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Can you tell us about the windows? Many questions have come up about whether or not there are screens. I could not readily find a link to the window manufacturer to “read all about it”.
— nonnii
You can also find more information on just about everything used in or around the house in the HGTV MarketPlace. The windows and doors were supplied by Jeld-Wen.
What is the orientation of the patio, does it face east, west or ne, nw, se, sw?
— Sandra
All three patios face the Florida Bay, which is north of the Keys. I didn’t take a compass when we were in Islamorada for the online photo shoot, but I think the house faces northwest. Here’s a photo taken from the master bedroom balcony just after sunset.
Why don’t you have a drawing, let the winner choose the design (floor plans, etc.), and then build the house?
— Tony
While we haven’t gone that route with the HGTV Dream Home, there is a sweepstakes from our sister site DIY Network where they’re giving away a house and you can vote on how the grand prize is built. Go to the DIY Blog Cabin site now and you can vote on features in the custom log cabin they’re building on beautiful Watts Bar Lake here in east Tennessee. And starting Aug. 1, you’ll be able to enter for a chance to win the home!
Also, please note that I’m just a website editor. I’m not a tax attorney or insurance broker. I cannot offer any advice or speculation whatsoever on taxes, how much insurance might cost, or if there will be homeowner’s association fees involved. I’m not ignoring your questions, it’s just that I cannot provide answers.
Thanks and check back next week for more, including information on how the home was built to meet building regulations in the Florida Keys.
MORE ABOUT HGTV DREAM HOME 2008
Enter the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win a Beach House in the Florida Keys
HGTV Dream Home Online Tour
HGTV Dream Home Giveaway Prizes »
HGTV Dream Home Giveaway Rules »
HGTV Dream Home Central »
Share Photos/Videos of the Florida Keys »
The Shore at Islamorada: Site of HGTV Dream Home 2008 »
You mean HGTV isn’t providing free tax advice as part of the prize?
Why didn’t you just answer: Are there screens on the windows, or not?
Sorry, guess my question should have been: How many, if any, windows acturally open? And are all the windows made with Impactguard Glass?
Everything about the home is wonderful.
Especially to me, since I don’t even own a home this would be a DREAM HOME comes true for sure.
I have always dreamed about living near the Ocean.
Is the choice of color for the walls and furniture “set in stone”? Or can the winner suggest some different colors – or is this something that the winner would have to fix themselves (i.e. repaint and buy new furniture) I have nothing against the interior decorators but not everyone likes red furniture or stripes in a room….
Also, is there any open space where an elevator could be put in?…
I do like the home but probably couldn’t afford to live there – although it is nice to dream…
With the extreme property tax situation that Florida has now, and the fact that house values are falling fast, this is no longer a 2 million dollar prize. Will the developer buy it back from the winner?
I found some helpful info on what happens if you win. The gentleman who won the 2002 dream home gives a lengthly Q&A on his experience in regards to what to expect with ownership responsibilities, taxes ect. Go to dream home central, scroll to “dream homes past” then scroll to “previous dream homes” click on the 2002 winner Q&A. Lots of information!
Over the years I noticed, from the limited info posted, that only one winner actually tried to keep the home. Has HGTV considered building several smaller homes each year so there would be more winners with an opportunity to keep the home?
Bloggers, those of you who have asked about the windows, they are impactguard; which means you do not need hurricane shutters for the windows. They can withstand winds of 250 miles a hour. As far as screens, they have to come with screens, all windows come with screens. Other questions I have seen from bloggers are: Why no bathroom on the first floor, well, if you look at the floor plans on the first floor,you will notice there is a half bath near the kids bedroom. Also another question is Why no washer- & Dryer, there is a washer & dryer included, it is behind the white curtain in the laundry room. As far as HGTV giving tax advice, that is not their responsibily, it’s up to the winner to obtain. their own. Most of the questions can be answered by reading HGTV’s web-sight or going to their sponsors web-sights.
I would like to know how HGTV manages to locate the winner and surprise them? Winning the “Dream Home ” would truly be a dream for my husband and I as we just moved our daughter to Tallahassee FL ! We would be so much closer to her than our home here in KS. On March 16 we will actually be in Tallahassee visiting when the winner is announced ! Maybe we will be close to our new home!
this is a BEAUTIFUL HOME! if i would happen to win it woiuld be a dream come true! i am a single mother with big dreams of moving to florida!!
Unbelievable home! Would be an absolute dream come true… Like it so much, I’ve encouraged neighbors, friends, family, and everyone I have talked with in the past month to enter…, with the hopes of just getting a chance to stay there once if anyone I know wins. This home is too great to not spread the word of a chance at winning this gem! Thank you HGTV for the opportunity! Mike. PS> Truck is a very nice prize also. Love the mpg rating.
FIRST CLASS! What a beautiful home. I was surprised to see so much undeveloped land around the property. Does the property go out to the water? Is this the first lot of a new development? Can we drive by and see the house?
Dear FCOLE: Just a website editor??? How difficult and demanding that job must be. I’m sure some of these bloggers must drive you crazy (as they do me). I’d like to respond to STEPHNIE from a previous blog. The bedrooms in the DH can be “multifunctional”. Look at the “kids” bedroom. Do you see teddy bears or clowns? No, only a twin bedroom that could suit anyone. The crayon caddy is adorable, and I would love to grab some and a sketch pad and sit on the patio and sketch my impressions of the beautiful view.
I would like to know WHO designed this home, and named these rooms. I am sick of the title “Master” bedroom and “Master” bath. (much wasted space in this DH). I know it’s universal, but it’s time to change that. Coudn’t we call it “Special” bedroom” or “Owners” bedroom. Or better yet, “Largest” bedroom. Designers, think about all the grief you have caused viewers upset about MB upstairs and KIDS two floors down. And poor fcole, having to answer all the questions. I love HGTV. Thank you so much for allowing me to dream.
I live in Homestead. If we wanted to be at the house when you give it away. Who do you have to contact?
thank you
I cant believe all the negative comments about this Home! If you wont appreciate all the hard work that went into this home, then dont enter…give the people that will enjoy the home a better chance to win!!!!
I can’t wait to get the keys to my Dream House!! For all of you who don’t appreciate the home, the location or overall design, just DON’T ENTER! I can’t believe how selfish and unappreciative people can be. It would truly be a Dream to win this House!
There are so many questions here and so many answers on the message board, come on over.
Can you tell use more about why it was decided not to have a closet in the children’s bedroom of the Dream House 2008? What other storage areas exist in the house, attic space? Thank you!
what lies thru the secret door in the master closet? it is above the second floor sitting room but not sure if it is inside storage or outside. tks, sandra
You may be a website director, but behind you stands all the resources of HGTV, who does have tax attorneys and insurance brokers who work full-time for the network. And then there is the developer, who will have an idea of what homeowner fees will be. (And you still didn’t answer the question about screens–why can’t you just answer yes or no in addition to referring people to the JeldWen materials.) I am sure you can communicate with others who have the expertise, and forward information on to us.
No one is asking for tax advice–they are asking what are the estimated responsibilities of winning this home? So many people who enter aren’t even aware they have to pay income taxes, etc., which won’t be a nice surprise if they do win.
Thanks to all the HGTV viewers who have tried to answer questions about the taxes, fees, insurance. It helps to know what will be expected, and not have to figure everything out at the announcement, when your in a stupor.
And to you viewers whothink you will be able to rent or timeshare or fractional-own this home, I really doubt that will be allowed under the Home Owners Association in this upscale development. You might be able to co-own it with a relatives, but people in multi-million dollar homes aren’t going to want a new family coming by every week. (This was also the problem with the Tyler, TX, HGTV Dream Home winner–he couldn’t sell off the lakehouse or rent the home because of covenants. And he didn’t own the land on which it sat either, which is probably the case on this dream home.)
I like the idea of a reverse mortgage, but I wonder if they are available for homes in this expensive category.
Of all the Dream Homes HGTV has had so far, this is the one which appeals most to me because I love the ocean. Best wishes to the winner!
How much of this home is built “green”? Does it have storage areas not shown? Does it have a whole house generator? We both love this house and love to fish. Winning this home would be a dream come true for us.
i was wondering if you could show me a picture of the half bath. on the first floor nrar th kids room…?
i just wanted to say that my stepmom had been entering this sweepstakes since it started everyday now. my sisters boyfriend lives in largo key florida and they are very much in love. we live in missouri. i have a 24 yr old stepbrother who is in north caralina right now. a 16 yr old stepbrother who lives at my house and his dads. a 12 yr old brother whos always getting into mischeif haha. and my sister who is 14 but yes she is still in love. and im 15. and my dad is 37. my stepmom 41. i think we deserve to win this house because we as two familys into one for three yrs have gone through alot. and i think florida would be everything that all our hard troubles was worth. i hope we win.
-Brandi.
I live in the keys and my doors are 150 mph inpact where did Jan find the info on the windows being 250 mph. I also have shutters because my glass is only 50 mph impact I know that the permit requirementment is 150 MPH. Also those of you that stil can’t enter without filling out the whole form. you need to enter your email exactly the way you entered it prior , capital letters and all have to match.
Where are the throw pillows on the couch in the living room from, that are on the Ethan Allen Bennett Sofa?
thanks
This has not been just a recent dream come true, but this has been our lifelong dream. My husband and I love,love the ocean. we have always lived on the lake but we sit on the deck and talk about where do we want to retire early. It is so funny because we chime in together just like a recording – somewhere in the keys!!We have spent a lot of time in Key West-sometimes we would fly sometime drive but Islamorada is by far the most beautiful.The others shouldn’t be so negative about such a gracious giveaway.
I do not believe HGTV should have to take all of the criticism that they have been given. To be given such a glorious opportunity is a blessing. For those of you whom are not happy with the color and where the laudry room is, complaining of the “child’s room”and not liking the name bestowed on the rooms, I really don’t understand why you waste your time.There are those that just can’t be happy! I would be tickled to the bone if my husband and I were able to load on up and retire just as we have wished so many times before. I will be so
PROUD for the one that would be able to wake to that beauiful sound and feel the ocean and know for sure that God made a special place for everyone.
Posted by Brenda Feb3.2008
I LOVE THIS HOUSE, IF YOU WANT THE BEDROOM DOWN STAIRS TO BE THE GUEST ROOM, THEN CALL IT THE GUEST ROOM…THE HOUSE IS NICE AND I LOVE THE FEEL OF IT. IF I WON I WOULD SELL, COULDN’T AFFORD TO STAY IN IT, BUT WHATEVER I END UP WITH WOULD BE MORE THEN I HAVE NOW, I DID LIKE THE INTERIOR DECOR AND THE DESIGNS, GAVE ME IDEAS FOR WHEN I GET MY FIRST HOME…..LOVE YOU ALL, BLOGS ARE HERE FOR US TO POST WHAT WE FEEL AND ASK QUESTIONS FOR THE MOST PART IT IS VERY HELPFUL THE CONCERNS AND ANSWERS, LET’S BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET PERSONAL AND ATTACK ONE ANOTHER HERE LOVE YOU ALL, HOPE THE FAMILY THAT WINS REALLY GET TO STAY AND SEE THEIR DREAM BECOME A REALITY…OH AND YOU WOULD STILL HAVE TO WORK, YOU ARE WINNING A HOUSE NOT THE LOTTERY….LOL, LOVE BYE
HGTV has done it again — another FABULOUS home! But being located onshore in hurricane-prone FL Keys does pose some unique problems, and I was wondering: Is there a designated “safe” room, is a generator provided? The question of high impact windows was addressed, but other precautions are also necessary. The Keys are the first to evacuate during hurricane warning, but I would want to know I had a home to come back to after the storm, and I was wondering what safety precautions were built into the house.
Also, on the schematic of the Shores resort area, it shows other homes proposed for future construction. Are any of these homes actually sold and under construction now? In the rendering, the other homes appear to be VERY close to the Dream Home — zero lot line? I realize that land is at a premium in the Keys, but it looks like there is literally no space between the houses! I’m sure this is probably NOT the case, but it would be nice to know the size and location of the lots surrounding the Dream Home. Thank you.
Hey, this is my dreamhome back home. My husband and I are trying to purchase our first home and are running into lots of obstacles since most of the homes here in Oregon do not meet our needs for accessibility (I became wheelchair bound 5/2006) and suitability for small children (we had a half dozen kids. What were we thinking?) at the same time. How hard would it be to add a home elevator to the Keys property?
Please tell the bloggers to join us at the message boards, all their questions will be answered there.
I just posted a commet and after reading some of the others I feel a bit ashamed about saying that I wasn’t as excited. *blush* Of coarse it would be exciting to win! Duh!!! As far as the complants go…I find them all very confusing. This home is beautiful! ALL OF IT! Whoever wins hopefully would be grateful. I know I would.
I live in California and have been wondering about the hurricane safety on this house.
My daughter used to live in Mount Dora, and I know my grand daughter always ran for the closet whenever a storm hit, even in Calif.
I have also been wondering if they would buy it back from you maybe even at a lower price then it is assesed at? As it is a development, that might be an advantage to the builder as he is also building more homes in the area.
Not that I don’t like Florida, my daughter sent me photos of a trip she and her husband took to the Keys when she lived there and the Sunsets and Sunrises are spectacular. I am just afraid of hurricanes especially living out here on the west coast for most of my life.
When do the clues for next year’s location start?
To answer GP’s comment on 2/3. I made a typing mistake on 2/2 saying the impactguard windows would withstand 250 mile an hour winds. He or she is correct, it is 110- 150 mile an hour, that is the Miami-Dade County code for coastal area’s. Thank You, GP for pointing out that mistake. GP if you live in Key West, have you toured the Dream Home? If so, maybe you can give some insight on the home as far some of the questions bloggers have asked. I live in Broward County (FT. Lauderdale Area) and have not been there yet, but would love to visit the home. I personally love the Dream Home,as most of the other bloggers do. My best to the winner of this home. You will be a very LUCKY PERSON…….
Thanks fcole for all the info. I appreciate you taking the time to answer some of the bloggers questions. Katydid is right though, you can go through the website and find all of your answers, except the taxes questions. Call an accountant for that one. No one should be worrying about that now. Can you just dream for a month? Most of us are aware that this home is unrealistic, but we can still dream about living in the home. And, who ever wins will be able to stay in the home for a day or two. This home is my dream and I will continue to dream about it until the winner is announced and even then I can still dream about it. That is what it is all about. I love the idea and the concept and will continue to watch for and enter the dream homes/green homes and any other homes that are given away if for nothing else than to DREAM!
Thanks again fcole for the info and thanks to HGTV for all you do.
There probably isn’t much storage – no basements in FL! Those walk in closets are probably it. Who needs that much extra stuff, anyway?
Having just toured the Dream Home I can safely say I WANT IT MORE THAN EVER!!!! It is perfect for me in every way! The people handling the tours were great! Just to address a few questions here -
There are screens on the windows – a great system that allows the screens to slide out when you need ‘em and hide away when you don’t!!
Storage is somewhat limited, especially for all the patio furniture
Construction on the other houses is set to begin after the giveaway. Sounds like they are putting them all up pretty quickly so only some construction to endure (I can handle it!! – Better than the year and a half I spent in dustbowl construction being one of the first houses up!) At least there’s a great view!!
AWESOME PLACE!! I will be watching for you, HGTV on the 16th (only 4 days after my birthday!!)
Every year HGTV has such a beautiful Dream Home! I just love dreaming every year of living in them. They are all so big and open I just love it. One thing I do wish is that they had made a dock to fish from that would be cool. Could one really not keep it? It seems there must be a way? But it is always older people who win and if they cant how could some one in their 20s hope to
I can dream though thats free 
good luck to who wins I hope you get to keep it and love it forever!!!!!!
Hi, i think my mom really deserves this house i hope she wins it would be her dream come true and my dream to see hers come true
Jan,I live in the middle Keys and havenot toured the home but I do know alot about if from researching it. I have answered peoples questions and comment espe3cially those who nothing about living in Florida and what a great State is is to be a resident of because of the homested laws and the Tax increaase of only 3% a year for homesteaded resident. I assumed you made a typo on the wind impact windows that’s why I made the comment. I am a she and I am entering the contest. If you are entering Good Luck. If I win I will probably have to sell it but you never can tell since the new Law of being able to carry your homestead with you up to $500,00.00. Good Luck and Thanks for the reply. nice to hear from someone without so much negativity.GP
This is the most beautiful house. Every year they get better and better,and every year I enter swearing I am the winner. (wish that this year it would come true) whom ever wins this one may they have the best of luck and love enjoying it..
I just caught up on the blog…I’ve been so busy these days. We are planning our daughters wedding for September…it’s crazy!! I can’t wait for March 16th…I’ll be 44 and hoping to get the best birthday gift ever! Ok, I’m not holding my breath, but I love watching the winner every year. I can’t help but shed a tear of joy for them. One thing I know for sure…no matter what people say about the house, the winner will be sooooo happy and thrilled. I would love to see a blogger win this year. Make sure you give a shout out to us on TV, so we know who you are. Good luck everyone
Good morning to all of my fellow HGTV fans! Just a few weeks left to enter the sweepstakes. I just love dreaming about the Florida Keys! Good luck, mi amigos!
I just wanted to comment on the dream home windows. If you watch HGTV as much as I do you would see a commercial for the windows. The commercial shows that some of the windows have retractable screens. I am not sure which ones or how many. I would think all of them would after all this is a dream home!! I think this home is gorgeous in every way. My girls and I love to take the 360 degree tour of each room. My 4 year old always wants to see “her” room. It is fun to dream.
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS HOM. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT. WE NEARLY LIVE CHECK TO CHECK. OUR HOUSE IS CLUTTERED TO THE POINT WHERE IT’S ABOUT TO EXPLODE. I HAVE ALWAYYYYSSS DREAMED ABOUT GOING TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND LIVING THERE WOULD BE EVEN GREATER TIMES 10 TO THE 10000000TH POWER. I WOULDN’T ONLY BE DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS HOME, I’D BE BLESSED. ANYONE WHO GETS THIS HOME IS BLESSED FOR THAT MATTER. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THE OCEAN NOR WILL I EVER. AND I BUGS THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME.
PLUS OUR HOUSE IS IN NEED OF MAJOR RENOVATIONS. WE JUST TOOK THE SHAG CARPETING OUT OF OUR “BATHROOM” . LOL; OUR CLOSETS ARE LITERALLY FILLED WITH CRAP ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. THEY LOOK LIKE DUMPSTERS. ;o AND SOME OF THEM ARE ABOUT TO EXPLODE-THE DOORS ARE LITERALY BENDING OUTWARD. WE ARE IN DIOR NEED OF A NEW LIFESTYLE. PLEASE PICK US!
I also toured the dream home on Monday 2/4/08 with my daughter, brother and sister-in-law. We loved the house and the volunteer staff was lovely and so excited to share tidbits about the house. The non-profit that will benefit from the ticket addmission, can use all the help they can get. 100% of your $20.00 admission is tax deduticable and to a wonderful cause that will help many families and children in the area. I admire HGTV for making the house available to benefit a charity like this. Looking at the booklet you get when entering the house you can see how the other seven houses circle around the house and where the pool for the community will be placed on the present plot of lawn that is sodded right now.
I looked quickly today at all the positive and some negative comments, but as we all know, we humans all have different taste and preferences. Remember that it is the people that make the home a home, and who ever does win the home will end up a more fortunate person in the long run! Try and go see the house for your self, the island is a wonderful place and not that far for a day’s drive from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami area! Congratulations to the future new home owner!
I would take this house anyway it was given to me and be very, very happy. Love the house, great job HGTV
I’ve been enjoying reading all the blogs and have decided to join the fun again this year!! Thanks Dottie and Techgal for the affirmation that the 2008 HGTV Home is as great as I imagined… I’m dreaming big in Central Illinois.
I AUDREY would love to spend the rest of my entire life in the KEYS.I have a dream this is my break from working 12 hrs swing shift an having no time for my kids,I have 3 girls single parent that has no time for my self an my kids,I do not own a computer so,I have to go to my moms house most of the time to enter are at the library to enter my chance to win. I am not just saying this,I watch HGTV every chance I get.I want this so bad I really do I need this I have faith in GOD even though I really can not go to church often that I need to because the way I work but I still praise him,not to trying change the subject my 4 yr old daugter saying to me mom do your best she is up because she is sick.But anyway I loged on to email NATHEN@EMBARQ.COM,I no you asking why is because,I really do not get on a computer that much so I did not no how to set up a Email address so he us his email I Have his Email an ,I Learned how to set my own so I log on to minds an his that he let me have of his because i start with his on Jan1 an every chance I get I enter I hope this do not will not go a aganist me if it do,do not say please right now I have to go beause I have not had any sleep since I have gotten of work.But to end the night I WANT TO TELL U THAT THIS HOUSE IS MY DREAM I LOVE THIS HOUSE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE IN FLORIDA EVEN THOUGH I ONLY BEEN TO THE KEYS ONCE AN THAT WAS LAST YEAR ON A CRUISE AGAIN I LOVE THIS HOUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT HGTV HOME I WATCH THIS SHOW EVERY CHANCE GET.WHEN I AM OFF WORK I JUST LEARNED HOW TO HAVE COMMENT SO I CAN TELL YOU YOU CATCH WHEN IT DO COME ON ,OH I JUST LEARNED HOW TO FIND COMMENT . GOOD NIGHT