The upper house!
Senator David Norris wins RTÉ’s home of year show
THE Georgian home of Senator David Norris was declared winner of RTÉ’s Celebrity Home Of The Year last night.
The house on North Great Georges Street in Dublin’s north inner city, which was restored by the Joycean scholar, has always been described as one of his great loves.
Mr Norris bought the four-storey-over-basement terraced house 40 years ago when it was was full of tenants. After decades of renovation, he has restored each room to its original state.
He has given his home a personal touch – including a stunning staircase mural – while the rooms are decorated in period colours of green and red. The home is also full of family heirlooms and the flamboyant senator says he uses every part of the house. Viewers saw the Celebrity Home Of The Year judges visit the houses of Senator Norris, television presenter Lorraine Keane, author Melissa Hill, 2FM’s Eoghan McDermott, and rugby star Mike Ross.
In the end, judges Hugh Wallace, Deirdre Whelan and Patrick Bradley decided that Mr Norris’ home was a worthy winner.
Programme judge Deirdre Whelan, said: ‘This was a fabulous home, beautifully restored, but the best bit was the personality and humour evident throughout it. This home totally reflected the person that lives there. I loved visiting it.’
Hugh Wallace added: ‘His personality and charisma oozes out of every nook and cranny in this fantastic home.’
The senator’s victory won him €5,000 to donate to a charity of his choice. He said: ‘I am both delighted and very surprised to have won the Celebrity Home Of The Year.
‘I did not think my home would fit into that particular category – that is, not architecturally designed, very idiosyncratic and with a kitchen that wouldn’t suit everybody! But who are we to judge?’
‘Personality and charisma’