Two stunning local homes are in the running for the title of Scotland’s Home of the Year.
In an episode of the hit BBC One Scotland show being screened at 8.30pm tonight (Friday), judges Anna Campbell Jones, Banjo Beale and Michael Angus consider three properties from the Central region – including houses in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
Formerly a spot of waste ground only four and a half metres wide, ‘Skinny House’ in Bridge of Allan was designed by estate agent Austin Halliday’s local architect dad Bobby.
Boasting two external courtyards, the elongated home of Austin, 28, and partner photographer Hayley, 29, is described as “compact with excellent views of the surrounding area”.
Daisy Cottage in Dunblane meanwhile is a “cute, picture perfect traditional cottage” dating from 1784.
Home to artist Laura Gill, 66, and husband David, 73, who is retired, and their three cats Beebee, Belle and Patchy, Daisy Cottage has been in Laura’s family for decades and embraces ‘one level’ living as her father was disabled.
The house is accessible for all and includes a library come study, a terraced back garden and a little art gallery. Laura displays her art creations in Daisy Cottage’s ‘Loovre’ – the bathroom.
‘Skinny House’ owner Austin describes Bridge of Allan as “a proper village full of good people” and his home as “unique”.
And on his inspiration for entering the show, he added: “We felt we created something different, unlike anything else and our vision needs to be shared.
“We were restricted given the nature of the plot, we based this on ‘skinny house’ which are huge in Asia and other countries.”
The couple placed the ‘heart’ marking their favourite spot in the kitchen/rear courtyard.
“We weren’t able to place it where we wanted to,” said Austin, “but we placed it where we felt most at home and where our friends have all shared some good times.
“The house is suited to a young couple/family given the size - but we will never sell it.”
The couple, who will be watching the show tonight at home with family, say their experience of filming for the BBC show was “questionable”, adding: “There was not enough flexibility or thought taken in to what we wanted to showcase, very much all for the programme.
“What goes in to the episode won’t show the real struggle of what goes on behind the scenes.”
Just a few miles up the road in Dunblane, Laura Gill explained why she entered the show.
“I think we live in the perfect house for us, at our age and how we live now. It’s easy to live in, cosy spaces, large multi-use space for entertaining, flexible layout that could be easily refurnished to accommodate a family, walking distance to schools, now really well insulated, and ‘future proofed’ so that we can still stay here as we age – it would equally suit someone with mobility issues now although that’s been done in a way that no-one notice.
“We have amazing peace and privacy in the back garden but when working or sitting in the front garden, people stop for a chat – so we’ll never be isolated.
“It ticks every box for us – but am sure it would tick every box for most folks. It’s chocolate box cute from outside. Traditional little white cottage with pretty garden, but it really surprises folks when they come inside.”
The ‘heart’ was placed in the kitchen, otherwise known as “The Big Room”.
“It’s where everyone gathers, family and friends,” said Laura, “where the doors open in summer and we wander in and out to the terrace. It’s where I can see the snow fall in winter and the birds feeding, the cats sleeping lazily in the sun, where I can watch our granddaughter helping grandpa in the garden.”
On filming the show, Laura said: “Everyone was just lovely. I’d have loved meeting the judges too though. From initial contact (I was shocked – but sure most folks are), everything was very professional and made very easy.
“I’m sure there’s always something you ‘wish you’d done/finished/changed’ – we were away till the day before filming, so I was rushing round like crazy and didn’t ‘dress up’ the house at all.
“The actual filming on the day was so easy, I just felt like I was chatting with a friend and actually forgot about a camera being there.”
The third home in contention is The Old Manse, a mid-19th century, five-bedroom house in Auchterarder, Perthshire.
However, only one home can represent the Central region in the grand finale of Scotland’s Home of the Year and Anna, Banjo and Michael will cast their votes based on architectural merit, distinctive design and original style.
