Chris and Jessica Labrooy's Hilltop House captivates viewers with its unique style.
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In a remarkable showcase of architectural brilliance, Chris and Jessica Labrooy’s Hilltop House has captured the hearts of viewers and judges alike on the popular BBC Scotland show, Scotland’s Home of the Year. The couple’s contemporary property, nestled in Aberdeenshire, has made it to the finals, standing out for its innovative design and stunning features.
A journey from California to Aberdeenshire
The story of Hilltop House begins nearly 5,000 miles away in California, where Chris and Jessica first crossed paths. Chris, originally from Aberdeenshire, was visiting family when he met Jessica through mutual friends.
Their relationship blossomed, leading them to marry and eventually return to the UK. Initially settling in a four-bedroom bungalow in Ellon, the couple’s quest for a dream home took a turn when they discovered a dilapidated farm steading on the outskirts of Pitmedden.
“Hilltop House is a former farmhouse which we discovered through a builder,” Chris explains. “I grew up in the area but I never knew this site existed. When we got shown around, Jessica loved it because it had a really nice view.” This pivotal moment sparked the beginning of their ambitious renovation project.
Designing a dream home
Working closely with Rachael Walker Architects, Chris and Jessica transformed the original granite farm steading into a bright, contemporary home that reflects their unique style. The design process was driven by their desire to blend mid-century aesthetics with Californian vibes. “We had a pretty strong idea going into it of what we wanted to achieve,” Chris shares. The result is a home that boasts open-plan spaces, maximizing the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the standout features of Hilltop House is the expansive glass window at the front, which not only floods the interior with natural light but also frames the picturesque scenery outside. “We wanted our house to have a laid-back, American style feel,” Chris adds, emphasizing the importance of creating a casual and inviting atmosphere.
Personal touches and future aspirations
Inside, the home is a testament to the couple’s artistic flair, with carefully curated artwork and vibrant furniture pieces that reflect their personalities. “Our interiors are quite simple as we’ve not got many painted walls apart from one of the bathrooms,” Chris notes. The couple has invested in quality furniture, including a coveted sofa from Ligne Roset that Chris had admired for two decades.
As they celebrate their success on Scotland’s Home of the Year, Chris and Jessica are already contemplating their next project. “We quite like building, so the idea of creating another home is quite exciting,” Chris reveals. They envision a different style for their next venture, possibly a home nestled in the forest, surrounded by trees, offering a stark contrast to their current abode.
With their journey featured on national television, Chris, Jessica, and their son Chase are set to represent the north-east and the northern isles in the grand final of Scotland’s Home of the Year. For those who missed the episode, it is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to experience the beauty of Hilltop House firsthand.
