A Very Haunted Renovation Review: Ohio Ghosts and Gorgeous Design

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A haunted Victorian mansion in Ohio, talented designers, and a little ghost hunting? Naturally, I was going to watch. HGTV’s A Very Haunted Renovation blends home renovation mastery with a light introduction to the paranormal. And while the ghosts might get your attention, the designers are what keep me coming back.

The show takes place at Bihl Manor, a historic Victorian mansion in Fremont, Ohio. As an Ohio native, I love seeing a place in my home state become the setting for something this creative and spooky. There is something especially interesting about watching a neglected old house get another chance at being beautiful. Knowing it is close to home makes me even more invested.

Hosted by Anna Camp and mentored by HGTV designer Michel Smith Boyd, the competition follows six designers: SK Stokes Kennedy, Patrick Peel, John Ryan, Bershan Shaw, Logan Wright, and Diana Vogel. They transform the property room by room while competing for a $50,000 grand prize.

And these designers are extremely talented. They perform miracles every episode. I’m watching for the spooky atmosphere, but then a finished room is revealed, and suddenly I’m focused on the details. The vision it takes to look at a dilapidated space and imagine something beautiful is impressive enough. Actually bringing that vision to life under competition pressure? That deserves appreciation.

The guest judges add to the fun, with appearances from Eli Roth, Jack Osbourne, Billy Porter, and Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira. The lineup makes perfect sense for a show where design decisions and ghostly encounters share the same address.

What I appreciate most is how approachable the paranormal side feels. The ghost hunting is light, giving the show a little mystery without overwhelming the renovation. If you enjoy spooky settings but don’t necessarily want to spend your evening being terrified, this is a comfortable place to start. You can enjoy the eerie atmosphere and still spend most of your time admiring what these designers create.

For me, the transformations are the heart of the show. There is something satisfying about seeing beauty brought back into an old home, especially one with so much character. Every episode gives me another reason to appreciate the talent involved.

My rating: 8/10. Beautiful design, a little ghost hunting, and some Ohio pride. I came curious about the haunted mansion, but I stayed to watch these designers work their magic.