: Expanding, filming & falling in love with the Costa del Sol
There are many things you expect when expanding a property brand from one side of Andalucia to the other. Long days, new landscapes, the odd paperwork- induced meltdown…
What you don’t expect is to drag a Channel 4 film crew, a family of humans, and nearly 200 adopted animals along with you – well their welfare at least by constant telephone contact with their carers.
But if anyone can, it’s Sharon ‘Shazza’ Garner – businesswoman, mum, grandma, reality-TV favourite, cushion enthusiast, and the woman whose summer glow lasts all year.
We sat her down (for five minutes before the next filming call) to talk expanding into the Costa del Sol, the chaos, the comedy, and the massive, unexpected, heart-melting community spirit she’s found.
So Shazza, expanding from Almeria to the Costa del Sol… how’s that going?
Shazza: laughs like she’s already tired Oh hun… it’s been a ride. Imagine juggling a zoo, a business, two regions, and a TV crew who lose things faster than I lose my patience – and you’re halfway there.
But seriously, it’s exciting!
New office, new faces, new areas to explore… and I’m learning the Costa del Sol one stunning villa, one wrong roundabout and one overpriced coffee at a time.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Shazza: The areas! Hun, the Costa del Sol is MASSIVE. You turn your head and suddenly you’re in a new town with six different accents and seven different property styles.
I’ve been learning it beach by beach, mountain by mountain.
I swear my sat-nav whispers, “Not again, Shazza…” every morning.
And all this while filming with Channel 4?
Shazza: Oh sweetheart, don’t even get me started!
The crew arrives like an excited school trip, and by lunchtime half of them have got lost, dropped something, or asked me how to pronounce ‘Estepona’ again.
But they’re lovely – and they’re keen. They’ve already said they want more Costa del Sol episodes.
So brace yourselves – I’m bringing the circus to town!
And the zoo? How on earth do you manage that as well?
Shazza: Barely!
I’ve got nearly 200 rescued animals doing their absolute best to keep me humble.
Some mornings I’m discussing luxury penthouses… and by lunchtime I’m shouting, “WHO LET THE GOATS OUT?!” It’s glamorous and chaotic in equal measure.
What’s surprised you most about the Costa del Sol?
Shazza: Oh hun… THIS is the part I wasn’t expecting.
Yes, it’s fabulous. Yes, it’s glamorous. Yes, the villas make you want to remortgage your soul.
But the community?
The kindness?
The heart?
That’s what floored me.
This coast is dripping with people who genuinely care – and do something about it.
Tell us more – which charities have stood out to you?
Shazza: Well, first of all – Val Williams. This woman! She single-handedly runs Simply Thriving, which helps the elderly, the lonely, the vulnerable… keeps them connected, supported, and not forgotten. She’s basically a one-woman superhero.
Then you’ve got amazing animal charities like Donkey Dreamland, the horse rescue foundations, and all the wonderful doggie charities who do tireless work behind the scenes.
There are people helping the homeless – not just in shelters, but on the streets. Soup kitchens, night runs, warm food delivered with love.
And of course, Cudeca – an organisation that gives dignity, comfort, and compassion in the final stages of life for those battling cancer. Their work is breathtaking.
Honestly hun, the Costa del Sol is FULL of people with hearts bigger than their villas.
Has it changed how you feel about the region?
Shazza: Completely.
I came for business – and fell head-over-heels for the people.
The beauty of the coastline, the stunning homes, the sunshine… it’s wonderful. But the community spirit? That’s the real magic.
This place is glamorous, yes – but it’s also kind. It’s caring. It’s full of people who actually show up for one another.
And I’ll tell you something…
As a family, we’re now genuinely thinking of buying a second home here. It feels like a place where you can live beautifully – and belong beautifully too.
So what’s your message for anyone considering the Costa del Sol?
Shazza: If you’ve ever thought:
“I’d love a holiday home…”
“I might retire somewhere sunny…”
“I’d love a safe, warm place with a real community…”
Then hun – this coast might just be your soulmate.
And listen – in the past 12 months I have personally unearthed some absolutely stunning, shockingly affordable properties that gave me the full ‘Shazza Tingle’.
Message me directly, and I’ll help you find your dream spot under the Spanish sun – which is always around no matter what the season. Whatever your budget, whatever your dream – we’ll find you a home with heart.
Final word, Shazza?
Shazza: Watch our podcast, keep an eye out for the new episodes, and remember…
Life’s too short not to live somewhere beautiful.
And the Costa del Sol?
She’s got beauty, heart, sunshine – and room for you – so let me show you around – just drop me a line.
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