It’s the ‘location’ of Earth House that’s the real star, say owners
Well they didn’t win but they loved the taking part.
And it was an exciting series for the local viewers of BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year, waiting to see if Aviemore’s exquisite Earth House was going to take the supreme honour.
As the final programme neared its conclusion, the gorgeous home of Dianne Dain and Salem Avan stayed there on that ever-shortening short list, as photos of other homes were gently and reluctantly turned face down by the judges.
In the end, though, as the team - interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones and Banjo Beale and architect Danny Campbell - stepped out from the wings to meet their contestants face to face for the first time, the hand and the prize was stretched out to congratulate…
Anna McClelland, partner Harry Kinloch, their children Lexie (11) and Marley (9) and Bob the cat.
Their 1960s bungalow in East Dunbartonshire – a quirky one-of-a-kind family home with a unique personal stye – was finally crowned the winner of the popular BBC Scotland series, filmed at Glasgow’s House For An Art Lover.
The Bungalow is a twice-extended family home in Milngavie. The couple – both Glasgow School of Art graduates – use their home as an outlet for their creativity, with the property boasting clever decorating techniques and reclaimed materials including school gym hall flooring complete with colourful markers.
The SHOTY judges had looked from Banchory to Dunblane, Moffat to Milngavie and Aviemore to Linlithgow for the right house, showcasing a variety of home styles including cosy cottages to colourful pads, period renovations to mid-century abodes.
Homeowner Anna McClelland was thrilled: “It’s very flattering to be named Scotland’s Home of the Year - especially considering some of the other homes involved. Our home is distinctive and unique because it’s like the inside of our heads and that’s also what makes it homely to us…but maybe not for lots of other people!
“It’s been a really positive experience taking part in SHOTY. Apart from anything else, entering the show meant Harry had to finally finish doing DIY in the house!”
Banjo Beale understood: “Unlike any home I have ever stepped foot in, the 1960s Bungalow was a work of art and a living canvas for its creative owners. The home was bold, brave and unapologetically 100% them.
“The owners created this home just for themselves. When you walked in, you really got a sense of who they were. From the duct tape art to a smiling loo, it didn’t take itself too seriously. It is a home for big and little kids alike.”
Back home in Aviemore, Daine told the Strathy: “Being in the series was fun, it felt like putting an end to fixing up our place which had taken a lot of time and effort, so the show kind of created a natural closure.
“It was quite interesting also engaging with the crew that were managing the process and doing the filming and though on the day it was a bit weird having folks wandering around with all this equipment, we’re happy the magic of the house and the highlands shone through.
“To us the house is great (see drawing room below) but the real star of the show is this amazing part of the world, as far as we’re concerned, there’s nowhere better.”
What did they think of the judges’ final choice?
“All the houses were really amazing and so different to each other, and when we met the other finalists, everyone really got on and it was a fun group…at that point we were fine with anyone winning and the house in Glasgow, though quite different to Earth House, had a great personality and was done with a lot of creativity.
“It came across as bright, happy and fun and was a great winner.”
For information on how to enter your home for the next series head to: bbc.co.uk/shoty for full terms and conditions. Applications are open until the 5th July 2024.
