PICTURES: Homeowners on the Black Isle and Culloden open doors to TV judges for new season of BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year
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A GOLDEN bathtub beneath a chandelier and a glitter ball held in the mouth of a giraffe statue are among the quirky features of a converted folly Rory Haigh and Eilidh Sutherland call home.
The interior design of Loch Lann House in Culloden certainly cannot be described as minimalist.
As Scotland’s Home of the Year returns to BBC Scotland it is among the contenders in the first episode, which comes from the Highlands.
The converted 18th century dovecote is up against The Tower, a church conversion on the Black Isle which is home to Rob and Rachel Hill, and Lorne Cottage in Fort William, a dainty renovated cottage dating from around 1800.
Each will be scrutinised and marked by judges, interior designer Anna Campbell Jones, architect and lecturer Michael Angus and blogger Kate Spiers, as they embark on the search for outstanding homes across Scotland.
Scoring them on architectural merit, distinctive design and original style, they must decide which Highland abode will win a place in the grand final.
For the past 18 years, Loch Lann House has been the family home for Rory and Eilidh who live there with the youngest of their six children, 17-year-old Athol.
The original house is over 300 years old and is described by one judge as an “extraordinary Gothic extravaganza” with its theatrical and bold design including a circular hallway, art studio and quirky living space.
The master bedroom’s deep luxurious golden bathtub, which previously occupied a bathroom in a Parisian hotel, is designated by the couple as their favourite spot.
It perhaps epitomises the couple’s creative vision for the house which is crammed with an extraordinary collection of items.
The couple, who run an underfloor heating company, acknowledge it may not be to everyone’s taste but feel it is fun.
“We are not minimalist!” Eilidh said.
“It is our home and we live in it.
“It doesn’t really matter what other people’s opinions are.”
But certainly it has the ‘wow’ factor and has been a labour of love for the couple.
As a listed building, there are restrictions over what can be done and it took five years to get planning permission to add an extension and another five to build it.
“It is an old lady,” Eilidh said.
“It has evolved over the years. It has taken a long time to do it.”
Also inviting the judges to explore the nooks and crannies in their home are retired couple Rob and Rachel Hill and their dog, Tia, who have lived in The Tower for almost 10 years after moving from a Victorian semi in Inverness – although they admit it was not what they had been looking for.
“We were looking for something smaller by the sea,” Rob said.
“But as soon as we went to see it, we wanted it.”
Rachel recalled her first viewing of the 1870 church tower which had already undergone the main conversion in the 1980s.
“My first impressions were the height and the light coming in, the big windows and the big staircase,” she said.
“Those were the things which really attracted us first – and the amount of space and the sea views.”
While they have various favourite spots including a large sitting room on an upper floor with views out to sea, they single out the kitchen as the very favourite.
“It is a really fantastic social space – and all parties end up in the kitchen,” Rob said.
“The kitchen is always the hub of activity.”
The couple’s collection of art and vintage posters collected from their travels is displayed around the vast wall space.
Not only are the judges taking a close look at their home, so will fans of the popular TV programme.
“We have put our hearts and soul into the house,” Rachel said.
“It feels like a personal thing so I am a bit nervous about it.
“But I love the programme and the judges never say mean things – not to camera anyway!
“They are very complimentary and respectful of people’s houses.
“It’s a nice programme.”
Each week the judges, who give scores out of 10, will choose a winner from the nine regions for the final at Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover.
Judge Anna Campbell Jones said she looks for a blend of three important criteria.
“What I’m looking for a home is a sense of uniqueness, sincerity but, most importantly, love,” she said.
Michael Angus added: “As a teacher, I aim to inspire and I in turn love to be inspired and I’m looking for homes that will do that through being well-crafted, distinctive and just delightful.
Kate Spiers said: “I’m looking for those final charming details that take a space from just being a building to somewhere that feels like home.”
The Highland episode of Scotland’s Home of the Year, which is made by IWC Media, will be shown on Monday, April 4 from 8.30pm to 9pm.
This episode will also be shown on the BBC Scotland channel on Wednesday, April 6 at 8pm.
