Six Unique Scottish Homes Compete for 2026 Home of the Year Title

Six unique Scottish homes, ranging from traditional to modern, compete for the 2026 Home of the Year. Judges tour properties, meet owners, and prepare to select the winner in a highly anticipated final.

Six Properties Compete for Scotland's Home of the Year

Six distinctive properties are contending for the prestigious title of Scotland's Home of the Year in 2026.

Interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale, alongside architect Danny Campbell, have toured Scotland extensively to evaluate the contenders and will select the winner in the upcoming final on Monday.

The 2026 selection features a diverse range of homes, including old, new, traditional, and unconventional designs. The judges must narrow these down to a single champion.

This event also provides an opportunity for the judges to meet the homeowners and assess how well they align with their residences.

Below is an overview of the six homes competing for this coveted award.

Homegrown Hoose

Located in Edinburgh's Mortonhall, Homegrown Hoose is inhabited by Emily, Robert, their children Jackson and Ada, and the family’s chickens.

Emily, a horticulturalist, initially disliked the bungalow conversion when they moved in 2011.

"I hated it when we viewed it. It was awful. But we got some vision and decided to give it a go."

Her husband Robert, a professor of timber engineering, combined their expertise to sustainably modernize their mid-century home.

The cozy family residence reflects Robert's professional focus.

"We turned the house back to front. We repurposed it to rip the guts out and do what we could to bring it up to the standard you see today.

"The area of work I am in... the house is heavily influenced by timber technologies."

IWC Media Emily, a woman with greying hair and Robert, a hairless man, sit on a trendy denim blue sofa in their open plan living area. Bright cushions and throws in orange and white lift the mood, with an orange coffee table sitting on the polished wood floor. — Emily hated the house, but Robert used his knowledge to transform it

IWC Media More timber in a view through an opening into a bedroom, lined in wood, with a wooden floor and wood shelving. Bright skylights on the sloped right hand side flood the room with light. — Timber is the star of the show in the Homegrown Hoose

IWC Media A different view of the living area shows more of the warm orange touches, a lamp, a velvet cushion on a wooden crafted chair, warm lights in the kitchen beyond. Children's paintings are framed on the wall. — The couple reversed the house to put the kitchen and living areas at the back

The Black Shed

The Black Shed, near Broadford on the Isle of Skye, is owned by Nick and Joan.

Inspired by the traditional blackhouses of the Hebrides, it is a minimalist, architect-designed home.

Retired doctor Nick and his partner Joan have personalized this distinctive property by adding a guest studio.

The couple appreciate the stunning views and the proximity to nature, often observing wildlife from their windows.

Douglas fir was chosen for the interior, complementing the rugged landscape.

"We love the wood cladding throughout," said Nick.

"I mean, some of my friends have said, oh, 'it's like living in a tree'.

"Well, I quite like living in a tree – it works really well."

IWC Media Two people stand side by side in a grassy outdoor area in front of a modern, dark-clad house with a sloped roof. The building features large windows, a metal chimney pipe, and a minimalist design set against a rural hillside landscape. The scene is lit by natural daylight, with muted skies and earthy tones highlighting the contrast between the black structure and the surrounding greenery. — Joan and Nick outside their Isle of Skye Black Shed

IWC Media A compact, wood-panelled room features a built-in bed on the left with cushions and a mustard-coloured blanket. Opposite, a long wooden desk holds an open laptop, books, and small objects, with shelves above filled with neatly arranged books and framed photos. A window centred on the back wall lets in daylight and reveals a grassy outdoor scene, while a striped rug and simple chair complete the cosy workspace. — The couple love that there is a strong link between the outdoors and the interior of the house.

IWC Media A warm, wood-panelled living room features a leather sofa, minimalist chairs, and a striped rug arranged in a clean, modern layout. Large floor-to-ceiling windows frame a sunlit rural landscape, blending the cosy interior with the surrounding greenery. — Nick likened his home to "living in a tree"

Blawlowan Georgian Townhouse

The Central area winner is a Georgian townhouse named Blawlowan in Bridge of Allan.

Homeowners Linda and Euan admired the house from afar before fulfilling their dream of moving in seven years ago.

"We had walked past the house many times and always dreamed of living in it," Euan said. "We went to the open day not thinking we'd be lucky enough to get it but a week-and-a-half later it was ours."

The house had been vacant for five years, but developers had maintained it and addressed damp issues.

Since moving in, the couple, who live there with their middle daughter Erin, her partner Danny, and their dogs Barley and Sam, have renovated the property extensively, preserving original features while adding character through upcycling and antiques.

The master bedroom features a freestanding bathtub positioned to overlook woodland through a window. The dressing room contains antique furniture and a sliding barn-style door leading to a shower room.

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"We can't see ourselves moving," the couple said, viewing themselves as custodians of Blawlowan.

IWC Media Linda and Euan stand side by side on a gravel driveway in front of a light-coloured house with large windows and a doorway. Lush green hedges line the left side, while potted plants and small garden features decorate the area near the building. The scene is brightly lit under a partly cloudy sky, giving a vibrant and airy outdoor setting. — Linda and Euan had admired Blawlowan from afar before they bought the property seven years ago

IWC Media A tastefully decorated living room features dark wood-panelled walls, a polished wooden floor, and elegant vintage-style furnishings. In the centre, a console table displays floral arrangements, framed mirrors, and decorative objects beneath a bright window. A deep red tufted sofa and footstool add contrast, while antlers mounted on the wall and a chandelier complete the refined interior. — The interior is full of original features and modern character

IWC Media A bright, spacious bathroom features a freestanding black bathtub placed centrally on warm wooden floorboards. White walls are decorated with mirrors, plants, and shelves, while a large window lets in abundant natural light. A chandelier hangs above, and vintage furniture and accessories add a stylish, eclectic touch to the room. — The stunning bathroom was one of the standout rooms

Victorian Sandstone Villa

A semi-detached Victorian Sandstone Villa in Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, was the winner of episode four.

Built in 1890, it is home to Wendy, Scott, their children Hunter and Summer, and the family dog Tux.

The couple extended the original house to create a bright, adaptable kitchen, dining, and living space for the family, featuring a bespoke 12-seater sofa that impressed the judges.

To manage costs, Wendy and Scott undertook much of the renovation themselves, describing it as a learning experience to create a future-proof home.

During their visit, Beale noted the impeccable order, mentioning that even Tux's dog bed matched the sofa. Campbell-Jones remarked that a home should tell the owner's story, which this house accomplished. Danny Campbell praised the project as "executed with absolute conviction."

IWC Media Scott and Wendy stand side by side on a gravel driveway beside a black dog, in front of a large house with a steep, tiled roof and dormer windows. The house features warm stone walls, black timber accents, and is surrounded by neatly maintained greenery and shrubs. Overhanging tree branches and soft daylight create a calm, residential atmosphere in the garden setting. — Scott and Wendy's Kilmacolm villa is a hidden gem

IWC Media A cosy children’s bedroom features a green built-in bunk bed with patterned bedding and warm wall lights tucked into the frame. Playful decor, including a woven animal head, framed artwork, toys, and a soft rug, creates a bright and inviting space near a large window. — Playful areas like the children's built-in bunk beds stood out

IWC Media A bright, modern living room features large glass doors and windows that open onto a green garden with a patio and outdoor seating. Inside, a blue patterned sofa, neutral ottoman, and a sleek fireplace create a comfortable seating area with soft, natural lighting. — The twelve-seater sofa was a favourite with the judges

Granny's House

The judges' selection from the South is Granny's House, near Gatehouse of Fleet.

The original granny asked her grandson and his partner, Vicki, to live in the house before she passed away at 101.

The renovation has been a labor of love for the couple, who have created a beautiful home for their three sons, Freddie, Alfie, and Robbie, their cockapoo Hettie, and a pony named Bramble.

The homeowners inherited Granny's House and the adjoining farmland, which has been in Duncan's family for generations.

They extended the property to include a large living space, a wrap-around extension, and recreational features such as a swimming pond for their children.

Vicki's interior design impressed the judges and received many compliments.

Banjo Beale said the house was like a warm hug, and architect Danny Campbell said he would have enjoyed growing up there with his brothers.

Vicki noted that her design inspiration came from the surrounding landscape.

IWC Media A traditional stone house with a pitched roof sits behind a low stone wall and iron gate, surrounded by lush green shrubs and garden plants. A tall, spiky tree stands to the left, while a modern extension with large windows is visible on the right side of the building. Dark, heavy clouds fill the sky above, contrasting with the warm tones of the stone exterior and the greenery below. — Granny's House is far from old fashioned

IWC Media A group of five people sit and stand together outdoors on gravel beside a low stone wall, accompanied by a small dog resting on a seated person’s lap. Behind them stretches a lush green landscape with rolling fields and a calm body of water under a cloudy sky. Casual seating, light clothing, and garden flowers create a relaxed, scenic setting in the countryside. — The star of the show at this home was the view

IWC Media A stylish open-plan living and dining area features soft green sofas, woven chairs, and layered neutral decor against dark painted walls. Glass pendant lights hang above a wooden dining table, while shelves, plants, and framed photos add warmth and personality. — Vicki's interior design was a plus point and led to many compliments

IWC Media A warm, cosy bedroom features a wooden-framed bed layered with soft pillows and neutral-toned bedding beneath a sloped ceiling. Framed photos, plants, and string lights decorate the walls, while a cushioned bench and woven baskets add texture and comfort. — Granny's house was all about modern country comfort

Grindwell Knowe

Grindwell Knowe, located in Shetland, is home to Susie and her miniature poodle, Pascha.

Susie, an American former chef, began renovating this converted crofter's house near Vidlin on Shetland's mainland in 2008 as a retirement project.

The result is a beautifully extended home that celebrates its unique location.

Susie favored a clean, modern architectural style and converted an external byre into a guest house featuring a sunken indoor hot tub.

IWC Media Susie stands in a landscaped garden holding a small dog, in front of a modern, wood-clad house set against rolling hills. The home features large windows, clean lines, and a mix of rustic and contemporary design elements. Surrounding plants, stone paths, and a cloudy sky create a calm, natural countryside setting. — Susie and her miniature poodle moved into the house in 2008

IWC Media A bright, open-plan kitchen and dining space features pale blue walls, skylights, and large windows that flood the room with natural light. A marble-topped island, modern cabinetry, and a round wooden dining table with chairs create a blend of contemporary and classic design. — Susie built a modern extension onto her cottage

IWC Media A bright attic bedroom features a low, sloping ceiling painted pale blue and a bed dressed in crisp white bedding. A playful patterned wall with plants and animals, along with small furniture and a window, adds charm and character to the cosy space. — All the rooms had a cosy feel with lovely views

IWC Media A narrow, light-filled hallway features textured white walls, pale wood flooring, and a ceiling painted soft blue. Large sliding glass doors line one side, while coats, bookshelves, and a patterned rug add colour and lived-in detail along the corridor. — Even the corridor between rooms has a stunning view

Judges' Reflections Ahead of the Final

Speaking before the final on Monday, Banjo Beale commented:

"We've seen some fabulous houses so it's going to be really tough today to pick a winner. My taste couldn't be further from these guys so I expect some healthy debating today."

Architect Danny Campbell added:

"It's been such a hotly contested competition this year and I'm so excited to meet the lives behind the layouts and celebrate their courage, craftmanship and creativity."

Anna Campbell-Jones expressed enthusiasm about selecting a champion:

"As always, so many incredible homes all completely different. Yet again, an incredibly challenging time ahead working out which one is going to be our winner."

Facing six unforgettable and unique homes, Anna, Banjo, and Danny will cast their votes before announcing the winner of Scotland's Home of the Year 2026.