RTE Home Of The Year viewers have all been left making the same remark after an “over the top” Cork home left one judge riled up.
The RTE series that showcases Ireland’s most jaw-dropping houses made its return to the small screen last week.
Viewers fell in love with one property on tonight’s Home of the Year[/caption]
Clive lives in a stunning restored terraced home in Wicklow[/caption]
His home just fell short of the required score to make it to the final[/caption]
This year the returning judges were architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants Hugh Wallace and award-winning architect Amanda Bone.
And tonight, RTE introduced a new face to the judging panel, Siobhan Lam, who is the founder of the popular interior store April and the Bear.
Looking for individuality, functionality and clever design, the three judges will each score the homes out of 10 and the home with the highest combined score in each programme will go through to the final, where the winner will be crowned.
Tonight’s episode saw the judges headed to Wicklow where single-man Clive showcased his two-up-two-down terraced home.
Clive completely restored the home himself, which took a lot of time and attention as it is nearly 150 years old.
When he first bought the home it was unrecognisable due to fire damage, when restoring it, Clive opted to rescue the stonework and much of its original charm.
He explained that it was an “analogue” home, with it having very simple functions disregarding any modern home technological advancements.
Walking into the home all the judges gasped, as Hugh exclaimed: “There’s just so much going on. It’s quite extraordinary.”
Siobhan said: “This is fantastic. This is clearly someone who has done a renovation themselves and made it completely their own.”
Hugh added: “This home owner really respects building, so there’s no doubt about his love for the building.”
Hard to impress, Amanda gushed: “Did not expect this. Like I am gobsmacked. This is the complete opposite of what I am drawn to or what would normally work here.”
However, when it came to voting the Wicklow terrace just fell short of the mark, finishing with a score of 25.
The winning home of tonight’s episode scored 27 and was a contemporary compact suburban house in Dublin.
And RTE viewers were equally mesmerised by the property as they took to social media to express their views.
One viewer said: “House 1 would make a great Airbnb.”
Colin tweeted: “Love house 1. Don’t know what got into Hugh?”
Crossy remarked: “This first house has to be a winner for the series? It’s incredible.”
