Home of the Year: A look inside the architectural new build in Antrim that won last year’s title

Taking us through the front doors and into the heart of each home, seven couples made it to last year’s final and it was clearly a difficult decision for the judges to make. Other properties that almost took home the crown were a modern mid-century home and a 1930s semi-detached home in Dublin, an Edwardian home in Belfast, a renovated village home in Mayo, a Victorian home in Co. Down, and a Victorian house in Kilkenny.

Each and every home the judges toured over the course of Home of the Year 2023 speaks to the tremendously high level of innovation, taste, and originality that exists among the homeowners of Ireland. From young couples to those accommodating larger families, no two properties were the same — but of course, there could only be one winner.

Last year, it was Rob and Janice McConnell who lifted the coveted Home of the Year 2023 trophy for their architectural new build in Co. Antrim. The couple fell in love with the site first, which is situated on the Antrim coast with rich woodland and stunning sea views. They wanted their modern home to fit in with its surroundings and so decided to build a single-storey home, using as many natural materials as possible. It was important to the couple that the home was renewable, and that they made the most of their location by maximising the relationship between the interior and exterior of the home.

Speaking of their very worthy win, Rob and Janice said: “We can’t express just how amazed and humbled we are with being crowned winner of RTE’s Home of the Year 2023, especially in light of the magnitude of the competition. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined ourselves anywhere near this position before we embarked on our build journey almost 6 years ago.”

“We love the show and the diversity of homes that it celebrates across Ireland. People are amazingly creative, and Home of the Year allows us all to see what’s out there and what people are capable of. Whether it’s a new build, an extension or even a renovation, a home is a home, big or small, it’s how you and your family feel in it that matters most.”

Judge Hugh Wallace said: “What a fantastic series! Working with Sara, Amanda and the whole crew from Shinawil, travelling across Ireland again and meeting so many homeowners passionate about creating beautiful spaces has been fabulous.”

On the topic of each homeowner’s holistic approach to good design, judge Amanda Bone said: “What stood out for me was the homeowners’ understanding of the importance of good design, of making the most of the orientation and connecting with the outside.

“However, for me, there was never any doubt about the winning home. This home is all about capturing and reinforcing the spirit of the place, its setting, its connection with the landscape, this home lifts you up, it makes you feel good, it’s magical.”

For judge Sara Cosgrove, deciding on a winner “was no easy debate”. “All three of us judges did not find it easy to choose a winner,” she admitted, however, the Antrim new build was “truly outstanding and deserving from a design, functionality and sustainability point of view.”

Now in its tenth season, we’ll just have to wait and see which incredible house will take this year’s crown.

This article was originally published in April 2023.