A humble bungalow hopes to be crowned the Scottish Home of the Year

by · Mail Online

At first glance, it is little more than a humble bungalow similar to many others seen up and down the country.

But on closer inspection this conversion is a truly one-of-a-kind conversion, one which has now found itself in contention to be made Scotland’s Home of the Year.

The bungalow conversion in Edinburgh’s Mortonhall area won perfect scores from judges on the popular BBC One Scotland programme and with it a spot in the final.

Homegrown Hoose, which is home to Emily, Robert and their children Jackson and Ada, wasn’t loved at first. In fact, Emily revealed that she hated the property.

But the combined vision of horticulturalist Emma and professor of timber engineering Robert created their perfect family home.

The sustainable modernisation of their mid-century bungalow is heavily influenced by timber technologies, and includes part of the home which looks as if it is floating over the garden.

It has been moved to the final of the popular BBC One Scotland programme after winning 10 points each from judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell.

The property beat Art Deco Villa, a historic home in the Scottish capital’s Craiglockhart area. Built in the 1930s, it was the first original commission by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence.

Homeowner Guy and Lynne outside their Art Deco Villa in Edinburgh
The Schoolhouse, in Fordell, Fife, has been extensively renovated into a stylish family home for Diane and Jimmy and their son, Sean, to enjoy
Robert and Emily have turned a humble bungalow, Homegrown Hoose, in Edinburgh into a much-loved home for their children Jackson and Ada - and the family's chickens

Also battling to move on to the final of the competition was The Schoolhouse in Fordell, Fife.

It comes as the judges said this series that are not looking for a grand set piece, but for a home which reflects its owner.

Mr Beale, an Isle of Mull based interior designer, said: ‘I’d love to see a home that’s lived in and loved – not a set piece but somewhere that’s storied and styled, that’s a self-portrait of its owner.’

Ms Campbell-Jones, who is also an interior designer, said: ‘I’m fascinated by the idea of people forming their own folklore, telling tales and creating uniquely personal narratives, through a perfect mixture of memory, meaning and materiality.’

Mr Campbell, an architect, said: ‘I want a home that surprises me, one that turns awkward floorplans into architectural plot twists.’

The trio judge the properties on architectural merit, creative design and personal style.