AN ABERDEENSHIRE farm steading has been crowned Scotland’s Home of the Year (SHOTY) for 2025.
Hilltop House near Pitmedden was the winner of this year’s iteration of the popular BBC Scotland series from a shortlist of six finalists found across the country.
Home to Jessica Zanoni and husband Chris Labrooy, their 18-year-old son Chase and their dogs Enzo and Dino, Hilltop House was designed by the couple, fusing mid-century and Californian cool style.
Chris and Jessica – who run their own art business – are inspired by nature and led by sustainable design principles.
SHOTY judge and interior designer, Anna Campbell Jones believes Hilltop House is a very worthy winner of the prestigious title, and commented: “This home managed to feel perfect in every way whilst still feeling like a place where real people live.
“I particularly loved the way their art was reflected in their choices of colour and furniture managing to create the perfect balance between playfulness and sophistication.”
Isle of Mull based Interior Designer and fellow judge Banjo Beale agreed: “It’s an artful sanctuary – every corner tells a story, and it’s quiet and charismatic all at once.”
Architect and third judge Danny Campbell added: “This was a home that manages to be both deeply personal and architecturally ambitious.
“There’s a clarity of vision that’s rare: every corner feels considered, every material honest, every space deliberate and thought through.
“It felt like the building was completely in tune with the people who lived there, which is especially impressive for a conversion.”
For winners Jessica and Chris – who have their trophy in pride of place in their open plan kitchen and living room – it was lovely to hear the judges’ praise for their home.
Jessica said: “I mean who wouldn’t feel joy in hearing the kind things the judges had to say about our home.
“It’s nice to know that our house communicates who we are even to complete strangers.
“It has been such a lovely experience all around, and to win it has been fantastic.
“After watching the shows and getting to see our competition in detail, it really must have been a hard decision to make.”
Husband Chris added: “It’s great to win. The house is a reflection of our tastes and personalities and we are proud of what we have created.
“It’s always fascinating to hear different perspectives on our project.
“The judges clearly understood our goals for the home – and their comments reflected that insight.”
The couple’s artistic abode scored universal praise from all three SHOTY judges, making it truly unique.
Banjo said: “Hilltop House just felt alive. The home had been brought back to life in the most bold and beautiful way.
“For me, the raised lounge – light filled, cozy, characterful, and completely unforgettable.”
Anna added: “I love to see an old building brought back to life, recycled into something new that will last for generations.
“Hilltop House was a brilliant example of finding that balance between history and modernity whilst honouring its necessary function as a country home.
“I loved the thoughtful planning and interconnectedness of the spaces as well as the ingenious harnessing of natural light and vistas.
“The joyfully colour drenched pink shower room was a delicious desert; a surprise amuse bouche in a home where the walls in all the other spaces were calmingly neutral.”
Danny said: “The level of detailing was genuinely exceptional. Every junction, every transition, every surface had been meticulously considered.
“What stood out most was how that detail was used to create a rich material palette that was respectful to the building’s heritage while confidently propelling it into a contemporary context.
“It was clever, layered design that didn’t feel forced — just incredibly well thought through.”
For owner Jessica, what makes Hilltop House “unique” is hard to pinpoint: “Every home is distinctive and unique because of the people that live there.
“So, our home is different because we are different. With me being from California and Chris being an artist, I think our tastes are just naturally a little bit unique.
“There isn’t really anything in our house that we found at shops near us. Everything was specially sourced in a way.
She continued: “I also enjoy the differences between the aesthetic of the outside and the inside. I think it makes the interior even more surprising.
“Also, the view. It was the reason we bought the plot and we have really used it almost as a piece of art. It definitely adds to the interior and it changes every day.”
Chris said: “I feel the home’s location and east-facing gable give it a special character.
“I love the sunrises here – so-much-so that I’m up before 6am every morning just to take them in.
“I work from home so I really appreciate the quality of light throughout the day. It’s a very easy going home to live in.”
In the finale, filmed at Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover – designed by iconic architect Charles Rennie MacIntosh – the six finalists came face-to-face, meeting the judges for the first time as well as getting a chance to cast their eyes over each other’s homes.
The 2025 series of Scotland’s Home of the Year visited 18 exceptional properties across the length and breadth of Scotland.
Reflecting on SHOTY Danny said: “This year’s line-up was outrageously good. From bold conversions to quirky self-builds, every home had its own personality and inspirational touches.
“It felt like homeowners across Scotland have taken things up a level — not just in terms of design, but in how fearlessly they made their homes truly their own.”
Anna agreed: “It brings me genuine joy to explore and share the wild variety of creative expression this year’s SHOTY entrants.
“I’m so proud that Scotland continues to punch way above its weight in all approaches to what makes a house a home.”
Banjo added: “Every home was a knockout – so different, so daring, and all straight from the heart.”
The eighth series of Scotland’s Home of the Year will begin filming from June. For more information on how to enter, please head to bbc.co.uk/shoty for full terms and conditions.
