0:00:38 > 0:00:39So, good evening
0:00:39 > 0:00:45and a very big welcome to the final of House of the Year 2012.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Our search is almost over and I'm delighted you can join us
0:00:48 > 0:00:50for what promises to be a great evening.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54It's been an absolutely fantastic series.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57The standard really has never been higher.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00All 12 houses are now in with a chance
0:01:00 > 0:01:03to win the overall coveted title
0:01:03 > 0:01:07and one of these bespoke sculptures, by local goldsmith, Diane Lyness.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Also up for grabs is the Individual Merit award,
0:01:10 > 0:01:15which goes to the property the judges feel deserves special commendation.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20Talking of judges, here they are to present the awards tonight.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25Please welcome head judge and internationally-renowned architect, Des Ewing.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27APPLAUSE
0:01:27 > 0:01:29And interior designer to royalty, Suzanne Garuda.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32APPLAUSE
0:01:32 > 0:01:36And from Manhattan, interior designer to pop royalty, Michael Tavano.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38APPLAUSE
0:01:38 > 0:01:43So, they have scored each of tonight's properties
0:01:43 > 0:01:45in several categories,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49including architectural integrity, interior design, use of space,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51circulation and layout, external merit
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and overall ambience and appeal.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56It's all very exciting.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Without further ado, let's look at the first of tonight's contenders.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Episode one featured two properties in County Fermanagh.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Molly and Jimmy Armstrong's Japanese church house
0:02:07 > 0:02:09in Tattykeeran near Tempo
0:02:09 > 0:02:14and Richard Cooper's lakeside family home in Enniskillen.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19We also had Lee and Kate Jenkinson's contemporary beach house in Cloughey, County Down.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22So, what did our judges think of them?
0:02:22 > 0:02:24First, it's Molly and Jimmy Armstrong's
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Japanese church house in Tattykeeran.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Originally a mid-nineteenth century church,
0:02:29 > 0:02:34it was redesigned by their architect son, Nathan, who lives in Tokyo.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38It's a fascinating marriage of East meets West.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40I've seen nothing like this in Northern Ireland before.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42I've seen extensions and renovations,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44but the way this is produced is unique.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Its style of architecture is just so simple, but yet harmonious.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51The panel loved this house.
0:02:51 > 0:02:57The interior of it and especially that little link part just seemed to capture the imagination
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and I think it was down to the detail of it and the warmth of the oak.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04In the individual categories, it's got to score well for architectural integrity
0:03:04 > 0:03:08in that it's just such a simple solution to the issue that's here -
0:03:08 > 0:03:10the fact that they're re-using an existing building
0:03:10 > 0:03:13is also environmentally very sound.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17I think people in Northern Ireland will not all get this house
0:03:17 > 0:03:19because it just looks so different,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21but if you just spend a little time there
0:03:21 > 0:03:24and you get a feeling of the texture and warmth of this building,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I think most people will love it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28I could live in this house very easily.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30I love something so clean and so simple.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34The Japanese church house is a beautifully simple,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38clean solution to extending a listed building.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42This house has got to be a contender for the title.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48Next, we've got Lee and Kate Jenkinson's
0:03:48 > 0:03:50contemporary beach house in Cloughey County Down.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53It's a stylish pad that wouldn't look out of place in Malibu,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56but it was realised on an extremely modest budget.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59When I came to Northern Ireland,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I wasn't expecting homes like I'd been seeing, especially this one.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07I really did feel like I was walking into a Malibu bungalow.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I'm speechless and that's unusual for me.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12They did this on a small budget.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15They paid great attention to detail.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It was really exciting to walk through it
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and see how they use the space.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23That view was incredible, just brilliant.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27This house is really going to score high in a lot of categories.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Lee was really successful with the exterior,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31how he messed his materials
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and how he used the turnstile in the driveway
0:04:34 > 0:04:36to be able to get cars in and out.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39The interior details that they put into it were really brilliant,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43that open well that went down...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46In the final, I think this house will be right up there.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50They had a great piece of property, they had a small budget,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and they created this spectacular home.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01And last, we've got Richard Cooper's lakeside family home in Enniskillen,
0:05:01 > 0:05:06an impressive new-build on a stunning site with breathtaking views of Lough Erne.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11Richard's house is a fabulous big family home in a spectacular setting.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16It's got space, circulation, great views, good use of materials.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20It's got a great backdrop and a great foundation.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22It's a real statement home.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25It's got that cottage wall that comes into the kitchen
0:05:25 > 0:05:29with the stone and it has a real warmth and cosiness.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34The kitchen, living and dining area with the snug really worked so well
0:05:34 > 0:05:38because of the stonework and also the different levels in that room.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40That is a clever use of circulation,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43to divide those areas without putting walls or doors in.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46There was a real sense of history there.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49In terms of the contrast between the downstairs,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52upstairs was trying to be a bit more contemporary.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I think Richard has achieved what he set out to do,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59which was build a lovely big family home
0:05:59 > 0:06:02which has great circulation, use of space,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05good materials and fabulous views
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and I think it'll stand the test of time.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Wow, some extremely stylish and sophisticated properties there.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Who'd have thought you'd find a Japanese church house in Fermanagh?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Episode one set the bar for the competition extremely high.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31However, I can tell you now, for true,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33episode two can follow it easily.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37It featured Jacqui and Alan Fraser's contemporary coastal house in Ballycastle
0:06:37 > 0:06:42Eileen and Pat Hanna's Victorian gentleman's residence in Lurgan
0:06:42 > 0:06:46and Vivienne Busby's monochromatic mansion in Portadown.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49So, did they impress the judging panel?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Our first house is Jacqui and Alan Fraser's
0:06:54 > 0:06:57contemporary coastal house in Ballycastle,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00with its stunning views of Fair Head and Rathlin Island.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07The house in Ballycastle was so luxurious when you walked in.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10It was amazing. Incredible in every sense of the word.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14In fashion terms, it's like the Armani suit of design.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19The fabrics are good, all of that beautiful design.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I mean, what a location - absolutely stunning.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27The back, obviously with all the gazing,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31was so right for the setting and really maximised the view.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35I really liked the elements that they'd used from the sea,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37from the stone around, all those organic colours
0:07:37 > 0:07:41they'd brought inside, I thought they were quite brave in that.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45I felt it was very sophisticated, very elegant.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49I think it reflected them and their personality.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51That worked very well for me.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55It's absolute luxury living in the most magnificent setting
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and I think it is an aspirational home.
0:07:58 > 0:08:05Alan and Jackie's house has got to have an amazing chance at winning.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09It hasn't put a foot wrong. It's got the absolutely best setting.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14It's got really top-class materials, beautiful interiors.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17I think it's going to do incredibly well.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Next, one of the few period properties in the competition.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34Eileen and Pat Hanna's Victorian gentleman's residence in Lurgan.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Together, they've worked to restore this 19th century home
0:08:37 > 0:08:39to its former glory.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42This is an original Victorian house
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and how do we compare the traditional layout
0:08:44 > 0:08:48to some of the very modern houses that we've been looking at?
0:08:48 > 0:08:52If we look at the detail on the outside, the fenestration, the corbels,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55the timber details, they're still the original pieces there
0:08:55 > 0:08:59and that's something that makes this building a little bit unique.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03The judges, I think they felt that maybe some of the interior finishes
0:09:03 > 0:09:05were good but maybe it could have been simplified
0:09:05 > 0:09:08that you just saw the Victorian detail shine through.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12It was all there and it was getting a little bit lost.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13This is not going to score very well
0:09:13 > 0:09:16in terms of its environmental category.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19This is part of the issue with these buildings - they cost a lot to run.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22The high point for the property was the extension.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26The pool, I'm not sure how often that was used,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30but it really, for me, was a great attraction on the property.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32It's got a kitchen parlour where everything happens
0:09:32 > 0:09:34and it's got the formal rooms.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39Internally, the plan is pretty much what was there when it was originally constructed
0:09:39 > 0:09:44and to find something like that intact is a bit of a find.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Finally, Portadown and the monochromatic mansion of Vivienne Busby.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Her love of natural light has created bright and airy living spaces,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03all with as little colour as possible.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06As soon as you walk into it,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10you understand she loves entertaining and having people in.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12This big grand foyer
0:10:12 > 0:10:16with the sweeping staircase that I'm sure she makes many entrances down,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19automatically, I want to party in there.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23There was a black and white theme throughout the house.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25It was moderately successful for me.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29I wanted more colour, because it is a house that she loves to entertain in
0:10:29 > 0:10:30and I wanted to see more.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35She made a decision and she stuck with it and to me, that's the most important thing.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38I felt like I was in Florida with the big open glass.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40This house was full of light.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43She also had this kitchen that was a big Eden kitchen.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46That black that she used in there,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50that's really a strong statement to make.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53She managed the project, she did on the interior design,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55she worked with the architect.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Bravo, bravo for what she's created.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Indeed, bravo to all three
0:11:08 > 0:11:11and amongst those contemporary new-build properties,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16it was lovely to see a familiar face with a beautiful period property there in Lurgan.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20We're now at the halfway stage. Six down, six to go.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Episode three saw some very strong contenders.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28There was Gillian and Dylan Morris's rural new-build in the Clougher Valley.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33There was Conn Auld's fascinating, very personal seaside cottage retreat in Portbraddan.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37And Drew and Pamela Wylie's contemporary barn near Saintfield.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41So, let's find out what our judges thought.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46First, it's Gillian and Dylan Morris's rural new-build in Tyrone.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Their dream home, many years in the planning.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53It's a well thought out, stylish and contemporary residence,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56beautifully sited in the Clougher Valley.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58This house is a conundrum.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01It's traditional but yet it's got a very modern feel to it internally.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03When I approached the house,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06I just loved the drive and the way it's set within the trees.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09What leapt out to me was the space around the building,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11especially the space at the back.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's connected with the kitchen, it's got a fire in it,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16and it's just so sheltered.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19It's a room, it's a room for free.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22The panel were very keen on the interior of this house.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25It had a certain freshness to it.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28The circulation in the building seemed to impress them as well
0:12:28 > 0:12:31and the kitchen-living-dining area in particular.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Environmentally, it's a new-build which will be very well insulated
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and it's got solar panels, so that's something that gives good points.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43Its circulation and internal use of space is very economical.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47It's a lovely family house and it's just a very good feel to this home.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50This house is up against some very stiff competition in the final.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53In certain aspects it's very strong.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Whether those aspects are enough to take it through to win, who knows?
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Next, we've got Conn Auld's seaside cottage retreat in Portbraddan.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10An enchanting and eclectic home, reflecting the life and travels of its owner
0:13:10 > 0:13:12and it's even got its own church.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17When I walked into Conn's house I was blown away. I wanted to stay.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19I wanted to talk to Conn all day
0:13:19 > 0:13:23I wanted to find out about everything, every detail.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It's like somebody came along with a little magic wand
0:13:26 > 0:13:28and just whisked it out of nothing.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32I think the viewers will be fascinated by Conn's house,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34because it's so interesting.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37He's in every nook and cranny and piece of wood.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41I mean, everything about that house tells a story.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45It's such an expression of him and his life.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48It's like a museum rather than a house.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Every house in this programme has been so different
0:13:51 > 0:13:54but Conn's is totally unique.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58I don't know how we can possibly compare it to anything else.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04Architecturally, there's bits of every kind of architecture in there.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Interior design, who has been more creative?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Who has been more resourceful than Conn?
0:14:10 > 0:14:14I think it'll do very well because it is utterly unique.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22Lastly, there is Drew and Pamela Wylie's contemporary barn near Saintfield.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26An exquisitely stylish home, with state of the art gadgets,
0:14:26 > 0:14:31beautiful artworks, even a proper kids' playground.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33This house just bursted with joy for me.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38It had colour, it had texture, it had style, personality.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40It had harmony between rooms,
0:14:40 > 0:14:45brought together in a cacophony
0:14:45 > 0:14:47of design and brilliance,
0:14:47 > 0:14:52living art and refined taste.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Every detail was thought out. It is their style, their taste.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59They carried that through to the exterior
0:14:59 > 0:15:01by doing these very formal gardens.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Again, they've treated the entire property like artwork
0:15:05 > 0:15:08so you're not sure when you're looking at this house
0:15:08 > 0:15:13whether it's a piece of modern art sculpture or it's a barn.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14It's them, it expresses them.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19It's one of the homes that we all really agreed upon.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23All these components coming together with the quality of design,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25you create brilliance.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I think this house is really going to score high on everything
0:15:28 > 0:15:30because it does really have it all.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46So, we're down to our fourth and final trio.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49This episode featured Myrtle and Leslie Miller's
0:15:49 > 0:15:53multi-generational seaside home in Portstewart.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57We had Craig and Lesley Jefferson's charming barn conversion in Claudy.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00And Eamonn and Louis McMullan's
0:16:00 > 0:16:031930s inspired new-build family home in Omagh.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Let's hear what the judges thought.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15This new-build started out as a home to retire to but
0:16:15 > 0:16:22as Myrtle and Leslie's house neared completion, they loved it so much, they decided to move in permanently.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Well, Myrtle is no turtle.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30This house inside was overwhelmingly colourful, full of life, well done.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Chic, very quiet kind of chic.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Did not expect that from the exterior of this house.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37I know I'm saying this,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40but I was so surprised from the outside walking in.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42The highlight in this house for me
0:16:42 > 0:16:48was the spectacular kitchen, all custom or bespoke,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51that just worked so well, was very rich looking.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56They both wear colour, so it definitely expressed them.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00I think all of us judges kind of felt the same way about the exterior -
0:17:00 > 0:17:02it needed to be softened more.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05We all would have liked to have seen it with some more landscaping done.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It had a very hard front to it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13It didn't match the inside, that was lush and elegant.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17I think Myrtle and Leslie's house is going to score very high on the interior.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Their downfall may be the exterior.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I think people are going to be
0:17:21 > 0:17:25really surprised when they see what she's done on the interior.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32On to the north-west
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and to Craig and Lesley Jefferson's country barn conversion.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39This fun-filled family home has retained
0:17:39 > 0:17:42many of the barn's original features
0:17:42 > 0:17:46and now boasts the addition of a round tower,
0:17:46 > 0:17:47complete with a spiral staircase.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Craig and Lesley's barn was a real labour of love for Craig.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55The couple have put an enormous amount of energy,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57they've breathed new life into that building.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01I love to see that happening in the countryside.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06Craig is a craftsman, so he's done the restoration really well.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08The use of salvage is particularly good -
0:18:08 > 0:18:09all the old beams and the floors.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12I think they could have even played that up a bit more,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14they could've made more of a feature of that.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17There's a lot of good use of the outbuildings
0:18:17 > 0:18:21and I think, because it's a difficult site, it's very close to the road, they had to sort of add on.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24An aspect of that is the entrance and staircase,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28which I think from Des's point of view, overshadowed the main building,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32which should have been the focal point because of the stone.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I liked the kind of playfulness. This was by far the most fun house to me.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40It was full of little personal anecdotes which mean something to them and their family.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42It had a bar in the kitchen.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44These people want a house they can enjoy,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47so you have to applaud them for that.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55And finally, the last house in the competition,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59a 1930s-inspired home in the leafy lanes of Omagh.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Designed for practical, open-plan living,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04this is the home of Louise and Eamonn McMullan
0:19:04 > 0:19:06and their three daughters.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10This family-focused home is so understated
0:19:10 > 0:19:12and that, for me, is a strength.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17Every house in the road cannot be competing to be king of the road.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21The proportion of the windows are very good.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24The eaves detail is good and appropriate.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29The materials that they've used has got a mixture of textures to it.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It's focused around the large kitchen area at the back
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and the circulation issues impressed all the judges.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39And then, the connection between it and the garden is something
0:19:39 > 0:19:41that is a real feature for me in the house.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44The judges liked the fact that elements were thought about,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47that the storage is concealed.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49With three girls running around, that's important.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Also, the earthy colours that she had in the kitchen
0:19:52 > 0:19:54and throughout the ground floor
0:19:54 > 0:19:57just seemed to be appropriate for the house.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01They've taken the small pieces of family life that are so important
0:20:01 > 0:20:04for this type of home and they've thought about it
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and they've done it in a very understated sort of way,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09and that makes it a successful home.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13APPLAUSE
0:20:17 > 0:20:20We've now seen all 12 of this year's contenders
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and it's finally time to find out the results.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26To announce the winner of third place,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30please welcome our newest member of the judging panel, from Manhattan,
0:20:30 > 0:20:31Michael Tavano.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33APPLAUSE
0:20:36 > 0:20:40This house is an extremely sophisticated piece of work.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44It simply screams style, style, style.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49It's sleek, chic and totally deserves a spot in our top three.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51The award for third place goes to
0:20:51 > 0:20:54the contemporary coastal home
0:20:54 > 0:20:56in Ballycastle,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59home of Jacqui and Alan Fraser.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01APPLAUSE
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Congratulations.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Now, I'm hoping that's suitably tasteful enough to find a home
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- in that exquisite house of yours. - It's perfect, as there's so much walnut wood in our home
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- and stainless steel.- Do you think we had you in mind when we designed it?
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Absolutely.- It's an exquisite house. - Thank you.- So many people have said
0:21:30 > 0:21:33they're moving in with you next week. Is that all right?
0:21:33 > 0:21:34That's perfect.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Thank you, Michael. Thank you very much to Alan and Jacqui.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Very, very well done indeed.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Moving on to second place,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48and to announce the winner, please welcome
0:21:48 > 0:21:51the ever-glamorous Suzanne Garuda.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53APPLAUSE
0:21:57 > 0:22:00This house is a unique and detailed style statement
0:22:00 > 0:22:03which totally impressed all the judges,
0:22:03 > 0:22:09so much so that it was only beaten to the top spot by one single mark.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11So second place goes to...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16..the Japanese church house of Mollie and Jimmy Armstrong.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17APPLAUSE
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Very well done.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29There you go.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34Now, Jimmy, this house was something the judges just kept talking about.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Are you surprised to find yourself so close to the top spot?
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- Yes, I am, I have to say!- And Molly, how do you now feel about the house?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Now to know that something so personal,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48something that you worked on with Nathan has been publicly recognised
0:22:48 > 0:22:51as the second most beautiful home in Northern Ireland,
0:22:51 > 0:22:52how does that feel?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I always knew it was special, Lawrence.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Hmm. And now you've got the award to prove it.- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Again, I think that's going to look lovely on your mantelpiece.- Yes!
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Thank you.- Congratulations to Molly and Jimmy. Very, very well done.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08And well done, Suzanne.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Well, there we are. It's getting very exciting, isn't it?
0:23:15 > 0:23:20But just before we hear which property has won first place,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22we're going to announce a very special prize.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25This is the Individual Merit award,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and it's made to the homeowner or homeowners
0:23:27 > 0:23:30who the judges feel have excelled in their personal efforts
0:23:30 > 0:23:34to achieve their dream home despite challenges or constraints.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Here to announce this year's result
0:23:36 > 0:23:38is head of the judging panel, Des Ewing.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40APPLAUSE
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Thank you.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Times have altered very rapidly over the past few years.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53We're all feeling a bit less well off now.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56A house has once again become a place we live in
0:23:56 > 0:23:59rather than just an investment opportunity.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01How do we, as designers and homeowners,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04create stylish yet practical homes
0:24:04 > 0:24:06that respond to the financial restraints
0:24:06 > 0:24:08and energy concerns of our time?
0:24:08 > 0:24:13The winner of our Merit award has embraced both of these challenges
0:24:13 > 0:24:15and bestows hope for the future.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17This home was fashioned on a budget,
0:24:17 > 0:24:21making the most of a challenging site with testing planning restrictions.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25The end result is a building of beauty, distinction,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28perfectly reflecting its wonderful location,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31and provides no-nonsense family accommodation.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35The winner of this year's Merit award is...
0:24:37 > 0:24:39..the contemporary beach house,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42home of Lee and Kate Jenkinson.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43APPLAUSE
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Well done!
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- Well done, congratulations. - Thank you.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Well done, you two, well done.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02This was an extraordinary achievement as far as the judges were concerned,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06as that Malibu-style beach house was achieved on such a small budget.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Do you hope that this gives hope to the building industry
0:25:09 > 0:25:12that it's not about money, it's about style?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I do hope that. Especially, the reason we were able to achieve that
0:25:15 > 0:25:18was the quality of tradesmen and craftsmen
0:25:18 > 0:25:20here in the Lower Ards Peninsula.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21They're second to none.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24And they can do that on that sort of budget.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Kate, are you still playing with that turning circle?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Yes, using it more and more now.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Well, we all want one, don't we?
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Well done. Congratulations, you two.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Very, very well deserved indeed.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37APPLAUSE
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Extremely well done, Kate and Lee Jenkinson.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Excellent work. But, now,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47onto the moment of moments,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50the moment we've all been waiting for,
0:25:50 > 0:25:55because the winner of House Of The Year 2012 is about to be announced.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Over to the judges.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00APPLAUSE
0:26:04 > 0:26:08The panel were unanimous that this house should be winning top prize.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11It scored highly in every category
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and it's a statement of what good design in Northern Ireland should be.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18On behalf of the judging panel, it gives me great pleasure to announce
0:26:18 > 0:26:23that the winner of the House Of The Year 2012 is...
0:26:27 > 0:26:31..the contemporary barn of Drew and Pamela Wylie from Saintfield.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33APPLAUSE
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Well done, look at you!
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Nice to see you. Well done, nice to see you.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Well, there we are. There we are.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Well, it was such an incredibly close-run thing this year,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54unbelievably close-run. So I think your achievement is all the greater.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58What's it like living in Northern Ireland's House Of The Year?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- It's just our home, and we love it. - Yeah?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- We just love it. - I heard a dirty rumour
0:27:02 > 0:27:05that the reason that clinched it was the play park.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Well...- That's the way forward. - It was hard getting you out of it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Exactly! Literally, I got stuck in a swing at one point.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13But really, very well done
0:27:13 > 0:27:17because I think all the judges agreed that it was a real statement
0:27:17 > 0:27:21of what architecture in Northern Ireland should be moving towards.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Wonderful integration with the landscape.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It's our home, and it was a team effort. It was ourselves,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30the builders, our contractors and subcontractors, gardening,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32everyone had some part to play
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- and we're lucky enough to live in it.- You'd be good at making an Oscar speech.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39We only missed the makeup artist. Congratulations, well done.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41APPLAUSE
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Many, many, many congratulations, once again,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47to Pamela and Drew Wylie, very worthy winners.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Well, that's it. What a show it's been.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54I'd sincerely like to thank all of our homeowners for taking part.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57I hope you'll agree, each of them brought something special,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00something highly individualistic, to this year's show.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04And it's given all of us a lot of pleasure over the last few weeks.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Thanks also to our esteemed judges,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08the gorgeous Suzanne Garuda,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11the even more gorgeous Michael Tavano
0:28:11 > 0:28:13and...Des Ewing, head of the judging panel.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15And indeed, thanks to all of you.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I sincerely hope you've enjoyed watching this series
0:28:18 > 0:28:20as much as we've enjoyed making it
0:28:20 > 0:28:23so, from all of us here in Belfast,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25goodnight.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27APPLAUSE
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:50 > 0:28:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk