RTÉ launches search for the best home in Ireland

It’s time to clean out the gutters and paint the skirting boards — RTÉ is looking for the best home in Ireland, and yours might have what it takes.

The broadcaster is now accepting applications from homeowners, designers, and architects alike in a bid to find the residence Ireland just can’t live without.

The best submissions will feature in a new series called Home of the Year, doing battle for the top spot.

RTÉ said it is looking for a “diverse range” of homes to compete for the title — including self-built passion projects, unusual conversions and restorations.

A prime example would be Jeremy Irons’ 15th-century castle in West Cork, which he lovingly restored with his wife Sinead Cusack.

Debbie Thorton, producer of the series, says anyone can nominate a house, but the owners would have to be contacted as they are integral to the show.

“It’s a Danish format so it’s been running in Denmark for about four years now. RTÉ were looking for a new series and they absolutely loved the idea,” she said.

“We’re essentially looking for something we haven’t seen before. It can be anything really, because it’s home of the year, not house of the year.”

Home of the Year airs in March. Anyone who wants to nominate a home can email details and photos to [e-mail]