Banjo Beale, the 2022 winner of the BBC's Interior Design Masters, is helping revive a remote Scottish island with his husband Ro. The pair have transformed a derelict mansion on Ulva into a boutique hotel, which will be open seasonally, along with two off-grid bothies and a revamped hostel.
The project began when Banjo and Ro stumbled upon the 18th-century mansion while searching for materials to renovate their own home on Mull. They purchased it in 2018, and after a community buyout, secured a rent and repair lease. The goal is to attract visitors back to Ulva and breathe new life into the island.
The hotel features seven bedrooms, each with its unique charm, along with an opulent library and orangery that Banjo designed with his eclectic style. Ro will be responsible for cooking for guests.
Banjo's approach to interior design is a blend of bohemian and classical elements, reflecting his own tastes and those of his partner. The pair have secured a rent and repair lease, with part of the profits going back into the community. They've also taken on other projects on Ulva, including the renovation of Cragaig Bothy.
Visitors can stay in Bearnus Bothy, a cozy off-grid bothy that offers stunning views of the coastline. The island's foot passenger ferry costs Β£8 return for adults and Β£4 for children.
Ulva's transformation is part of a larger trend of community buyouts across Scotland, where locals are taking control of their futures and saving local businesses. With its new hotel and accommodation options, Ulva's future looks brighter, offering a chance to experience the island's unspoiled beauty and wildlife.
The project began when Banjo and Ro stumbled upon the 18th-century mansion while searching for materials to renovate their own home on Mull. They purchased it in 2018, and after a community buyout, secured a rent and repair lease. The goal is to attract visitors back to Ulva and breathe new life into the island.
The hotel features seven bedrooms, each with its unique charm, along with an opulent library and orangery that Banjo designed with his eclectic style. Ro will be responsible for cooking for guests.
Banjo's approach to interior design is a blend of bohemian and classical elements, reflecting his own tastes and those of his partner. The pair have secured a rent and repair lease, with part of the profits going back into the community. They've also taken on other projects on Ulva, including the renovation of Cragaig Bothy.
Visitors can stay in Bearnus Bothy, a cozy off-grid bothy that offers stunning views of the coastline. The island's foot passenger ferry costs Β£8 return for adults and Β£4 for children.
Ulva's transformation is part of a larger trend of community buyouts across Scotland, where locals are taking control of their futures and saving local businesses. With its new hotel and accommodation options, Ulva's future looks brighter, offering a chance to experience the island's unspoiled beauty and wildlife.
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. Both bring new life to old, forgotten places. And just like Banjo, I'm all about attracting visitors and making them LOL! 
The fact that the profits are going back into the community is like a big ol' hug for everyone involved 
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And Banjo and Ro are like the ultimate duo β design and cooking skills combined. 
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. I love how Banjo's style brings together different elements to create something unique and cozy. Ro's cooking skills will make sure the guests are fueled up for all the island adventures! 
It's amazing how two designers can breathe new life into a remote island like that, bringing in profits for the community while preserving its natural beauty 
The off-grid bothies sound like the perfect getaway too - who wouldn't want to stay in Bearnus Bothy with those stunning views of the coastline? 
Banjo Beale is literally bringing charm back to that remote Scottish island with his hubby Ro 
The boutique hotel is gonna be EVERYTHING and more! I love how they're incorporating bohemian vibes into the design, it's gonna be so on point! And can we talk about the off-grid bothies? 
It's all about supporting local businesses and keeping things authentic, you know? And Β£8 for the ferry ride? That's a steal! 
Who needs luxury resorts when you can experience unspoiled beauty like this?
The fact that part of the profits are going back into the community is just fantastic. It's a great example of people taking control of their futures and making a positive impact on their surroundings. Can't wait to hear more about this project and maybe even plan a trip to Ulva Island one day! 
It's like a Scottish version of the Great British Bake Off, but instead of fancy cakes, you get a boutique hotel and off-grid bothies! 
οΈ Banjo Beale and Ro are straight up heroes for taking on this project and putting their skills to use. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to stay in a 7-bedroom mansion with an opulent library? It sounds like the ultimate glamping experience... or just a fancy Airbnb setup 
. Either way, I'm low-key jealous of all the stunning views and wildlife Ulva has to offer. The island's transformation is giving me all the feels 
I love how they blended boho and classical elements in the hotel - so cool 
! And can you imagine staying in a cozy off-grid bothy with views of the coastline? 
It's giving me all the feels 
. Community buyouts are literally saving lives and reviving local businesses - we should all be supporting this kind of initiative 
. Scotland, you're getting a major design thumbs up from me 
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what I love most is that they're giving back to the community by sharing profits with local residents 
Ulva Island is literally on my bucket list now 
Banjo Beale is literally my dream designer! I mean, have you seen his work on Interior Design Masters? 
. Scotland is so lucky to have people like Banjo and Ro taking care of these beautiful islands. Can't wait to see what other projects they tackle! 
but seriously, who needs london when u can have scotland?! 
and it's not just about him being hot (imo 
), it's about how this couple is taking control of their community and making a difference. the fact that they're renting out the hotel and keeping the profits local is EVERYTHING 
and i love that there are off-grid bothies too, like, who needs wifi when u can have nature?! 
. I'm all about supporting small businesses and local initiatives, especially when it comes to preserving our natural beauty. Ulva's transformation is giving me major feels - can't wait to visit one day! And Β£8 return ferry rides? What a steal! 
. Now, who's up for planning a trip to Scotland? 