Home of the Year Episode 4

The three judges cast a critical eye over a split level home in Wicklow, a 1950’s estate home in Dublin and a renovated 1870’s cottage in Sligo.

Padma and John Burke, Co. Wicklow

Padma, her husband John and their son live in a split-level home in Co. Wicklow.    The couple bought the property as a new build in November 2017 and upon moving in, they utilised the spacious garden by adding a gazebo as well as an annex with a playroom, gym and bar. Padma designed the interiors of the home using bright colours, a range of textures and unusual pieces of décor, she describes the style as a mix of contemporary and modern with an Indian touch.

What the judges had to say:

Hugh felt that there was no design relationship throughout the various rooms of this home and gave it 7/10. There was too much going on for Sara in regards the colours and styles throughout the home and she too gave a 7, as did Amanda. Total score: 21/30.

Lisa and Conor Healy, Dublin

Lisa Healy lives with her husband, Conor, and their children in a 1950’s mid-century estate home in Dublin. They purchased the property in 2014, added a rear single storey extension in 2017 and in 2019 they completed their renovation by insulating the first floor and redecorating the upstairs. The couple describe their home as ‘eclectic’, they don’t tend to follow any one particular style, they love how their house is individual to them and makes a happy home for their children.

What the judges had to say:

Amanda liked the living space in the new extension, but felt the open-plan layout was disrupted by not continuing the entrance hall into the extension, giving this home 7/10. Hugh gave it 8/10 as he felt the homeowners had made the best use out of the available space. Sara also scored this home 8/10 and felt the home offered a warm welcome when you stepped inside. Total score: 23/30.

Martin and Saoirse O’Dwyer, Sligo

Martin and Saoirse live in a renovated 1870’s cottage with barrel roof extension in Sligo along with their twin boys. In 2014 they were on the look-out for a coastal family home when they came across a cottage in need of renovation by the sea in Sligo. They turned the dwelling into a family home and later added a barrel roof extension with an upstairs open plan area that is situated to make the most of the front facing coastal views. The interiors were decorated by Saoirse in an eclectic style and combine the antique furnishings in the original dwelling with modern furniture in the new extension. The couple love the old cottage which is full of history and how the modern extension is full of light.

What the judges had to say:

Hugh gave this home full marks and felt that the homeowners had created a unique and special family home. Sara felt that they had made the best use of the views and liked how they combined the traditional cottage and modern barn extension giving it 8/10. Amanda scored 7/10 as she felt the cottage was too cluttered and you couldn’t appreciate the architecture of it for this reason. Total Score: 25/30 – putting this home through to the final!

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Look back to Episode One here

Look back to Episode Two here

Look back to Episode Three here

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Photography: RTÉ/Shinawil 2021. Photography credit: Joe McCallion