“Bachelor Mansion Takeover” may very well be HGTV’s Most Anticipated Series Ever! Well, the wait is over as 12 former Bachelor Nation contestants show off their renovation skills on the iconic Los Angeles estate.
During the Monday, March 2, premiere episode, the competitors tested their knowledge in a renovation math challenge to gain immunity in the first challenge.
“Think of this as your design bootcamp,” judge Tyler Cameron explained. “A test of speed, focus and problem solving under pressure.”
After answering a math riddle to unlock a box, arranging blocks based on paint sheen to secure a key, and unlocking a tool box and uncovering a golden hammer, Dean Unglert was granted immunity.
For two contestants, the competition came to a swift end during week 1.
‘Bachelor Nation Takeover’ Week 1 Challenge
After a brief introduction and tour of the mansion, the contestants were divided into two teams: Men vs. Women.
Jill Chin, Joan Vassos, Allyshia Gupta, Tammy Ly, Sandra Mason and Courtney Robertson Preciado took on Dean Bell, Noah Erb, Sam McKinney, Brendan Morais, Jeremy Simon and Christopher Stallworth, as they renovated the tired bunk rooms in just four days.
The men’s team decided to lean into the Mediterranean style of the home with their project, dubbing one room the Santorini room and the other the Tuscany room. The women went with a tranquil and practical vibe for their larger bunkroom design.
“These aren’t just makeovers,” host Jesse Palmer told the crew. “You’re going to be solving real-life mansion problems. Storage, space, privacy…Just think back to your time here and what was missing.”
He explained, “You’re going to be judged on design. Solving for storage space, privacy, while elevating the look of that room. Execution, qualities of your craftsmanship, your attention to detail, and also how well you all bring your ideas together.”
Who Went Home During ‘Bachelor Mansion Takeover’ Week 1?
The 12 contestants are competing to take home a grand prize of $100,000. However, before the first challenge was complete, a “Fate Card” arrived. (A play on the iconic Date Cards from the “Bachelor” franchise.)
“Roses are red. Violets are blue. Two people will be going home, don’t let it be you,” the card read. “In one hour, each team will vote off one member of their own team.”
With four votes, the “Golden Bachelor’s” Sandra Mason was eliminated.
“I got four votes. That’s overwhelming,” she said. “So I’m a little hurt, a little embarrassed [and] crushed.”
For the men’s team, the votes ended in a tie between Jeremy Simon and Christopher Stallworth. Because Dean won the immunity challenge, he was granted the deciding vote.
“I voted based off of experience. I think Chris has a lot of experience, obviously,” he said. “So I voted for Jeremy and I’m going to stick with that.”
After the women won the bunkroom makeover challenge, the men’s team was forced to vote to send home another member of their team. Dean’s immunity carried over to the second vote. However, the episode ended on a cliffhanger.
Fans can tune in next Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV to find out who is going home!
