House Of The Year Opens Its Doors Again on BBC iPlayer

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

House Of The Year returns to BBC iPlayer with the first five episodes landing on Monday 5 January. Each episode sees three very different homes competing for a place in the grand final, where just one will eventually be crowned House Of The Year.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is back to guide viewers through the series, once again joined by a panel of expert judges. Award-winning architect Jane Larmour, interior designer James Fairley and interiors business owner Patricia McGinnis face the task of selecting the five homes that will make the final shortlist.

Laurence says the programme has always been close to his heart, having been involved since its first run in 2010. He describes it as a powerful way of showcasing an aspirational view of the housing landscape in Northern Ireland. Returning to the series now, he notes a clear shift in confidence and creativity, with homeowners embracing individuality and no longer feeling the need to play it safe or follow traditional rules.

The opening episode sets the tone, with the judges choosing between a 1970s bungalow transformed with bold ambition, a semi-detached house reinvented with imagination for a young family, and a penthouse apartment overlooking a golf course, carefully designed around the needs of its owners.

Across the series, Laurence and the judges travel from Belfast to rural County Tyrone and on to the coast at Ballycastle. Along the way they explore a wide mix of homes, including thoughtful new builds, a colourful terraced house, a cottage created using traditional craftsmanship, an upside-down property shaped around sea views, and an eco house designed with sustainability in mind.

Jane Larmour says she is always drawn to homes that reflect how people truly live. For her, the strongest entries combine beauty with practicality and sit naturally within their surroundings. She looks closely at how a home will age and adapt over time, valuing light, comfort, durability and good planning, believing that when a house works well, character and beauty follow naturally.

James Fairley says he is delighted to return to the judging panel alongside Jane, Patricia and Laurence. Having been impressed by the quality and variety of homes in the previous series, he feels this year uncovers even more hidden gems, each with a story that adds depth to the design.

Patricia McGinnis says the new season reflects the diversity of real homes and real tastes, with something to appeal to everyone. She also promises Laurence at his best, delivering sharp observations and keeping the judging lively.

House Of The Year begins on Monday 5 January on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer. The first five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer after the opening episode airs. The grand final will be broadcast on Monday 9 February on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.