Home of the Year Returns with a Touching Tribute to Hugh Wallace

The beloved RTÉ One series Home of the Year is set to return on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 7pm, but this season carries a bittersweet weight as it features the final episodes of long-time judge Hugh Wallace. The 12th series will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, continuing for eight weeks.

A Season Dedicated to Hugh Wallace’s Legacy

Hugh Wallace, a celebrated architect and a fixture on the reveal since its inception in 2015, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 1, 2025, at the age of 68 . Fellow judge Siobhán Lam, who joined the show in 2025, described the upcoming season as a tribute to Wallace and his passion for the show.

“It’s a tribute to Hugh and what he did best,” Lam stated . “He adored his TV shows; it’s where he shone.”

Siobhán Lam Reflects on Her Time with Hugh Wallace

Lam, an interior designer and founder of April and the Bear, shared her experience joining the established show, praising the welcoming nature of Wallace and fellow judge Amanda Bone . She emphasized the close-knit production team and the valuable lessons learned from both judges.

“Going into a show that is so established and so well-loved was very daunting, initially, but to be totally honest, Amanda and Hugh were just so welcoming and so lovely,” Lam said .

Lam also highlighted Wallace’s deep connection to Ireland and his ability to draw people in. She recalled instances where Wallace would connect with locals during filming, demonstrating his magnetic personality .

What to Expect in Series 12

This season of Home of the Year will showcase 21 stunning homes across Ireland, spanning counties Armagh, Clare, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Kerry, Mayo, and Wicklow . The judges will evaluate homes based on individuality, functionality, and clever design, with the highest-rated home advancing to the grand final in April.

Lam revealed that Wallace often surprised her with his preferences, demonstrating his unpredictable nature and passion for authentic design. She noted that both she and Wallace valued the homeowner’s passion and personality within the home .

“Hugh was really interesting because one day he could side with Amanda on absolutely everything, and the next day he would be with me on absolutely everything,” Lam laughed .