Scotland's Home of the Year

A revamped traditional croft house in Lewis has been declared crowned the winner of Scotland’s Home of the Year in the finale of the popular BBC Scotland series.

Home to artist Tom Hickman, the early 20th century house in New Tolsta is a truly unique home filled with Tom’s artwork, mixed with traditional pieces of furniture.

After being uninhabited for 37 years, Tom purchased the property Tolsta in 2006 and, since then, has painstakingly restored the croft house to its former glory as well as adding his own distinctive style throughout.

The restored house follows a traditional two-up, two-down layout, boasting a beautiful kitchen, living room and bathroom on the ground floor with two bedrooms upstairs.

Unanimously crowned the winner of Scotland’s Home of the Year 2022 in the hour-long finale by all three judges – lifestyle blogger Kate Spiers, interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones and architect and lecturer Michael Angus – the revamped home reduced Anna and Michael to tears during the final selection in the inspirational surroundings of Glasgow’s House For An Art Lover.

Homeowner Tom Hickman, who is thrilled at winning the coveted title, says: “Well I have to admit it does bring an unexpected smile - winning is not something I’m used to.

“I’m certainly surprised, but way down deep somewhere there is a little voice saying ‘At last!’ As artists, we are all our own worst critics, so yes, it’s nice to receive praise.

“I was fascinated to firstly see Anna, Michael and Kate’s nicely understated reaction to the exterior, and they did well to not judge the book by its cover. It was strange not being able to welcome them, but now I see I needn’t have worried as my home did that for me.

“I’d like to extend an open invitation to them all, should they wish to take a second look and hear some of the stories behind the objects and fabric of my home.”

The New Tolsta entry beat off stiff competition from eight other finalists from across Scotland including homes in Fort William, Kippen, Kirkwall, Hawick, Edinburgh, Elsrickle, Helensburgh and Fife.

Programme judge and interior designer, Anna Campbell Jones said: “We are always looking for individual homes filled with the expression of the homeowner’s personality and taste - and of course love. I don’t think we have ever seen such an exceptional example of a home meeting these criteria.

“The overwhelming sense of the person who lives there communicated via the cornucopia of his incredible creations, from the painted floors, to the embroidery to the artwork on the walls, all by his own hand - what a genius!”

Lifestyle blogger, Kate Spiers, says: “I think New Tolsta just packed in so much of what we all look for in a home. I know for me, I look for a home that feels true to the homeowner and you could tell that so much love and care had gone in to every inch of the place. Plus, it had a commitment to being authentically eco-conscious - everything in the home had been repurposed, upcycled, thrifted or rehomed. It was inspiring to see! I think New Tolsta has to be seen to be believed! It really stood out in the show because it really had its own atmosphere - it didn’t conform to trends or a certain aesthetic, but somehow it was still this beautiful, timeless home which captured the personality of the homeowner.”

Tm took over 15 years to restore New Tolsta.

He said: “Labours of love are in themselves worthwhile as can be seen with my embroidery. I certainly didn’t at any time imagine I would be entering a competition and even less to be winning anything. My labours, if you can call them that, gave me great satisfaction in getting ever closer to a point of comfort. If I still had the strength I’d love to do it all over again but maintenance work will always be required. For now though, I need to muster all my strength for the annual peat cutting season!”

Tom Hickman was crowned the winner

The restored croft house impressed judges

Lewis white house crowned Scotland's Home of the Year

7 June 2022