Nov
27
Super Fan Tours the Neighborhood
Happy Thanksgiving! Once you’ve had your fill of turkey and stuffing, grab a seat and enjoy our Super Fan’s tour of Sonoma. Keep the questions coming and get ready for a pretty exciting Monday. We’re launching new HGTV Dream Home videos and posting more answers to your questions.
And if you were wondering … the pretty picture Gail posted on Monday? It’s a view from the second-floor guest bedroom. Give yourself a pat on the back if you got that right!
hey Gail!!! Does the home have a pool? Also, does Armstrong Estates Have community amenities? Such as a Community park,pool….ETC… Thanks!! And I hope to get my Questions answerd! bye
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving…and the excitement of savoring the dream of celebrating the Holidays next year in Sonoma’s architectural gem—the HGTV Dream Home in Steve Ledson’s Armstrong Estates. Stay warm and cozy y’all, and remember to cherish these special times with family and friends.
Time to get the turkey in the oven….
I would like to know more about the landscaping. It is absolutely beautiful on this home. Who designed it, and installed it? Is it easy to maintain?
What a great video Gail!
This is so much fun! I just love the neighborhood, and I bet one one those ladies walking her dog was our Ingrid and BoBo!
Looking foward to more on Monday!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
thats a very pretty neighborhood, i cant wait to see more of the house, thx
The neighborhood is spectacular!! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
What a beautiful neighborhood!!! Can’t wait to see the new video on Monday! It’s going to be a long weekend waiting!
Happy Thanksgiving Super-Fan!
This new video is awesome! I always wondered why the garage was not attached. Who would have wanted that smell? ?
Kept it coming! I hope you had a great holiday!
Wow what a neighborhood!!! I love all the homes there and the flowers are great. I for one, don’t mind the garage being detached. It really does look better with the style of home, plus your home owners insurance I understand is less if your garage is detached. I must say that the home designer sure does a great job. Thank you for keeping us posted on our Dream Home.
Dear Gail:
Well, we ate way too much today…in fact, we had our first round of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, string beans & pumpkin pie at 10:30 am…oh my…sinful!!! We then had our second round of the same at 3:00 pm..gluttons!! We are sooooooooooo stuffed, we could hardly move…good thing we have two movies to watch!!
Loved the tour around the neighborhood…the homes are absolutely fabulous & the neighbors so warm & friendly…can’t wait to get to know them better…my southern background means I will more than likely be baking them a cake…oops, wait a minute…I’ll be the new kid on the block, so I guess they will show up at my door with treats to welcome me to the neighborhood!! Okay, I’m dreaming out loud here…sorry about that!! I’m just too excited about the DH2009, and I’m looking forward to the excitement you promised for Monday…launching new HGTV Dream Home videos and posting more answers to questions will be fresh!!
I guess I will take that ‘pat on the back’ for my guess of the pretty picture you posted on Monday was in fact a view from the second-floor guest bedroom.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow bloggers, especially Katydid & DBCoop!!! Marie Miller
P.S. We are getting up at 3:00 am in the morning to head out for all the “Black Friday” sales…wish us luck!!!! It will probably be absolutely nuts, but figured it wouldn’t hurt to do our part in stimulating the economy!! Tis the season to be jolly!! What would the holidays be without showing up at Penneys when they open so you can get a Disney Snow Globe!!
From what I’ve seen I absolutely love this house. Sonoma is a wonderful place. I’m from CA and had to move because of the expense. Now, due to the crisis my family might loose our present home. How can I win this house???? I’ll definately be entering the contest. What are the odds of winning?
THANKS!! HGTV, once again you’ve given hope in our lives. The new home is beautiful.
Hi Gail! Awesome job! It is a quaint and inviting community! Could you tell us about the vineyard in the backyard? Is it true there is one?
WOW!! Great job Gail, We LOVE U!! This neightborhood is amazing and feels like a place you would grow up in..I was wondering about any water features?? Pool? It is a california home ..right?
Thanks HGTV !! What a beautiful Job !!!! Cannot WAIT For MONDAY!!!
When does the dream home 2009 sweepstakes begin? How do you enter?
It’s a beautiful neighborhood and seems so friendly. Thank you Steve Ledson from all of us dreamers. Congrats Coop, you nailed it. Marie, you came close, but then you’ve both been there. Does the front of the house face north? Or am I loosing my mind? (sounds like a song). Thanks, Gail, for explaining why the garage is detached.
Yup, please let the winner arrive in a horse drawn carriage. (unless horses are a no-no on the streets of Sonoma). Anything with wheels, no air drops, please. Can’t wait for Monday. This is so exciting. Can’t forget to thank HGTV. So I do.
Of all the HGTV homes you have given away, all I can say is “WOW”! Armstrong Estates in Sonoma, CA is a “real town” with a “real” sense of community and hopefully the sight of the next HGTV 2009 Dream Home. The builder designs homes that feel genuine and comfortable. This is the kind of place that dreams are truly made of. I’m going to enter every chance I get.
What a beautiful neighborhood! Thanks for sharing it with us Gail. As you were pointing out the variety of trees in the area, I was wondering what kind of trees are planted at the dream house. Is there a sunny spot to plant a dream garden too?
I’ll keep on dreaming about the Dream Home.
Dear Gail: Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. I survived “Black Friday!!” I have to tell you, traveling two and a half hours to WalMart (from Brookings to Medford) for the “After Thanksgiving” sales was painfull…literally!! I knew I had to make it to electronics, so I allowed the stream of bodies from the front of the store to push me to the back of the store! I was more than knocked over twice, but finally found the pallet where all the “Blu-Rays” sat!! Yes, three left…I had to contort myself in a weird position to just pick one up & lift it overhead!! It was hard to imagine that we are in the middle of a resession, when I took a real look at what was going on in that store…carts were filled to capacity with everything from bicycles to 50″ flat-screen tvs!! The only way I made it back to the front without incident was to oil myself through the back of the store to the produce & food sections!! Yes, I participated in the madness & remained high from it all day!! I’m happy with my purchase & happy to have seen every store’s parking lot full of shoppers!! Please tell me this is a sign of good things ahead for everyone in 2009, and that one very lucky person will have their name drawn to win the DH2009!! Marie Miller
This house seems nice but it dosent seem as dreamy,you know all the white makes it look sorta plain. And its not huge or anything.So dose the team have anything in store to make it more interesting?
BoBo(the choc.lab/spaniel mix)here…my first time posting since Ingrid is out in the garden somewhere,and I was able to get my paws on the lap-top! Yes, that’s me walking in front of the DH09 with Ingrid(she’s wearing a teal-blue jacket). What a treat to see me in Gail’s blog…
I bet I would fit perfectly in the great dog-house outback ! Our neighborhood really is as special as it appears in the lastest video. I hope whoever wins this great home has a friendly
dog that I can play with. BoBo from Sonoma
I have been to Sonoma a few times, and we always plan a meal at Della Santinas (highly recommend), a glass of wine at the Ledson Hotel and tour of the rooms (beautiful!). Adore this town and it’s residents. I can’t wait for the chance to win this PHENOMENAL home!!! Thank you HGTV!
PS – detached garages could become a writer’s den / piano room / mancave / etc. in lieu of horse & buggy (giggle here).
LOVELYKITTY: I also had the same thought. If that wasn’t Ingrid and BoBo, maybe Gail could track her down and introduce her to us. We all thank her so much for reporting on the progress, before our wonderful Gail came along.
MARIE MILLER: Your posts never fail to delight me. Who in the world put a turkey in the oven early enough to dine at 10:00 in the morning? Was it you? Your stamina amazes me. Shopping on “Back Frday” sounded so hectic. Glad you got home safe. COOP: I was with family all day Thursday, so didn’t get a chance to blog. Didn’t have to cook a thing (brought the wine, of course). So belated THANKS to all my blogging friends and HGTV for GIVING us such pleasure.
i was just wondering what the backyard looked like… does it have a pool or anything??? i would love if u could show us the backyard and the rest of the rooms of the home in another one of your videos.. you are doing a great job gail, keep it up.. thx everyone and happy holidays!!!
Hey Gail aka super fan, I just wanted to know alittle more about the kids room, doggy dream home and what the communitie offers? Does the communitie have a pool, tennis court, Ect.? Please,Please answer. Thank You and have a great day or night!
Hey Katydid: Well, this year’s bird only weighed 14 pounds, so putting it in the oven at 6:00 a.m. allowed the tantalizing aroma to stir in the room long enough for the hunger to set in…we had to eat at 10 a.m. just to quiet our taste buds!! There were only two of us to celebrate this year, so the day was ours to spend away eating our hearts out!! Oh my…put on 5 pounds just in turkey alone!! Is this a prelude to the Christmas bonaza? Black Friday was HECTIC, but sooooooooo stimulating (besides I was packing a few extra calories to get me through the day)!! Love this time of the year!! Happy Holidays!! Marie Miller
Ingrid, great to see you and BoBo in the video, but just a word to the wise: I hope BoBo doesn’t get his paws on your credit card next time you’re out in the garden, he could order all kinds of doggie treats online before you know it.
Sounds like you had a very filling and eventful Thanksgiving, Marie. You’re very courageous to confront the mad crowds on “Black Friday”. I’ve learned never to get between a woman shopper and a super-sale bargain! I still bear the scars.
Hellllooooo Katydid. I didn’t cook either, just showed up at friends with rolls, cranberry compote, and wine. Met some folks from Australia there—it was their first Thanksgiving experience and first time ever eating turkey and pumpkin pie. A great time was had by all. Next stop—Christmas! Still more shopping to do, but I’ll play it safe this year and avoid the crowds.
Looking eagerly forward to hearing more questions answered by our wonderful SuperFan Gail, and all the comments and questions large and small from fellow bloggers. A toute a l’heure, mes amis.
A quick question for Gail: out of curiosity (I can’t judge from the video clips) just what IS the distance from the garage back door into the main house? Might a free-standing pergola fit in to bridge the walkway between them?
Wow
I grew up in sonoma. Lived on 5th st. west for 13 yrs. I moved to Redding 12 yrs ago. Just couldn’t afford to live there anymore. My dream was to always go back. Tanya Ledson was a friend of mine
Hi Gail, I cannot believe this home or the beautiful neighborhood its in. Its been my longest and biggest dream to live in a home with the beautful architecture from days gone by. I love the way the garage is separate. Its only natural! I remember my Grandmothers house was like that. Thanks HGTV for bringing this wonderful home to us and giving us the chance to win it!!!
WHEN WILL THE VIRTUAL TOUR BE AVAILABLA???????THANKS!!!!!!!
I would love to own this home. Such beautiful country too. What would taxes be on a home like this in Sonoma?
BoBo!!!!!
I just knew that was you and Ingrid. Just had a strong feeling your lady would be the one walking with a plastic bag!
You trained her well.
What a beautiful dog you are BoBo. And your Lady Ingrid is cute too.
If I see you two out walking when I am there,I will be sure to say hello.
Hi Gail, and Happy Belated Thanksgiving to my fellow bloggers! I hope everyone had a wonderful week. We were in the Bay Area, too, Gail, visiting family as we do each year. What a great video tour. I plan to drive (or better yet, walk) the neighborhood in January, when I’ll be up there for business. I know I am repeating myself from older posts but…the neighborhood is just FABULOUS. I could tell from the start of this blog that the neighbors were warm (yes – you, Ingrid, BoBo, & Family), but Wow…a great neighborhood AND an amazing home! You are right…”Who Wouldn’t Want to Live Here?”. Excellent planning created the inside sidewalks, the trees, and the park nearby that my son would surely visit daily. It’s an absolute Dream, Gail. Let the story unfold!
Hi Gail! I forgot to ask a question..maybe Ingrid can help. Does the Armstrong Estates neighborhood community have any annual events, such as block parties, fundraisers, or any events at Steve’s estate? I am curious to hear about any neighborhood-centered activities. It appears that everyone gets out and walks, which is wonderful. Our neighborhood is older/more established, and we always see neighbors walking with their dogs, kids, etc. That’s a sign of a friendly community. More, please!
To Ingrid: Okay, this is new territory for me…I have to admit, I just realized that BoBo is your dog! This is sooooooo weird ’cause my brother’s nick-name is BoBo..go figure!! So Ingrid, you live in Sonoma. I must say you are a very lucky lady! I don’t remember seeing you walking BoBo when I was there, but I don’t think I saw anyone as I was too involved with the DH2009…could not take my eyes off it!! So, please tell me, which of the homes is yours that is featured in the Super Fan’s tour of Sonoma? Have a wonderful day in the land of enchantment & promise!! Marie Miller
COOP: “And I’m calling youooo” Remember the Indian Love Call? Sorry about my music addiction.
We have the same dinner cooked by our wonderful hostess so I would not bring food. She adds these two that always delights us. Deviled eggs and a wonderful raspberry ring.
Now it’s time to admit I have “low vision”. It’s hard for me to read and write these blogs, but I love it so much. AUSTRALIA! How lucky were you to meet those folks. I might follow Nicole’s lead and let my hair go gray. MARIE: With all you eat and all you do, you’ve got to be as slim as a pencil. Love to all dreamers and HGTV.
What a kick to read all the comments from Marie,
Bonnie,Lovelykitty,and DBCoop to BoBo and me…
my husband and I take turns bringing Bo to the
park in Armstrong Estates for “playtime”, so next time you’re visiting the DH09, look us up!
To Bonnie;Steve Ledson’s large estate in the center of Armstrong is his private home. He has
hosted outdoor events and a wedding, but they are
by invitation only. To Lovelykitty; yes, I’m always prepared with potty bags(for Bo or to share). My husband says I look like a “bag-lady”.
No,there is not a community pool in Armstrong Estates, and there is not really any room for one
in the yard of the DH09. There are no extra fees
if you are living in Armstrong Estates,just the
high property taxes. Ingrid from Sonoma
Hey Coop: A slim pencil, I am not! However, I do stay active with cooking, sewing, crafts,and other things that might come into my mind that inspire me. Travel! This one necessitates a little more money, so I participate in local social events like fair trades & flea markets. It is a good opportunity to enjoy simple and unique moments, and make a little extra cash!! My motto is “just get out!” Take your dog for a run, ride your bike or organize a picnic and invite everybody. Don’t postpone it! Life is too important…dreaming is also a part of the living & it is so great to be involved in something so big as winning this DH2009 home in Sonoma!! For me, it would be about family who are important people in my life!! Okay, enough rambling….never enough dreaming!! Marie Miller
To Ingrid – Thank you for your information. Oops – I guess I wrote my question as if I was asking if all possible events were at the estate. Of course, I understand and respect that the estate is his private space. What I meant was – does the neighborhood get together for block parties, or any specific events? Are there any neighborhood traditions – ie: Christmas Caroling, etc.? It is fun to visualize the lively neighborhood, in addition to Gail’s video! Thank you!
OOps…I’m sorry Katydid!! I directed my last blog to Coop & it actually should have been to you…with all the activities, my brain overloads…like talking before thinking!! Marie Miller
To Bonnie; Armstrong Estates is a very quiet
community. I like to tell people it’s like Main
Street, Disneyland …after hours. The houses are big and beautiful with immaculate yards,but
with little outdoor activity. One usually sees people walking their dogs,or kids playing at the park, (or soccer practice). Halloween brings throngs of visitors from outside the area, apparently expecting upscale treats. Be prepared if you win this house. Ingrid from Sonoma
To Ingrid: Thank you for answering my question. It really helps to visualize the area, before I can sneak over to visit in January. How nice that the neighborhood is quiet and respectful. That is a plus to those like me that work from home, when I am not traveling. Halloween is lots of fun, and I am not surprised that the holiday turns into an impromptu neighborhood tour as well. The allure of the AE neighborhood is sure strong…. Gail – we look forward to hearing from you again – Thank You!
is that a gated community,are there yearly fees? also,is the house built on a crawl or basement? also they try to be very traditional with the design but update the interior with moddern ammenities. but some of the interior paint choices are too bold. i love kelly green but i wouldnt want it as a wall cloor in the master,maybe a kids room. and the master bath needs more color,contrast. i will be eager to see how its stagged.thanks for the preview.
Hi Gail…thanks for taking the time to video the Sonoma neighborhood…It looks just…well, I can’t seem to find the words that best describe what a beautiful place. I am looking forward to seeing more on January 1st…what a wonderful serene place to call home….my dream home….