I'm a Celeb star Scarlette Douglas on My Dream Derelict Home in the Sun
Who is Scarlette Douglas?
We’re sure you recognise TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas from her time hosting A Place in the Sun on Channel 4. Scarlette has also hosted Worst House on the Street and George Clarke’s Flipping Fast alongside her brother Stuart Douglas.
Lately, Scarlette is taking a bit of a break from flipping homes and has entered the Australian jungle as one of the celebs to brave I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! But first, Scarlette travelled to beautiful Spain and France for her new property show My Dream Derelict Home in the Sun.
So let’s hear from Scarlette herself about the new series...
Hi Scarlette! Let’s get started – first of all, can you tell us a little more about My Dream Derelict Home in the Sun?
"It’s a show where adventurous and ambitious Brits take a leap of faith to renovate and restore derelict, dilapidated buildings abroad and turn them into their dream homes, often at the fraction of the price it would cost buying somewhere ready-made or turnkey.
This show effectively does exactly what it says on the tin. It combines two programmes I’ve worked on, A Place in the Sun and Worst House on the Street, but the scale of the renovations are on a different level entirely."
What were some of your highlights of making this series?
"There are too many to single out just a few, but without a doubt the small wins all of the couples and families gained along the way combined to become monumental moments. I loved seeing the joy in their faces and actually feeling the associated emotions - it was amazing to experience."
What properties really stood out to you?
"They’re all amazing for different reasons. They didn’t all get completed in our timeline, but of the ones that did reach completion - Ben and Andrea’s build is so grand and vast that our viewers will be shocked at what they managed to create. Catherine and Dale’s Hermitage is incredible because of the fact that Dale did the entire renovation himself - with the exception of a helping hand here and there. Paula and Spence managed to transform eight holes in the side of a rock into a stunning cave house. Each is so different, but equally spectacular, so every one has something that stands out for me."
What’s your favourite part of the renovation process?
"Seeing the ideas and visions of the couples finally start to come to life. When viewers watch the show, see the initial working drawings and subsequently see how the final product completely reflects those designs, I’m sure they’ll be just as amazed as I was. It’s inspiring to see their dreams become reality."
How did you get into home reno and flipping homes?
"My older brother, Stuart, got me into it when I was 24. He had, by chance, made a healthy return from developing properties and offered me the opportunity to join in and partner up with him. I like to think that my creative flair was an important addition to his practical mindset and from that Kindred Elite - our development company was born. I really enjoy the process of turning a house into a home and to be able to do it alongside my brother means that it’s a win, win."
You work a lot with your brother - what's it like working with your sibling on TV?
"It’s actually great fun! We have a fantastic time and our dynamic always keeps the crew laughing. It doesn’t feel like work when we’re on set as it’s what we do already, so to be able to bring it into people’s homes is great. It’s essentially an extension of our existing working relationship so it’s natural and authentic which seems to work, so long may it continue."
What would be your top piece of advice for someone looking to take on a huge project like this to create their dream home abroad?
"Do as much research as possible. I say this with anyone getting involved in property and renovation, but taking on something on a far bigger scale, needs even more research, resources and funds. Finding people that have done it before is a great place to start. Speak to them, find out what did and didn’t work for them, look for good contractors and check their workmanship beforehand. Do everything you can to minimise risk as you can potentially lose a lot of time, money and patience along the way."
What home reno/home decor trends are you loving right now?
"The fashion trend Barbiecore is translating into interiors which is great because pink is my favourite colour. Autumnal colours are also very popular at the moment which I love as Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. Being bold, experimental and confident with colour is the way to go."
Where would your dream home location be?
"Well, there are so many beautiful locations that it’s not easy to select one, however, if pushed I’d have to say Aruba; clear waters, picturesque sunsets, fresh, tasty food and good nightlife."
Did the show inspire you to pursue your own project like this one day?
"Absolutely. Every build was so different and I would somehow like to incorporate elements some of them into my own place. Of course, it can be super stressful and time-consuming, but to have a beautiful home, that has been recreated and effectively brought back to life with your own ideas and designs is something that I would take pride in and cherish forever."
Do you have any other projects coming up that we should look out for?
"I have a few things in the pipeline for later this year into early 2023 that I’m waiting to be green-lit on and also something very exciting imminently. It’s a bit of a departure from my usual property programmes. You’ll just have to keep an eye out for me to see what it is!"
We’re pretty sure that was Scarlette’s way of hinting at I’m a Celebrity...but we’re sure that’s just the start, and we can’t wait to see how Scarlette fares in the jungle!
How can I watch My Dream Derelict Home in the Sun?
The new series of My Dream Derelict Home in the Sun will start on Monday 21st November at 8pm on HGTV (Freesat channel 166). Tune in every Monday at 8pm to see these determined and passionate home renovators create their dream home in the sun!
Isabelle Grimshaw
