Edinburgh Bungalow Conversion Wins Perfect Scores on Scotland's Home of the Year
At first glance, it appears as a modest bungalow, similar to countless others found across the nation. However, upon closer inspection, this conversion reveals itself as a truly unique transformation, now contending for the title of Scotland's Home of the Year.
Perfect Scores Secure Final Spot
The bungalow conversion, located in Edinburgh's Mortonhall area, achieved perfect scores from the judges on the popular BBC One Scotland programme, earning a coveted place in the final. Known as Homegrown Hoose, this property is home to Emily, Robert, and their children Jackson and Ada.
Interestingly, Emily initially disliked the property, but the combined vision of horticulturalist Emily and professor of timber engineering Robert transformed it into their ideal family home. The sustainable modernisation of this mid-century bungalow is heavily influenced by timber technologies, featuring a section that seems to float over the garden.
Judges' Unanimous Approval
The property received ten points each from judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale, and Danny Campbell, propelling it to the final. It triumphed over Art Deco Villa, a historic home in Edinburgh's Craiglockhart area built in the 1930s as the first original commission by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence.
Also competing was The Schoolhouse in Fordell, Fife, which has been extensively renovated into a stylish family home for Diane, Jimmy, and their son Sean.
Judges Seek Authentic Homes
The judges emphasised that this series is not about grand set pieces but homes that reflect their owners. Banjo Beale, an Isle of Mull-based interior designer, stated: ‘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.’
Anna Campbell-Jones, also an interior designer, added: ‘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.’
Architect Danny Campbell noted: ‘I want a home that surprises me, one that turns awkward floorplans into architectural plot twists.’ The trio evaluates properties based on architectural merit, creative design, and personal style.
Homegrown Hoose stands as a testament to how a humble bungalow can be reimagined into a much-loved home, complete with a family-friendly environment that even includes chickens, showcasing innovation and sustainability in modern living.
