A quirky one-of-a-kind family home dubbed a "work of art" by TV judges has been crowned Scotland's Home of the Year.
The 1960s Bungalow in East Dunbartonshire beat five other finalists to take this year's coveted title.
SHOTY Judge and interior designer, Anna Campbell Jones described the property as "An absolute dream family home to spark children’s imaginations and keep that same feeling alive in any adult who has the good fortune to experience it first-hand.”
The twice-extended home in Milngavie is home to Anna McClelland, partner Harry Kinloch, their children Lexie, 11 and Marley, nine, and Bob the cat.
The couple – both Glasgow School of Art graduates – use their home as an outlet for their creativity, with the property boasting clever decorating techniques and reclaimed materials including school gym hall flooring complete with colourful markers.
Anna McClelland, owner of the Milngavie winner, said: “It’s very flattering to be named Scotland’s Home of the Year - especially considering some of the other homes involved.
"Our home is distinctive and unique because it’s like the inside of our heads and that’s also what makes it homely to us…but maybe not for lots of other people.
"It’s been a really positive experience taking part in SHOTY.
"Apart from anything else, entering the show meant Harry had to finally finish doing DIY in the house."
Her partner Harry Kinloch added: “We were genuinely shocked to win. We weren’t expecting it all. I’ve finally made my mum proud."
Anna Campbell Jones said: “It felt like being inside the very souls of the people who lived there, rarely have I had that sense so strongly in an home.
"I was so impressed by the ingenious use of ’normal’ things in extraordinary ways, patterns made with electrical tape, inexpensive Zebra carpet given a whole new cool context, colourful decals on plain tiles & light switches…I could go on."
Interior Designer Banjo Beale added: “Unlike any home I have ever stepped foot in, the 1960s Bungalow was a work of art and a living canvas for its creative owners.
"The home was bold, brave and unapologetically 100% them.
"The owners created this home just for themselves.
"When you walked in, you really got a sense of who they were. From the duct tape art to a smiling loo, it didn’t take itself too seriously. It is a home for big and little kids alike.
“I loved the art gallery wall in the extension. Bright and light, with a bold curation of really interesting contemporary art. The old gymnasium floor, ping pong table and wall mural made this space burst to life.”
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Architect and lecturer Danny Campbell praised the "carefree abandon" with which the owners decorated the property.
He said: “This one had it all - there were double front and rear dormers, a split-level kitchen and reconfigured internal layout, a large rear extension and landscaped garden – I was in architectural heaven.
"The new spaces they created were elevated by the commitment they had to their vision and how expertly every detail had been turned into artwork.
“It was consistent, it was creative and it was clever – very memorable. We knew these homeowners would be fun to meet in person, they didn’t disappoint."
The other finalists were; Quiney Cottage in Banchory, Earth House in Aviemore, The Old Mill in Dunblane, Honeysuckle Cottage in Moffat and Coldwater in Linlithgow.
"They were all so different," said Anna.
Harry added: “And also the stories behind how everyone’s homes developed were really interesting.
"I actually asked the owners of Earth House [winners of Ep3 Highlands and Islands] if they’d consider a house swap - they said no!", he laughs.
The 2024 series visited 18 remarkable properties across the length and breadth of Scotland.
"This year’s SHOTY contenders show the full breadth of incredible style, scale, imagination and budget that the best homes own Scotland can offer," said Anna.
Banjo added: “SHOTY has outdone itself this year. The homes have been awe inspiring, incredibly creative and packed full of character, from showstoppers like Earth House to wee gems like Quiney Cottage.
"It was incredibly hard to pick just one.”
The seventh series of Scotland’s Home of the Year will begin filming over the summer. For more information on how to enter, head to bbc.co.uk/shoty
Applications are open until July 5.
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