Who will win Scotland's Home of the Year? We take a look at the nominees
Series 5 of BBC's Scotland's Home of the Year looks the most extraordinary homes in Scotland, from historic manor houses to converted train stations
The quest to find Scotland's Home of the Year nears its conclusion on Monday as judges Anna Campbell Jones, Michael Angus, Banjo Beale will decide between the 6 finalists.
One house has been entered from every region and the judges will have to evaluate which home takes the ultimate prize and win Scotland's Home of the Year for 2023.
The show is well worth a watch, particularly for anyone thinking about renovating a house or taking on a self build project for some design inspiration. Here we take a look at all the highlights of the homes featured so far in the series that are competing to win the title.
The train station with graffiti on its walls
Episode one of the show looks for a finalist for Scotland's Home of the Year's East category — and their first stop is the Old Train House in Edinburgh. This Victorian renovation is home to Christina, her husband Ben, their daughter Vesper, and dog Watson.
Previously an abandoned train station, the building remained empty for a decade until the couple transformed it into a family home.
Upon entering, you can see the homeowners' eclectic tastes and their commitment to sustainability. The three levels of the house are adorned with second-hand furnishings. The property also pays homage to its history, with graffiti on the exterior garden walls to give it a distinctive style.
The Victorian 'double upper' with vintage decor
The judges then visit the Alexandra Apartment, a refurbished double upper (a two-storey upper level flat) Victorian property in Kirkcaldy. This residence belongs to Gary and his flatmate Sammy with Gary undertaking all the renovation work himself, stripping the building back to its brickwork.
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The home is now filled with a collection of art and objects, complemented by vintage furniture, which truly reflects Gary's personal style and taste.
The renovation that blends the 70s and 90s
Lastly, in the East, the judges discover Mount Frost in Fife. This property underwent a transformation in the 90s and is now the home of Emma, Scott, and their children, Howie and Torin.
The house had been stuck in a time warp until the couple converted it into a family-friendly living space, blending elements from the 70s and 90s.
Throughout Mount Frost, vibrant colours fill the interior across its four floors. The master bedroom, in contrast, has a watercolour scheme, while a hidden slate hides the dressing area.
Judge Anna Campbell Jones explains what they were looking for with their Eastern finalist (which we won't spoil for viewers by naming), which is a home with "bags of personality, care for the planet and that most important ingredient…love”.
The clever stone home with upcycled interior
The second episode of the show looks at three properties in the North East and the Northern Isles.
Their first stop takes them to a Victorian renovation in the village of Old Meldrum, just a few miles outside of Aberdeen. This detached property, constructed from stone, underwent a home extension and features a spacious garden.
It is home to Kelly, her husband Scott, and their children Ollie, Lola, Libby, and Ritchie. The cottage includes upcycled elements that pay homage to Kelly's family-run garage business, including a petrol pump light.
The boxy new build with suspended fireplace
The judges next arrive at Snowdrop House, a contemporary new build just outside St Cyrus in Aberdeenshire.
This modernist dwelling in the countryside, belongs to property developer Ross. Spanning two floors, Snowdrop House showcases a box-like design with views of the surrounding landscape and has a range of features, such as a games room, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a suspended fireplace in the living room, offering fireplace lighting ideas to others.
The home that interplays the sea with the sky
The final property in the Central category is Skeir A Lidda, a self build in St Marys, Orkney, which is home to Lesley, her husband Erik, and their dog Newton.
The design inspiration for the couple stems from the interplay between the sea and sky. This two-storey home features a cosy study, a master bedroom with a dressing room, and a 'Jack and Jill' bathroom which is a bathroom that has two doors and is usually accessible from two bedrooms.
The judge Michael Angus felt the home to be put through to the final was "the right building, in the right place" and "compassionately decorated to enhance the lives within”. You'll have to watch the show to find out which home this was.... no spoilers here.
The 'skinny house' on a skinny plot
The judges delved into the Central region with their first stop being in the Bridge of Allan, where they encounter the Skinny House, the residence of Austin and his partner Hayley. This new build sits on a narrow plot of previously unused land, spanning a mere four and a half meters in width.
Designed by Austin's architect father, Skinny House impresses with its elongated layout, featuring two external courtyards.
The sandstone home inspired by William Morris
Moving on, the judges arrive at The Old Manse in Auchterarder, Perthshire. This sandstone-period property, dating back to the mid-19th century, is the home of Kelly, Michel, and their three children.
Kelly instantly fell in love with the house, while Michel sought a more modern dwelling that required no renovation. Undeterred by the challenge, Kelly restored the period property, drawing inspiration from 19th-century British textile designer William Morris.
The five-bedroom home features three bathrooms, a stunning garden, and a cinema room.
The home that embraces 'one level' living
The final contender in the Central category is Daisy Cottage in Dunblane. This traditional cottage, dating back to 1784, is the home of Laura, David, and their three cats.
Daisy Cottage has been in Laura's family for generations and embraces "one level" living, catering to her disabled father's needs. The house is designed to be accessible for all and features a library-cum-study, a terraced back garden, and a quaint art gallery. Laura also showcases her own art creations in Daisy Cottage's "Loovre," which happens to be the bathroom.
'Beech Tree' house which lives up to its name
For the South section of Scotland’s Home of the Year sees the judges start with Beech Trees, a new build, eco house in Dumfries and Galloway, home to Zoe, Tony and their three black Labradors Nina, Lilly and Finn.
All on one level, Beech Tree’s sustainable design is evident throughout. As well as making many of their own home furnishings including curtains and cushions and cabinets, the couple also used beech trees from the plot of land the house was built on to make an outdoors table, shelves and even window sills.
Milking barn given modern renovation
Staying in Dumfries and Galloway, the judges visit Knocklimpen. A former milking barn with a contemporary extension, the property is home to Helen Joyce and husband, David.
Having laid empty for over 25 years, the couple wanted to retain the original character and integrity of the barn whilst linking it to a modern extension.
16th century dilapidated home revamped with recycled items
Finally, it’s off to a historic renovation on the outskirts of Peebles – "Manor House". Thought to date back to the 16th century, Manor House is now home to Megan, husband Mike and their children, Caleb and Emilia.
When the couple first came across the property it was completely dilapidated with holes in the roof and damp throughout. Nestled in the countryside, the home is full of salvaged items including an old science bench as a kitchen island and stunning wallpaper throughout.
With only one spot for the South in Scotland’s Home of the Year grand final on offer, Anna, Banjo and Michael must decide whether it will go to "Beech Trees", "Knocklimpen" or "Manor House" which advances.
Self built chalet at the bottom of Ben Nevis
The Highlands and Islands feature in episode 5 where the judges first visit a Swiss log -inspired home in Fort William. "Archwood Lodge" is home to Jack, Penny, Jack’s son Archie, their cats Merlot and Romeo and sausage dog, Gus.
A childhood dream come true, Jack always wanted to build his own lodge and the couple are thrilled with their chalet fantasy nestled at the bottom of Ben Nevis.
Built over two levels, "Archwood Lodge" brings the outside indoors and Jack and Penny’s scenic garden often plays host to ceilidh dancing when friends and family visit.
Self build inspired by renowned architect
Next up, Anna, Banjo and Michael head off to the Isle of Skye to visit two distinctive properties.
"Achachork" is a self build property in Portree, home to Muriel, John and their three terriers, Georgie, Mixie and Tilly.
Achachork was designed by the couple with subtle nods towards acclaimed Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, famous for his designs of unorthodox posters, craftwork, and furniture.
Croft house renovation
The final property in the Highlands and Islands is "Lochbay", an historic croft house (small agricultural unit) also on Skye, home to Denise and Bob.
In spite of requiring extensive renovation, Denise wasn’t deterred and instantly fell in love with Lochbay.
At various points, the walls are four feet thick with the home also having a large garden room.
Only one of these homes can make it to the final, representing the Highlands and Islands.
Upcycled 1950s bungalow
Next up, the judges head off West Scotland to visit the Bright Bungalow, a 1950s extended property in Kirkintilloch.
Home to Lorna and Andrew and their two sons, Charlie and Harry, the Bright Bungalow lives up to its name with colourful interiors throughout this ingeniously upcycled home.
Lorna always wanted to live in the street and jumped at the chance to buy the Bright Bungalow and stamp her own identity on the converted property.
French Rococo styled Victorian villa
The next home the judges visit in the West is Elmhurst, a converted, French Rococo styled Victorian villa in Greenock, home to Robert, Lynn and their pug, Queenie.
The couple fell in love with the property and its period features the moment they walked through the grand entrance. Joiner Robert embraced the renovating challenge and even learned gilding skills which are visible throughout.
Lynn believes the house reflects their over-the-top personalities and doesn’t shy away from bold interior designs, many of which are inspired by the French Rococo style which dates back to the 1730s.
Edwardian renovation of three former townhouses
They judges then visit Kirklee Mansion, an Edwardian renovation in Glasgow’s West End, home to Jason, John and their Dalmatian, Mitzi Belle.
Originally three separate townhouses, the impressive property is now split to form single level apartments with Kirklee Mansion sitting on the first floor.
Homeowners Jason and John spent a lot of time restoring Kirklee Mansion to its former glory, maintaining key architectural details throughout.
The couple’s favourite spot is an armchair called Lilibet which has the best views of their expansive living room and sits under a picture of Sir George Arthur Mitchell, the original owner of Kirklee Mansion.
Scotland's Home of the Year 2024 open for entry
To see more brilliant home renovation ideas you can watch Scotland's Home of the Year on BBC iPlayer, with the Grand Finale next week on Monday 26th June at 8.30 pm. If you are in Scotland you can also see this on BBC Scotland.
Applications for series 6 of Scotland's Home of the Year are now open, which you can apply by emailing scotlandshomes@iwcmedia.co.uk with a brief description of your home with some photos.
And if you have an amazing build, in Scotland or anywhere else in the UK, don't forget the Homebuilding awards, which are open for entry now too. You can read more about these in our Homebuilding & Renovating awards article.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
