An 1850s house with Parisian flair bags BBC NI’s House of the Year 2024.
In this article we cover:
- Who won the award
- Who the finalists were and what they had to say about the experience
Fiona and Jonathan, finalists in the BBC NI’s House of the Year series, have clinched the prestigious award.
The couple relocated to Holywood from London when they bought the 1855 detached house in 2020.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Fiona wanted to return home, and while Jonathan needed some persuasion to make the move, purchasing Melmore House helped seal the decision.
The house underwent a major renovation and extension to transform it into a modern family home. Blending traditional features with a contemporary style, it now reflects the family’s personality and taste, with hints of a Parisian apartment in its rich details and flair.
The Holywood home overlooks views of Belfast Lough, which Fiona and Jonathan state was a key reason for buying the property.
“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 says.
Some stand out features about the five-bedroom house include a former servants’ quarters that has been transformed into a kitchen and cinema room.
Five homes made it to the Grand Final of the BBC Northern Ireland series, presented by design expert and television personality Laurence Llewelyn Bowen. Judges Patricia McGinnis, Jane Larmour and James Fairley had the difficult task of choosing an overall winner.
Patrica McGinnis says, “I chose Melmore House because it’s an incredible and aspirational example of how a traditional home can be reimagined for modern family life.”
“The sensitive renovation and extension remain true to the integrity of the original building and maximise the natural light and jaw dropping views. It’s a building that could be intimidating but it’s been given a light-hearted touch with playful colours and lovely architectural details. It’s a dream home!”
Jane Larmour admired the homeowners’ commitment to the old house, retaining its existing character, and at the same time enhancing it with clever adaptations to make it a wonderful family home.
Jane says, ”The quality of light and volume in both old and new is beautiful, and I enjoyed the personal touches in the organisation of the plan, and the details that very joyfully and colourfully brought the house to life.”
James Fairley describes Melmore House as a worthy winner of House of the Year 2024.
James says, “I personally loved the bold interventions that the homeowners had implemented in its design, both in terms of its interiors and its architecture.”
“It demonstrates courage in tackling the issues associated with refurbishing a period property and how it can be done to suit modern family living. The homeowners haven’t been afraid to express their love for good design and colour throughout the home. They have approached the interior sensitively and with great care and consideration but haven’t been afraid to implement their own tastes and ideas throughout the home.”
House of the Year 2024 Finalists
The other finalists were:
All images below: BBC/Elyse Kennedy
Scott’s Farmhouse
A 1920s farmhouse in Tyrone, this country home has been in the family since owner Scott’s great-uncle lived on the property. The two-storey house blends a modern interior design with its traditional structure – a deliberate choice to honour its original features. Memorabilia from Scott’s travels abroad line the shelves and walls throughout the home
Hampton House
This historic 1860s mansion in east Belfast, once owned by the family of C.S. Lewis and designed by the renowned architect Thomas Jackson, is steeped in heritage. On the brink of collapse, the Grade II listed building was carefully restored to its former glory by Katie Coulter and her husband, Johnny.
The Art House
Perched high on the hills east of the city, this black-clad home offers sweeping views of Belfast Lough. With a barn-like, understated design, the house is filled with light from wide bay windows and skylights installed by the owner, Heather. The transformation from its derelict state in 2010 took three architects and more than a decade to complete.
Bijou in Belfast
The red brick and white exterior fits right in with the other terraced houses, but inside, this home is full of character. For the last 10 years, Donna, a part-time interior designer, and her husband Alan have called this place home.
With the support of their ‘understanding landlord,’ they’ve been able to make the interior their own, filling it with art and vibrant colours.
