0:00:04 > 0:00:07It's time once more to find Northern Ireland's House of the Year.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10We've got a wonderfully wide variety of houses,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14each with something special, something unique to offer.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19But, who's going to be making those all-important decisions?
0:00:19 > 0:00:20Time to meet the judges.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Returning once again as head judge,
0:00:24 > 0:00:27award-winning residential architect, Des Ewing.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32International interior designer, Suzanne Garuda.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37And joining them, Manhattan-based interior and product designer,
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Michael Tavano.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41The best part of being an interior designer is that
0:00:41 > 0:00:46I get to create spaces for my clients that express their personality.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Housing is great -
0:00:47 > 0:00:50whenever things are going well, we know they're going well.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Whenever things are going bad, we know they're going bad.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55We have passion, clients have passion
0:00:55 > 0:00:58and people really respect what you're trying to do.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01The best aspect of my job as a judge
0:01:01 > 0:01:06is meeting such enthusiastic homeowners, who invite us into their houses
0:01:06 > 0:01:11and sharing and celebrating their joy and their sense of achievement.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14So there we are, three super-stylish judges,
0:01:14 > 0:01:1712 absolutely stunning properties
0:01:17 > 0:01:19but, only one winner.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22So, let the games begin.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Oh, lucky day, because we've got three more stupendous contenders
0:01:54 > 0:01:56for this year's House Of The Year.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Something old, something new and something very special.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05Could it be a 19th century gentleman's residence in Lurgan?
0:02:07 > 0:02:13Or perhaps a black and white villa on the outskirts of Portadown?
0:02:13 > 0:02:19Or will it be this fabulously fashionable seaside retreat -
0:02:19 > 0:02:21an exercise in glossy, contemporary glamour
0:02:21 > 0:02:24that doesn't just have a room with a view,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26because here, every room's got a view.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30This new-build contemporary house
0:02:30 > 0:02:33lies under the gaze of Fair Head, just outside Ballycastle.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It's built on the site of an historic derelict dwelling
0:02:36 > 0:02:40known locally as Marconi Cottage.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41Owners Jacqui and Alan Fraser
0:02:41 > 0:02:45designed one side of the house to maintain their privacy
0:02:45 > 0:02:49whilst the other side has large floor-to-ceiling windows,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52maximising the stunning sea views.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Generous proportions downstairs provide a spacious living space,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58dining area and a very modern kitchen.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Upstairs, the en-suite bedrooms or cabins are at the back of the house
0:03:02 > 0:03:08with the master bedroom and aptly-named viewing room at the seaward side.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12The views out obviously are extraordinary, I mean, absolutely beautiful.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- We've Rathlin Island, the Mull of Kintyre...- Fair Head.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19But you've also created views into the house, which is quite unusual.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21We want this house to blend into the landscape
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and just a feel a very relaxing place to be
0:03:25 > 0:03:29and the whole design of the house, the fact that every room has a view.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31What about inspiration?
0:03:31 > 0:03:35To me, this has so many resonances with international design.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Fortunately, I do travel and I have an interest in interior designs
0:03:39 > 0:03:41and fashion is my background,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45but my husband and I work very much as a team, it is not just my input.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- What does he do? - He gives the final say.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- He writes the cheques!- A very creative part in the procedure!
0:03:50 > 0:03:53That's the most important bit. He has to pay for it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56What is the link with Marconi?
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Obviously, he transmitted the first radio, supposedly, it's hearsay
0:03:59 > 0:04:02but supposedly the first radio transmission
0:04:02 > 0:04:05was done from this area and when we bought the site
0:04:05 > 0:04:08there was only the original wall on the outside that existed
0:04:08 > 0:04:12and a small tumbledown whitewash of what was probably the original cottage.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16If we could have restored an existing building, we'd have done that.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20If the local legends are true and Marconi did come here, he'd have been fascinated.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22This is it, this is modern-day technology.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- I'm sure he was terribly chic. - Absolutely!
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- He'd have loved your textures, for sure.- I hope so!
0:04:31 > 0:04:33You know, funnily enough, I think these days,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37modern seems to come with quite a big dose of retro
0:04:37 > 0:04:42because, now this is going to sound awful, Suzanne,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45but this kind of reminds me a bit of an office,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47a 1960s office or a school or something?
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- Laurence!- Have I shocked you?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- You have shocked me. - Architecturally speaking.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I do find it a bit shocking
0:04:54 > 0:04:58because I think for a lot of people, this is a real dream home.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Not just the location, but there's a beautiful scale
0:05:02 > 0:05:08and a very, very sophisticated colour palette going on, which is so successful, really.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10If you look at the colours in the sea, the rocks,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12it's exactly the same as the carpet.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I have to say, I think the carpet is one of the absolute triumphs.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20It's not just a reflection of the landscape, it's also Tweed, isn't it?
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It's a complete reflection of Jacqui,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25it's glossy magazine cover perfect.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Yes, there is a level of perfection here
0:05:28 > 0:05:32which maybe for some people would be hard to live with
0:05:32 > 0:05:36because we all like a little bit of quirky design.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Really, I do think this is a luxury, luxury home
0:05:40 > 0:05:42and this house really suits them as a couple.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I think one of the extraordinary things is
0:05:47 > 0:05:53that amongst all of this very wild, very rugged coastal landscape,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55this is so crisp.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01It's so uncompromisingly man-made and geometrical. Does that work?
0:06:01 > 0:06:05The contrast between it and the stone definitely works on this side of the house.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08The other side of the house is maybe not just as successful,
0:06:08 > 0:06:12it's not just as brave as it is here, but I've a feeling that's a planning issue.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Also, I wonder whether it's a psychological issue as well?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Obviously, that's a very public face to the house
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and they're trying not to draw too much attention to it
0:06:21 > 0:06:25but the issue, I wonder, is whether this sort of sunny architecture,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29this is the architecture of the Mediterranean and the west coast,
0:06:29 > 0:06:35does it really, really work back in good old-fashioned old country, where it rains?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38It rains, yes, but you've no choice here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41With a view like that you've got to have a lot of glass.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44It would be a shame just to do a little thatched cottage here
0:06:44 > 0:06:46or a repro with little small windows.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48You're only a few metres from the sea.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51There's going to be great issues with corrosion and water.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Water penetration is one of the biggest issues or faults
0:06:54 > 0:06:58within houses in Northern Ireland and here, we can already see
0:06:58 > 0:07:01a little bit of staining on the glass, the edge of the glass balcony.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05It needs to be built very well. It looks like it has been built very well.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09The details need to be very crisp and they need to be very tight.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Internally, it is the absolutely right thing to do.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Externally, some of the details are a little bit heavy.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18The overhang should have been a little lighter but in general,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20they had no choice, it had to be like this.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29This is extraordinary, isn't it?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I feel as if I'm in some incredibly glossy, very, very glamorous, advert almost,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35selling something very expensive and lovely.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40This is sleek, chic and sophisticated, it really, really is.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It so reflects the homeowners.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45She is just Donna Karan, Armani,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48with a little bit of Dolce and Gabbana swung in there.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I can tell you like it because there's so much hip swinging,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55I'm beginning to feel seasick. It's like being on a boat with you.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58There's something quite nautical about this.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01She went with the feeling of the ocean with all the colours.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04They're soothing, there is enough colour.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Don't like the carpets, a little too matchy-patchy through the house.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10It is the ultimate open-plan
0:08:10 > 0:08:13because there are no real distinctions other than glass.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18And the glass, you have that perfect combination of shine and matt happening in here,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22which is difficult to do and the placement of colour,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24where there is colour, it really is well done.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I find it very exciting, I have to say.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Things like that burnt ochre colour, the grey is quite unusual.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34It really is and this kitchen is well done, with the colour combinations.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I want to know where she got these buckles,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40because I think you've a trouser-suit with a great big buckle like that.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44They're straight off my shoes are what they're off, from the time of the Quakers.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47I'm amazed you can walk in those, I really am.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51It is lovely because actually, a kitchen like this can be too plain, it can be too simple.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- But it's the wood. - This is accessories, you know?
0:08:53 > 0:08:56It's the wood tone that warms it up in here.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- So, you're enjoying this? - I am.- You have a few reservations?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02A few, but I'm really enjoying it, really enjoying it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Sounds to me like my friend Michael here is having something of a chic overdose,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10so how will he and the other judges going to cope with house number two?
0:09:18 > 0:09:22There aren't many period properties in this year's competition,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26so this house is a rare treat to be savoured.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30It's a Victorian home that's brim full of character
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and overflowing with period details.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35It's even got its own glamorous swimming pool,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39housed in its own glamorous Victorian-inspired pool house.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42This gentleman's residence in Lurgan
0:09:42 > 0:09:46is the much-loved home of Eileen and Pat Hanna.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49At one time, the six-bedroomed house had servants quarters
0:09:49 > 0:09:52but the house has been modernised in recent years,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55with many of the Victorian features being retained.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Pat built the swimming-pool extension himself
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and painstakingly searched
0:10:00 > 0:10:03for original stained glass for the windows.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Not only have they turned their hand to the inside,
0:10:05 > 0:10:09the couple have worked hard to reintroduce Victorian splendour
0:10:09 > 0:10:12to the one-time award-winning gardens.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17When it comes to owning a house like this, is it a huge responsibility?
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Obviously, this house has seen an enormous amount.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It's quite a local landmark.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Are there times when you feel that you've got to live up to it a bit,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30or can it reflect your personalities?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Yes, we can make it reflect our personalities.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I love the way you thought about it!
0:10:36 > 0:10:41I'm beginning to suspect that you're quite good at getting your personality across.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45This is a house for fun, is a house for entertaining.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50It's a house for bringing people to, friends and family.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54I think that's what we've achieved with this house.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57This is an extraordinary house,
0:10:57 > 0:11:01it really is Victorian Architecture
0:11:01 > 0:11:04in all its twinkly-winkly showy-offiness.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06What's it like being lord of the manor?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I've never felt like I'm the lord of the manor
0:11:09 > 0:11:12but I've felt that I owe a lot to people of that generation.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15I've always had great admiration for design
0:11:15 > 0:11:19and people that put thought into things.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22But also, you've built this whole swimming pool.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25That looks as if it's been here forever - very clever.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28This originally was a green house. This didn't exist.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30We turned that into the conservatory
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and then this was an outside pool
0:11:33 > 0:11:37which was never used because of the weather, so Pat decided to cover it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39What's your favourite bit about the house?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Probably my favourite room would be the kitchen.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45We do spend a lot of time there. We tried to create it to look old.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50You have to be respectful with everything that's in the house.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52This house has a little bit to live up to.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It already has won an award for its garden, albeit in 1954.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58But is it up to winning this year's House Of The Year?
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Let's see what the judges think - let's catch up with Michael inside.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I always think the secret with Victorian gardens,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10prize-winning or not, is to look down on them.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14There's a wonderful view from up there. Where have you been?
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Oh, in the dining room, having just a little bite to eat.- Very nice!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22It's a lovely dining room, with all the Murano glass that they've brought back from holiday.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24She loves entertaining.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I want to draw your attention to the wallpaper,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30because I think it's something that a lot of people aren't brave enough to do
0:12:30 > 0:12:32but by thunder, that looks good!
0:12:32 > 0:12:36It does work, doesn't it? I mean, the scale of it works with the space.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39This house truly is a study in architecture and scale.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42The volume of it is perfectly done.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- If you stripped this whole house out and left the window treatments... - It'd be curtains!
0:12:47 > 0:12:48LAUGHTER
0:12:48 > 0:12:51..the carpets and the lighting, and replaced it
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- with more modern furniture... - It would work.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It would work for a young family immediately.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57This room interests me.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Obviously, this room was always designed
0:13:00 > 0:13:04to celebrate a relationship with the garden
0:13:04 > 0:13:07and now they've revived the path and the pond,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11you can see how that's actually part of the room really, isn't it?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It's just breathtaking, the walk.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16You don't know what time of history you're in when you look out there.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19The relationship between the path, the balustrade,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22the urns, the fountain - it brings the garden into the house.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It does and you can just imagine some ladies with bustles out there.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28I often see ladies with bustles.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Disappointingly, when I look out into the garden,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33I see no ladies with bustles, I just see Des,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36the head of our judging panel, with a very stern look on his face.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49I always think it's really important when dealing with an old house
0:13:49 > 0:13:51to remember that life isn't a period drama.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55That in fact, trying to capture the spirit of an age actually
0:13:55 > 0:13:57works very, very well and there's a personality
0:13:57 > 0:14:01that seems to rhyme with the Victorian sensibility.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02It's beautiful.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Some Victorian houses in this country are a little bit too grim.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08This one's playful. It's got the original details,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10it's almost becoming a little bit camp, this house.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12LAUGHTER
0:14:12 > 0:14:16It's that late-flowering arts and crafts eclectic look,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19where you get lots of craft items, which I think are lovely.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22What about what the garden and the pool house?
0:14:22 > 0:14:25The extension here, I think the extension is appropriate
0:14:25 > 0:14:28in that it's extended into the garden and its at low level.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32It takes away from the building, which is a little bit too high, so that's correct.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Maybe a little bit more detail to the roof.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37If you're going to do it, you have do it correctly.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42They have the fan lines correct, the leaded lights correctly done,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45so it looks as if it is part of the original building.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48And what about the garden? It's a very important part of this house
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and often, a very important part of Victorian design.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54It is, and the path around the exterior of the garden and this path
0:14:54 > 0:14:58coming out from the bay are entirely appropriate in terms of their plan.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Some of the materials they've used, I wouldn't be keen on.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05I think it would be better as gravel or natural stone rather than a concrete product.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09It looks dead when you compare it with the real thing, with these natural materials,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12with the natural terracotta colour in the brick.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It's when you put one beside the other, it's a bit more difficult.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Oh! I suddenly fancy a cocktail.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27What a lovely pool!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Yes, we're in a Victorian gentleman's residence with a swimming pool -
0:15:31 > 0:15:33indoor swimming pool -
0:15:33 > 0:15:37which to me, makes a lot of sense in Northern Ireland.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39It's very sympathetically done.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41You've got this lovely joinery, which ties in,
0:15:41 > 0:15:45the stained glass, which is new, but copies the old.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49And even the pitch pine - I do really like it here, I think it works really well.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52You normally are pine-phobic.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56I think there's a heritage sense to that which works.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01It feels like a shooting lodge somewhere.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05It ties in very much with what was the potting shed.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08They basically took it all down, remade it as a garden room
0:16:08 > 0:16:12and then were able to connect it to what is then the indoor pool.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14It looks like it's always been here.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I love the worn texture to the leather there,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19I wonder how they've achieved that?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Well, I think that might be to do with the cat and the dog!
0:16:22 > 0:16:26If you want to Ralph Lauren-up your sofa, get a dog!
0:16:26 > 0:16:27So, house number two -
0:16:27 > 0:16:30an historical rarity in the series, so enjoy it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31Move on to house number three.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Our third and final house is just down the road in Portadown.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50It's a 5,500 square foot exercise in monochrome modern.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Yes, like all the best fashionista photo-shoots,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56this place oozes black and white chic.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03Set in an acre of land, this striking house in Portadown reflects
0:17:03 > 0:17:06the owner Vivienne Busby's love of natural light.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Large windows face out into the garden,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11designed to bring the outside inside.
0:17:11 > 0:17:17There are no curtains in the house, just the odd window panel or two.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Not only does it have six bedrooms, all of which are ensuite,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24there's also an annexe used for additional guests.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Vivian has chosen a stylish minimal colour palette
0:17:28 > 0:17:32with all of the downstairs walls painted white except for one wall
0:17:32 > 0:17:34which is...painted black.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39What did you say to your architect to end up with this fabulous
0:17:39 > 0:17:40black and white palace?
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- I just wanted something modern. - Mm.- And bright.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47And my late husband, he would've liked to have built a house
0:17:47 > 0:17:50and he wanted to build something modern and different so I...
0:17:50 > 0:17:52That inspired me, really.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- You obviously trusted your contractors a lot.- Absolutely. - And your architect
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and relied on them to be able to create your vision?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- I was open to suggestions.- Right.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03If I thought the suggestion was good, I went with it.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08The light seems to get absolutely everywhere. Was that something you found you were
0:18:08 > 0:18:10constantly changing as the build happened?
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Well, I wanted something bright and airy.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I wanted a lot of light and I wanted to be able to see into every room.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18You can stand at one side of the house
0:18:18 > 0:18:20and look right through to the other.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Was there one thing that was quite difficult to find in black?
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- Was it easy to find a black kitchen? - Yes, it was quite easy
0:18:27 > 0:18:29but I didn't decide on a black kitchen right away.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35- Why, where you flirting with... Ooh, let me think about it, maybe white? - Maybe!
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Was it an easy process, building your own home?- Oh, yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Did you enjoy it? - I really enjoyed it. Thoroughly. - Going to do it again?- Absolutely.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- And what's the next one going to be like?- Maybe more cottagey type.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47Wonderful.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Well, let's go upstairs and see what Suzanne thinks
0:18:49 > 0:18:51about the black and white bedrooms.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Although obviously very simple and very modern, the staircase
0:18:57 > 0:19:01does nevertheless have quite a lot of Hollywood glam to it.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03The way it curves round the piano like that.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Even the balustrade, the glass in the balustrade is curved as well
0:19:07 > 0:19:09which is a really very, very lovely detail.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13What do you think of this.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Do you think this is too simple, is this too restrained? Is it...?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I shouldn't really like it because it's very black and white.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22I shouldn't but I do.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25There's a lot of integrity about the space
0:19:25 > 0:19:27and it is really homely as well.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30And every room seems to have a uniqueness about it
0:19:30 > 0:19:34even though it's not in the colour or so much the textures,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37it just has a strength and integrity which I really like.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- This has also got a lot of drama. - Yeah.- Which I quite like. A quite rare drama.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I love this space. I love the way they've just put this staircase
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and walkway straight through the space.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49They've just cut across it but it's still so open.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Where is the colour? To me, everything being white or black...
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Well, if we go in here, not only have we got colour
0:19:55 > 0:19:57but we've got pattern too.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02That is vintage Kermit. But I suppose you can get away with these very, very strong statements
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- in such a simple interior. - Absolutely.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Every single bedroom has got a different volume and space and I think they've
0:20:08 > 0:20:12utilised that very well. You need very little colour in that.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The idea of the mezzanine, obviously that's a teenage bedroom dream.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- It's a great use of the volume. - It is, isn't it?
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Really works very well, just dividing this space
0:20:20 > 0:20:22cos you wouldn't want it to be this entire space.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27I am getting a little bit irritated by the acoustic
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- cos there's something... - There's just too many hard surfaces.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32It's like a school or a station or something.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- A few softer elements would sort that.- Especially in the bedroom.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39I probably would've put carpet or a big rug, whatever,
0:20:39 > 0:20:40just to absorb some of that.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50The thing that rather strikes me about the house is of course
0:20:50 > 0:20:53the downside of having all of that glass,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- you get a lot of light coming in but then people can really see in, can't they?- Yeah.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59This is the best elevation of this house.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02This is the one that faces south so it has to have lots of glass
0:21:02 > 0:21:04but then as people drive in, they see you
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- sitting in the front room, that's a problem.- Bit of a fishbowl.- Yes.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10A little bit more strategically positioned planting
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- here would have helped it.- Mm.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17But conceptually, it's strong in that it's a very simple plan we have here.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Very little circulation space in it
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- but any circulation space we have is dramatic.- Mm.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Where it falls down a little bit is perhaps the detail of it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28If we look at the two gables we have here.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31For me, the gable on the right is more successful where we have glass in the middle.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33I like the left gable.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Rather than the one on the left hand side.- The left one's elegant.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39If you had a vote, most people would go for the right-hand one.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40- Would you indeed!- I think so.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44As the chairman of the judges, your vote counts more than most.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45So a simpleness of detail like that
0:21:45 > 0:21:48and when you get into the detail of the eaves,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51it's a little bit too simple perhaps for this type of house.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I find the materials unusual here.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56If you'd put red brick onto this house,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00everything would've been dark. Dark brick, dark windows, dark roof.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02So you're quite intrigued by this place?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04I know they want a house that's very bright.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06But sometimes it's just too much.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13I think there's something a little bit American about all of this.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15There's a sense of light and space.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Even details, those plants to me feel quite Californian.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Right, California, Florida, that sunroom feeling.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25You can't be afraid to run around in your skivvies in this one.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29No, no, no. Also I love the fact you use the S-U-N word.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Earlier, there was plenty of sun roaming in here, beautiful. The room filled with light.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The fact that that's black creates a very graphic frame for a view.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Very modern. It has that modern feel without being stark
0:22:39 > 0:22:43and even without any window treatments on it, it still works.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46We've got the black going right the way through cos winking at me down there...
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Yes, and also the floor carries through with that rectangular line
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- that wraps through.- Oh, I see, yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54And she entertains a lot so she has lots of areas.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57She has the formal dining here.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Which carries on into the kitchen that is all black cabinetry.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I do love the drama of it
0:23:03 > 0:23:06and the heavy stainless steel handles balance out the black.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Most people would see a black, shiny kitchen and worry about handprints but...
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- It's all right.- No, it's not leaving it. It's quite brilliant.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17One of the things I do love about this kitchen is it has an appliance garage.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20This is where the appliances are parked.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21HE CHUCKLES
0:23:21 > 0:23:22So it drives in, it drives out.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24And you shut it and put it away.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29Obviously, Vivienne is someone that's using all these different influences
0:23:29 > 0:23:31but some interesting materials.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Yes. This granite countertop is from the Mountains of Mourne.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40It's also being used in the memorial at 9/11, that's where the granite is coming from, here.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Wow, I didn't know that. - Which is over the pond to us.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46There we go, a local material with a very interesting story to tell.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49And a very interesting last house for this programme
0:23:49 > 0:23:51but obviously it's up to the judges
0:23:51 > 0:23:53to decide which one will be House Of The Year.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Will it be Vivienne's black and white dreamhouse?
0:24:11 > 0:24:15We've seen all three properties, and weren't they mouth-watering?
0:24:15 > 0:24:16But what do our judges think?
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Before I ungag them and allow them to express an opinion,
0:24:20 > 0:24:21let's have a quick recap.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Could our winning house be House Number One?
0:24:25 > 0:24:30A stunning contemporary home with more than one room with a view.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Or could it be House Number Two?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Victorian elegance in Lurgan,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38a charming gentleman's residence from yesteryear.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41And finally, House Number Three,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45an open-plan monochromatic mansion in Portadown.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49It's over to the judges.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55What a great selection for our second programme.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- What do you think?- Absolutely.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I mean, the variety is just so amazing.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01So many different styles of houses.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04What about this first one, I can't wait to hear what you say about this.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Contemporary coastal residence in Ballycastle. That's Alan and Jacqui.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13It's so incredibly stylish, so well-finished, beautiful colours.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18It looks like somebody has designed it who's got exquisite taste.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- This brought the bar way up for everyone.- What did you like most?
0:25:21 > 0:25:23I like the proportions, the scale.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26They'd taken the petrol blues and greys
0:25:26 > 0:25:29out of the surrounding stone and brought it inside.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33That's great because the outside is what is important.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35To be able to build a house on that particular site.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38But when you have an outside like that... You've got the sea,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- you've got Rathlin Island. - It was a really dramatic space.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I would think there'd be more personal touches in there,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47that it would have a bit more of their own identity
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and not the identity of an Armani store.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53So I'm not saying it wasn't done well, it absolutely was
0:25:53 > 0:25:57but it's that extra little detail you look for when you walk into a house.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01I think that will come with time though. I think that will come with time.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04It is a stylish house, we're agreed on that.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06We disagree on a few little items of detail
0:26:06 > 0:26:10but our second house is totally different. Victorian gentleman's residence.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12This is in Lurgan. Pat and Eileen.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Something that's a million miles away in terms of siting
0:26:15 > 0:26:16and style of building.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I have to say that this is more of what I expected
0:26:19 > 0:26:21when I was coming to Northern Ireland.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- What's Irish about it? - I expected something more old world
0:26:24 > 0:26:30and very relaxed and about family but family in an old world way
0:26:30 > 0:26:32and that's what this house had for me.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36What I liked about this house was it was a great example of
0:26:36 > 0:26:40a Victorian gentleman's residence in an area which, around it,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43is very run down and I'm so glad to see those houses are still
0:26:43 > 0:26:46looking so good and are lived in.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Externally, this is quite an exuberant house.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Victorian, all the details with it.- That addition was great.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54The extension was great. It does two things.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55It continues the style of the house
0:26:55 > 0:27:00but it also forms a space in the garden and the gardens in this house are excellent.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I wish they'd done something different on the pathways.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- I'd agree. Gravel, stone or something natural. - That would've been great.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Also some of the concrete details are not entirely appropriate.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15That wallpaper in the foyer, it really pushed that house forward when you walk into it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18The brick, the stained-glass, the leaded glass.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21All those elements could've been made more a feature of
0:27:21 > 0:27:23and less actually of the interior design.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- It needed to be simplified and pared down.- OK.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Our last house then, the monochromatic new-build in Portadown.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36What I liked about Vivienne's house was it really it suited her lifestyle.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40It's not the most practical of houses cos it had the black gloss kitchen.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42It was very monochromatic, very black and white
0:27:42 > 0:27:44but a real nice sense of open space.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49The bedrooms were very airy and contemporary with a nice blast of colour.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51It was too bland downstairs for me.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54I did like the open space, that big kitchen area
0:27:54 > 0:27:57that goes into the dining and family room, that worked really well.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00She's put it together herself as well. She's worked with the builder.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03There's a lot of personal involvement.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06To take on that kind of project is really a big task.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09This is what's great about this particular show.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Three totally different houses.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Anyone could do well in the final, we have to wait.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16Lots to think about there then.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19And join us next time cos we'll have three more
0:28:19 > 0:28:22astonishing properties for our judges to ponder on
0:28:22 > 0:28:23as we continue our quest
0:28:23 > 0:28:26to find Northern Ireland's House Of The Year.