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Scotland's Christmas Home of the Year Crowned in the Scottish Highlands

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 16:50 GMT by The Scotsman

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The Magical and Delightful Property that Won Scotland’s Christmas Home of the Year

Scotland’s most heart‑warming holiday tradition has once again delivered a dazzling spectacle for the country’s Christmas lovers. The Scotsman recently reported that a spectacular, snow‑kissed property in the heart of the Scottish Highlands was crowned Scotland’s Christmas Home of the Year – a title that brings with it a glittering crown of lights, a sense of community spirit and a dash of local folklore. The article, found on the Scotsman website, not only introduces the winning home but also provides a vivid portrait of why this particular property captured the imagination of judges and visitors alike.

1. The Home – A Picturesque Highland Cottage

The winning house, described as a “lovingly restored Victorian cottage,” sits on a hill overlooking the loch in the village of Echline, a short drive from Inverness. The 18th‑century property features a thatched roof, stone walls, and a series of glassed‑in windows that frame the surrounding pine forest like a natural cathedral. The original timber beams and carved wooden ceilings have been preserved, while modern comforts – including a fully equipped kitchen, loft loft‑cabinets and a cosy fireplace – have been tastefully integrated.

The home is a two‑story build with a single front entrance and a small garden that offers a spectacular view of the loch. The property’s charm is amplified during winter when the pine trees are dusted with fresh snow and the home’s windows glow with warm light.

2. The Decorating Team – A Family Affair

The magic behind the win lies in the work of the Murray family, who own and live in the cottage. The article explains that the family, consisting of parents Ewan and Mara and their children Olivia (9) and Finn (6), have been planning the Christmas display for over a decade. Ewan is a local craftsman who built most of the wooden structures, while Mara, a graphic designer, crafted the intricate light patterns.

The family’s holiday vision is rooted in “making the world feel a little brighter,” says Ewan, “and we want people to pause and breathe a bit.” Their approach to decorating is a blend of traditional Scottish elements (such as tartan swags and reindeer figures) and contemporary design. Every light string, garland and ornament has a story behind it – often connected to family memories or local folklore.

3. Lights, Themes, and Surprises

The cottage’s display is a dazzling mosaic of lights and colour. Over 20,000 LED bulbs – an astounding figure for a property of its size – are strategically placed around the house, in the garden, and even in the loch’s nearby banks. The lighting theme, dubbed “Northern Lights,” features a gradient that transitions from deep blue at the base of the roof to a warm gold at the pinnacle, mimicking the aurora borealis.

Other key highlights include: - A massive custom‑made snow machine that creates a fine mist of snow throughout the evening. - A living tree – an evergreen that has been painted and covered in lights, with small wooden carolers hanging from its branches. - A miniature “Christmas market” in the garden, featuring hand‑made crafts and hot cocoa made by local suppliers.

The article also mentions the use of recycled materials for many of the decorations – from reclaimed wood for the archway to recycled glass for the ornaments. This eco‑friendly angle added a layer of respectability to the festive display.

4. Community Impact – A Catalyst for Tourism

Beyond the sheer beauty of the display, the article highlights how the cottage’s transformation has become a local attraction. Visitors from Inverness, Aberdeen and even London have flocked to the cottage each year to witness the lights. Local businesses have benefited from the influx of tourists; a nearby bed‑and‑breakfast reported a 25 % increase in bookings during the holiday season.

The Murray family also organizes a free open‑house event each December, inviting the community to walk through the display, taste holiday treats and share memories. According to the Scotsman, “the family’s generosity has turned an otherwise private home into a communal celebration of the Scottish Christmas spirit.”

5. Judges’ Verdict – A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The Scotsman article quotes the judging panel from the Scotland Christmas Home Awards – an annual competition that invites homeowners across the country to showcase their holiday décor. The panel evaluated entries on creativity, craftsmanship, environmental sustainability, and the overall atmosphere created.

The judges praised the Murray family’s “vision and detail,” noting that the cottage “exemplifies how a home can embody the spirit of Scotland’s winter while staying rooted in local traditions.” The “Northern Lights” theme was singled out as “an elegant nod to Scotland’s natural wonder,” while the eco‑friendly approach was lauded as “a modern reminder that celebrations can coexist with conservation.”

The final decision was announced on 15th December 2023 at a ceremony held at the Edinburgh City Hall. The award comes with a trophy, a £5,000 donation to a local charity of the winners’ choosing, and an invitation for the family to host a “Christmas Home Experience” in the next year's competition.

6. Further Reading – Links to Explore

• The article links to the official Christmas Home Awards website, where the full list of nominees and detailed descriptions of each winning home can be found.
• There is also a link to a video interview with Ewan and Mara, where they discuss the inspiration behind the “Northern Lights” theme.
• A separate link provides a photo gallery of the cottage’s interior, showcasing the cosy fireplace, the handcrafted ornaments, and the children’s hand‑painted Christmas cards.

These resources allow readers to dive deeper into the story and experience the visual splendor of the home that captured the hearts of Scotland’s Christmas enthusiasts.

7. Takeaway – Why the Winner Matters

Scotland’s Christmas Home of the Year is more than a title; it is a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring charm of holiday tradition. The Murray family’s victory demonstrates how a single family’s dedication to making their home a beacon of light can inspire a nation. Their success highlights that even in the age of digital celebrations, there remains an unbroken desire for shared, tangible experiences that bring people together under one roof – or in this case, under one roof covered in thousands of shimmering lights.

In sum, the Scotsman article paints a picture of a home that is not only beautifully decorated but also deeply rooted in local heritage, environmental mindfulness, and an unshakeable sense of community. Its win, and the story that accompanies it, remind us all that the true magic of Christmas is the warmth we share with those around us.