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Press and Journal
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Scotland's Home of the Year: Our writers pick their 6 favourites from over the years, from Banchory to Skye
We've been glued to the screens on Monday nights for the past 7 weeks. Hilltop House in Aberdeenshire came out on top in the official Scotland's Home Of The Year (Shoty) final this year. But what are some of the best homes to have featured on the show of the years? Two of our writers, and top Shoty superfans, Kirstie Waterston and Sarah Bruce have gone through to pick their top three properties from the programme's history. Let's start off with Kirstie's top picks… Kirstie is a lover of all things vintage, a rabid Shoty afficionado, and runs the home renovation account on Instagram @ For me, successful entries on Scotland's Home of the Year are the memorable ones – not necessarily the series winners. Shoty enables us to pass judgement from the comfort of our own (probably less polished) living rooms. There's something endlessly fascinating about crossing the threshold of other people's homes, and you really appreciate the vulnerability of any homeowner who invites the nation inside. As someone slowly renovating a Victorian cottage, I'm always drawn to historic properties. While I can't resist an elegant Georgian mansion or Victorian villa, I find the cosy cottages and rural boltholes endearing and relatable. Naturally I root for the properties that represent the north and north-east, but there are some that always stick in my mind…. It goes without saying charming Quiney Cottage appealed to me – and clearly the judges too as it scored full marks on series six. Quiney Cottage is so typical of rural Aberdeenshire housing stock, but with the wee gate and path leading to a sage green door, it could be straight out of a Beatrix Potter illustration. Inside, the cottage is unapologetically cosy; a symphony of colour, pattern and curios are carefully curated by Rachel Dougherty to create a welcoming home. Traditional panelling makes an understated backdrop to showcase bold prints, wallpapers and thrifted finds, but elsewhere woodwork is painted in unexpected arsenic green and sky blue. Quiney Cottage is simply a treasure chest for interior magpies. Your eyes dance from delightful details like handcrafted textiles to mismatched charity shop frames, chipped furniture to vintage finds, yet it's not cluttered. It speaks volumes of Rachel's fun eye for design that the cottage exudes the warmth and soul of a home lived in for decades – not one that was renovated, herself, little over three years ago. Hot on the heels of Quiney Cottage in series six was Casa Barra, a self-build bursting with personality. If you could build a house anywhere in Aberdeenshire, you would want unspoilt views of Bennachie – and that's exactly what Craig and Maria Michie did. The barn-style house was built on land farmed by generations of Craig's family, but Casa Barra throws out the rulebook of what a farmhouse should look like. Here, the beauty and rural idyll of Aberdeenshire's landscape courts the colour and exoticism of Latin America. Instead of being dictated by tradition, self-building meant the Michies shaped a home around their family and lifestyle. The house is steeped in natural light and picture windows make the most of the views to the west. Stepping inside the bright yellow door, Maria's Columbian heritage and flair for interiors is woven throughout the home. Designed on open plan, the downstairs is a social space elegantly zoned with furniture, artwork and colour to create cosy corners. New builds can feel stark, but Casa Barra is a lesson in styling with playful prints and tactile textiles. Upstairs, there's a snug for hunkering down on winter nights by the fire. But in summer it opens onto a balcony overlooking Bennachie, realising Maria's dream to bring a piece of South American culture to her Aberdeenshire home. Harking back to series two, a once-derelict cottage in Stromness stole the show with its nautical nooks and old-world nicknacks. Ships' lamps at either side of the front door guide visitors to the tiny cottage, which is a welcoming refuge from the elements. Coming from a fourth-generation fishing family, trawlerman Liam Temple resurrected the old property, but ensured his heritage was embedded in the cottage by incorporating materials like driftwood. Along with partner Caro Stockan, he took the property back to stone, and the pair were able to start again, tailoring the layout to maximise the downstairs area. Mirroring life at sea where space on a boat is at a premium, Liam utilised any opportunity to create storage at the Wheelhouse where a bunk bed even doubles up as a wardrobe. But beyond the clever joinery, it's the loving little touches that made the Wheelhouse a home. Proud Orcadians, the pair dressed their home with local artwork and vintage finds to create a homely feel. Twinkling fairylights and the glow of old lanterns transport you back to a bygone era, with judge Anna Campbell-Jones describing it as a 'wonderland'. Although not the 2020 winner, the small but mighty cottage was a very worthy finalist. Sarah is our Schools and Families writer, and is based in Inverness. I love watching Scotland's Home of the Year – it's a killer combination of interior design inspiration, Banjo's often-hilarious comments and the important opportunity to judge other people's homes. I would never consider opening my front door to Banjo and his pals, but thankfully there are people out there who are less camera-shy. Over the years, I have lived in Aberdeen flats, Edinburgh tenements and a new build in leafy Milngavie. These days, I'm a Victorian family home with the obligatory high ceilings and cracks in the walls that you learn to ignore, so similar properties tend to speak to my soul. But sometimes, the opposite is true, and a brand spanking new house can be a novelty that I find myself rooting for. As a chippy Highlander, it needs to be north for the win in my mind. So here are my favourites from 'P&J land' in the current and past series of Shoty… Sometimes, the Shoty winner just gives you a warm feeling – and this humble croft from 2022 did just that. New Tolsta was owned by artist Tom Hickman, who had bought it in 2006 and painstakingly restored it. Before him, the 1930s croft had been uninhabited for 37 years. Tom took 15 years to renovate it, so it was no rushed job. By the time he had finished, it was part traditional croft and part art gallery – but it was also 100% a home. At the time of his win, Tom was very much of the philosophy that less is more. He said: 'To me, the art of restoring it is to make it so that it doesn't look as if anything has been done to it – don't lose the charm.' But he is also an artist – and as a result, Bakelite switches remained, but floorboards were painted. A four poster bed was a resounding yes, and art was everywhere. No wonder they handed Tom the title. This one is in because I loved the staircase and I can go and look at it from the outside any time I want because it's pretty much round the corner from me. I know, these are very narrow criteria. A long time ago in 2021, Gaelle and Simon Patton showed us the Colonel's House in Inverness. The couple were from the Loire Valley and Lancashire respectively and first moved to Scotland in 2002. This Victorian end-of-terrace had everything – traditional exterior, an interior injected with a touch of the exotic and a great history. It had originally been occupied by, you guessed it, the Colonel of the city's Cameron Barracks. But it had been turned into an eight-bedroom B&B and been stripped of many of its period features, so there was work to be done. Then end result was an eclectic and strong decor full of surprises. The Colonel's House went up for sale last month and is currently under offer. Skye has always punched above its weight on Shoty. This year alone, two of the three north finalists were from the Misty Isle. An Cala was lovely and a worthy episode winner, but I suspect Lena Vurma and Thor Klein's tin-clad cabin might be remembered too. The film-making couple, from Switzerland and Germany respectively, bought half a croft and took it from there. They harnessed the local community to help with their tiny build, and really took advantage of the surroundings. Lena said at the time: 'You look out of the window and see the horizon – we can even see the northern lights from our cabin. 'I just really love how the windows frame the landscape outside – even from the bed. One side we see the sunrise over the Cuillins, then the other side we have perfectly framed the sunset over Loch Harport.' The tiny footprint means whoever lives there really needs to get on with each other. But the views are to die for and the design is genius. Read more from Shoty:
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Artful sanctuary' is 2025 Scottish Home of the Year
A contemporary conversion described as "an artful sanctuary" has scooped the 2025 title of Scottish Home of the House near Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire has been revealed as the winner of the grand finale of the popular BBC Scotland house was built on the natural footprint of the surrounding farm steading and is home to Jessica Zanoni and husband Chris Labrooy, who live there with son Chase, 18, and dogs Enzo and couple said it felt fantastic to see their effort and passion recognised. Hilltop House brings together mid-century and Californian cool style that reflects their own taste and by Jessica and Chris, the home is filled with colourful statement pieces from bright yellow sofas to a pastel pink bathroom. The couple - who run their own art business - were inspired by nature and led by sustainable design principles, filling their home with items which will last for told BBC Scotland News what her first impressions were of the plot that would become their new home."I came up here first without Chris. It was just a dilapidated farm steading. But as soon as I saw it and saw the view I knew I had to get Chris up here." She said the living room was her favourite part of the house."The gable faces east and you see the sunrise very morning," she said."I also enjoy the differences between the aesthetic of the outside and the inside. I think it makes the interior even more surprising."Also, the view. It was the reason we bought the plot and we have really used it almost as a piece of art. It definitely adds to the interior and it changes every day."Chris agreed: "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 06:00 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 SHOTY judges – interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and architect Danny Campbell - chose Hilltop House from a shortlist of six finalists from across Scotland. Campbell Jones said: "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."Mull-based Beale agreed: "It's an artful sanctuary - every corner tells a story, and it's quiet and charismatic all at once."Campbell added: "This was a home that manages to be both deeply personal and architecturally ambitious. 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 big reveal took place at Glasgow's House for an Art Lover - designed by Charles Rennie six finalists came face-to-face, meeting the judges for the first time as well as getting a chance to cast their eyes over each other's Jessica, meeting the other finalists was a highlight: "We met all of the finalists and had such a great day talking to them. "We have a WhatsApp group now that we keep in touch through. It's easy to get on with people that are like minded and have put their heart and souls into the design of their homes. "So, everything from building and designing and filming SHOTY were all shared experiences for us. It was so interesting to see all their ideas." The 2025 series of Scotland's Home of the Year visited 18 exceptional properties across other finalists were Sandstone Bungalow in Giffnock, Wee City Nook in Edinburgh, The Tree House in Broughty Ferry, An Cala Cottage in Skye and Craigmount near 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."The eighth series of the property show will begin filming in locations around Scotland later this month.
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Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
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
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Look inside the bright and luxurious bungalow that's made the final of Scotland's Home of the Year
The excitement is mounting, as we catapult towards the grand finale of Scotland's Home of the Year on June 2. It takes place at Glasgow's House for an Art Lover, where six sets of nervous property owners discover who's taking the grand prize. They include Pamela and Gordon Bain of the Sandstone Bungalow in Giffnock. Their home became the first finalist way back in episode one, the West heat, which was screened in April. At the decider, it'll be going up against Hilltop House, Pitmedden; Wee City Nook, Edinburgh; The Tree House, Broughty Ferry; An Cala Cottage on the Isle of Skye and Craigmount, near Dalbeattie. It's stiff competition, but the bungalow's owners should clear room on a mantelpiece, just in case. After all, the judges were completely blown away, and each awarded it a 10. They only had positive things to say. Even if they don't win, the Bain family are amazed to make it this far. 'It was absolutely bizarre. You know, we really weren't expecting to get to the final,' says Pamela, who works as a graphic designer. 'To be honest, it would just be lovely to be featured, as we've always watched the programme. Well, I certainly have. We just thought this would be a fun experience that would celebrate all the work we've done in the house'. Since appearing on the show, Pamela has been glued to series seven. Her favourite contenders, apart from her own, have been The Tree House and An Cala Cottage. As their episode revealed, Pamela and her family - husband, Gordon Bain, son, Caleb, and their Irish setter - have been at their Thirties property for five years. They transformed it, which meant spending almost every weekend and evening to get it to the stage that made the SHOTY judges' eyes turn to saucers. The team loved that the house featured plays on contrasting colours, with rooms painted in light shades that had dramatically dark floors, and vice versa,. Then there was the wooden herringbone floor that extends from the vast hallway and into the kitchen. As well as changing the decor, the family have added a cool zinc-clad extension, to create an open plan cooking and living space. This is where Pamela placed her SHOTY favourite spot loveheart, as the dual aspect means she can keep an eye on both the dog and her son. Banjo Beale loved it here too, and said he wanted to make pancakes. 'He's welcome to come round and do that, any time,' Pamela says. After the property had been on the show and was revealed as a finalist, the Bains had lots of proud friends getting in contact. 'They were all so happy for us and were shouting about it on social media, and it was really nice to have that support,' she says. Apparently, when Caleb went to school, other kids mentioned that they'd spotted him in the show. 'He thought it was so funny that people were coming up to him saying, 'well done',' says Pamela. He's bound to be popular among his friends, as one of the bungalow's rooms, which wasn't featured on the programme, is a cinema space, where he can watch films with his pals. This may be a modern addition, but the judges on SHOTY loved that the Bains had leant into the property's Thirties features, and hadn't ripped out elements,for the sake of it. For example, it retains its stained glass, as well as original fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom and, in a bathroom, they have the rather unique addition of a blue loo. Instead of replacing this with something neutral, they painted the whole room dark blue, wallpapered the ceiling with a landscape print, and managed to celebrate their pastel cludgie. The judges also loved the use of Pamela's dark wood antique furniture, including a drinks trolley and sideboard, that she has showcased in the dining room. She inherited those pieces from her granny, and the judges thought that the setting made them look contemporary. 'We did buy the house, thinking that they would look good in it,' she says. There are also lots of other cool objects scattered around the house. Things that you wouldn't find everywhere, like the pretty pink glass kitchen pendant lights, a vintage chandelier and saffron-coloured curtains that graze the floor. They're testament to Pamela's magpie-like skills. 'There's a lot of secondhand buys from charity shops and vintage warehouses, but also there's a huge amount of high street,' she says. 'I'm not snobby when it comes to buying a vase from a supermarket. When I see something that I think reflects our personality, then I'll get it, and it doesn't really matter where it's from. I think having a nice collection of different things makes it feel a bit more unique and full of personality'. When it comes to design, Pamela gets much of her inspiration online and has her own Instagram account, @perfecting_the_house 'I mostly use Pinterest for ideas. I'm doing a lot of boards, and also I look at Instagram, as there are lots of home accounts, and I obviously share my home on there as well,' she says. 'So, there's a big community, just sharing inspiration'. Since appearing on the show, Pamela has, unsurprisingly, had more folk than usual asking her for design advice. 'I've got a lot of very talented friends, so they don't need any help, but I do get people asking for input,' she says. 'I love that. I'm very much up for helping. I've got a colour and a pattern sort of eye'. The Scotland's Home of the Year final is on June 2, 8.30pm, BBC Scotland, BBC Scotland have opened applications for Scotland's Home of the Year 2026, see 2 . TV room and snug IWC Media Photo: IWC Media Photo Sales 3 . Dining room with granny's furniture and pale pink walls IWC Media Photo: IWC Media Photo Sales 4 . The kitchen, with what Danny described as a 'ceiling lantern' IWC Media Photo: IWC Media Photo Sales
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Every stunning house that has been crowned BBC Scotland's Home of the Year
Scotland's Home of the Year is back, with the six finalists for 2025 now revealed Scotland's Home of the Year has become a beloved fixture in the country's TV calendar since it first arrived on the scene in 2019, shining a spotlight on creativity, character and charm in homes of all shapes and sizes. Each year, judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale, and Danny Campbell crisscross the country in search of standout properties that reflect the unique spirit of Scottish design and living. Now, the wait is nearly over as the six finalists for 2025 have been unveiled. Competing for the coveted title are: Sandstone Bungalow in Giffnock; Hilltop House in Aberdeenshire; Wee City Nook in Edinburgh's Stockbridge; The Tree House in Broughty Ferry; An Cala Cottage on the Isle of Skye; and Craigmount in Dalbeattie. These homes, chosen from a pool of 18 standout contenders, will go head-to-head in the grand finale, airing Monday, June 2, on BBC Scotland. With a mix of architectural styles, personal flair and inspired interiors, each finalist brings something distinct to the table. We take a look back at every home that has claimed the title of Scotland's Home of the Year since the series began. Scotland's Home of the Year winner 2024 Scotland's Home of the Year winner 2024 Scotland's Home of the Year winner 2023
