Special commendation for these HOTY …
RTÉ’s popular show Home of the Year, presented by the late Hugh Wallace since its inception, features 21 stunning homes spanning Dublin to Donegal. From restored period homes and reimagined semi-detached houses to architectural new builds, the series always inspires viewers with a diverse range of design styles and creativity from across the country.
Award-winning judges, architect Amanda Bone of DTA Architects and interior consultant Siobhán Lam, April and the Bear founder, visit three exceptional homes weekly for two months to score them out of 10 on individuality, functionality and clever design. The home with the highest score in each episode advances to the grand final when one lucky homeowner will be crowned the winner. See some of our favourite runners-up that deserve a commendation …
Moving back from Australia, Marc and Christine took some influences from its architecture to create a unique home in this spectacular new build in Wicklow.
This sleek, modern house with fun and functional elements has become the perfect hub for entertaining, now that they’re home with family and friends.
Sean and Catherine’s self-build journey began in 2018 when they moved home after living abroad for several years to start a family. Catherine, an architect, designed their forever home on family land in Armagh to feel like it was carved from the mountains itself. The house uses locally sourced stone and is topped with a wild meadow roof.
The couple describes the interiors as earthy and relaxed, reflecting the quietness of the area and its closeness to nature. It’s a game changer for a family living in apartments for years.
Sarah and Gerard built this vernacular home on the site of Gerard’s grand-uncle and grand-aunt’s homestead in Roscommon. Initially, as the family lived in the Middle East they intended the house to act as a base during visits home; however, they decided to move back to Ireland towards the end of the build and added an extension three years later.
They wanted to create a modern home to bed easily into its surroundings which was achieved by incorporating a variety of natural materials and colourful accents.
Paul and Joesphine say that they were in the right place at the right time when they purchased their Donegal home in 2022.
Having just sold their previous house, the couple thought they might be ready to downsize until they fell in love with this beautiful manse. They spent over three years, working day and night, restoring the Victorian property to its former glory.
The classic interiors feature carefully selected pieces of period furniture which the couple often salvaged and upcycled to stay true to the home’s Victorian roots. As antiques are one of their biggest passions, to be able to curate a home like this is a lifelong dream.
Vivienne and Enda purchased the site for their new build in Kilkenny in 2022. Over the next few years, Enda worked on the exterior while Vivienne focused on the interiors. The result is a stunning modern dormer bungalow finished with a white render.
The couple favour a transitional style that mixes classic shapes, clean lines, neutral palettes and varied textures, creating the perfect space to entertain.
Kelly and Fiachra built their dream home on family land in Clare in 2024. The couple opted for a u-shaped design with a neutral colour palette.
The contemporary interiors provide a sense of warmth and calm as soon as you walk through the front door.
Erica and Liam spent four years working steadily throughout the Covid period to complete their new build Georgian-inspired bungalow in Mayo, with all of the main rooms oriented toward the back garden to let light in.
The couple describe their home as a bright, contemporary family sanctuary where functional design meets practical living.
Catch the finale on April 21 at 7pm on RTÉ One or catch up on RTÉ Player.
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