Introduction to the Scottish House of 2025
A contemporary conversion, dubbed "an artistic sanctuary," has taken the title of Scottish House of 2025. The Hilltop House, located near Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire, was unveiled as the winner of the grand finale of the popular BBC Scotland series. The house was built on the natural footprint of the surrounding farm and is home to Jessica Zanoni, her husband Chris Labroy, their 18-year-old son Chase, and their dogs Enzo and Dino.
The Winning House
The couple said it felt fantastic to see their efforts and passion recognized. The Hilltop House combines mid-century and California cool styles, reflecting the couple’s personal taste and experience. The house, designed by Jessica and Chris, is filled with colorful statement pieces, from bright yellow sofas to a pastel pink bathroom. As the owners of their own art business, they were inspired by nature and led by sustainable design principles, filling their home with objects that will stand the test of time.
Design and Inspiration
Jessica told BBC Scotland News that her first impression of the plot that would become their new home was of a dilapidated farm. She said, "I came here without Chris at first. It was just a dilapidated farm." The living room is her favorite part of the house, with the gable end providing a fantastic sunrise every morning. Chris agreed, saying, "I love the sunrises here so much that I’m up every morning before 6:00 a.m. to take it in." He appreciates the light quality throughout the day, which is perfect for his work-from-home setup.
The Judges’ Decision
The show’s judges – interior designers Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale, and architect Danny Campbell – chose Hilltop House from a shortlist of six finalists from across Scotland. Campbell-Jones said, "This house managed to feel perfect in every respect, while still feeling like a place where real people live." Beale added, "It’s an artistic sanctuary – every corner tells a story, and it’s suddenly calm and charismatic." Campbell noted, "This was a home that is both deeply personal and architecturally ambitious. Every corner feels considered, every material honest, every room intentionally and well thought out."
The Unveiling and Finalists
The grand unveiling took place in Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The six finalists were face to face, and the judges met for the first time, getting the chance to throw their eyes over the other contestants’ houses. For Jessica, meeting the other finalists was a highlight: "We met all the finalists and had such a great day with them. We now have a WhatsApp group because we’re going to stay in touch." The other finalists included Sandstein Bungalow in Giffnock, Wee City Nook in Edinburgh, the Tree House in Broughty Ferry, a Cala Cottage in Skye, and Craigmount near Dalbeattie.
The Series and Future Episodes
The series, which visited 18 extraordinary properties throughout Scotland, showcased a range of unique and inspiring homes. Judge Danny Campbell said, "This year’s lineup was incredibly strong. From brave conversions to bizarre self-builds, every house had its own personality and inspiring details." The eighth series of the real estate show is set to begin later this month, featuring more exciting properties in Scotland.
