Joy tinged with sadness as winning Kildare couple pictured with late Home of the Year judge Hugh Wallace

A County Kildare couple have been crowned winners of Home of the Year 2026, seeing off competition from nine other finalists in the hit RTÉ series.

Lorcan and Andrew claimed the top prize after weeks of competition that saw judges Hugh Wallace, Amanda Bone and Siobhan Lam assess homes based on individuality, functionality and design.

Tragically, the episode was filmed in Palmerstown House in Co Kildare just weeks before Hugh passed away aged 68 on December 1.

Speaking to RTÉ Lifestyle, Lorcan said the couple were overwhelmed by the win.

"We were completely blown away. We had never expected to get as far as we did. I felt rather unworthy when I saw all the other beautiful homes, but it was lovely to be, in a sense, with your tribe, with people with a passion for interiors and their homes."

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Their light-filled home, built in 2005 on family land in Kildare, impressed the judges with its balance of practicality and style.

Both Lorcan and Andrew work in floristry and horticulture, and their passion is reflected in a garden that acts as an extension of the house. The outdoor space features detailed planting and hidden areas, including a tearoom designed to maximise the setting.

"When we were designing the house, it was designed with garden in mind, first and foremost."

The couple also incorporated a long-standing weeping willow tree into the design, a feature with personal significance linked to Andrew’s late father. Careful orientation ensures the home benefits from natural light throughout the day, with both morning and afternoon patio areas.

"When we were building the house, we wanted a house that we would use every bit of every day. Lots of light, lots of space, and we use it all."

This year’s series carried added poignancy, having been filmed just weeks before the death of judge Hugh Wallace. The episodes now stand as a tribute to the architect, whose warmth and wit were central to the programme.

For the Kildare winners, being the final champions during Wallace’s time on the show made the achievement especially meaningful.

"Seeing him coming into our hallway and just going, 'oh wow', and taking in the tiles and our feature wall... sometimes when you're in a home, you become complacent and take for granted your own space, so when you see somebody like Hugh compliment it, it's lovely."

Lorcan admitted the couple had struggled to keep the result a secret ahead of the final broadcast.

"I've nearly convinced myself we haven't won it. I've lied so much, at this stage, I believe it myself."

To mark the occasion, they planned to watch the final episode with friends and family in their local pub - keeping visitors away from their award-winning home for the night.

Viewers can catch the latest season of Home of the Year on RTÉ Player.