PICTURES: High scores all around for the fourth finalist in RTÉ’s Home of the Year

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A 1930’s contemporary extended cottage, located in Co Waterford, bagged the highest score possible of a 10 in the latest episode of Home of the Year, with all three judges impressed by it.

Judges Amanda Bone, Sara Cosgrave and Hugh Wallace also examined a Georgian Granite House in Wicklow and a period townhouse in Galway.

The Waterford home was the fourth home chosen to be fast-tracked to the series final, with the judges scoring the contemporary cottage 27 out of 30 - crowning it the winner of episode four, airing on Tuesday, March 12. 

The semi-derelict farmer’s labour house was purchased by homeowners Matthew and Craig in 2018. They renovated the old cottage by adding a modern-style extension to it, creating their ‘dream home’.

“What a smashing house to arrive up to! Beautiful architecture and finishes”, was judge Hugh Wallace’s first reaction to the exterior of the Waterford home.

“The attention to detail in this home really sets it apart from anything I have seen,” Hugh said, scoring it a 10.

The open-plan interior of the house was something to be admired, with Sara Cosgrove saying: “These homeowners have a fantastic handle on materiality, how they combine the different tones and colours - the exterior of this home marries perfectly with the streamlined interior. 

“I admire the homeowners' clear vision for their home,” she said.

Compared to the other two houses in this episode, the renovated cottage symbolised a perfect contrast with the original build being white and antique, while the new extension was black on the outside and had modern finishes. 

Over eight weeks, 21 homes in Ireland will be chosen to compete for the title of Home of the Year. Four of the 21 have been chosen so far.