A renovated 1920s house in Belfast proved the house to beat in this week's episode of Home of the Year.
Judges Hugh Wallace, Amanda Bone and Sara Cosgrove are back in business on RTÉ with three more homes to visit.
This week they visited a modern new build in Dublin, a 1970’s house in Galway and a renovated 1920s house in Belfast.
And whilst the competition was tight, Michelle and Rob McNeil, who live with their two sons in their newly done up family home in Northern Ireland, came out on top.
When they purchased the property, they undertook a major renovation project.
As the home is in a conservation area, they had to extend and renovate, while maintaining the original front exterior of the home.
The couple love the functionality of the family home they have created and how it is stylish but still homely and cosy.
And the judges loved it too, describing it as ‘full of character and atmosphere’.
Giving it top marks, head judge Hugh Wallace said: “Functionally it is a terrific home, and I just thought this family really enjoyed this home, as I did, and for that reason I gave it a ten.”
The house scored a total of 26 points and will go through to the final in April, where the winner will be crowned.
Hugh added: “What a great home. I’m really delighted, there was just a sense of family about this home.”
Michael Merrins and Jean Ann Taylor’s modern new build in Dublin fell short, but still won praise from the judges.
The couple found a site and worked with their architect to create a timber clad, passive, south-facing contemporary home with large windows that flood the home in natural day-light and give them views of the surrounding greenery.
One of their favourite things about their home is the open plan living area. The ground floor creates a great space for dining and entertaining, while also offering the couple beautiful views.
Basketmakers Cat and Ciaran Hogan who live in a 1970’s home in Galway, was also on display on the night.
When the couple moved in, the house was very much stuck in its past, so they decided to renovate while trying to preserve as much of the property’s original character and layout as possible.
The couple took inspiration for the colours they used in their home from nature, painting the walls with teals and blues and adding a forest mural to their guest bedroom.
As usual, viewers had their own say after the show and many agreed with the winning choice.
One said: "Loving this house No. 3 I’m off to Belfast."
Another chimed: "I love the white shutters in the living room - it works very well. I love the overall colours in the house. Very liveable home. It is a 9 out of 10 for the third house."
A third added: "Oh house 3 is fab, love the character."
Some others debated the result, with one saying: "Yeah not liking the kitchen units in #3. Prefer #2-more character and personality."
Whilst many others took to social media to joke about the differing judges opinions and reactions to the scores on the evening.
Every Tuesday for eight weeks the panel will explore 21 stunning homes across Ireland.
The series will feature homes in Galway, Wicklow, Down, Cork, Longford, Sligo, Kilkenny, Antrim, Kerry and Tipperary.
