'A masterclass in how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary'

(Above) Kevin and Ediana Dolan.

It may not have won, but the Killucan house that featured on the first episode of the new series of Home of the Year last night was a huge a hit with the judges.

Kevin and Ediana Dolan's detached family home is located in an estate in the village. The show's judges - architects Hugh Wallace and Amanda Bone, and interior designer Suzie McAdam - were bowled over by their efforts to transform their home. What makes their achievement even more impressive is that they managed it do it on a low budget by carrying out virtually all of the work themselves.

Impressed by the couple's handiwork and their flair for interior design, Wallace said that "usually when everything is upcycled it can become a mish mash but that is not the case here. There is a sophistication which is quite surprising...This is a detached estate house, but I am so far removed from it. I am in something very special," he said.

Giving the home a score of nine, Wallace said that the house is "a masterclass in how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary".

McAdam, who is an award winning interior designer, gave the home a score of eight saying: "A detached family home in a tranquil suburban setting, nothing on the exterior reveals the personal and dramatic interior concealed within. I commend the homeowners for their bravery and for their hands on approach."

Architect Bone gave the Dolans a score of nine and was full of praise for their "remarkable" work.

"They have shown how with creativity you can transform a standard spec fit out into a unique family home. The homeowners are so passionate that it is impossible not to be seduced by what they have done."

Although their final score of 26 would have been enough to win many of the episodes in the previous six series of the show, they finished in second place with the judges giving a home in Cork an exceptionally high score of 28.

Speaking on the show, Kevin said that he and his wife are "quite proud of what we've both achieved together".

"We've really changed the feel of the house. When you walk into it it's a different space now and it will continue to adapt with us."