Inside Homes Under The Hammer star Martel Maxwell's Beverley Hills-style pad

05 October 2023 , 09:30

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Martel designed her own magnificent family home (Image: BBC/Lion Television Scotland/Ellis O’Brien)

Journalist Martel Maxwell may live in Dundee, but her gorgeous home practically radiates Californian sunshine with its huge windows and relaxed, spacious living spaces. As a co-presenter on Homes Under The Hammer, Martel, 46, has plenty of knowledge when it comes to home renovations and interior design, and it's clear her own taste in furnishings is pretty much impeccable.

The Scottish reporter, who took over presenting duties from Lucy Alexander back in 2017, lives in a stunning open-plan property with her husband and their three young sons and will often share glimpses of her luxurious, and carefully thought-out, home via Instagram.

Swish living room, and regret over white sofa

When it comes to interiors, Martel opts for all things chic and sophisticated, with beautifully polished floorboards and a cosy fireplace bringing plenty of warmth to the creamy neutral colour scheme. In an evening pic shared via Instagram, fans were offered a look at the family's enviable open-plan living room area, which features a marble coffee at the very centre, gleaming under the glow of the light.

Martel apparently has one regret when it comes to the sofa however, and it's one many busy mums will be able to relate to all too well. In the caption of her post, Martel wrote: "That moment as you come down the stairs, the kids are asleep and you think: 'Sofa, now, mine'. And no, with three wee boys (or me with a glass of red) I wouldn't get a white sofa again."

Enormous windows, and surprising amounts of sunshine

The huge windows of Martel's home give the property a very glam look, but they also serve an important functional purpose, allowing plenty of sunshine, warmth, and, of course, mood-boosting views. According to Hello! magazine, Martel, who designed the property herself, explained: "When you live in Scotland, it can get so very cold - and yet our house is always toasty. When designing our home, we realised the weather might not be tropical but the East of Scotland is so bright and sunny - so put windows almost everywhere. Not only do you see the amazing Perthshire hills and pinch-me sunsets but no matter how cold it is outside, so long as it's sunny, the house is warm. Solar panels also help."

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Dream kitchen with farmhouse touches

When it came to crafting her dream kitchen, Martel blended a contemporary feel with traditional farmhouse touches, complete with a smart dark green colour palette and white countertops. The addition of an AGA oven makes this room an ideal space for foodies. Elsewhere, the home features a modern spiral staircase and a serene balcony attached to the master bedroom.

Julia Banim