One Last Post Before The Giveaway
Good morning, bloggers!
Okay, Marie … I’m stumped … (and feeling a bit silly that I can’t figure out the answer from the great hint that Coop gave). Who is the high-profile couple with the 75 acres that Norm Oliver had his hand in helping design?
Great questions are coming from the blog – keep ‘em coming! The draperies in the foyer are truly functional and can be closed to allow for more privacy in each room (I don’t believe this is “traditional” Victorian design). Coop, I am pondering your window-trim question. The window trim is actually painted a deep red/purple color that coordinates with the porch finish and the outdoor plantings. The white trim helps to make the windows really pop. I think that you can better appreciate and see this in person. There aren’t really any vibrant “painted lady” colorized homes in Armstrong Estates (as compared to San Francisco). This home definitely fits into the Armstrong Estates community. Bonnie, there are definitely sprinklers to keep that beautiful lawn green (and a drip system for all of the outdoor plantings as well). I will have to do a little investigation to find out about the heating system. I will post an update soon.
As for entering the HGTV Dream Home 2009 giveaway by mail, please read through the official rules. You’ll find all the details you need there.
Thank you for your questions, and, to my regular bloggers, I thank you for all of your information and answers!! I love the excitement that this gorgeous house is generating. I can’t wait to visit the winner!
Your Super Fan,
Gail
P.S. Don’t forget to enter tomorrow and tune in to watch the HGTV Dream Home special. Find airing times here.
Count me in as one who is ‘over the top in love’ with this beautiful home!
I have NO complaints!
I can’t believe that the decor was described as contemporary in the show. I think “Country Clutter” is more appropriate. The only thing contemporary about the decor is the black leather couches.
I do think the house is nice and it is located in a beautiful part of the country, but there will have to be a huge garage sale if I should win it.
I taped the Dream Home Special and watch it every day! I love the back patio it is so perfect for outdoor entertaining! Is that a neighbors home and pool right behind the yard? Good luck everyone and Happy New Year!
Saw no half-bath on the first floor. If that is correct, what in the world were the designers thinking? Would have liked to see a full-bath connected to the study, should someone prefer to turn that into another bedroom. It’s a lovely house but these are major omissions.
Someone was wondering about property taxes. well they are saying this is one of the most expensive dream homes and there have been far more elaborate homes with water features and more land ,I would say the price they paid for the land was probably over half the budget. it is very pricey in that area taxes will be quit high. I grew up in Sonoma County and couldnt afford to raise my family there with the quality of life we wanted. Thats why we have been in Oregon! But we will be empty nesters this year its time to move back home!
What is not to Love!!! Sonoma is such a Beautiful old town,This Home that you have built is the most Beautiful yet. I REALLY BELIEVE THIS!! It is Beauty, grace and charm all rolled into one.
I Love it and I would Love to be the one to win it. Who wouldn’t!! Love to win this Gorgeous Home it is the Ultimate Dream Home.
Char
I woke up this am and just had to go thru and take the tour for the gazillion time.
It is so Magnificent.
My heart Lies here in this Beautiful Home you have designed and created and built for the world to see and some Lucky winner is going to win it in all its splendor.
I am still Holding out for that great dream and the winner to be me. Char
I just looked at the Dream House on television and I was really disappointed with the kitchen. Is it me or am I the only one who needs upper cabinets in a kitchen? I was sure I missed something on the tv, so I went to the website and took a tour of the kitchen and there were no upper cabinets to be found! Also, a pantry was not included so I am stumped as to where to put all of the food stuffs, glasses, and other sundry items. Also, with the microwave nearly on the floor (in a lower cabinet) what happens if the homeowner has a bad back? Just wish the designers had thought more about the design of the kitchen instead of concentrating on the view. Other than the kitchen the house is pretty but not really feasible for older homeowners with more than 2 kids who really like to eat.
I actually thought the kitchen was beautiful and functional. If you take the virtual tour, there appears to be a pantry behind two glass doors with sheers on them (closest to the refrigerator on the right). I didn’t see it on the floor plan either. I’m more surprised and disappointed that there does not appear to be a bathroom of any sort downstairs. This house was set up to entertain, so who wants their guests heading upstairs to use a bathroom?
Thanks for the encouraging words Dbcoop!! I still haven't gotten an answer but I emailed the powers that B at HGTV!! LOL By the way I used to live in Stockton CA when I was a child. It was nice hearing someone talk about it on here. I now live in Arkansas but would LOVE the opportunity to move back to beautiful CA!
The draperies used through-out the 2009 dream home are so simple and yet so elegant! I love them! I couldn’t seem to find any information about what the fabric is or how they are hung. They look really close to the ceiling, so what are they attached to? Really curious! I wouldn’t mind just winning the curtains! Ha!
Love the house and the LOCATION!! BUT, how about losing the curtains in the foyer? I could find so many pieces to fill those spaces that would accomadate hats, coats, keys and such….Victorian hallway pieces?? AND, need a sectional couch in the family room. Can’t have one sofa not facing the TV!!!! A beautiful console table would be a great focal point from the foyer if a sectional were used instead of two sofas. AND, sorry but leather is not “family room”!! How about simple chenille??? Just some thoughts from a would be interior designer:) Thanks!
Sorry, misspelled accomodate!!!!
I am so eager to win, but how the heck am i going to claim the beautiful Dream house . No money for closing costs, or taxes for the new Car. Im hoping that Donald Trump or someone would handle that aspect for me! Until I find the answers, its only a wonderful dream for me. I think Ill go sip the wine slowly through a straw. lol
I love the house and the location….I agree with some of the comments about the colors that were chosen, I don’t like them all and the decoration is not as modern as I expected. The other thing that I found could have been considered is that there is no complete bathroom in the first floor. The study could easily be changed to a guest room with it’s own private entrance. That would allow for each of the kids to have their own bedroom in the 2nd floor. The kids room was decorated for boys…what if the winner has 2 girls? :-} In general, I loved the house and I dream of winning it!! With all the pro’s and con’s…who would NOT want to win this house located in this great place?? Congratulations to HGTV! The house is awesome!
I was wondering about the downstairs bath like everyone as it was on the original plans, but not on the tour. I also think the floor plan on the tour is goofy as it does not show the kids bath in the plan or the kids closet (only show bath if you click below on the tour vid)- and why do we not get to see the kids closet? Also, on the original floor plans it shows a nice closet in the guest bedroom, but you only see a door on the tour. Would be nice to see everything. Concerns over the neighborhood. If the winner wanted to sell – and most would have to – then they would not be able to get out of it what is in to it with the other houses within direct view of the home being so small and, well, not within the price range of the Dream home at all!
Beautiful home! I wish I could find out info. on the “lattice” print pillows in the first family room color option. I can’t find this anywhere. Anyone?
Lovely space. It certainly would be a dream to live in this house!
I am among the hopeful dreamers. Those who are questioning the location must never have visited the area to feel the ambience and all this place has to offer. For many of us it will mean selling homes and cashing out retirement funds to be able to pay the taxes. There is something wrong with the tax structure not only for situations like this but for simply trying to maintain the homes we’ve worked so hard for all of our lives. People cannot afford to retire in their own homes in places like California where the property taxes are so high.
I am thankful in these difficult times that HGTV and it’s sponsors are still able to give away another beautiful home and allow us to continue dreaming and imagining what it would be like to win.
Well!!!! I have been trying to figure out a way to cover the taxes without being chased around by the IRS. I love my home in Michigan. It is a huge spread out ranch style with 400ft on a beautiful river where I can place my massage table and give massage during the summer months.
In the winter, the river remains open even though two adjacent lakes are frozen oven. It’s like La Guadia airport for every variety of duck and the Bald Eagles swoop in like B52s for a meal. But it is very cold. I would love to winter in southern California and spend my summers in Michigan. That would be my dream.
How to do that? I think that using the home as a weekly vacation rental for families and mature adults coming to tour the wine country could work rather well. I checked area rentals and the potential income generated could easily offset all of the property taxes ( less than 1 weeks rent) leaving a hefty pile left to throw at the IRS for the income taxes if they would accept a payment plan.
There might be neighborhood restrictions that would turn this idea to dust.
Do you think the IRS agents read these blogs?
The thing that I love about HGTV is that they show all of us the possibilities of what can be accomplished in our homes and yards. It is very true that most of us cannot afford the huge living spaces that we see on the tellly. But we can steal some of these ideas to enhance our lives or change their ideas and make it better. Designers have amazing imaginations and they have to be brave to throw those ideas out there. They can’t please all of us all the time. But you have to admit many of the ideas implemented in the DreamHomes are original. Maybe not always perfect. Yes, I want a bathroom in the downstairs also. Preferably off the Study that would make a fine massage room.
There is a half bath (powder room) on the first floor. They showed when Monica did the 90 second walk-thru of the house.
I would love to win this home. My husband’s job could easily transfer to Sonoma or nearby. However, the taxes on a 2.2 million dollar prize would bankrupt us. Is HGTV going to help the prize winner come up with the nearly 1 million dollars they would have to pay in taxes for winning such a lovely house?
I’m interested in knowing about how much 2.2 million house would cost in taxes? Good comment Karen.
This is truly one beautiful home; however it would be wonderful to have such a problem as needing to make minor decorating changes, personalizing it to one’s own taste. I’m sure there must have been a bath on the first floor, even though I missed its showing on the program and didn’t see it on the floor plans. To not have one would be a serious drawback in a modern home.
I just have been having trouble entering daily without having to enter all of the info every time. Some mention was made of a “enter page”, but I haven’t found it. Can anyone help?
I found myself thinking that it would be nice to have more designers involved in decorating this home. Linda does beautiful work but she has a style that doesn’t work for every one and every house. Kim’s room was great, albeit very gender-specific. I’m sure the designers could collberate and design an awesome interior that worked together. But I’d take it just as it is, wouldn’t anyone?
Thank you, HGTV for such a fabulous way to “dream”!
I found the 1/2 bathroom….it is in the hallway between the family room and the study next to the stairs. Look at the floor plan below the tour page half way down on the left….there is a more extensive floor plan.
Maybe the winner could go in with a lot of other people and buy it and pay the taxes and it could be used as a timeshare. Like in the book, The Necklace…a diamond necklace was shared by 13 women.
Happy New Year everybody! All I have to say is that this house is absolutely beautiful! My wife and I have 2 boys and they would definitely like the kids room! We watched this house being presented on the HGTV give away program on New Year's Day. I can really visualize my family enjoying and appreciating this house. I don't think I would change anything that has been designed to go along with this Farm House. To me it seems that a lot of heart and creativity went into everything! The kitchen (especially the oven) is my most favorite. That and the wonderful porch that surrounds the home.Great job HGTV! I hope I am a winner so I can share this beautiful house with my family and friends!
Thanks for reading!
Where do I enter
I cannot find that area to enter to win the Dream home
That is my completer desire to win a home in Sonoma Valley
Just love this house . Also love CA. Both our sons live in sunny CA and we have been renting a home for a month in the winter for the last 3 years in Balboa Island so we can all spend quality time together . I can see us all having wonderful dinners and enjoying our beautiful 3 year old grand daughter in this house . I will enter over and over and hope for the best .My husband and I are in up state N.Y. and the winters are starting to get to us .
K. S.
Beautiful home, gorgeous location.
I question some of the colour choices. Though most of the rooms seem up-to-date and appealing, the green (and the overall decor) in the Master Bedroom is VERY feminine. I think the Master Bedroom should appeal to both sexes, but, then again, one can always repaint, right?
No decorator will appeal to everyone's taste, especially when they're not decorating for a particular client. I think, all in all, the team did a fantastic job on this home! Good luck to the winner.
PS: If it's me, I'm changing the master bedroom paint and furniture, if I can afford to after paying the taxes!! LOL
Phillibuster – I wasn’t the one who asked about the financial obligation question – sorry!
Hello Everyone,
This is my first time reading the blog page, and I’m disappointed in some of the people that have the nerve to complain about the things they don’t like in the house. This is a BEAUTIFUL home, and HGTV is so wonderful for giving amazing homes away as long as they have been! Yes, not everyone is going to love the same thing, but have an open mind and appreciate the art of design. You can always change the wall colors if you don’t like them. I think EVERYTHING was done so well! It is a very elegant, warm, and welcoming home. Whomever wins is such a lucky person! To be able to live in such a serene place like Sonoma, and literally have a dream home is priceless!
Thank you so very much HGTV, Mr. Ledson, Mrs. Woodrum, and Mr. Thomasson for designing and implementing this precious home! Well done!
This home is absolutely gorgeous! I think that everyone who helped with it did a great job. Although I think that the kids bedroom could have been geared to more of a different age group, I think that everyone here agrees that they would be thrilled to win this beautiful house. Best of luck to everyone, but I do hope I win!
This house is gorgeous. Really, who can complain about possibly being given such a beautiful place to call home?
It would be a dream to raise my kids, enjoy family gathers and BBQs in this house. It’s amazing!
Dear Heather in Windy City,
So you think that no one should actually critique the home??? Why in heaven’s name not? HGTV is not Habitat for Humanity, and while I am sure that everyone appreciates the giveaway, the business purpose of HGTV is to promote good design. Let’s see, they even have a program where aspiring designers compete for a chance at their own design show on tv… and get critiqued on their designs!
There is not a single dwelling on planet earth that will please every single person, and that is just fine. And, it sure would be boring to live in a place where all homes looked the same, wouldn’t it?
Don’t know if anyone is reading comment still on this older post!
My husband & I watched the show and were in total agreement that this house is completely wrong for any active family with children. Such a disappointment, because I love the outside of the home, with the big wrap-around porch.
Still, that much square footage, and only 3 bedrooms? How can my modest home, which is just shy of 2500 sq. feet, be a better fit for us and our 2 young kids? Yet it is.
The decor was uninspiring me to me. I know they have to try to appeal to the most people with fairly generic design, but still. And the kids bedroom! Don’t get me started. That vintage pedal car on the wall is a danger for smaller kids, and too young for older kids.
Lovely property, but a big waste of all that square footage.
KellyS – I agree with you. Not a practical family home, and it all starts with the floorplan. Why even put in a kids’ room that has no place for them to play. They surely cannot take over the very public family room, with open vistas to each room around it! The foyer looks like a mausoleum, with headstones flanking each wall…
My husband and I are living the Sonoma lifestyle in our dreams! Dreaming of
long walks in the park, riding bikes, Visiting the local fruit and vegetable
market…etc. We loved seeing all the
pictures and the tour of Sonoma. Retirement
here we come!! What a dream! I was born in California but I have lived in Oklahoma and
Arkansas most of my life. I never dreamed
I would ever plan to go back to California
to Retire– but this is so perfect I cann’t
stop thinking about it!! Such a beautiful place and close to the ocean not to mention the Dream House and the awesome neighborhood!
A Victorian/Modern mix what a perfect combination!!! I am so-o-o excited!
Wow…Just finished the grand tour, and it was amazing.I can truly imagine living in this wonderful home;a dream come true.
I know a lot of hard work, and planing went into creating such a beautiful home. Hats off to all those involved!
What a fortunate person the winner will be.
Several people have asked about
where the first floor bathroom is ?
It is located to the left next to
(under)the staircase and the study.
Half bath.
hello that home is georgious and I believe it to be one of the best but of course I do wish it were on my side of the country,prefersbly here in the blue grass state.I have lived there for two summers and know how beautiful that part of the country is and by the way you’ve got a great team keep up the good work the inside as well as the outside is by far one of your best homes as usual, what can I say when you’ er good you,er good. Katie
I can’t find my other post. I guess because I was very disappointed with this home. Has any other Dream Home in the past ever had the negatve comments that I wrote or that I saw were posted here.
The potential problem of bruised egos aside, mere differences of opinion are a part of everyday life, particularly when it comes to design. Love the 2009 Dream Home, or not, most are wise enough to submit their entries regardless, cognizant of the reality that the home itself (for most entrants) is NOT THE POINT, and would most likely be sold, taxes paid, and the hefty cash gain pocketed for whatever the winner’s heart desires. Beyond that, however, are the few comments that are no more than thinly veiled, gratuitously negative posts. I have to say that I’m amused by those same few who defiantly blog that they WON’T be entering the Dream Home sweepstakes because it doesn’t fit their mental image in some way or another. Given the following choices:
A. I’m looking to enrich my life with new adventures
B. I always seek out every opportunity available to me to achieve my dreams
C. I wish to ensure greater financial security for me and for my family
D. I love the thrill of victory and am willing to put forth the effort required
or
E. None of the above
the naysayers choose “E”—that is, I’m content to slog along as is, and I have no interest in improving each and every aspect of my life…unless of course, they happen to be among the tiniest percentage of us for whom life is perfect in every way. In that case, I envy their achievement, for reaching heaven on earth is extraordinarily rare. As for me, I continue to reach for the stars, and personally, wouldn’t mind the heady excitement of a bit of fame and fortune by winning the 2009 Dream Home.
For those with disabilities that would find living in the Dream Home difficult or impossible, you will do exactly what all but the wealthiest among us will do as the 2009 winner, you’ll sell the home, pocket the million dollars or so after taxes, and use your new-found wealth in any way you choose. THAT is what the HGTV Dream Home REALLY is—only a temporary (albeit enchanting) vehicle for presenting each one of us with a chance in a lifetime sweepstakes. So hold it, live in it, or sell it, the dream is yours to pursue.
I can’t imagine NOT having my HGTV excitement each and every day, and the opportunity to dream. As I’ve said, life is a banquet, and I’m getting my money’s worth. Thank you, HGTV, for adding variety to the menu of life with such a wonderful array of choices. It’s a win-win proposition.
You said it, DBCoop…reach for the stars!
Where’s the first floor bathroom?
To DBCoop and others who take offence to some of us speaking our minds:
I like your infectious enthusiasm, the comaraderie that you are building on this blog, and also respect you enough to not deride what you have written or what you believe. It is grossly overreaching to suggest though that because some of us had higher expectations for this home that we are individuals who just “slog along” and “do not wish to improve our lives”. Au contraire… The very reason why I am disappointed in this house is that none of the important current, modern trends that IMPROVE our lives were taken into account in its design. You do realize that sustainability, green design, energy efficiency are not just fads. And yes, these are “THE” trends in Northern California! This house should serve as a trendsetter, not a sample of throwback design ideas. Why, the electricity and water bills alone will run over a $1,000 per month in this place and will drain precious resources unnecessarily. Why no solar panels, why the large expanse of lawns, why the multiple large refrigeration units?
The house has several design flaws and they certainly should be pointed out. The most striking is the kitchen with its no-flow design and two huge islands. Since the house is a Victorian, why doesn’t the kitchen look like it belongs in this house? It should be beautiful, warm and inviting.
If someone can say what the tombstone-looking pedestals are in the foyer, please, let us all know!
There are other issues that no one has yet pointed out, such as the rather stunning sexism of a ‘manly study’ with a wall of wine, versus the laundry room / “office”, clearly designed for the little wife who will admire the photos of her kids while toiling with laundry and catching up paying bills. How quaint. Should I not point this out, even though someone else may take these ideas and use them again?
If anything, my angle is precisely about improving OUR lives for the long term, and not just about improving MY life. The curious thing is that no one has pointed their finger at any of you personally, and while you feel it inappropriate to critique the house, you have no shame in trying to put some of us down? Where is YOUR book of manners?
I can always count on you Coop to set it straight…thank you!!!
I love the house.. I did find a few odd things but I would love to live in Ca..A girl can dream. I will be entering everyday so I’m keeping my fingers crossed..:)
Read, and if necessary, reread ANY of my comments. You will realize I am not criticizing those merely expressing different opinions, be they positive or negative. My recent comment is specifically directed to those very few gratuitously negative posters who, simply for the sake of it, like to play the game of spoiler. In no way do I have a problem with ‘negative’ input, posted simply as sincere personal opinion, UNLESS it is malicious by intent.
On the contrary, I find most of the various opinions, regardless of whether they mirror my own or not, to be informative and educational. MY opinion is, after all, only MY opinion.
This will be my sole comment on the subject, as I return to the business of fun and excitement at hand—blogging with the troops about dreams, design, and the drama of the 2009 Dream Home Sweepstakes. Thanks once again to all the wonderful folks at HGTV who work so hard to make it possible.
I love this house! I have coveted many of HGTV’s Dream Home Giveaway houses, but this house is truly MY Dream Home. The community and all it has to offer (!!!!), the wine, the garden, and the floor plan are all perfect for me, my husband, and my two young children. I have, in fact, dreamed of this home ever since I toured it Online. How crazy is that? Well, it is to me. Kudos HGTV!
HGTV must have a dispute with tub manufacturer because they never mention the manufacturer or have a link to it. If anybody knows it, please post it. I’d probably not want to pay the cost but I’d like to see one up close so I can shop around for a cheaper near equivalent.
Dear HGTV and SuperFan Gail,
OMG, I LOVE DH09! The location, exterior,floor plans,and Linda’s interior design are perfect! I really want to win this home! Gail, is there built-in seat in the shower in the master bath??? I can’t tell from the home tour or the photos.Thanks for the opportunity to win,HGTV!