Scotland’s Home of the Year Opens Doors to Big Hearts, Bold Designs

The beloved BBC series returns with its seventh season, exploring homes that say just as much about the people inside as the walls around them.

“Scotland’s Home of the Year” is back—and if the first episode is anything to go by, it’s not just about bricks, beams or trendy cushions. It’s about heart. This season kicks off with three unique homes that pack personality, humour, and a generous helping of colour into every corner.

The show, airing on BBC1 Scotland and BBC iPlayer, once again sends judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Danny Campbell, and Banjo Beale across the country to find the most charming, soulful spaces Scotland has to offer. And honestly? They’re off to a cracking start.

From Quiet Streets to Loud Interiors: Saltcoats Gets Colourful

First stop? Saltcoats. Specifically, an upper four-bedroom flat right on the seafront that doesn’t exactly scream “family home” from the outside. But step in and—boom!—you’re met with a riot of colour.

It belongs to Tracey and Scott, who live here with their three kids: Alfie, Blossom, and Marley. The flat feels like a rainbow exploded, in the best way. Scott joked, “I was just sent to the shop to pick up the paint,” giving full credit to Tracey for the aesthetic explosion inside.

Just one sentence here to let it breathe.

The judges were genuinely impressed. Campbell-Jones called Tracey’s style “joyful and bold,” while Banjo Beale looked like he’d stumbled into an artist’s sketchbook made real. And the best part? It didn’t feel forced. Nothing was “trying too hard.” It just… worked.

Helensburgh’s Victorian Villa Brings Elegance and Echoes of Travel

Now swing over to Helensburgh. The kind of town that wears its architectural history on its sleeve. And the home? A seven-bedroom Victorian villa that feels part museum, part family retreat.

Shereen and William have lived here since 2017, filling the place with mementoes from their global travels. There’s an eclectic mix of the antique and the personal—furniture that whispers stories, and art that actually matters to the people who hung it.

Campbell-Jones couldn’t resist gushing about the entrance colonnade. “I do like a colonnade in one’s entranceway,” she declared, and honestly, fair enough.

• Banjo noted the bedroom was so big “you could fit a billiard table in it.”

• Danny Campbell looked visibly stunned by the sheer volume of space.

• And the judges collectively agreed: it had presence.

This place had class without being stuffy. Luxury, but lived-in. No cold magazine spreads here. Just real life, with a whole lot of history on the walls.

Giffnock Bungalow Keeps It Real — And Wins Big

Giffnock, though, is where things took a turn. Not in a bad way—in a whoa-they-might’ve-just-found-the-winner kind of way.

This 1930s sandstone bungalow is home to Pamela, Gordon, their son Caleb, and Rosa, their very good Irish Setter. The vibe? Understated charm with just the right amount of polish.

The house blends original details—like gorgeous leaded glass and carved timber—with updated living spaces that feel warm and totally unpretentious. Think Sunday morning pancakes, not marble countertops.

Banjo, in classic Banjo fashion, couldn’t resist a joke. “I know closets. I spent quite a few years in one. They are original,” he said, confirming the authenticity of the fittings with a wink.

One sentence, short and snappy.

Campbell-Jones described the place as “gentle and honest.” The design wasn’t shouting. It was whispering, and it was lovely.

What the Judges Actually Look For—And Why This Season Feels Different

Each episode, the judging trio evaluates homes based on three main points: architectural merit, unique design, and personal flair. But there’s always that extra “something” that tips the balance. According to Campbell-Jones, it’s about emotion.

“It should be inspirational, atmospheric, and accessible,” she said. “But it needs the most important ingredient… love.”

Let’s be honest—most home shows skip the “love” part. This one leans in.

The scoring in this episode proved it. All three judges gave the Giffnock bungalow full marks. That’s rare. It means other properties in the competition are going to have to really bring their A-game.

Here’s a look at the episode’s final scores:

And yes, that’s a perfect 30 for Giffnock. Off to a flying start.

More Than Just Walls and Windows

What makes “Scotland’s Home of the Year” different? It’s not really about which paint is on the walls or whether the couch came from Italy or IKEA. It’s about the people.

Each home this season will offer not just a style showcase but a window into real lives. Kids racing down hallways. Dogs snoozing on sun-warmed rugs. Families telling stories that matter.

There’s an honesty to the format that viewers seem to connect with. And the mix of humour, emotion, and design geekery keeps things fresh.

No drama. No made-for-TV tantrums. Just beautiful homes and the folks who live in them.