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Scotland's Home of the Year 2025: Inside ‘elegant' Edinburgh flat going for glory in BBC grand final
After travelling the length and breadth of the country from visiting 18 worthy contenders in the West, the North East & Northern Isles, East, Central & Tayside, Highlands & Islands and the South, the judges – interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale along with architect Danny Campbell – must choose which of the homes will be crowned Scotland's Home of the Year 2025.
The six finalists vying for the title are: 'Sandstone Bungalow' in Giffnock, 'Hilltop House' in Aberdeenshire, 'Wee City Nook' in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area, 'The Tree House' in Broughty Ferry, 'An Cala Cottage' on the Isle of Skye and 'Craigmount' in Dalbeattie.
Ahead of the grand final (BBC One Scotland, 8.30pm), take a look through our gallery to see inside Wee City Nook - and the other five finalists.
1 . Sandstone Bungalow
Home to Pamela and Gordon, their son Caleb and Rosa the Irish Setter, the 'Sandstone Bungalow' blends together old with new, whilst retaining the beautiful original 1930s details. The couple design choices bring the 'Sandstone Bungalow' up-to-date with a bright and modern kitchen, dining and living spaces. | IWC Photo Sales
3 . Sandstone Bungalow
Sandstone Bungalow, Giffnock was the winner in episode 1, West | IWC Photo Sales
4 . Craigmount
A Victorian semi-detached house near Dalbeattie, home to Ozzy, Laura, daughter Grace and Ethel the pug. The property's coastal views won the family over and they made it their own by renovating and adding a tasteful extension to the original granite building. Boasting a bold and colourful interior, the family entered Craigmount as Grace's late gran loved Scotland's Home of the Year. | IWC Photo Sales
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Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Last-minute places to stay in Cardiff for the first two Oasis gigs at the Principality Stadium
Last-minute places to stay in Cardiff for the first two Oasis gigs at the Principality Stadium These places still have last-minute availability for an Oasis stay in Cardiff but you had better book fast Many of the hotels near the stadium have been snapped up already (Image: Getty Images ) Unless you've been completely off-grid, you'll know Oasis is kicking off their highly anticipated 'Oasis Live '25' tour in Cardiff's Principality Stadium this July and hotel rooms in the city and the outskirts are disappearing fast. When the famous Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, announced their Oasis reunion and the Oasis Live '25 tour, there was a mad scramble to book accommodation, sparking a huge spike in hotel prices on the dates of the Oasis gigs. For all the info we have on the gig so far, click here. If you haven't yet booked your accommodation, here are places in the city and beyond that still have availability at the time of publishing. However, you'll need to hurry, as these rooms are likely to be snapped up. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here. Leonardo Hotel Cardiff Formerly Jury's Inn, this Victorian beauty is a favourite for its strategic location, offering easy access to the Principality Stadium, shopping and restaurants. Each of the 140 en-suite bedrooms has a snug Dream bed, air conditioning, a work area and a laptop safe. Luxury private shower rooms are equipped with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, and 24-hour room service is available. The Bar and Grill at Leonardo's offers all-day dining with an extensive grill section alongside burgers, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches to fuel up before the thrilling gig. Distance from Principality Stadium: 0.8 miles Rooms from £467 Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5, book here Clayton Hotel Cardiff Conveniently located right next to Cardiff Central Station, the Clayton is ideal for fans rolling off the train and straight into a room. (Image: Western Mail ) Conveniently located right next to Cardiff Central Station, the Clayton is ideal for fans rolling off the train and straight into a room. The Principality Stadium is just 300 metres away, so you won't have to battle for a cab after the gig kicks out. Tidy. The air-conditioned rooms are comfy and stylish, each with a plush bathroom and a cosy seating area—perfect for putting your feet up. You'll also find a work desk, a flat-screen TV, and everything you need to make a proper cuppa. When it comes to food, The View Restaurant serves up a tempting international menu with a well-curated wine list to match. Fancy a drink? The contemporary on-site bar pours a great selection of beverages for thirsty fans. Each morning kicks off with the hearty Clayton Vitality Breakfast, so you'll be all set for a post-gig fry-up. Distance from Principality Stadium: 300 metres Rooms from £480 Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5, Book here The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport The Celtic Manor Hotel viewed from the M4 (Image: PA ) Host of the 2010 Ryder Cup golfing competition, this award-winning resort is just a 30-minute drive from Cardiff. Located just off the M4, the five-star resort sits on 200 acres of parkland and comprises luxurious hotels, self-catering lodges, two spas, multiple restaurants, championship golf courses and a newly constructed convention centre. Rooms range in size and price, featuring colourful furnishings, high-quality toiletries, and large beds for a restful night. Suites offer an upgraded experience with a separate lounge and dining area, a private balcony, and added luxuries, including a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary wine and Welsh cakes upon arrival. Knackered after the gig? Unwind at the popular Forum Spa and Ocius Treatment Rooms. Knackered after the gig? Unwind at the popular Forum Spa and Ocius Treatment Rooms. (Image: Handout ) This large spa offering consists of 16 treatment rooms, hot tubs, sauna, plunge pools and a relaxation pool for guest,s plus a range of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, plunge pools and a relaxation pool overlooking the rooftop garden. Distance from Principality Stadium: 19 miles Rooms from £225 Available Saturday July 5, book here 101 Holm House, Penarth This popular Airbnb stay in the Vale of Glamorgan is located on Penarth's exclusive Millionaires' Row and is just a short drive from Cardiff City centre. Once a boutique hotel praised by The Guardian as "a rather sexy little hotel", stylish Holm House now features twelve elegant, self-contained residences just minutes from the historic Penarth pier and has good transportation links to Cardiff. Here, you can enjoy upgraded interiors, a tranquil garden, a residents' lounge, and flexible self-check-in. Each room features plush bedding and stylish décor, and several have views overlooking Penarth's seascape. Distance from Principality Stadium: 5 miles Rooms from £150 Available Saturday July 5, book here Park Plaza Cardiff Park Plaza, Cardiff (Image: Park Plaza ) Who says you can't be rock and roll and treat yourself to a spot of pampering? If you're heading to Cardiff for the Oasis gig, why not go all out and crash in style at a swish spa hotel? Conveniently located in the centre of Cardiff, the deluxe 129-room Park Plaza Hotel is within walking distance of the stadium shops, restaurants and attractions. The hotel's rather plain concert façade belies its bright and contemporary interior, with chic furnishings, lofty ceilings and an array of modern art on display. For a city hotel, the Park Plaza pulls out all the stops with its Laguna Spa. You can take a dip in the UV-filtered 20m indoor pool, work up a sweat in the two-storey gym, unwind in the steam room and book treatments for those aching muscles after rocking out with the Gallaghers. Park Plaza Cardiff Dining-wise, the Laguna restaurant and bar is where you can sip handcrafted cocktails in sleek, individual booths or on the leafy outdoor terrace, which offers a moment of solitude away from gig crowds. Distance from Principality Stadium: 0.7 miles Rooms from £739 Available Friday July 4, book here Guest house in Vale of Glamorgan This accommodation is located in Dinas Powys (Image: Portia Jones ) This modern detached bungalow in Dinas Powys is built to a high-end finish and features exclusive use of the entire building, complete with its own private entrance. Located just 200 yards from the Dinas train station, it's got great links to Cardiff for gig-goers. Have a home-from-home stay and chill on the sun-trap patio or in the spacious kitchen and lounge. This popular Airbnb is usually booked, so snap up your stay now. Distance from Principality Stadium: 4.8 miles Rooms from £150 Available Saturday July 5, book here The Copthorne Hotel Cardiff Copthorne Hotel in Cardiff (Image: Google Maps ) Located on the outskirts of the city in Culverhouse Cross, this waterside hotel is just a ten-minute drive from Cardiff city centre. Rooms in this 4-star property offer all the amenities you would expect, including flat-screen TVs, Hypnos beds, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Each private bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer to get gig-ready, and 24-hour room service is available. Food-wise, The Lakeview Lounge & Bar offers casual dining for lunch and dinner, as well as coffee and a wide selection of beverages throughout the day, from 9:30 am. Distance from Principality Stadium: 5 miles Rooms from £264 Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5 , book here The Gwaelod y Garth Inn If you fancy a rustic pub stay outside of the city, the Gwaelod y Garth Inn is at the foot of Garth Mountain and has a tidy selection of constantly changing cask ales. (Image: Western Mail ) If you fancy a rustic pub stay outside of the city, the Gwaelod y Garth Inn is at the foot of Garth Mountain and has a tidy selection of constantly changing cask ales. The family-run pub features individually decorated rooms with much of the furniture handcrafted locally. There's also free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, a tea and coffee maker, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. Staying a while? Unwind on the terrace and outdoor seating area, and enjoy British and local cuisine at the traditional, family-friendly restaurant and bar. Distance from Principality Stadium: 7 miles Rooms from £385 Available Friday July 4, book here De Courceys Manor Suites & Cottages Spoil yourself with a swanky stay just outside of the city (Image: De Courceys Manor ) Spoil yourself with a swanky stay just outside of the city at an exclusive country haven in South Wales, where romance meets five‑star flair. Book your stay at De Courceys Manor Suites & Cottages and enjoy the Secret Garden, relax in the chic gin lounge, and dine on handcrafted menus bursting with seasonal flavours from outstanding 'foodie' chefs. Rooms feature private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, garden views, and soundproofing. Additional amenities include terraces, hot tubs, balconies, and kitchen facilities. Distance from Principality Stadium: 5.7 miles Rooms from £350 Available Friday July 4, book here Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay by IHG In the waterfront area of Cardiff Bay's old East Dock, only 20 minutes' strut the city centre, this modern hotel features a restaurant, bar and terrace and is located just 500 metres from Cardiff Bay Railway Station, handy if you're arriving by train. Inside, you've got everything you need for a comfy stay, including free WiFi (gotta upload those #Oasis pics right?), power showers, hairdryers, and all the essentials for making a proper brew the morning after. Each room also comes with a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a phone. There's a spacious lounge area with dockside views, a fully licensed bar, and a large-screen TV for catching the match or just chilling out. And if you're a breakfast person, you'll be pleased to know that a generous buffet is served every morning to set you up for the day. Distance from Principality Stadium: 2.5 miles Rooms from £484 Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5 Book here voco St. David's Cardiff Voco Cardiff (Image: onathan Cosh of Visual Eye ) One of Cardiff's flagship hotels, voco St. David's, has a commanding position in the marina, overlooking Cardiff's cosmopolitan waterfront area. Here, you're a short walk, bus, or train ride away from the city centre, while being surrounded by the Bay's many restaurants and bars. Stylish rooms feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the bay and come with luxurious amenities, including fluffy robes and high-end toiletries. Head to the on-site restaurant, Tir a Môr, for casual pre-gig dining and tasty Welsh-inspired dishes. If you're in the mood to unwind, hit the gym, take a dip in the indoor pool, or treat yourself to some well-earned me-time in the luxurious spa. Distance from Principality Stadium: 2.4 miles Rooms from £552 Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5, book here Beachcliff Rooms & Apartments, Penarth Penarth's premier accommodation, Beachcliff Hotel and Apartments, offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the pier (Image: Portia Jones ) Penarth's premier accommodation, Beachcliff Hotel and Apartments, offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel, the Avon, and the North Devon Coastline and is just minutes from the historic pier. Cardiff is a bus or train ride away, so you'll be able to get to the gig relatively hassle-free. Rooms and apartments feature private bathrooms, balconies, and modern amenities, including complimentary WiFi, streaming services, and flat-screen TVs. Additional facilities include a washing machine, a kitchen, and a work desk. Distance from Principality Stadium: 4.5 miles Rooms from £351 Article continues below Available Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5, book here
Press and Journal
2 hours ago
- Press and Journal
The 240-year-old woolmill that's weaving a bright future
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Knockando Woolmill stands as a rare surviving example of a rural district woolmill. Surrounded by rich farmland with the waters of the Knockando Burn babbling gently by its side, it might seem that little has changed at the mill since it first opened in 1784. Some Press and Journal online content is funded by outside parties. The revenue from this helps to sustain our independent news gathering. You will always know if you are reading paid-for material as it will be clearly labelled as 'Partnership' on the site and on social media channels. This can take two different forms. This means the content has been paid for and produced by the named advertiser. This means the content has been paid for and approved by the named advertiser but written and edited by our own commercial content team. However, the idyllic picture-perfect setting and serene atmosphere belies the passion and hard work that's taken place at Knockando in recent years. A meticulous renovation has not only preserved a precious piece of history and created a fascinating visitor attraction, but it's also brought the historic mill back into full-time production. In the past Knockando was a busy hub of the rural community. Local farmers would bring their fleeces to the mill to be made into blankets and tweed. And over time, the weavers passed their knowledge and skills from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of their craft. Thanks to a remarkable restoration project led by the Knockando Woolmill Trust, by 2000 the historic buildings and traditional Victorian machinery were restored to their former glory. Recently, the mill welcomed the next stage in its evolution by returning to full-time production. Today, contemporary designs are woven alongside traditional tweeds and classic woollen blankets with products available to buy online or in the retail store within the mill. Every item is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship that has been the hallmark of the woolmill since the beginning. The mill boasts an impressive collection of Victorian weaving machinery, including a blending machine that processes raw wool, a carding machine that further refines it through combing the fibres, a spinning mule that twists the wool into yarn, and a remarkable 126-year-old Dobcross loom that weaves the cloth. Remarkably, all these machines are still in working order today. 'In addition to the historic machinery, the Mill also houses two 1989 Dornier looms in the Construction Training Workshop. This is where all production is happening currently, but we are looking to start incorporating using the traditional machinery in the future.' The mill may be embedded in history, but as Emily explained that doesn't mean the mill is stuck in the past. 'We're offering contemporary designs as well as the more traditional, and finding these designs are appealing to a new audience. 'Of course, our traditional products have always been and continue to be very popular – our Strathspey tweed is a great cloth. It's so versatile – it's soft, durable, and tailors love it. It's also great for upholstery.' As well as restoring the Mill, the Knockando Woolmill Trust was established to promote and educate people about the heritage site. Key to this are Anna and Constance, who have recently joined the team at Knockando as full-time weavers. They are passionate about continuing the 200-year-old legacy of producing high-quality woollen textiles. What does it mean to play such an important role in bringing the energy and excitement of full-time production back to the mill? Anna told us: 'Being part of production at Knockando and keeping its legacy alive is massively fulfilling. 'It has been fantastic to get to know the machines over the past nine months, speaking to visitors and sharing appreciation for the skills required to create bespoke woollen cloth.' Connie agreed: 'Learning how to produce bespoke, woollen cloth in a one-of-a-kind historic environment has been a fantastic opportunity, providing a unique chance to acquire skills needed to master all processes involved. 'From warping, beaming, drawing in, to weaving and darning the cloth. It is fascinating to see a design come to life on our looms during the process.' The mill's historic buildings, retail shop and Red Roof Coffee shop are currently open to the public for the 2025 summer season. 'We've just recently opened for this season and we're already seeing lots of visitors,' said Emily, 'and the fact production going full-time is amazing. 'When you visit you can explore the mill and grounds at your leisure, and we have self-guided tour notes available. 'Alternatively, you can pre-book guided tours on our website and there's the facility to let us know what aspects you are particularly interested in so we can tailor the tour to you. 'The Red Roof Coffee Shop serves lunch and home baking freshly prepared on site each day and we also have our retail shop.' Visiting the mill is a great day out for all the family, and well-behaved dogs are welcome (however, it's worth noting the shop is a dog-free zone). A visit to Knockando not only lets you enjoy the stunning setting and meticulous renovation of a national treasure, but it lets you take a fascinating step back into history to help the mill secure its future. Knockando Woolmill, Knockando, Moray, AB38 7RP, Scotland.
The Courier
3 hours ago
- The Courier
Broughty Ferry's Tree House misses out on Scotland's Home of the Year title
The Tree House in Broughty Ferry missed out on being crowned Scotland's Home of the Year. The finale of the popular BBC property show aired on Monday night. Hilltop House near Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire was crowned Scotland's Home of the Year. The Tree House was one of six episode-winning properties to make it to the finale of the show. Filmed at Glasgow's House For An Art Lover, the final episode brought together the six finalists for the first time, giving them the chance to see each other's homes. Hilltop House is a contemporary home built on the footprint of a farm steading. Home to Jessica Zanoni and husband Chris Labrooy, their teenage son Chase (18) and dogs Enzo and Dino, Hilltop House fuses together mid-century and Californian cool styles. Designed by the couple – who run their own art business – it's filled with colourful statement pieces from bright yellow sofas to a pastel pink bathroom. The SHOTY judges – interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale, and architect Danny Campbell – crowned Hilltop House the winner of Scotland's Home of the Year 2025 from a shortlist of six finalists from across Scotland. Anna Campbell-Jones said of Hilltop House: 'This home managed to feel perfect in every way whilst still feeling like a place where real people live. I particularly loved the way their art was reflected in their choices of colour and furniture, managing to create the perfect balance between playfulness and sophistication.' Fellow judge Danny Campbell was equally blown away: ''This was a home that manages to be both deeply personal and architecturally ambitious,' he said. 'There's a clarity of vision that's rare: every corner feels considered, every material honest, every space deliberate and thought through. It felt like the building was completely in tune with the people who lived there, which is especially impressive for a conversion.' The owners were delighted the judges picked Hilltop House as the winner. Jessica said: 'Every home is distinctive and unique because of the people that live there. So, our home is different because we are different. 'With me being from California and Chris being an artist, I think our tastes are just naturally a little bit unique. There isn't really anything in our house that we found at shops near us. Everything was specially sourced.' Chris added: 'I feel the home's location and east-facing gable give it a special character. I love the sunrises here – so much so that I'm up before 6.00am every morning just to take them in. I work from home so I really appreciate the quality of light throughout the day. It's a very easy going home to live in.' The six homes that reached the final of Scotland's Home of the Year included the Tree House in Broughty Ferry, which is owned by Paul Durrant and his wife Jackie McKenzie. Paul said he and Jackie were delighted to make the final: 'We had such a good day in Glasgow. We loved meeting the other finalists and hearing the stories of their homes. 'We weren't at all disappointed not to win. It really was a bonus to reach the final and to appear alongside so many amazing homes.' The 7th series of Scotland's Home of the Year featured 18 properties from all over Scotland – including four in Tayside, Fife, and Stirlingshire. Reflecting on the season, Danny Campbell said: 'This year's line-up was outrageously good. From bold conversions to quirky self-builds, every home had its own personality and inspirational touches. 'It felt like homeowners across Scotland have taken things up a level — not just in terms of design, but in how fearlessly they made their homes truly their own. It was a joy (and a nightmare!) to judge.' An 8th series of Scotland's Home of the Year has been commissioned and will begin filming across the country later this month. Season 7 of Scotland's Home of the Year is available on iPlayer
