PICTURES: Inside the 'magical' schoolhouse through to the final of Home of the Year

A renovated former schoolhouse in west Cork is the first property through to the final of RTÉ's Home of the Year 2024.

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The tenth series of the popular show returned to our television screens on Tuesday night with three properties being put under the microscope - in Clare, Dublin and west Cork.

Making the difficult decisions again this year are the judging panel which is made up of architects Hugh Wallace and Amanda Bone and interior designer Sara Cosgrove.

The first home through to the final is a former schoolhouse in west Cork which was built more than 100 years ago. 

Its 'magical' living space and art captivated the judges who awarded it 27 marks out of a possible 30

Artist Ian Humphreys and his wife Sarah share their home, which they purchased in 2019, with their son Jo Jo. 

Hugh Wallace, a judge for all 10 series of Home of the Year, told viewers the property was “effortless and full of personality” while Amanda Bone, who gave the home a perfect score of ten, was taken by Ian's favourite spot - his artist's studio.

“I am just blown away. I think it’s amazing I’ll stop now before I start crying,” she said.

All three judges told viewers they were impressed by the art and up-cycled furniture that can be found throughout the 120-year-old property.

“It feels of the locality, West Cork bohemian. It’s got its own culture and vibe and I think this house reflects that beautifully," said Sara Cosgrove.

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The new series will also feature re-imagined semi-detached homes, renovation projects, architectural homes, restored period homes and new builds in locations in Antrim, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Mayo, Offaly, Waterford and Wicklow.

Home of the Year is broadcast on RTÉ One television and the RTÉ Player at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.