Latest news with #Banjo
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Banjo's Skye cottage was ripped from his arms, Wee City Nook was nuked
Well, okay, we don't. But it's nice to dream for a spell. Glasgow's Home for an Art Lover, now the established location, location, location for the final, inspired the judges to up their outfit game. Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale went full home decor with a dress and a suit that could have been cut from the curtains. Danny Campbell, an architect and therefore required by law to wear black at all times, opted for a kilt with pockets (eh?), T-shirt, socks and his usual Crocs. After several slo-mo walks in the grounds, it was off to 'the Deliberation Room' where chief judge Anna read the riot act. 'We've had our fun choosing these six beautiful finalists,' she said, 'but now it's time to get serious.' They were as good as Anna's word. A person's fate has been decided with less deliberation than went on within those four walls. The judges argued, they pleaded, they begged to differ. It was done very politely, and as a result took longer than was necessary. A punch-up would have been much quicker. Meanwhile, in another room, the finalists were having a splendid time quizzing each other. 'How do you clean that?' asked one, pointing to a photo of a huge skylight. 'With great difficulty,' came the answer. Everyone felt the speaker's pain. Back in the deliberation room, homes were being squeegeed out of the competition, left, right and centre. Banjo had his beloved An Cala cottage on Skye torn from his arms. The Wee City Nook was nuked. Brutal. Finally, it came down to two properties: Craigmount near Dalbeattie and Hilltop House in Aberdeenshire. Both had scored top marks in their heats. How could the judges choose between them? Well, they managed it. Hilltop House's triumph perfectly illustrated a SHOTY rule: the competition is not over till the bespectacled blonde sings the winner's praises. Homes at the start of the competition - Hilltop House featured in episode two - tend to roar back into the running come the final. The homeowners were delighted. 'Surreal,' said Jessica, who lives in the contemporary house with Chris, their son Chase, and two dogs, Enzo and Dino. Jessica is from California and therefore no stranger to the more bizarre side of life. They should show SHOTY in California. I bet it would become cult viewing. And just like that, the seventh series was over. Filming on the eighth starts later this month. Soon there will be another set of hopefuls karate-chopping the cushions and buffing the parquet in preparation for the arrival of Banjo, Anna and Danny. Britain may be broke, as Panorama said, but as long as SHOTY exists, Scotland will be okay. Remember: we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking through the meticulously cleaned skylight at the stars.
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Mull interior designer to transform island mansion for new BBC series
A Scottish island could soon be home to the perfect getaway thanks to a west Highland interior designer. Banjo Beale, a TV presenter and author from the Isle of Mull, is attempting to rescue a house on the neighbouring island of Ulva by transforming it into a stylish hotel. Once an enchanting Regency home, the abandoned Ulva House mansion fell into a state of disrepair. Bought by the community in 2018, the former residence of the first Governor of Australia, Lachlan MacQuarrie, has been under renovation. With just 14 people left on the west coast island, Banjo – who is best known for hosting the award winning series Designing the Hebrides – is teaming up with his husband Ro to transform the fortunes of the crumbling house and the local community. Relocating to the Isle of Mull's neighbouring island, the couple fear they have 'lost the plot.' Banjo, winner of Interior Design Masters in 2022, said: 'This is my biggest project yet with an absolute nightmare of a client – myself. Ro and I have officially lost the plot. 'We're going to try and rescue a crumbling, abandoned manor on the wild and windswept Isle of Ulva. 'With 16 residents, no (tarmac) roads and no clue how we're going to pull it off, it's going to be my boldest and muddiest adventure yet. 'There'll be midges, madness, and hopefully a miracle or two.' Banjo's husband Ro, added: 'I thought we were just here for a quiet escape, next thing I know, I'm knee-deep in filth, chasing pigs out of the hallway, and somehow in charge of sourcing vintage chandelier crystals from 1855. 'Banjo calls it a vision; I call it grounds for divorce.' The ambitious project will be captured in a new six-part BBC series, Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel. Filming for the show will take place over the next five months. The series will capture the trials and tribulations, and community spirit it takes to bring Ulva House back to life. It is expected to hit TV screens next year. Wendy Rattray, executive producer, said: 'An abandoned house, a wild, untamed landscape. No road access. No running water. Barely any electricity. 'Banjo and Ro may have lost the plot but have no shortage of dreams and schemes as they attempt the most staggering of transformations in one of the most magical parts of the UK. 'We're delighted to be joining Banjo and Ro on this real world, high stakes renovation as they attempt to turn around the fortunes of this once stunning mansion and breathe new life into the island.' Steve Allen, BBC Scotland's executive producer, added: 'Combining the nation's love of interior design and renovation, this series will be full of emotion, skill, and heart. Set amongst a stunning Hebrides backdrop, the weather might not always be warm, but the welcome to Ulva will be.'
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'Eighteen cushions in this room. That is grounds for divorce'
**** It takes a lot to leave Banjo Beale gobsmacked. The genial SHOTY judge has the laid-back temperament typical of his Australian homeland, yet nothing had prepared him for this. 'Eighteen cushions in this room. That is grounds for divorce,' he said sternly. Except he had missed a couple, taking the grand total to 20. From last week's cushion drought in Skye we had arrived at a pillow tsunami in Peebles. 'Someone really takes their cushions seriously, don't they?' asked Banjo. But can you have too many cushions on a bed? Discuss. Heatedly. This was the penultimate show before the final, and the South duly pulled out all the stops with some terrific homes, including a Victorian semi-detached near Dalbeattie that, whisper it, looked like it could be the series winner. Before that, however, the judges called at the Artful Townhouse in Dumfries. 'Georgian maisonette anybody?' asked Banjo. 'You're so clever,' said Anna. Danny, the qualified architect of the trio, was straight in there, pointing out the Georgian fan light, the authentic plaster, a magnificent cupola, and the long twisty bannister. He was less than keen, however, on the under-lit kitchen. 'I'm not sure I could see what I'm cooking in here.' Anna was on hand with advice. 'Well, you just light a candelabra darling, when you want to dice your carrots.' Sure enough there was such a thing to hand on the worktop. Not quite Liberace standards, but it would do. Read more The bathroom, described by owner Fiona as her 'therapy room', drew gasps of approval from all three judges. Banjo imagined the place as party central, the huge bath filled with ice cubes and bottles of Champagne. 'It might just be the best bathroom I've ever seen.' With the Artful Townhouse walls covered in paintings and objets on every surface, Danny was finding the clash of styles 'a little bit jarring'. Or as we non-architects would say, it was doing his nut in. Fortunately, the dining room had only one painting, leaving the walls clear for paper. Not just any wallpaper, mind you. Even Anna, who loves a loud pattern, described the swirls of blue as 'quite excitable'. Had there been more stuff in this room, said Danny, his head might have 'exploded'. Not that anyone would have noticed with that wallpaper. Craigmount, a Victorian semi near Dalbeattie (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER: IWC Media) Next was Craigmount, a Victorian semi-detached near Dalbeattie, home to Ozzy, Laura, daughter Grace and Ethel the pug. Gran had been a fan of the programme and would have been delighted at the house getting on the show, said Grace. The judges returned the compliment, and then some. They loved everything, the wrap-around extension, the woven rug upholstery ('I've never seen it in the flesh before,' said Anna), the colourful kitchen, the charming first floor terrace, and the showstopping bathroom complete with a real copper bath. 'That bath is just a stage,' said Banjo. 'I would sing in there, eat my charcuterie board … it's perfect.' (Don't try that charcuterie board thing at home, kids: one spillage and you'll be fishing salami out of the plughole for eternity.) 'Ah, let's just stay here,' said Anna, and so chorused all of us at home. The Coachhouse near Peebles had the unenviable job of following Craigmount, and for a long time it put up a noble fight. Everyone loved the meticulously restored exterior and Anna liked the luxury hotel style interior, but then came Pillowgate and a high-gloss black kitchen that Anna thought impractical. Scoring perfect tens all round, the winner was inevitable. But does Craigmount have what it takes to lift the grand prize in next week's final? Not so fast with those assumptions. A wise contractor once told me that anything major to do with property was like childbirth. Everybody says never again, but mostly they do. The same amnesia applies to the SHOTY final. Everyone thinks they've spotted the winner but then they are reminded of winners from previous heats. Let the final battle commence.
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Six stunning properties selected as finalists for Scotland's Home of the Year 2025
The properties will face off against each other in the much-anticipated series finale next week. Six stunning homes have been selected as finalists for Scotland's Home of the Year 2025. The properties will face off against each other in the much-anticipated series finale of the popular BBC Scotland property show next Monday night. Judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell travelled the length and breadth of the country in their hunt for the perfect property. They visited 18 worthy contenders in the West, North East, Northern Isles, East, Central and Tayside and the Highlands and Islands. Each search showcased a variety of styles from period properties to modern new-builds, cosy cottages to bespoke flats, farm steadings to contemporary abodes. And although it was no easy decision, judges managed to narrow down six houses metting this years' Scottish Home of the Year criteria. The homes were 'Sandstone Bungalow' in Giffnock, 'Hilltop House' in Aberdeenshire, 'Wee City Nook' in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area, 'The Tree House' in Broughty Ferry, 'An Cala Cottage' on the Isle of Skye and 'Craigmount' in Dalbeattie. All finalists will come face-to-face with one another for the first time at the finale filmed at Glasgow's House for an Art Lover. There, they will have the chance to cast their eyes over each other's homes. Judge Anna said: 'As always, we have a set of finalists that are each uniquely different from each other, from restored modernist dreams to handcrafted miniature perfection there's inspiration for everyone. "When we film the final we are never sure who the winner will be - it could genuinely be any of these amazing homes. "Through debate, much discussion and not a little heartbreak, we gradually whittle them down to one that we all agree has that magical edge - the home that best exemplifies what home means.' For the judges, meeting the finalists for the first time at Glasgow's House for an Art Lover is a real highlight. Anna said: 'We get so excited to meet the creators of these dazzling finalists once we have completed our judging, we have so many questions and love matching the faces to the homes.' Banjo added: 'It's like meeting old friends - you feel like you know them through their walls and wallpapers!" Danny said: 'It's genuinely emotional finally meeting the SHOTY finalists. We spend so much time absorbing every detail of their homes, trying to understand their mindset and motivations — to then meet them is like stepping into the final page of a book you've loved reading. There's laughter, shock, and always respect for what they have achieved.' Faced with six unforgettable and unique homes, Anna, Banjo and Danny cast their votes based on architectural merit, distinctive design, original style and what makes a house a home. Who will be crowned Scotland's Home of the Year 2025?
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's Home of the Year: Careful with that charcuterie
**** It takes a lot to leave Banjo Beale gobsmacked. The genial SHOTY judge has the laid-back temperament typical of his Australian homeland, yet nothing had prepared him for this. 'Eighteen cushions in this room. That is grounds for divorce,' he said sternly. Except he had missed a couple, taking the grand total to 20. From last week's cushion drought in Skye we had arrived at a pillow tsunami in Peebles. 'Someone really takes their cushions seriously, don't they?' asked Banjo. But can you have too many cushions on a bed? Discuss. Heatedly. This was the penultimate show before the final, and the South duly pulled out all the stops with some terrific homes, including a Victorian semi-detached near Dalbeattie that, whisper it, looked like it could be the series winner. Before that, however, the judges called at the Artful Townhouse in Dumfries. 'Georgian maisonette anybody?' asked Banjo. 'You're so clever,' said Anna. Danny, the qualified architect of the trio, was straight in there, pointing out the Georgian fan light, the authentic plaster, a magnificent cupola, and the long twisty bannister. He was less than keen, however, on the under-lit kitchen. 'I'm not sure I could see what I'm cooking in here.' Anna was on hand with advice. 'Well, you just light a candelabra darling, when you want to dice your carrots.' Sure enough there was such a thing to hand on the worktop. Not quite Liberace standards, but it would do. Read more The bathroom, described by owner Fiona as her 'therapy room', drew gasps of approval from all three judges. Banjo imagined the place as party central, the huge bath filled with ice cubes and bottles of Champagne. 'It might just be the best bathroom I've ever seen.' With the Artful Townhouse walls covered in paintings and objets on every surface, Danny was finding the clash of styles 'a little bit jarring'. Or as we non-architects would say, it was doing his nut in. Fortunately, the dining room had only one painting, leaving the walls clear for paper. Not just any wallpaper, mind you. Even Anna, who loves a loud pattern, described the swirls of blue as 'quite excitable'. Had there been more stuff in this room, said Danny, his head might have 'exploded'. Not that anyone would have noticed with that wallpaper. Craigmount, a Victorian semi near Dalbeattie (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER: IWC Media) Next was Craigmount, a Victorian semi-detached near Dalbeattie, home to Ozzy, Laura, daughter Grace and Ethel the pug. Gran had been a fan of the programme and would have been delighted at the house getting on the show, said Grace. The judges returned the compliment, and then some. They loved everything, the wrap-around extension, the woven rug upholstery ('I've never seen it in the flesh before,' said Anna), the colourful kitchen, the charming first floor terrace, and the showstopping bathroom complete with a real copper bath. 'That bath is just a stage,' said Banjo. 'I would sing in there, eat my charcuterie board … it's perfect.' (Don't try that charcuterie board thing at home, kids: one spillage and you'll be fishing salami out of the plughole for eternity.) 'Ah, let's just stay here,' said Anna, and so chorused all of us at home. The Coachhouse near Peebles had the unenviable job of following Craigmount, and for a long time it put up a noble fight. Everyone loved the meticulously restored exterior and Anna liked the luxury hotel style interior, but then came Pillowgate and a high-gloss black kitchen that Anna thought impractical. Scoring perfect tens all round, the winner was inevitable. But does Craigmount have what it takes to lift the grand prize in next week's final? Not so fast with those assumptions. A wise contractor once told me that anything major to do with property was like childbirth. Everybody says never again, but mostly they do. The same amnesia applies to the SHOTY final. Everyone thinks they've spotted the winner but then they are reminded of winners from previous heats. Let the final battle commence.
