Melmore House, a detached period property in County Down, has taken home the House Of The Year title. The property, which dates to 1855, and has been transformed by owners Fiona and Jonathan into a modern family home with views overlooking Belfast Lough.
Fiona and Jonathan relocated to Holywood from London when they bought the property in 2020. Fiona, who is from Northern Ireland, wanted to move back home, and while Jonathan took some convincing about relocating, purchasing Melmore House helped make up his mind.
Blending traditional features with a contemporary aesthetic, the house reflects the family’s personality and style, and is reminiscent in places of a Parisian apartment with its rich detail and flair.
Homeowner Fiona is proud to have the home she shares with husband Jonathan and their three children recognised by the House Of The Year judges.
Fiona says: “I love looking at homes and interiors and admiring different styles and creativity. To know that the judges appreciated that in our home is lovely. I spend a lot of time at home and wanted to create somewhere that cocoons us from the stresses of everyday life.
“For me, sitting on the sofa in an interior we put together, looking out at the sea, brings an immediate sense of calm. It was fun to be part of the series and I loved having the opportunity to meet other like-minded people at the Final and swap stories.”
The views across Belfast Lough also make Melmore House a special place for Jonathan.
Jonathan says: “Like in Gabrielle’s song, Dreams can come true, that is what I feel when Fiona made this dream come true for our family. I’m so proud she is my wife.
“What makes our house special is the views. It’s a rainy country so you need something to brighten up your soul and there is a golf course across the train tracks.”
Five homes made it to the Grand Final of the BBC Northern Ireland series, presented by design expert and television personality Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, and judges m Patricia McGinnis, Jane Larmour and James Fairley had the difficult task of choosing an overall winner.
Patrica McGinnis says: “I chose Melmore House because it’s an incredible and aspirational example of how a traditional home can be reimagined for modern family life.
“The sensitive renovation and extension remain true to the integrity of the original building and maximise the natural light and jaw dropping views. It’s a building that could be intimidating but it’s been given a light-hearted touch with playful colours and lovely architectural details. It’s a dream home!
House Of The Year Judge Jane Larmour admired the homeowners commitment to the old house, retaining its existing character, and at the same time enhancing it with clever adaptations to make it a wonderful family home.
Jane says: ”The quality of light and volume in both old and new is beautiful, and I enjoyed the personal touches in the organisation of the plan, and the details that very joyfully and colourfully brought the house to life.
“There are so many little moments to inspire you! It’s filled with light and air, colour and texture. Every space has its own personality and it flows seamlessly. It is clear the homeowners have had a very fun and creative journey to make a joyful family home that is a pleasure to spend time in.”
House Of The Year Judge James Fairley describes Melmore House as a worthy winner of House of the Year – 2024.
James says: “There was some very stiff competition and the standard of homes this year was exceptional. Thank you to everyone for allowing us the opportunity to see inside their homes and for taking part.
“However there can be only one winner and for me that winner is Melmore House. I personally loved the bold interventions that the homeowners had implemented in its design, both in terms of its interiors and its architecture.
“It demonstrates courage in tackling the issues associated with refurbishing a period property and how it can be done to suit modern family living. The homeowners haven’t been afraid to express their love for good design and colour throughout the home. They have approached the interior’s sensitively and with great care and consideration but haven’t been afraid to implement their own tastes and ideas throughout the home. Congratulations to Fiona and Jonathan!”
For House Of The Year Judge Patrica McGinnis it was difficult to choose an overall winner as all of the finalists were deserving of the title in their own way.
The search is now on to find Northern Ireland’s – House of the Year – 2025. Find more on how to apply at bbc.co.uk/houseoftheyear
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