Hello From Sonoma
I told you we were going to have some surprises this week. I’ll start by introducing you to Mary, our new editor here at HGTV.com who’ll be taking over editorial duties for HGTV Dream Home and HGTV Green Home. I’ll still be here at Scripps Networks world headquarters, working on e-mail newsletters, and I may pop up every once in a while on the blog — just to make sure y’all are behaving.
And now, Mary’s first report. FC
First, I’m thrilled to be working on the HGTV Dream Home project. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing blogging duties with our Super Fan and experiencing each and every moment of the excitement right along with you.
Now, a travel update. Our dream team of photographers and online staffers landed in the “Golden State” on Saturday for our week-long photo shoot — right in the midst of a torrential downpour! Our able leader and HGTV Dream Home director Jeannine (J-9 for short) was like steel under pressure as she maneuvered our SUV through the nasty weather and past rolling farmland and marshy bay areas on our way from Sacramento to Sonoma.
Once the rain slowed to a trickle, and after several wrong turns on the outskirts of town (mostly my fault: “We make a right turn at a flashing light … umm … before we reach town … umm … maybe it was once we reach town?”), we arrived at the site. Trust me when I say this property looks like a photo out of a picture book. The home is dreamy, for sure, but somehow maintains that cozy welcoming feeling that only a home filled with family and generations of love can possess.
We walked up the steps, onto the wraparound porch and through the big stately front doors. There was a moment of silence — or maybe my mind just went blank for a sec — as our eyes scanned the foyer for the first time. Then came the flood of “oohs” and “ahhs” as we sauntered through the rooms and up the stairs to see the master and kids’ bedrooms. I can’t give away details just yet, but I am certain you’ll approve of the color schemes, room themes and casual-chic decor. The craftsmanship and attention to detail just knocks my socks off.
Guess it’s time to wrap up this post and get back to work. Jack will be here this afternoon to chat about the house and get his picture snapped by our photographers. Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and photos in the days to come (I just love this image art director Robert captured on Sunday after the skies had cleared).
Hello Mary, and FC we will miss you but be sure to keep popping in from time to time! Mary it sounds as if you had one of those crazy road trips but ended up in a heavenly hideout by the time it was all said and done! I look O so forward to seeing the interiors, So hurry up already!!! With those pics and videos. Super Fan is that you up there in the skies above the dream home tree tops?
Hi Mary! Nice to meet you & to know that you will have exciting news and further stories about my 2009DH!! This photo is fantastic & I can see that window treatments have been added since I stood in front of the Dream Home with my mouth wide open from being awed from my head to my toes!! We are all looking forward to hearing from the “Super Fan!!” What a thrill…working for HGTV!! Cudos to image art director Robert for capturing the real Sonoma on a Sunday after the skies had cleared from the nasty weather! I can hardly wait for more photos…please stop teasing & show us the whole art form!! Welcome aboard…Marie Miller
P.S. What will you be doing Franklin?
This house better be good.
Welcome to the team and thanks for your report. You should find flying into Oakland International just as easy as Sacramento with a much easier drive to Sonoma. Happy Days!
Obviously they flew into Sacramento for financial or other reasons. Santa Rosa has it’s own airport, they would’ve flown into that one if it was all about proximity.
Oh, wow! What a blue-sky picture. Can’t *wait* to see the rest of the house!
I knew it—I can’t leave the country for two weeks without all kinds of new info being posted. I have SO MUCH DH09 news/photos/videos (and of course plenty of great new posts to read) AND more new personalities to catch up on since I left town.
I’m going to stay put for awhile so I don’t miss out on all the exciting news coming our way at such a hectic pace now.
The holidays coming up will be especially festive in Sonoma this year with DH09. Looking forward to it all.
Congratulations to Mary…I met her today. She is very happy with her new job, and very impressed with the DH09. We did indeed have a steady downpour for a few days, but it was very welcome in our valley. I’ll be looking forward to future updates and interior photos…the sooner the better. Ingrid from Sonoma
Welcome, Mary. Love your first report. Anxiously awaiting Super Fan’s input as well. Don’t go too far FC. LOL
Dear Joe: This house is BETTER…trust me!! Marie Miller
So when do we get to see the rest? Even if it's just the outside. I'll be patiently waiting for any news.
Dear FabCo, YOU WILL BE MISSED! On a personal note, I must say thank you soo-very much for welcoming those of us that were never welcome on the ‘Dream Home Message Board’ I for one was very pleased when you opened up this Blog allowing those shunned to participate… I thought it very interesting when I read an HGTV article regarding the blogs (long story short) I guess the tracking system implemented to protect against any malicious bugs or posts from WE the bloggers also exposed an interesting factoid… that most of the blog post are coming from the same servers/same bloggers just using several different names. Hmm, that would explain allot. Since the birth of your blog, I am the only person from my west coast PC posting any comments and before that my two sons and I posted our own thoughts… they moved on after Colorado Dream Home ended. Anyhoo FCole you really did a great job on this blog… Mary has some BIG shoes to fill… (By the way, WELCOME Mary I like your writing style & wit)
I am sad to see y’all leave the west coast… I do realize the Green Home must get underway… and the location of the 2010 Dream Home decided… Please come back someday soon… we have Washington State & Alaska… the Southwest lotza’s room for other future Dream or Green Homes.
JT my Moondoggy furrrsure! A handsomely gifted smart hunk of burnin love… thanks for being a good sport and putting up with my shameless flirting and ever-so-silly-little-ditty’s may the heavens bless you and keep you safe always. The Sonoma Dream Home’s final architectural design is truly a reflection of your talent… the knack for taking in all those little subtle things around you… that special something you have which inspires those around you toooo… DREAM BIG OR GO HOME! Thank you Jack! Bye for now Mr. & Mrs. Cole!
hello there!
great to have you aboad, and thanks for the taunting sneak peak of the new home. It just looks so beautiful. ::sigh::
Gee… I’ve always wanted to go to Sonoma, and MY dream home has always been a beautiful Victorian! Maybe this year is an omen for me and you will be handing the keys over to me. lol
Please God… PLEASE!
Looking fwd to the next post.
love and light,
Terri
what is with the blogger who said she was shunned by the dream home message board? i’ve been on it since conception and never saw any one shunned so i am confused cause every one is welcome. now when the mb reopens you get right over there and i will be the first to welcome you
Hello, haven’t been to Sonoma, since husband and I went in 1984,when we first met. Looking forward to seeing more.
LOOKING FORWARD THE ENTERING FOR THIS DREAM HOME…I’VE PASSED THRU THERE YEARS AGO AND IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. IF I WIN I WILL BE CLOSER TO MY SISTER WHO LIVES IN ATASCADERO…WOULD LOVE TO FREAK HER OUT. SEEING HOW I LIVE IN OHIO….BETTER TAKE UP A CPR CLASS JUST IN CASE…YOU GUYS SHOULD DO A SHOW ON VISITING THE PAST HGTV DREAMS HOMES…..
I am so excited about this one! (I have been excited about all the others too….) This one is special. I live in Sonoma County, and have wanted to purchase a home here for quite some time….but homes here aren’t cheap here. My husband, children and I have been hoping and praying…..working diligently…..and praying.
Thank you so very much for giving us this possibility! Thank you so deeply. I know it’s a long shot…but you never know, we all have that chance!
A few moments ago I saw the video of your next dream home in SONOMA!!! WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! To be able to possibly WIN our home!!!
How do you pick a winner? Thank you.
My husband and I are from Atlanta, GA and we took a trip to Sonoma in September for a long weekend of fun and wine tasting. I made sure we found the HGTV Dream House while we were there-just to take a peek. Although we only drove by, I could tell the house is going to be perfect! Believe me, the neighborhood is so picturesque and quaint you’ll feel comfortable and right at home. The town square of Sonoma is within walking distance with many distinctive shops and restaurants (and friendly people). Not to mentioned that there are some of the best wines produced within miles of the HGTV Dream House. It’s about an hour drive (or less) from the San Francisco airport. If you win this house you’ll have lots of friends and family wanting to visit. If I win I told my husband “We’re moving there!”. It would be a wonderful place to raise a family. Good Luck Everyone!
Fantastic, Sonoma. I can’t wait to enter the dream home sweepstakes. I fit right in with the area as I wrote a book about wineries. This would be a perfect home for my family. You are awesome Mary
fcole, we will miss you. Hope you enjoy your new job. Still looking forward to meeting Super Fan. Welcome, Mary. I loved your post, especially “…a home filled with family and generations of love”. No matter how beautiful a house may be, it is nothing without love. We dreamers are so ready to provide that.
COOP: So glad you are back and planning to stay a while, we need your wit and charm. MARIE MILLER; Always enjoy your posts. Keep them coming, please. Well, January promises to be an exciting month, starting with New Year’s Day. But I feel there will be more Sonoma news before then. At least I hope so. We love you, HGTV, THANKS, and pleasant dreams to all.
No matter what HGTV has planned, it will be a huge success as has been witnessed from past years. How generous of HGTV to give away such wonderful dreams. Thank you for all you do!!
Hello from Northern Louisiana!!
What an EXCELLENT choice for the next HGTV Dream Home! I watched the video and wowwwww…there is so much to do in the surrounding area where the home will be built! I also have some relatives in CA that I haven’t seen in so long!
I have entered this contest since it began, and I’m one of those many HGTV viewers that is hooked on HGTV!!! Oh yes!! lol…Can’t get enough of it!!
Right now I live with my father, and I am praying real hard that THIS year you will choose ME to come knock on MY door Lauren!! lol…
It’s real easy to find.. ha ha ha!!!
Good luck with the building of the house,
and good luck to all of us!!
From a VERY, VERY, VERY loyal HGTV fan!!
Becky Sandifer
Can I make a suggestion? Pocket doors between the foyer and both the living room and dining room would be great!
I spent last week in Sonoma with my grand children. I had the opportunity to seen the dream home. All I can say is OOOOOOOH my goodness, the place is beautiful.
When does the sweepstakes begin? (The 2009 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway starts on Jan. 1. FC)
WOW!!! Of all the Dream Homes, this one will top them all! My husband & I honeymooned in Napa/Sonoma and we loved every minute of we were there! He is a “wine geek-cork dork” and I love the relaxing gourmet meals! This home is not only beautiful with a functional layout – but located in heaven!!! We look forward to watching the unveiling of the masterpiece!
I grew up in California. Many of my days were filled running down to the beach with my brother and sister. We would play volleyball and swim all day. There remains a wonderful bond between the ocean and my siblings that has lasted a lifetime.
Now, I am married and we have three beautiful chidren. We have been to California to visit their Grandparents. All three of the children constantly ask when are we going back to visit Grandma and Grandpa in California?
The home in Sonoma would be filled with laughter of children, barking dogs, grandparents and many memories that would last as long as the ocean.
Sincerely,
Michelle
So much beautiful work goes into each one of these Dream Homes. HGTV out does themselves, each time out the gate. I will be looking forward to this contest as well as everyone, but would also like to say Good Luck to all.
FCOLE will miss you and your posts Was nice to meet you via blogging.Thanks for the laughs Wish the best for you and your family Hope you will enjoy you your new tasks at work Come back to Ca soon for a family vacation
CAgirl
I think I may know where this house is located. Exciting!! I have followed DREAM HOUSE from the begining and am so excited the Dream House is within driving distance. When will you give out the address so we can drive up to Sonoma and check it out?
BTW — I am totally jelous of the superfan. I think you need a his/her superfanS. Let’s not be sexist ladies.:)
Is it too late? I can drive up tomorrow!
DANIEL
It’s nice to see a timeless traditional beauty! Love to see craftsmanship & finishes that will stand the test of time. Hoping it is a mix of Traditional & OLD WORLD!!!
I’ve been all over the site, my only question is when does the new Dream Home Sweepstakes begin. I can’t find a date anywhere
Oh Who wouldn’t love the wrap around porch exquisite. It is so country and quaint but very large. You sure could feed alot of mouths in that kitchen lol.
It reminds me of my Dad’s Family Home in N.C.
So rich looking and Beautiful.
I am disabled now and we have our Son and his family living with us.There would be alot more room there for all of us. Blessings,Char
Beautiful Home and looks to be cozy, I’m from Alabama and I have never been to California. This would be a great way to go see it, is to Win this HGTV Home. I watch this Channel all the time. Great Ideas and Great information. Thanks Look forward to Entering in January.
I wish I could win the hgtv dream house in Sonoma, California. I use to live in Long Beach,Calif and now I wish to reunite myself but can not afford to do so at this time. I done something stupidly and spent all my money on this crappy home and now I cant get out of it or need help on remodeling it before I can try to sell it. California kids dream to reunite with remotely area of my original birth place. I now live in Des Moines, Iowa and hate it afraid to be here.
I love this home. It reminds me of a modern farmhouse! I have never been to California, but would love to own this home and experience a new part of the the U.S.! Good luck to everyone!
welcome mary
Where has MY head been??? I watch the show ALL the time but could not log on my computer in several months due to glitch(es)… knew nothing about this giveaway =^( When do the sweepstakes begin? I’m living w/ my son & daughter il for a couple weeks… until I move into my own place I can’t watch the show :^((( They have plain ‘ole tv, no cable, no satellite, how can anyone live like that! LOL So I guess I’ll have to “see” it through looking at the computer… HGTV is almost the only show I watch, day and night!
My husband and I relocated to California in December o4, and we live in Santa Rosa, which is in Sonama county, Thanks in advance for our beautiful new home. We are in our 60′s and have never lived in a brand new house, This will be a dream come true, I must go and see the house, very soon. Thanks for this beautiful new home. God bless you all. Sandra Grace
I could really use this beatiful home giveaway I`ve been out of work(construction)since Jan 2005 . been evicted by sheiff & bank 3 times in two years,Family starting to lose hope and dreams.If any work for a handyman( was union supervisor) in ILLinios>Oswego Please call Bill at (815)388-6357