206135 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdreamhome%2F2007%2F10%2F19%2Ffirst-look-the-view-from-hgtv-dream-home-2008%2FFirst+Look%3A+The+View+From+HGTV+Dream+Home+20082007-10-19+21%3A40%3A08Frank+Colehttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdreamhome%2F2007%2F10%2F19%2Ffirst-look-the-view-from-hgtv-dream-home-2008%2F

1. What can one say?? It is beyond all expectations! Every spectacular detail. I’m in love !!!!! Truly a miracle to be chosen. It could change our lives. Great job, HGTV

   Barbara on January 1, 2008 at 10:27 pm
2. The HGTV Dream Home is beautiful as always. I am concerned about the lack of design for hurricanes. It is disappointing to think that storm blinds or ways of protecting the home were not considered were overlooked. I can easily see a storm surge taking out this beautiful home, then what are you left with? A beautiful location and sand.
   Considering the thoughtful work of the past with the location in mind and all the wonderful designs you have presented over the years, this one is a little disappointing.

   David on January 2, 2008 at 10:32 am
3. The new 2008 dream home is the one for me and my husband. We both love the ocean and Gary my husband loves fishing. We both hate the cold in New England too. We’ve been having a very hard life the last few years and want to start over somewhere warm and by the ocean, ofcourse it would only happen if we win. We are having financial problems as well. This home is the one! I loved all of the dream homes but this one is the perfect for our life style. Only GOD knows how much we need this and would love this!

   Gail on January 2, 2008 at 11:11 pm
4. This really is a dream home that can make anyones dream come true, it will definitely make mine!!

   gigi on January 4, 2008 at 8:25 pm
5. Where do I start? It’s a beautiful home and at first glance. The location appears stunning. Considering all that HGTV goes through to take a house from the concept stage and make it a real home, it’s amazing that it is,then, given away. It does make it very difficult to find fault. The old saying, “beggars can’t be choosers” comes to mind. None the less, certain things just seem to scream out. “What we’re you thinking?” First off, I agree with the other bloggers that have looked past the eye candy and real thought about the day to day livability. Children: ground floor, parents: 3rd floor. It’s a good thing the winner has to sign some documents or there would be lawyers involved sooner or later. There is poor access for the handicapped and the elderly. I have followed HGTV through 5 or 6 dream homes now, and it appears every house has its short falls as all houses do. I know I’ve worked as an architectural associate, electrical designer, and in the civil engineering field. I’ve framed houses and done finish carpentry and landscaping. I feel a little qualified to offer my opinion. HGTV is trying to make as many people happy with the house and location as possible, and they have succeeded better than most. But in doing so, the homes lack a central purpose. Is it a retirement home?(not with all those stairs) Is it a family home?(not with the kids alone on the first floor) Is it a “DINK” or a YUPPEE home?(who needs a kids room then?) Bottomline, it makes a real nice vaction home for eveyone; but, trust me, you may not want to live there full time(especially after the pool and the other 6 house are finished). How much real peace and quiet will you have once the neighbors move in and start sharing your front yard and pool at all hours of the day and night. Also,enough about these houses being designed by men. Where’s the three (3) car garage and workshop? The last two houses have had a garage (it appears to be a trend)and this has a single. But if this was a “men only” design these houses would be even less girl friendly. Once again its a balancing act and HGTV is doing pretty good.

   M. BRANDT on January 4, 2008 at 11:35 pm
6. DEAR HGTV

   I POSTED AN EARLIER BLOG, BUT I ALWAYS GO BACK AND READ THE OTHER COMNENTS. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THERE ARE A LOT OF UNGRACIOUS FANS , WITH A HOUSE LIKE THIS IF YOU WIN IT I AM SURE YOU CAN ACCOMODATE ANYONE, I WISH PEOPLE WOULD BE GRACIOUS WHEN SOMEONE IS GIVING YOU SOMETHING AS THIS HOME AND OTHER AMMENITIES , I GUESS SOME PEOPLE HAVE JUST FORGOTTEN TO SAY THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

   I HAVE MY MOTHER WHO IS OLD AND FINDS IT HARD TO GET AROUND AND SHE IS EVEN JUMPING FOR JOY…POOR LIITLE THING THINKS WE WON ALREADY. THE POINT IS YOU MAKE IT WORK AND WITH LOVE AND A SOME ACCOMADATIONS YOU CAN MAKE IT WORK. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS HOME AND MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL DEFINITELY BE THERE VISITING ALL THE TIME AND THA’TS THE BEAUTY OF THIS. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN AND I HOPE I WIN.I’LL TAKE IT JUST LIKE THAT………..GREAT JOB HGTV……

   madi on January 7, 2008 at 4:25 am
7. This home is the dream home i’ve been dreaming about since i was a kid, i would love to move in a place sooo big, and beautiful and where the weather’s HOT!

   Rachel Louis on January 7, 2008 at 10:31 pm
8. What a view! Magnificent. From Hoosierland to a Floridian paradise, my husband and I are ready for this HGTV chance. I have only been to the Keys once in my lifetime. What a dream this would be to win a house in such a perfect setting. You’ve done it again HGTV. Thank you for this opportunity!

   Susan Sater on January 8, 2008 at 12:01 pm
9. Make my parents happy and to make my dads dream come true. Love you mommy and daddy.

   love jacq.

   louanna/daughter on January 9, 2008 at 9:55 pm
10. This house is absolutely gorgeous. I can’t think of any place that I’d rather be. My daughter would love to live on the beach!!!!!

    Shawn on January 11, 2008 at 8:20 pm
11. What a great place to live for the rest of your life!!!??? I am ready to move in as long as I can remodel the master closet. My wardrobe is a bit broader than a swimsuit, bathrobe and a pair of sandals. That closet was not designed for clothes. You win a woman in three areas – the kitchen, the bathroom and the closets. The master closet looks like it was designed for show, not functionality. Pull out all those knick knacks and put up some rods!!!

    Marilyn on January 12, 2008 at 10:10 am
12. This first image of the DreamHouse was posted on Oct. 19–imagine how I felt when I saw this breathtaking view posted on my birthday–thank you for the wonderful present!

    Dorothea Lipari on January 15, 2008 at 9:02 am
13. I am a nurse and take care of people all day–people that have a chance to travel and enjoy life after their health has improved. i have dreamed of living in a warm state(I live in Michigan) I am close to retirement and this would be my ultimate fantasy to get a chance to live in this fabulous home. Thanks HGTV for giving me this opputunity to enter. Linda

    Linda on January 16, 2008 at 12:16 pm
14. If in my life if I could return to the Keys . I would never never leave them again.for they never leave the windows of your mind.,the sunsets,the sunrise the wind blown palms.the peace of the sea.Its in your blood forever,theres no cure. only to return. Lauren Higginbotham

    Lauren Higginbotham on January 16, 2008 at 12:50 pm
15. Love the colors this year – very soothing – and it is wonderful to see local art incorporated in the home. It will be a beautiful home for someone to share with family and friends. Good Luck!

    Tamara on January 22, 2008 at 10:29 am
16. How I would love to live there. I have been to Islamorada and it is one of my favorite places. Since being diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer, all I dream of is a beautiful home in the Keys or the Carribean so I can go and recharge my batteries after treatments. This home looks so serene and peaceful – how I would love it!!!!

    Diane on January 25, 2008 at 1:19 am
17. HOLA!!! FIRST, Congrats for your efforts, design and location.
    When you work hard in life and believe that everyday is your day, then you can reach wherever you desire. I have a son that has been working hard beside me and facing challenges and BEAUTIFUL opportunities in life. As a single mom I have a HUGE bag of dreams, some of then I reached already others I know I will. If this WONDERFUL house is for us will be a blessing, if not I want to have the BEST of LUCK and happiness for the new winner. THank you HGTV for the opportunity, because we also START AT HOME our dreams.

    Yta-Illinois on February 5, 2008 at 1:13 am
18. My wedding will be on this lawn on April 12,2008!

    A&K on February 5, 2008 at 10:16 pm
19. I HAVE A QUESTION..WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO KEEP THESE HOMES AFTER THEY WIN THEM?

    beverly-sue on February 10, 2008 at 11:05 am
20. I was first in Islamorada in 2000, on a pleasure trip, and fell in love with this beautiful place! I returned to Florida in 2007 for treatment of an ocular melanoma at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. My husband and I had a day free from testing and before surgical treatment, so we drove back to the Keys. Our love of the Islamorada area was immediately reinforced! Congratulations on such a beautiful home! What a joy this will be for the winner — surely hoping the winner will be us! I am hoping, too, that no further eye treatments in Miami are necessary, but that all future trips to Florida will be as a proud homeowner in Islamorada!

    Norma-Amarillo, Tx on February 11, 2008 at 1:05 am
21. I’m addicted to the HGTV Dreamhome…but…wouldn’t it be even more of a dream to build 10 smaller vacation homes that 10 families might win and find someway to keep?

    tada on February 11, 2008 at 9:29 pm
22. I really would love to have this home. I had a devasting divorce and lost my home.. uable to purchase another due to attorney fees and other circumstances. It would be a blessing to me and my kids to have this beautiful place to live ! Those that are close to me know how much I deserve this home.. as I have never been able to purchase my own home ! I have entered … diligently ! Please make this dream come true for me and my children ! (and my 2 little dogs too…who would LOVE the Doggie Dream Home ! Lori

    Lori on February 17, 2008 at 2:29 pm
23. Dream Home Compliments of HGTV
    House A total package of style and comfort
    View PRICELESS!!!!

    Would love to get back to the Keys and live out my life in this awesome house. Am in my fifties so “got a lotta livin to do”!

    Kenny on February 17, 2008 at 8:40 pm
24. It’s almost done, but I’m still “Dreaming” I would leave this frozen North East Kingdom in a heartbeat and never look back. A truly lovely Home.

    Terry on February 18, 2008 at 10:33 am
25. I think many people with “wants” need to reflect on what you have to be thankful for. Do you have your health?? Without your health, it is difficult to see the joy in the day. Being confined to a hospital for one month and not knowing if the treatment for cancer will work is about the most difficult card that can be handed to you. Be thankful for the time you have with your children and family because your time may be limited. I just want people to think about what you have before want for more. There is just way too much selfishness in this world with people not being thankful for what they already have.

    The house is beautiful and should go to a very deserving person/people.

    Anonymous fighting Cancer on February 18, 2008 at 4:48 pm
26. I love the fishing closet!!! What a fantastic idea… I may just steal it for my next home remodel!

    Derek on February 19, 2008 at 6:31 pm
27. i definatly won i entered so many times and nothing will stop me

    anonymous on February 19, 2008 at 8:55 pm
28. I hope i win this house because i need a spot to relax

    Me on February 19, 2008 at 8:58 pm
29. The home is just beautiful and the area is loving great . I can’t wait to see the luckey person to win. I hope that it is my self I really need this and my husband also. We wish all of you the best
    Jude

    Judy on February 19, 2008 at 9:30 pm
30. I have just one word for this home. JESUS!!!!!!!

    Debra Heard on February 20, 2008 at 12:42 am
31. I am sitting here in Nebraska with minus 2 degees outside. Looking and dreaming of the HGTV home in Florida. Thinking how wonderful it would be to be in a warm climate. I keep looking for the clues to the next home but I can’t seem to find them, so my search continues. I am waiting to hear from HGTV in March, as I hope I will be the next winner.

    Rainnie on February 20, 2008 at 12:14 pm
32. I pray that God will bless me with this house, i am getting married in June and this would be a wonderful blessing.

    Alina on February 21, 2008 at 1:13 am
33. lindsi our 7yr old just can not believe that someone would give away that beautiful of a house. We watch HGTV all the time and every time an add comes on about the house give away our daughter about pees her pants and says over and over thats going to be our new house.GOD I hope she is right.Thank you HGTV for all the excitement you have put in our house.

    the fonders on February 21, 2008 at 10:32 pm
34. what a wonderful place to wake up to every day. I have been in a wheel chair forfour years I would like to win for my husband who gives my baths dresses me washes my hair takes me to all drs’ app. we have been married for fourty seven years what a man god has been good to me just to wake up every day with his arms around me we are in our final years but we love every day we get up this is so good of hgtv to give this to someone. what a blessing i cannot imagin being blessed with such abeautiful home and it would be heaven on earth

    wanda frank on February 22, 2008 at 9:34 pm
35. We have been signing up for the Dream Home for
    several years. My husband is a fisherman as you
    can see from our e-mail address. I dream of read-
    ing my books on the balcony. The fishing room
    with the equipment would be heaven for him. And
    the design and view are more than we could hope for. Thanks for giving us this opportunity.

    Dave Tolchin on March 12, 2008 at 7:58 pm