Design Happens

I’m not a cold weather person, but for several weeks, the HGTV Dream Home 2011 and Stowe, Vt., have been consuming my thoughts. There’s something so dreamy and charming about this snow-covered skier’s paradise. I’ve even gone so far as to picture myself enjoying my morning coffee on the master bedroom’s private balcony while soaking up the surrounding mountain views and brisk air.

Sigh … isn’t she beautiful? Let’s head inside!

My absolute favorite space is the master bedroom suite (particularly the floor-to-ceiling, 17-foot-long draperies framing the entrance to the master bath). The vibrant cranberry walls are a perfect backdrop for the black pencil-post bed. The combination of both modern, with the artwork by Louis Eby, and rustic, like the weathered walnut and poplar doors, is what makes this space so comfortable and appealing to me.

I could definitely get used to this place. My wool slippers would be right at home in front of the right-side nightstand, and with two reading lamps peeking through the back bed panel, I can finally finish that book I’ve been reading since Thanksgiving. Plus, I think my kitten D’Artagnan would be completely content with the Dream Home 2011 replica as his new bed/hangout spot. Want to see more? Step into the master bedroom suite with a complete 360-degree tour of the space.

I’m a sucker for mountain views, and Mount Mansfield has now officially topped my list. Despite the cold winter weather, if I lived in Dream Home 2011, the lower-level terrace would be my new favorite spot all year round. Located directly below the main-level deck, the terrace boasts a state-of-the-art grilling station, dining table and an in-ground hot tub and fireplace.

The marble-top dining table comfortably seats six with an ideal view of some of Mother Nature’s finest. Just a few feet away, the outdoor grilling station provides a gas grill and plenty of counter space for summertime cookouts and entertaining. The six-person hot tub with gas fireplace is simply divine.

For a complete view, step onto the terrace with a 360-degree tour. Dying to see the other 19 spaces that make up Dream Home 2011? The home’s most beautiful photos are all in one place.

Since I work for HGTV, this Stowe, Vt. house can only occupy my day dreams. You still have 44 days left to enter the HGTV Dream Home 2011 sweepstakes for a chance to win it. And this year, we’re making your chances to win even greater. Enter twice daily – once on HGTV.com and once on FrontDoor.com.