In the world of home renovation and real estate, the decisions homeowners make can often leave onlookers perplexed, and a recent episode of Love It Or List It has done just that. The show, which airs on Channel 4 and is available for streaming, presents homeowners with a unique dilemma: should they renovate their current home ('love it') or sell it and move on ('list it')? This time, viewers were left scratching their heads as a couple chose to add what some called 'tacky' renovations to their 'soulless' new build rather than relocate to a luxurious five-bedroom farmhouse.


Jaqui and Scott, the couple at the centre of the controversy, were at odds over the future of their four-bedroom home in Hamilton, central Scotland. Jaqui felt suffocated in a house that had been taken over by Scott's study, gym, and garage, leaving her without a space of her own. She longed for a new chapter and was ready to move, especially since the dining room, once the heart of their home, had been converted into Scott's home office. Meanwhile, Scott was content with their current abode, citing its great location, wonderful neighbours, and the convenience of having his friends and golf course nearby.


The show's hosts, Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer, took on the challenge of swaying the couple, especially Jaqui, with a budget of £60,000 for renovations and £450,000 to move. They presented several properties, but it was the five-bedroom farmhouse in Stewarton that caught Jaqui's eye. Coming in under budget at £415,000, the farmhouse seemed to tick all the boxes with its stylish shower room, country cottage charm, luxury finish, and idyllic countryside views.


Despite the allure of the farmhouse, the couple ultimately decided to stay put and renovate. The decision was met with disbelief from viewers, who criticised the renovations for resembling a 'tacky Dubai palace' and being 'very live laugh love inspired.' The couple's home, once lacking personal space for Jaqui, underwent significant changes, including an open-plan design for the cooking and entertaining area, granite worktops, luxury porcelain tiles, stylish sinks, and gold hardware detailing throughout. Scott even built a pod in the garden for his office, allowing Jaqui to reclaim the dining room for her sewing hobby.

However, the renovations came at a cost, both financially and aesthetically, according to some viewers. The couple spent nearly £80,000 (about $159,000), overshooting their budget by £20,000 ($39,800), and the end result did not impress everyone. The house's valuation increased from £378,000 ($754,000) to £435,000 ($about 867,000), but this £56,000 ($111,000) rise in value did not seem to justify the money and effort spent. Critics pointed out the lack of privacy in their hard-landscaped garden and the absence of greenery, which contrasted sharply with the picturesque countryside views they turned down.

Despite the mixed reactions, Kirstie and Phil praised the couple's DIY efforts, calling the renovations 'glorious'. Jaqui and Scott, while content with their revamped home for now, conceded that it wasn't their 'forever home' and agreed to consider moving in five years.


This episode raises interesting questions about the value of personal taste versus traditional luxury, the emotional attachment to one's home, and the practical considerations that come into play when deciding whether to love or list. It also highlights the subjective nature of home aesthetics — what one person may view as 'tacky,' another may see as the perfect expression of their style and comfort.

For our readers over 60, who may have faced similar decisions or are contemplating a change, this story serves as a reminder that home is where the heart is, and sometimes, the heart wants what it wants, even if it leaves others baffled. Have you ever made a controversial renovation choice, or do you prefer the charm of traditional luxury? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!