Hugh Wallace

What is your favourite room in a house?

My favourite room in a house is the kitchen. It’s where most of the entertaining takes place and most importantly, where the food is. You can watch the host cooking. If I don’t think they’re doing it right, I interfere.

What is the oddest or most unusual feature you’ve ever encountered in a celebrity home?

It was a sculpture of a full-sized Friesian cow in their courtyard. It was brilliant.

What is your personal favourite feature in your own home?

A 19th century Moroccan door which I bought in Taroudant, Morocco 15 years ago. I got it shipped back to Ireland. It is four metres wide, has a peak shape and has this amazing pattern engraved on it.

Hugh Wallace presents Celebrity Home of the Year with fellow judges Deirdre Whelan and Peter Crowley on RTÉ One, January 2. This year, the homes include those of artist Robert Ballagh, broadcaster and entrepreneur Ramona Nicholas, writer John Boyne, meteorologist Jean Byrne and singer-songwriter Eleanor Mcevoy.