These are the five dream homes competing to be crowned Northern Ireland’s House of the Year tomorrow night.
From courtyard cottages to contemporary barn houses, 15 properties have been showcased in the BBC NI programme since September.
During the series, host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and three expert judges whittled the contenders down to a five-strong shortlist.
One will take the crown as Northern Ireland’s House of The Year in tomorrow’s final.
Melmore House
Melmore House (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
This restored 1850s villa from Co Down caught the eye of Llewelyn-Bowen in the first episode.
Previously owned by former Chief Constable Sir Graham Shillington, Melmore House dates back to 1855 and was lovingly revamped into a modern family abode.
The detached Holywood home overlooks views of Belfast lough which owners Fiona and Jonathan state was a key reason for buying the property in 2020.
“They [the previous owners] lived in the back of the house, and the rooms with all the beautiful sea views weren’t lived in at all, so we thought we would bring the living area here because it’s all about the views,” Fiona said.
Notable features in the five-bedroom house include a former servant quarter turned kitchen and cinema room.
Inside Melmore House (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
Scott’s Farmhouse
One of the front rooms in Scott’s Farmhouse (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
A 1920s farmhouse in Tyrone, the country home was passed through family since the great-uncle of owner Scott lived at the property.
A classic cottage garden and vine entwined archway leads to the centred front door of the four-square house.
Scott’s Farmhouse in County Tyrone (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
The two-storey home’s interior takes a modern approach while maintaining a traditional frame — a conscious decision made to respect its original features.
Memorabilia from Scott’s travels abroad line the shelves and walls around the house. Judge James Fairley remarked: “It takes me on a journey, there are so many little moments of joy as you journey around.
“You go from quaint English cottage through to Venetian palazzo, to grand Irish country estate.”
Hampton House
Hampton House (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
This 1860s east Belfast mansion, rich in history and once in the hands of CS Lewis’s family, was designed by prolific architect Thomas Jackson.
Previous occupants include the Northern Ireland Youth Association, which used it as a base.
On the verge of collapse, the Grade II listed building was restored to its original prowess by Katie Coulter and her husband Johnny.
The couple now call Hampton House their home along with their four kids.
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Inside Hampton House (BBC Northern Ireland, Elyse Kennedy)
Katie picked up the property for £1.5m in 2020 and it is one of the last period homes in the area.
The Coulter Family were “honoured” to be part of the house’s history.
Katie said: “Although we didn’t do the physical restoration, we did all the decoration and fitting out, which had to meet heritage standards.
“We have tried to keep much of the interior in keeping with how it once looked, but with a modern twist on it.”
The Art House
The Art House, which is situated high up in the hills overlooking Belfast, is the fourth home to take a place in the House Of The Year Final. Pic: BBC NI/Elyse Kennedy
Commanding expansive views of Belfast Lough, the black-cladded home sits high on the hills east of the city.
The unassuming barn-like build is flooded with light thanks to the wide bay windows and skylights installed by owner Heather.
It took three architects and over 10 years to complete the transformation from its derelict state in 2010.
The healthcare worker remarks her favourite feature being the impressive views of Belfast and the Lough.
“You can see the whole city, there’s hawks there and kites there,” she said.
“It’s amazing, it’s just like watching the TV. And the light chops and changes. Sometimes you walk down in the morning and the house is completely pink.”
The home is layered with sculptures, plants and coloured paintings that were carefully selected by Heather.
She chose to keep the ceilings high and have polished concrete floors to add an art museum feel to the property
Llewelyn-Bowen said: “Inside the chic black wrapper is an explosion of art and colour.”
Bijoux in Belfast
The master bedroom
Its red brick and white wall exterior takes on the typical look of its terraced house neighbours, however, behind the façade the home is bursting with style.
The property has been rented by part-time interior designer Donna and her husband Alan for the past decade.
An “understanding landlord” gave the couple leeway to transform the home’s interior, now shrouded in art and colour.
Despite being the smallest property of the finalists, Donna did not hold back in layering the two-storey house with ornaments she has picked up over the years.
Donna said: “I do love creating ‘wow’! I love when people walk in and say: ‘Oh my goodness, I would not expect that’.”
“I just go round different shops anywhere I go on holiday, I just get inspiration from everywhere, really,” she added.
A hallmark feature of the house is the Bali inspired beach hut in the back garden.
Judge of the show, Patricia McGinnis, gave style points for its unique interior design saying: “It’s like walking into a fairytale. They’ve created an amazing little world in here — they’ve put their actual heart and soul into it.”