Home of the Year Series 12: Inside This Week’s Stunning Irish Homes | RTÉ
The latest season of RTÉ’s Home of the Year has returned to screens, but this year carries a poignant weight. Series 12, which premiered on , features the final episodes of beloved judge Hugh Wallace, who passed away in at the age of 68.
Wallace, an architect and television personality best known for his warm demeanor and insightful critiques, was a constant presence on the show since its inception in 2015. His death was described as a “huge loss” by those in the industry, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who praised Wallace’s advocacy for solid architecture and his communication skills. The current season is being framed as a tribute to his legacy, a celebration of everything he loved about the show and the homes featured within it.
Fellow judge Siobhán Lam spoke to RTÉ Lifestyle about the bittersweet experience of promoting the season knowing it would be Wallace’s last. “It’s a weird one, but I think from sitting down with production, the consensus is that this is a tribute to Hugh and what he really loved to do,” she said. Lam, who joined the show in 2025 alongside judge Amanda Bone, emphasized the welcoming and supportive environment Wallace and Bone created on set.
The format of Home of the Year remains consistent: each week, three homeowners open their doors to the judges, who score the properties based on individuality, functionality, and clever design. The home receiving the highest combined score advances to the grand final in April, where the ultimate winner will be crowned. This season promises a diverse range of homes across Ireland, from reimagined semi-detached houses to restored period properties and architectural fresh builds.
The second episode, recently aired, showcased three distinct properties and the stories of the families who created them. In County Kerry, Toni and Fionan presented their 2023-built home, a hub for family and loved ones. The couple described their open-plan design as a reflection of their travels and shared experiences, incorporating elements of warmth and contemporary style. They’ve also embraced a homesteading lifestyle, adding chickens and bees to their property, creating a self-sustaining environment for their son.
In Dublin, Esther and Robyn showcased the results of a meticulous renovation of a previously vacant home. The project unfolded in two phases: first, bringing the structure back to its core, improving its energy efficiency to an A2 BER Rating, and second, adding a two-story steel-clad extension. The resulting design blends traditional and contemporary elements, creating a space that feels both comfortable and luxurious. The couple prioritized timelessness in their design choices, aiming for a home they would continue to love for decades to come.
Finally, in County Cork, Kate and Ross presented their new build, a home infused with natural materials, neutral colors, and an abundance of light. Inspired by modern and Scandinavian interior styling, they utilized white and organic hues, alongside light woods and white walls, to create a bright and airy atmosphere. The emphasis on natural light and materials reflects a desire for a calming and inviting space for their family of three daughters.
While Home of the Year is, at its core, a celebration of stunning homes and innovative design, this season carries a deeper resonance. The show’s return serves as a reminder of Hugh Wallace’s significant contribution to the program and to the broader cultural conversation around architecture and design in Ireland. The series, as Lam suggests, is a fitting tribute to a man who clearly adored his work and brought a unique warmth and wit to the screen. The show’s continued popularity, even in the context of a challenging housing market, speaks to the enduring appeal of aspirational home design and the human connection to the spaces we inhabit.
The show’s return also prompts reflection on the broader context of property television. As noted in a review of the season, the focus on beautifully designed homes can feel somewhat detached from the realities of the housing crisis in Ireland, where many struggle to get on the property ladder. Though, the show’s enduring appeal suggests that viewers are drawn to the creativity and inspiration it offers, even if it represents a lifestyle that remains out of reach for many.
Home of the Year airs Tuesdays at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, offering viewers a chance to not only admire stunning homes but also to remember and celebrate the legacy of Hugh Wallace.