Ballymena new build Knots Landing reaches House Of The Year Final on BBC One NI

Finalist in BBC NI’s House Of The Year, Knots Landing, Ballymena

Images: BBC NI / Elyse Kennedy

A striking detached new build near Ballymena has been named the second home to secure a coveted place in the House Of The Year final, placing the property firmly in the national spotlight.

Knots Landing, located outside Ballymena, impressed judges in the current BBC Northern Ireland series, earning its place among the five standout homes competing for the prestigious title.

Celebrating individuality and creativity

The long-running series, fronted by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, celebrates outstanding residential design across Northern Ireland. He is joined by a panel of expert judges: award-winning architect Jane Larmour, interior designer James Fairley, and interiors business owner Patricia McGinnis.

BBC NI’s House Of The Year judges James Fairley, Jane Larmour and Patricia McGinnis

Laurence, who was involved in the programme’s first iteration in 2010, says the current series reflects a shift in how people approach their homes.

“I am very proud of House Of The Year and was involved in the first iteration back in 2010 and it was, and still is, a brilliant way of showcasing a kind of aspirational vision of the housing landscape in Northern Ireland.

“What I love about coming back to it now, is the fact there is such an immense ramp up in terms of individuality, personality and creativity. I think people no longer feel they must do things in a ‘grown-up’ way.

“People are letting their ‘freak flag’ fly and are doing things their own way!”

Homes rooted in real life

Inside Knots Landing, Ballymena – a Finalist in BBC NI’s House Of The Year

Judges say the latest series showcases homes that are not only visually impressive, but practical and deeply personal.

Jane Larmour explains what she looks for when assessing the properties:

“Home means something different to everyone, and I love seeing how people shape the spaces that make them happy. This year, I’m looking for homes that balance beauty with practicality, are rooted in their surroundings, and feel effortlessly liveable.

“I think about how a home will feel over time - how it will age, adapt, and gracefully weather everyday life. Natural light, durability, comfort and character all matter, but above all a home must be well planned and genuinely useful, because when a house works for the people who live in it, beauty naturally follows.”

Inside Knots Landing, Ballymena – a Finalist in BBC NI’s House Of The Year

Interior designer James Fairley says the calibre of entries continues to impress.

“I’m delighted and honoured to have been asked back to be part of the latest series of House of The Year with Jane, Patricia and, of course, Laurence.

“I was blown away by the variety and quality of homes in the previous series. In this series we’ve discovered even more hidden gems and I can’t wait for audiences to hear the stories behind these beguiling homes.”

Patricia McGinnis adds that the range of homes reflects everyday life across Northern Ireland.

“This season, we have a wide range of different houses, so there is going to be something to appeal to every taste, and such a great reflection of the types of houses that real people live in! Expect Laurence to be on top form as usual, with even more wise cracks, keeping us all on our toes.”

From coast to countryside

Inside Knots Landing, Ballymena – a Finalist in BBC NI’s House Of The Year

The series travels from Belfast to rural County Tyrone, and to Ballymena and the coastal town of Ballycastle, featuring everything from carefully crafted new builds and colourful terraced homes to cottages built using traditional craftsmanship, eco-houses, and dramatic “upside-down” properties designed around sea views.

Each episode sees three homes compete for a single place in the final, with just five properties ultimately shortlisted.

House Of The Year host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

House Of The Year began on Monday 5 January on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, with the first five episodes available to watch now on BBC iPlayer

The programme continues on Monday 19 January at 8pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, as viewers follow the journey towards the grand final which airs on Monday 9 February.

With Knots Landing now confirmed as a finalist, the Ballymena area will be watching closely to see whether the standout new build can go all the way.