Scotland's Home of the Year: 'Unique' Edinburgh New Town property with views of Calton Hill wows Kate Spiers, Anna Campbell-Jones and Michael Angus to beat Leith 'castle' and East Lothian cottage reaching BBC series final with perfect score

BBC Scotland continues its quest to find Scotland’s home of the year – this week travelling to see what creative homeowners in the Lothians had to offer the competition.

Three stunning homes in Edinburgh and East Lothian featured in the latest episode of the BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year – which aired on Wednesday night – all competing for a place in the final.

While judges – Anna Campbell-Jones Michael Angus and Kate Spiers – loved all three properties, it was a unique home found in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town which scored a perfect 30 out of 30, securing it a place in the finals.

Doric House

Designed in 1824 by celebrated architect William Henry Playfair, Doric House over-flowed with bold style and character by embracing the original features Edinburgh properties are known for.

Owned by couple Craig and Nick, Doric House impressed the judges from the start with Mr Angus pointing out that it was a “very unique bit of Edinburgh New Town” with its double width front door and generally stocky build. He noted that the building was deliberately built low in order to keep the view to Calton Hill clear.

Set across two-floors, each room had its own theme and centred around a bold dark wallpaper, something the owners themselves pointed out was only possible because of classically high Edinburgh ceilings.

Owner Craig outside Doric House in Edinburgh. (Picture credit: BBC Scotland)

The judges didn’t have a negative word to say about the property, with each room impressing just as much as the last – if not more.

Castle Glimpse

While it may not have won, Castle Glimpse in Leith blew the judges away.

Built in 1815, this corner tenement flat was bought by its current owner, Matt, in 2019.

The Drawing Room in Doric House in Edinburgh. (Picture credit: BBC Scotland)

He saw potential in its period features and wanted to showcase the heritage and history of the building. He did all the work himself and even discovered an old cigarette packet from the 1920’s within one of the walls.

The reason behind the name of the property came into focus as stunning views across the city skyline to Edinburgh castle were revealed.

The home was described as a real “labour of love”, with Ms Campbell-Jones noting that the homeowner was definitely “creative and confident”.

However, they felt the design of the kitchen could have been a little more adventurous which may well have been what got in the way of this home winning the top spot.

The living room in Castle Glimpse, Leith. (Picture credit: Andrew Jackson @cursetheseeyes) Supplied by BBC Scotland

Jonah Cottage

The final property featured, Jonah Cottage, was located in East Lothian.

Originally built as three separate cottages in 1960, owners Hannah and John converted it into a stunning two bedroom property with everything they need to enjoy family life.

When they first viewed the property in 2016, they almost didn't go back, with Hannah saying it was “riddled with damp, dry rot and was uninhabitable”, but the potential shone through and they undertook the project.

The way they created a family feel by using a seaside palette throughout while incorporating slick, beautiful design scored major brownie points with the judges.

Castle Glimpse's kitchen, Leith, Edinburgh. (Picture credit: Andrew Jackson @cursetheseeyes) Supplied by BBC Scotland

One element that really jumped out to Ms Campbell-Jones was the way the home interconnected, with the kitchen/diner at its heart.

Despite all the love, the home finished in third place this week.

If you missed this week’s episode it is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

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