Episode 3

Series producer, Feargal (left) has his say...

We at House of the Year feel this is another very strong series...there have been some real gems so far, in the most spectacular of settings, and this episode doesn't disappoint.

Episode three was one I was really looking forward to making because it features three very diverse houses, geographically spread right across our Nation....from the Clogher Valley, County Tyrone, the countryside near Saintfield, County Down, and Portbradden in White Park Bay on the North Antrim coast.

It also features complete extremes in terms of style and interior design. We go from an ultra-modern chic pad to a stylish rural new-build to an extremely quaint and quirky seaside cottage a few feet from the water's edge.

Some of the shots will take your breath away in terms of the natural beauty, particularly in Portbradden. The scenery really features as a backdrop to this series. We were also very lucky with the weather....it always helps the pictures look more spectacular and dramatic.

Having worked across three series I can see our contenders becoming much more confident. Northern Ireland is moving quickly as we learn the language of good design.
People are applying it and taking risks which is encouraging....there is a lot here to be proud of already.

A lot of people have been talking about our new judge, Michael Tavano, from Manhattan. People are obsessed by the fact he doesn't wear socks and how white his teeth are.
That's Americans for you!

Michael is a real gentleman who works with some amazing high profile clients in the States. It was very interesting to bring someone in the design capital of the world to get that international perspective on what we are doing here. He has fitted in really well with our other judges, Des Ewing and Suzanne Garuda, and they make a great team.

Laurence has been here so many times now he feels part of the furniture!
I am always interested to hear what he has to say and think it is valuable to have his perspective...I know he was impressed with the quality from the very start and felt some of our houses could sit on international shortlists. It is encouraging to hear and makes me realise how far things have already progressed in Northern Ireland.

I feel a sense of pride that House of the Year has been able to profile these homes and showcase them to the public...we all learn something in the process.

Another good episode next week and then the Final is on the 6th February. This year all the houses are through to the Final which will keep things interesting to the very end.

Keep watching!

Feargal O'Kane
Series Producer, House of the Year.