NI’s homes among UK best, says Llewelyn-Bowen

BBC House of the Year judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has praised new homes in Northern Ireland which he described as having ‘some of the best architecture in the UK’.

Having just completed filming at the most palatial pads across the province for the new series of House of the Year, which will air in February, Laurence said the calibre of property on show this year was the highest ever.

On the show, Llewelyn-Bowen will be joined by fellow judges’ interior designer Suzanne Garuda, architect Des Ewing and Michael Tavano, interior designer to Hollywood stars. While the flamboyant designer praised new designs here, he also supported Northern Ireland’s controversial planning restrictions to protect rural areas: “As far as I’m concerned Northern Ireland has the best collection of new build property with the most creative architects and developers,” he said. “You have some of the most stunning scenery in the northern hemisphere too.”

He adds that this year’s entries are the best yet and have different influences from previous properties showcased with a greater emphasis on colour and finish.