In the remote Scottish island of Ulva, a community buyout project is underway to revitalize the once-thriving but now abandoned 19th-century mansion. Two Aussie designers, Banjo and Ro, have taken on the challenge to transform the derelict building into a boutique hotel, bringing life back to the island that had dwindled down to just three adults and two children in 2015.
The pair's makeover of Ulva House features a mix of their styles - Banjo's classical taste with Ro's love for tropical elements. The result is a bohemian, whimsical space peppered with pot plants, distressed urns, vintage rattan chairs, and unframed oils on the walls.
Banjo, the 2022 winner of BBC's Interior Design Masters, has brought his expertise in interior design to the project, having previously worked on his own makeover show Designing the Hebrides. His latest venture with Ro not only breathes new life into Ulva House but also aims to revitalize the community.
Ulva Island, accessible by ferry from Mull and mainland Scotland, is a 7.5-mile-long island with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The community has been working on its revival, with the aim of attracting tourists back to the area.
The hotel, set to open later this year, will be run by Ro, who will also take charge of the kitchen. Meanwhile, visitors can stay in off-grid bothies such as Bearnus Bothy and a revamped hostel.
Banjo's passion project is part of his journey with his husband, Ro, who had dreamed of becoming an artisan cheesemaker on Mull before they discovered Ulva. The pair's renovation work not only adds value to the hotel but also boosts the local community.
As the island starts to regain its former charm, the once-thriving village can now look forward to a brighter future with a hotel on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose among its residents.
The pair's makeover of Ulva House features a mix of their styles - Banjo's classical taste with Ro's love for tropical elements. The result is a bohemian, whimsical space peppered with pot plants, distressed urns, vintage rattan chairs, and unframed oils on the walls.
Banjo, the 2022 winner of BBC's Interior Design Masters, has brought his expertise in interior design to the project, having previously worked on his own makeover show Designing the Hebrides. His latest venture with Ro not only breathes new life into Ulva House but also aims to revitalize the community.
Ulva Island, accessible by ferry from Mull and mainland Scotland, is a 7.5-mile-long island with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The community has been working on its revival, with the aim of attracting tourists back to the area.
The hotel, set to open later this year, will be run by Ro, who will also take charge of the kitchen. Meanwhile, visitors can stay in off-grid bothies such as Bearnus Bothy and a revamped hostel.
Banjo's passion project is part of his journey with his husband, Ro, who had dreamed of becoming an artisan cheesemaker on Mull before they discovered Ulva. The pair's renovation work not only adds value to the hotel but also boosts the local community.
As the island starts to regain its former charm, the once-thriving village can now look forward to a brighter future with a hotel on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose among its residents.
. It's like, totally inspiring to see these Aussie designers, Banjo and Ro, bring life back to this abandoned mansion with their unique style mix – a bit classical, a bit tropical, you know? And they're not just stopping at design; they're also bringing in the locals and boosting the community economy 
. I mean, it's not an easy task taking on a project like that, especially when you're working with limited resources and infrastructure... but Banjo's Interior Design Masters win speaks for itself 
. The fact that Ro will be running the kitchen too? Genius move! Can't wait to see this hotel open later this year 
.
like ulva house just got a major renovation and its gonna turn into a boutique hotel 
! Banjo & Ro are total geniuses for bringin' their design skills to the table (pun intended) 
i mean, who wouldn't wanna stay in an island with breathtaking views of the water 
and stay in off-grid bothys? 
its like a real-life adventure! 
Ulva house is gonna be insane! I mean, who wouldn't wanna stay in a boutique hotel on a remote Scottish island? 
. I'm rooting for them so hard, especially since they're bringing life back to this tiny island that had kinda given up 
. the more i read about it, the more i want to visit 
. Ulva Island is literally one of those places i've always wanted to explore... and now it's gonna be even more beautiful! 
. and on top of that, they're doin it for the community - love how they're boostin local businesses & bringing back tourists to the island 
! can't wait to stay in one of those off-grid bothies tho 
!
. It's great to see a community coming together to revive the island, especially after it had dwindled down to just a handful of people 
. This boutique hotel is not only going to attract tourists but also give locals a sense of pride & purpose 
. Can't wait for it to open later this year and see what Ulva House has in store 
I'm loving the sound of this project! It's amazing how two designers from Down Under are giving new life to an abandoned mansion in Scotland. The idea of combining styles like Banjo's classical taste with Ro's tropical vibes is pure genius 
The fact that it's Banjo's passion project, especially after discovering Ulva Island, makes it even more special