A PROPERTY in Llandudno will feature in the final of Wales’ Home of the Year tomorrow (September 16) competing against four other homes across Wales.
The Victorian detached home was crowned the winner in the third episode of the series focussing on North West Wales.
The BBC programme is a six-part series that began on Friday, 12 August, and weatherman, drummer and fashionista Owain Wyn Evans was joined by interior designer Mandy Watkins, and architect Glen Thomas to judge the homes in the region.
The Llandudno finalist, called Holmedale, is owned by Sandra and Kevin Czahur, who moved to Llandudno from Manchester four years ago.
Having not known anyone in the region, Sandra started an Instagram (Home Sweet Holmedale) account as a “distraction” and to use as a log for their interior renovations.
“When we moved here, I didn’t know anyone so I think Instagram was a bit of a distraction,” said Sandra.
“I just thought ‘I’ll create this Instagram account to just keep a record of what we’ve done’ - I never imagined that I’d make friends and have all these different opportunities that have come through little squares on the grid.”
The success and popularity of her Home Sweet Holmedale Instagram account, which now has more than 14,900 followers, soon gained the attention of TV producers.
Sandra said she didn’t think the house was “good enough” to be on the show, albeit reluctantly agreeing to take part.
She said: “Through my Instagram account, they messaged me back in March/April asking if I’d like to apply for Wales’ Home of the Year.
“I did profusely refuse many times because I didn’t think our house would be good enough.
“I got wound down and just said ‘oh yeah that would be great then, ok’.
"They had to come round and do a reccy [look around] and decided that they’d like it in the programme.”
Holmedale dates back to 1870, and the couple also live with pet dog Barkley.
Despite a relaxed attitude towards the show, Sandra admits she is “very excited” ahead of tomorrow’s final, humbly describing the home as a “work in progress” with rooms being done out “as and when”.
Sandra added: “I love just bringing things in, transforming the rooms is what gives me joy.”
The final of Wales’ Home of the Year, where the five regional winners go head-to-head, will air at 8.15 pm tomorrow on BBC One Wales.
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