How this former historic fishing lodge could be set to win Scotland's Home of the Year
Judges said they were "totally blown away" by the home that includes incredible 180° Highland views from its bathroom
![A couple standing in front of their white painted, two-storey house](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZkTVU4XTx4Gk8qV57tprX6-320-80.jpg)
An 18th century fishing lodge is through to the grand final of Scotland's Home of the Year.
The Earth House near Aviemore is home to Salem and Dianne who have spent five years renovating it.
The seven bedroom home scored maximum points from judges Anna Campbell Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell as they made the Earth House the winner of the Highlands & Islands section of the competition and we take a look at why.
Bathroom with incredible Highland views
The Earth House has seven bathrooms, one of which has stunning views from the home's top floor.
This bath lies next to a 180 degree window to provide serene scenery whilst oak beams sit above.
Other bathroom features include a dark shower turret room (a circular room that protrudes from a house).
Seven newly renovated bedrooms
The Earth House includes seven bedrooms that have all been refurbished including new fireplace surrounds.
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Incredible views can be seen from the bedrooms including one bedroom featuring a brilliant home renovation idea by hanging egg chairs in front of a picture window in order to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Judge Beale said: “It is rock star, isn’t it? It’s crazy, it’s monastic, it’s monotone, it is so sparsely decorated but all of those pieces are just classy.”
Conservatory is one of home's standout features
A number of features stood out to the judges who made the Earth House winner of the Highlands & Islands entries as they gave the home a perfect score of 30.
The conservatory is Dianne's favourite part of the house as she stated: “I sit here and watch nature and love to watch the birds go in and out.”
Judge Campbell-Jones said: “It is a sprawling home but the first adjectives that come to mind are humble and generous. This is not a look-at-me home. It is something much deeper.
“Earth House touched me on a visceral and emotional level which I have very rarely experience.”
Beale concluded: “There is something really remarkable about this home. I can not pick what it is but there is something really special and personal and that makes this home magical.”
The home is now in the grand final of the competition of the BBC's Scotland Home of the Year for 2024.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
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