Hot on the heels of Banjo Beale being crowned winner of BBC One’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr (in the series finale on Wednesday 27 April), self-catering specialist Beach Retreats has unveiled newly transformed Winnow as the prize transformation project – available now for stylish holidays by the sea.
Just moments from the beach at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, Banjo sought inspiration for the four-bedroom property from the kaleidoscope of natural colours and textures in abundance in the area. Bringing the outside in, Banjo has built on Winnow’s existing architectural features and natural light to create a holiday destination where families and friends can come back down to earth and relax away from their busy lifestyles.
Banjo brings a touch of Australia to Cornwall with his trademark casual, coastal cool design style. His signature approach to interiors can be seen throughout the property, with natural, vintage and reclaimed pieces mixing with a healthy dose of biophilic design. Charred timber cladding, typically seen on the exterior of buildings, has been brought inside to create a natural, textural element and draw the eye back out to the view. A colour palette of orange, blue and green similarly reflects the wild Atlantic coast.
Vintage and designer pieces have been perfectly balanced to create a cosy blend of Cornish chic and Montauk seaside cool. From a lightshade made from an old Hungarian chicken coop suspended over a custom table from Galvin Bros to wicker parasols that had a former life on an Ibizan beach, and a woven Orkney Chair in the twin bedroom, unique touches sourced from the Antiques and Collectors Fair are sprinkled throughout the spacious apartment.
Foraged finds such as driftwood and barnacle bottles as well as an old lobster pot from a friendly Cornish fisherman also feature alongside bespoke elements. There’s wallpaper from fellow Interior Design Masters’ contestant and print designer, Amy Davies, and kitchen cupboards in a rough sawn oak from a local carpenter.
The environment sits at the heart of Beach Retreats, and Winnow’s design story represents Banjo’s exciting approach to sustainable design. Real plants to improve air quality have been woven throughout the property, and new pieces incorporate natural materials or innovative textiles. Living room chairs are made from Pinatex, pineapple leather made from discarded pineapple tops, and other seating is made from recycled plastic bottles.
Banjo was chosen as the winner of the hit TV show’s third series by head judge and former editor-in-chief of ELLE Decoration magazine, Michelle Ogundehin. Over eight gruelling interior design challenges, he transformed cafes and shops, into hotel rooms and shepherd huts beating off competition from nine other design hopefuls to win the coveted Beach Retreats prize contract. Prestigious guest judges included Matthew Williamson, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Mary Portas.
Discussing his partnership with Beach Retreats and the Winnow redesign, Banjo said: “Interior Design Masters was a rollicking rollercoaster around the country that ended in gorgeous Cornwall. Transforming Winnow to reflect the beauty of the county was an incredibly exciting challenge and I’ve loved working with the Beach Retreats team. I believe design doesn’t have to take itself so seriously, so I wanted to make a characterful space for colourful characters.
“Anyone who has watched the show knows I create an eccentric personality for each design, and Winnow was inspired by a cool artist and marine biologist couple who travel the world, collecting art and ephemera before landing back in Watergate Bay in their large seaside abode. A winnow is a place for their children, grandchildren and dogs to reunite and share seafood feasts at long tables, before reading in pillowy armchairs and relaxing in daybeds.”
Andrew Easton, managing director of Beach Retreats, added: “It’s been incredible to watch Banjo’s design aesthetic, which sits so perfectly with our own ethos, be applied to Winnow. All of our retreats are within walking distance of a good beach and to see Watergate Bay’s stunning coastline reflected in such elegant design is wonderful. We are so excited to see our guests experience the beautiful home away from home that Banjo has created.”
From the team behind Watergate Bay Hotel, Beach Retreats is all about being close to the best beaches, eating and drinking well, and exploring beautiful places. The dog-friendly property is just 250 metres from the sea and adds yet more diversity to Beach Retreats’ collection of beautiful properties which range from characterful cottages to contemporary penthouse apartments.
Winnow sleeps up to ten guests, and costs from £1,888 for a minimum three-night stay. More information can be found at beachretreats.co.uk/self-catering/cornwall/watergate-bay/winnow.
