A remote Scottish island is set to be revitalised thanks to the efforts of an unlikely duo - TV interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro. The 2022 winner of the BBC's Interior Design Masters, who hosted a makeover show called Designing the Hebrides, has been working on transforming a derelict mansion on Ulva into a boutique hotel.
The 7.5-mile long by 2.5 mile-wide island was once home to 570 people but had dwindled down to just three adults and two children by 2015. A community buyout in 2018 aimed to attract new residents back to the island, with Banjo and Ro securing a rent and repair lease for the property.
The hotel, which is set to open later this year, will have seven bedrooms and be open seasonally, with Ro taking care of the cooking. Until then, visitors can stay in two off-grid bothies - one of which Banjo recently renovated as part of an episode of Designing the Hebrides - and a revamped hostel.
Banjo has transformed the mansion into a luxurious space featuring a grand staircase adorned with a romantic mural of palm trees against a mountainous landscape. The Library Bar is another highlight, with opulent decor including a giant zinc and marble-top bar, vintage rattan chairs, and unframed oils on the walls.
The couple's passion for interior design was sparked after they moved to the Hebrides, where Ro had always dreamed of becoming a cheesemaker. Banjo, who has an eye for unique pieces, found a stunning Parisian pitch pine bar near Lyon at a steal - despite having to ferry it across the island on a horse trailer.
The hotel's seven bedrooms will be available seasonally, with visitors able to explore the island's walking trails and scenic coastline by foot. The future looks bright for Ulva, with the potential for more development and a renewed sense of community.
For now, visitors can stay in one of two off-grid bothies - Bearnus Bothy and Cragaig Bothy - which offer a secluded retreat from the world. Prices start at £121 per night for a minimum two-night stay. To reach Ulva, take a ferry from Lochaline on the Scottish mainland to Fishnish on Mull, followed by the Ulva foot passenger ferry.
Accommodation: Bearnus Bothy (airbnb.co.uk) - £121 per night for a minimum 2-night stay. Cal Mac (calmac.co.uk) ferries sail from Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull.
The 7.5-mile long by 2.5 mile-wide island was once home to 570 people but had dwindled down to just three adults and two children by 2015. A community buyout in 2018 aimed to attract new residents back to the island, with Banjo and Ro securing a rent and repair lease for the property.
The hotel, which is set to open later this year, will have seven bedrooms and be open seasonally, with Ro taking care of the cooking. Until then, visitors can stay in two off-grid bothies - one of which Banjo recently renovated as part of an episode of Designing the Hebrides - and a revamped hostel.
Banjo has transformed the mansion into a luxurious space featuring a grand staircase adorned with a romantic mural of palm trees against a mountainous landscape. The Library Bar is another highlight, with opulent decor including a giant zinc and marble-top bar, vintage rattan chairs, and unframed oils on the walls.
The couple's passion for interior design was sparked after they moved to the Hebrides, where Ro had always dreamed of becoming a cheesemaker. Banjo, who has an eye for unique pieces, found a stunning Parisian pitch pine bar near Lyon at a steal - despite having to ferry it across the island on a horse trailer.
The hotel's seven bedrooms will be available seasonally, with visitors able to explore the island's walking trails and scenic coastline by foot. The future looks bright for Ulva, with the potential for more development and a renewed sense of community.
For now, visitors can stay in one of two off-grid bothies - Bearnus Bothy and Cragaig Bothy - which offer a secluded retreat from the world. Prices start at £121 per night for a minimum two-night stay. To reach Ulva, take a ferry from Lochaline on the Scottish mainland to Fishnish on Mull, followed by the Ulva foot passenger ferry.
Accommodation: Bearnus Bothy (airbnb.co.uk) - £121 per night for a minimum 2-night stay. Cal Mac (calmac.co.uk) ferries sail from Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull.
I mean, can't they just make it easier to book? The website is all over the place and it's like trying to solve a puzzle just to get the dates right 
. And what's up with no mobile app? A hotel in the 21st century without one? It's like they're still living on Mars 
.
. Plus, what's with the lack of online reviews? How am I supposed to trust my booking decision without any decent feedback from previous guests?
! Banjo and Ro are like, total heroes to me - someone actually does what you love and gets paid for it 
. And have you seen that Parisian pitch pine bar? Whoa! It's like, a work of art 
. I don’t know how they managed to get it on a horse trailer but that's just genius 
. The idea of staying in bothys is so cool - off-grid and secluded, that sounds like an ultimate getaway for me 
. And the fact that Ulva has potential for more development and a renewed sense of community is like, super positive vibes only 
.
they've been working hard to bring in new residents and revamp the old mansion, which now has a grand staircase and library bar with opulent decor 
cant wait to visit when it opens this year! 
! i'm a huge fan of Banjo's work from his Designing the Hebrides show, and now he gets to bring his interior design skills to this gorgeous island 
. the fact that they're opening with 7 cozy bedrooms and two off-grid bothys is just perfect for those looking for an adventurous getaway 
. can't wait to explore the island's walking trails and scenic coastline by foot! 
just read about this remote Scottish island being revitalized by Banjo Beale and his hubby Ro 
love how they're turning a derelict mansion into a boutique hotel with 7 cozy bedrooms, a library bar, and opulent decor 
would totally book a stay there one day!
. I mean, have you seen the Library Bar? It's like stepping into a vintage dreamscape 
, and Banjo's interior design expertise has brought a new level of sophistication to the island.
. Can't wait to hear more about the hotel's opening later this year!