IT'S that most wonderful time of the year, when the nation puts aside its differences to pass judgment on whatever outfits the judges are wearing to the final of Scotland’s Home of the Year.
After that, it’s down to the serious business of selecting a winner from the six finalists vying to lift the trophy.
Since its arrival in the BBC Scotland schedules in 2019, SHOTY has become an audience favourite for its mix of design chat, architectural observations, and the banter between Campbell-Jones and fellow judges Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell.
This year has seen standards reach new heights, with an incredible four out of six finalists scoring top marks of 30. The remaining two were a whisper behind at 29.
Every homeowner who gathers at Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover will be hoping the place they have poured money, sweat and yes, sometimes blood into, will receive its just reward. But only one can go away with the prize. Here are the contenders for Scotland’s Home of the Year 2025.
Sandstone Bungalow, Giffnock, the West
Home to Pamela and Gordon, their son Caleb and Rosa the Irish Setter, the Sandstone Bungalow blends old with new, whilst retaining the beautiful original 1930s details. The couple’s design choices bring the home up-to-date with a bright and modern kitchen, dining and living spaces.
Remembered for: Scoring top marks from the judges straight out of the gate, setting a high standard the rest of the series would follow.
Hilltop House, Aberdeenshire, North East and Northern Isles
Situated on the outskirts of Pitmedden in rural Aberdeenshire, Hilltop House is home to Chris, Jessica, their son Chase and dogs Enzo and Dino. The couple designed their bright, contemporary house around the original footprint of the farm steading, fusing mid-century and Californian cool style to create their dream home.
Remembered for: Another showstopper, earning a trio of tens from the judges - the second in the series.
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Wee City Nook, Edinburgh, East
A first-floor traditional tenement in the Stockbridge area, Wee City Nook is home to Devin and Max. The couple combined their creative skills to design and rebuild each room in this small-but-perfectly-formed home, creating clever storage solutions, maximising every nook and cranny. Together, they have created a bold, bright and colourful abode which truly packs a design punch.
Remembered for: More top marks and turning skateboards into wall art.
The Tree House, Broughty Ferry, Central and Tayside
A modernist 1960s property, The Tree House is home to Jackie, Paul and their cats Mirren and Kaja. The couple fell in love with this neglected house, which had lain empty for five years, lovingly breathing new life into it whilst preserving the original architect’s vision. Amongst their changes, they reworked the upstairs space to create their bedroom of dreams overlooking the treetops.
Remembered for: Introducing the concept of enfilade (“without corridors”) into viewers’ lives.
An Cala Cottage, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands
A cosy cottage, An Cala Cottage is home to Caroline, Lee and their dog, Nuala. This traditional cottage was brought back to life on a budget, with the couple incorporating charming charity shop finds with a creative use of colour throughout. They took inspiration for their interior design from the coastal and mountain views which surround, creating a cosy and relaxing home.
Remembered for: Being another school day for the judges, with Banjo describing a bedroom as “hurkle-durkle” - a place to hibernate in all day.
Craigmount, near Dalbeattie, South
A Victorian semi-detached house that’s 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.
Remembered for: The family entered SHOTY because the show was a firm favourite of Grace’s late gran. And another trio of perfect tens from the judges.
Head judge Campbell-Jones says: "As always we have a set of finalists that are uniquely different from each other, from restored modernist dreams to handcrafted miniature perfection, there's inspiration for everyone.
"When we film the final we are never sure who the winner will be - it could genuinely be any of these amazing homes."
Scotland’s Home of the Year: the final, 8.30pm Monday, BBC1
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