Secrets From the Master Gardener
Hey, folks! Thrilled that giveaway entry day has finally arrived? We have another treat for you today: Super Fan chats with the HGTV Dream Home master gardener Linda King. She shares some great gardening tips for shady spaces and talks more about those adorable raised-bed gardens in the backyard.
I had the opportunity to meet Linda during my visit to the HGTV Dream Home in early November and had the best time touring the yard with her. One of the coolest plants I saw that day? A semi-evergreen shrub called a “princess flower.” Linda explained that the tropical plant blooms from late summer through the first frost.
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Because it loves warm weather, Linda hopes to babysit the delicate shrub through the winter and wrap Christmas lights around the branches to keep the plant warm on cool Sonoma nights until the root system takes hold. Here’s a picture of the pretty plant (I just love those bright-purple blooms … and the fact that each professional involved in the design and build of this home puts so much love and attention to detail into his or her work).
The home is beautiful, but the TV program was terrible. All I heard about was a commentator (whatever happened to Joan Lunden?) who was bubbly and did not go into the details. I saw designers fill rooms but not discuss them. I did not hear from the designers, the architect, the builders who can give me details about this home. All I got was air space between the commercials (which came every 4 minutes).
And what is the deal with Bobby Flay? Does he come with the house? Will he be grilling for the winner every night?
Focus on the home – not the “celebrities” you are attaching to it.
Oh, one last question – who payes the taxes on a $2million prize? If it is the winner you need to be rich to win this one.
Where are the colors for the 2009 Dream Home shown? I especially like the yellow in the guest bedroom.
I WANT THIS HOME!!! I just got through viewing the HGTV 09 DH and what a treat! Everything was even more beautiful on television. I don’t even think that the online 360 tour does the place justice. Everyone has got to take the time to watch the program because the colors are much more vibrant on a television (especially if you’re blessed enough to have a large flat screen HDTV). My favorites are still the formal living room and the grand master bathroom, but I think I’ve added two more favorites – the masculine study and the fun Kid’s room. The flowers in the garden make the home feel like a home that’s been there for years. Linda King (I hope that was her name) did such a great job on the garden. The program itself was better this year because we got to hear from some other designers, as well as Bobby Flay. Monica Pederson always does such a great job narrating and today was no different. It was fun guessing who had done which room (I knew Linda Woodrum had done the Living Room but I wrongly guessed that Kim Myles had done the Study). Well, good luck again to all us dreamers.
Well, I just saw the tour. I was impressed but living in CA, I wonder why they did not do a screen-porch and where’s the pool. I notice in touring the gardens, the neighbors have one. The office is great but most families need at least 2 desks and 2 computers. I don’t think the wine closet was such a good use of the space in the room. I would have liked to see more edible plants as part of the landscape. Overall a great house but how does one pay the income taxes on the prize value?
I would like to know where the bath is located for the guest room/3rd bedroom ?
Hey Ron, earlier in 2008, there were videos with the developers and builders. If you go to this link: http://www.hgtvpro.com/?xp=hgtv_footer or just put in hgtvpro.com in the search engine on this site, and go to the bottom right of the page, titled “Building the 2009 HGTV Dream Home, you can still see the videos with the Builder and develop and get more information regarding the building and other technical information about the home.
I just watched the 2009 HGTV Dream Home program. I must say, this year’s program was better than last year’s; however, I’m still not happy with the new choice of hostess. Joan Stephan’s commentaries were passionate versus the new voice of bubbly, quick responses with very little video of the house, its craftsmanship, or contents.
The Sonoma house is very nice. The layout is great. I love the fact it has raised garden spaces for herbs. I noticed quite a bit of traffic out the front door during the program. I got no sense of the size of the lot or the back yard.
With the housing market in a slump, what happens if the winner puts the house on the market and can’t sell it for a very, very long time? I’m wondering who can pay taxes on a $1 or $2 million dollar home if it just sits there.
The community looked great and inviting. On a positive note, maybe this house being built in an established community (I bet there are covenants and home owner dues) it would sell more readily than one that was the first built in a community development.
I love to have a beautiful garden and the garden around this house is wonderful and colorful. But, when will HGTV include a big beautiful green house to the next house? I would prefer to see very little matience around the house and have a green house good enough for a nurersy owner to envey.
The house is beautiful but when will HGTV build a house extra extrodenary. I love to see a house build in Cement. Think its alot sturdier and stronger then a manufacturer house or a house made of wood. I might have an idea for the next house if your interested.
Love the 2009 Dream Home! That area is fantastic, especially like the herb garden, wine vines and kitchen. Great job everyone!
Beautiful home,great location..because of my job I am helping many people to find their home, maybe luck is this time on my side…keep on dreaming
Where do you buy curved corner closet rods and curved corner shelving like those used in the master bedroom closet?
I have searched many times on several of your web pages throughout this day in an attempt to sign up for the dream home sweepstakes and have not been able to find a link ANYWHERE! Just what is the plan?!?
Does anyone know if there is a basement in this gorgeous home? It was hard to tell from the outside pictures. Just curious as I know that basements are not common in many CA neighborhoods.
I LOVE THIS HOUSE. Happy New Year!
house ok, but where are all the nice extras, not a dream home,not much land,very close to neighbors,no privacy. view of the home across street not nice (dont want to see that every day).why a queen bed? we want king beds.no whirpool tub?only thing you got right is the kitchen. to many weird decoration, to much cluter, only let linda and jack do next one not other decorators.big let down.
Hi! I’m new here. I echo some of the same concerns that other posters have mentioned here. What are the taxes and utilities like on a place like thia? I noticed that many of the previous winners are selling or have sold their prizes because they couldn’t afford to keep it. That saddens me. I would hate to win such a fabulous prize and have to part with it.
3 bedrooms in $2,000,000 house? Most people I know are looking for at least 4 bedrooms. 2 islands in the kitchen? Are the new owners going to have to play ring around the rosie to work in there? I don’t get it. Also, the same window treatments are in every single room–including all the doorways in the entry??? Yes, I know they can be closed for privacy, but couldn’t they have been placed on the other side of the doorways? It’s a bit much which material on top of all the white furniture downstairs.
my husband freeked when I said I was going to win this house(smile) He asked could we afford the taxes? do you know what they are? We could sell our home in Alaska if need be, I know I will win this house.Thanks HGTV
I must say I am truly impressed with this year’s home. I have watched and entered the contest every year but always felt that sooner or later if won it would have to go. Not just because of the taxes or such- but because you guys never build a “Home”. Well this year you have and I am truly happy to see it. Someplace a family can actually go and live- not just people retired or no kids. Having a kids bedroom close to the master is actually pretty nice for someone like me- who wants to have the kids close. As well as an actual neighborhood-instead of a development- that is not developed yet. This is truly your first dream “home” that has been created. I truly LOVED it!
I just watched the special….I’ve been watching the Dream Home Specials for as long as HGTV has been doing them, and I have to say, this one was boring. I didn’t like the new host, there was too much “fluff” and no adequate details about the home itself….too much focus on the colors of the home and all the entertaining you can do.
Of all the Dream Homes ever done, I liked this home the least. I think this one is not practical for a “real” family….most families want space for kids and their friends to hang out, do their homework, and also functional work space for mom & dad. A wine closet in my office would quickly be converted to storage space.I realize this is wine country….but is wine country really the best location for a dream home that will most likely be won by an average family?
And finally, why is the children’s bedroom always geared towards either a boy or a girl? They should be a little more gender neutral, with the ability to easily change it based on the sex/ages of the children (not all winners have toddlers…some have had teenagers).
This home didn’t interest me at all…too small & not functional.
Just saw the tour on TV. Will there be an opportunity for the public to tour the home in person?
I love,love,love this house and Sonoma!!!!
It is my dream and utimate wish to retire
to our glorious wine country in Califoria.
And since my husband and I near retirement,what better time to win this gorgeous home in this serene part of our
wonderful state!!!
The house is equisite,the location is perfect!!!
HGT,You have done it again! Perfecton!! California Style!!
Hmmm, was there more than one version of the Dream Home Special on 1 Jan 09? I saw Monica Pedersen enthusiastically cover the house from foyer to family room and magical kid’s room through to the master bedroom and gracious bath, with John Gidding detailing each design aspect of the study, Kim Myles playfully discussing her design talent in the kid’s room, and between Linda Woodrum, ably assisted by Monica, and, in the tea for two’s wine-country kitchen as well as the party-size patio, by chef Bobby Flay, I thought that the program amply covered each room, its design theme and inspiration, with a well-paced panache. Even the Dream Home’s glorious landscaping was well colored-in to viewers by master landscape artist Linda King. I also learned, to my surprise, that the Dream Home boasts ONE HUNDRED Zinfandel vines within its self-contained vineyard—amazing!
By the way, the shopping shots with all the great HGTV Dream Home designers was a fun inside look at the “hard work” involved in bringing every Dream Home to perfection. A standing ovation to all.
The home is wonderful! I loved it. This dream home would change my life! My husband and I have only one dream,to win a home like this one!
I agree with everything Ron said. I appreciate the thoughts of building a home that looks like an old home, but the overall feel of the house does not even compare to the Dream Homes of the past. This home looks like any random home on any random block. The “kids” room designed by Kim Myles; well, it leaves me wishing someone eles had designed the room. It is designed for a boy and should have been a gender neutral room. My overall impression of this home, HGTV should try harder next year and build a home that takes your breath away like years past. Leave out the tv designers and bring local designers who know the area and as far as the chef, who cares. Now the new owner is going to have used appliances. Wow!
WOW…Everything about this home, inside and out, is spectacular. If you’ve ever been to or lived in Sonoma, which I have, you will know that this master piece captures the feel of Sonoma. Now, I haven’t been inside this Dream Home, but each video on this website reveals exactly what you can expect when living in Sonoma. It’s the feeling of warmth, welcome, comfort…HOME. Once you’re in Sonoma, you never want to leave. Just down the street from this Dream Home is downtown Sonoma, aka, The Plaza or The Square. It is an historical, family, community oriented place to through down a blanket and rest your eyes. Maybe to enjoy a glass of wine and some excellent food or if your in a playful mood there’s the ducks to feed and 2 playgrounds to chase your little ones around. When I say that once your there, you won’t want to leave, I’m not stretching that truth, not even a little bit. Even if you don’t win this home, its worth it to visit the area. You won’t regret it. My daughter was extremely excited when I told her about the HGTV Dream Home and she has been on this website everyday sense. She recently told me that she really hopes that we win and are able to move back home, but if we don’t win, who ever gets this home will be blessed. I agree with her!!! Thank you HGTV for giving us an opportunity to come back home. Many blessings to you and yours.
Linda king has done a great job with the landscape.Linda i have a 2 acre land behind my house right in the heart of the city( springfield, MO). I want to add a vineyard, can you please help me with it.Missouri is number 13 in winemaking,Used to be number 5.I want to make this place in a way it can be used for weddings by local people.Since it is in the middle of the town.I wonna give it a look of a wine country.
My number is 417 718 4854.
email is hbainsmd@hotmail.com.
I would like to get the square footage of each room especially the bedrooms. I would also like to see the guest bedroom closet and size. Great house and I hope that I win it. Wonderful location too!!!
I loved seeing a detailed tour of my future home! Was also surprised that there was pool or a bar sink in that magnificent kitchen. I loved the overview, but I have two questions. First, what is behind the white door in the kitchen? A pantry closet? Also, what is the exact link to the video interview with the developer (Ledson) that was posted a while back? He talks about the land, his family and the area, and I wanted to show it to my husband. Thanks!
It is obvious HGTV has a lot of class and also in the interests of their viewers. Many of the questions that have been asked on the blog or the message board were answered.
Linda’s rooms have that beautiful Linda touch. It is nice to see that other designers have added their thumb prints on the Dream Home 2009, too.
My father used to be in the horticulture business for a small period of his life. It takes a lot of planning. So, Linda King’s hardwork and…as a good gardener will…to go the extra mile to ‘plantsit’ while waiting for a homeowner, shows professionalism.
Congratulations to HGTV for another beautiful home.
Great show on the home yesterday, but still no answer to my question by the designers of a first floor powder room or half bath for the home when it was designed. Mike
Well, about the taxes for Ron and Karen and everyone who enters, go to myunclestan.com. This company will pay the taxes if you win. You have to be a member to win.
I missed the show last night but I being reading the blogs and I’m so happy to read that we actually got a wine closet and that it actually comes with 100 Zinfadel Vines,Does anyone know if they’re going to run it again and when. And good luck to everyone. About the taxes it’s just part of the package.
I missed the show, but am always checking out HGTV on line. I do wonder about the 1099 tax form – what is the CA rate on a 1099 for over 2million? 25% ? 45% ? I guess the winner has to take a mortgage out on the house, just to pay the state tax. I wonder if we can give Arnold an IOU for that…? ….So in doing the virtual tour, where is the staircase? I did not see what the stairs look like. I was wondering, because I want to win…but my dad is kind of old, so if my folks come for a visit, will they be able to climb the stairs?
I don’t mean to be greedy but where is the lawn mower? Or did my eyes just skip over it?
COME ON….
What happened to focusing on the home / great design, great architectural detail, finish trims and the other interior design elements. Did we need the “special guests” (Myles, Flay etc…)….
My 2 cents in comments….
***Did you forget architectural detail this year (e.g., beams, wainscotting, bead board, trusses, iron work). It seemed as if you substituted alot of paint in bright colors to make up for a lackluster design. Even the wine storage area appeared to be a ready made “kit”—this was an area that could have had nicer doors, some iron and even a carving or two to make it unique for the price point in the Sonoma market!!
***Focus on the actual designer Linda W.—she is the star here, let her tackle the project–the guest stars are simply marketing ploys to sell the HGTV not so famous.
***Ok, you showed Flay—but did you forget to showcase the entire back yard / exterior space–did we really need the recipe section?
***Skip the drama with the new host–she is to bubbly and phony / the guest star interactions were really over the top and took away from the actual design project.
***Was going to Bed Bath & Beyond necessary? Watching Linda W. and the new host shop for shower curtain rings and plain white towels was a bit much—really more free ad space for a sponser. COME ON!!!!!
***What happened to showing / featuring the local shopping excursion–where art work and unique accessories are found. Not BB&B chain filler stuff!
This year seems to have lowered the bar–this home is in a beautiful place but it missed the mark–the drama of Tyler Texas / Winter Park / Lake Lure / Mexico Beach are just not evident here. The FL house last year also was off IMHO.
Lastly, Jack is becoming a fashionista–he needs to get his hands dirty and not look so coifed!
The entry form isn’t working properly. It says that you can enter on subsequent days by just entering your email address but I tried to enter today (I entered yesterday) and it asked for all my info again or it wouldn’t take my entry.
As for the house I think the 2 million is all location,location. The house isn’t anywhere near the great Dream homes of the past. No terrific features like, hot tub, ocean front, pool, elevator, excercise room, handmade table and chairs. Don’t get me wrong, the house is a nice house and I wouldnt mind having it. The grape vines are the best addition. It just isn’t a dream home. Extreme Home Makeover is the new Dream home show. FYI – Kim Myles did a great job on the kids room it actually looked more like a room you could use if you did or didn’t have kids (which I liked. Attractive room that is usable, not a bunkhouse environment where nobody but a kid would want to sleep. Bravo for you Kim!
Nice house, overall. I especially like the master bath. But one thing concerns me, and because I tuned in late, maybe I missed something…is there a half bath on the first floor anywhere? I didn’t see one in the online tour. If there isn’t, then I think someone should get an “F” on the floor plan design. There are three baths on the second floor, but you have to walk through a bedroom to get to any of them. Not my cup of tea. If I’m entertaining guests, I wouldn’t want them to hike upstairs through bedrooms to get to the bathroom. Did I miss something here? I also liked the second floor laundry…that made sense to me, but it could be a bit noisy in the family room below when doing laundry. Lastly, the location of the home in Sonoma is on the outer edge of an upscale subdivision, but it faces homes that are of much lesser value and style. Wish they would have put it on the inner circle of the subdivision. Thanks HGTV, but I’m hoping for better things in 2009.
once again, no handicap accessibility. where’s the first floor bathroom!??!??!
What an amazing and fabulous job everyone has
done to create this magneficient home! I’ve been following the project from the beginning and I’m SO excited to finally enter. May we all be grateful for the possibility of winning this special home.
The best of luck to everyone and especially me!
Is it just me …why are people worried about taxes on a gifted house…my advice for anyone interested would be not to enter if you can’t afford to maintain a home of this calibre…The “gift”..”prize” brings attention to HGTV..a network regular viewers love and more importantly watch. This house is gorgeous and is located in a town that is sophisticated yet has an old world feel. The other homes in the area blend nicely with HGTV’s dream house…. It goes without saying that if one were the lucky winner they could cerrtainly add their own touches to the beauty that already exists. As a Californian I’m thrilled to see that the home was in my state…I was reluctant to enter before because I knew I wouldn’t want to relocate. But Sonoma…what a perfect second home (budget permitting) or a permanent home. There are large thriving businesse tucked all around that area….fabulous restaurants, shops etc. Someone mentioned lack of pool…looks to me that there’s plenty of room for one of the newer small spa type pools that are so popular now…The core of every home is the kitchen…after thirty years of cooking for family and friends, that’s where they end up and the kitchen is warm and inviting in the Dream House…a true dream kitchen…with two islands that are highly functionable. Love it. My All Clads are ready to move!
I agree with some previous posts. Overall this house is beautiful, love the outer design & floorplans except the lacking of a first floor bath, but there is some lacking in interior design details, too much white, i.e. paint, furniture, accessories. And yes you have to be rich to own these dream homes, although this one has less features, but cost more. Many past winners have had to sell the home to pay the taxes. Why not go smaller less expensive, without all the bells & whistles so someone could actual live their life there? Should make the kids room a little more generic, since you haven’t idea of the family the winner will have & sorry, the blue & red in the kids bathroom is awful.
Really looked forward to this show, sorry to say I am sorely disappointed. The interiors are painful to look at, totally wrong for this house. Possibly an ultra modern loft in a big city, but not a farm house in Sonoma.
This house needs softness, warmth and comfort. None of that is here. I cannot imagine anyone feeling relaxed in those mind-numbing colors, and hard edged furniture.
I’m sure whoever ends up owning this house will make some big changes to the interiors.
The exterior, however, is perfect.
agree with judie – i’d love to win but wouldn’t be able to live there because of wheelchair accessibility. bummer
O.K…probably been answered, but does HGTV pay the taxes on this marvelous home this time?
If not, isn’t it in there best interest for HGTV to do so as many would be able to actually live there instead of auctioning/selling them off.
After all, that would makes the whole sweeps look like a real giveaway. ..just my opinion of course.
It really in the long run makes them look like just another giveaway taking advantage of the average person…
I am wondering if it is something they are considering for the future.
Thank you for the answer in advance.
Tom
Judie, the bathroom which was shown on the DH09 special is located just outside of the study, painted in the same colour. As for the comments about the show, I must echo DBCoop’s previous comment and state I must have watched a different show, since I did catch local shopping by Kim Myles and John Gidding. And I must also add that I appreciate Jack’s sense of style. It’s nice to see a guy who does a stylish casual look.
I’m not sure if anyone is answering questions anymore but does anyone know where to get the zinc table in the master bedroom or was that a one of a kind piece?
HATS OFF, HGTV, for a supreme performance with the Dream Home special. Thank you especially for focusing on every aspect, and every room (down to the spacious, well-equipped laundry room), of this sophisticated yet down-to-earth Victorian FARMHOUSE beauty. No design frills needed for this Dream Home. Carefully (and intentionally) she carries herself with simple grace and ample style.
I thoroughly enjoyed the lovely Monica Pedersen’s lively commentary, and the engaging, informative interactions with the other featured design talents, John Gidding and Kim Myles, as well as guest chef Bobby Flay. I could hardly fail to mention Linda Woodrum’s enormous contribution (along with Jack Thomasson) to more than meeting the interior design challenges of making this 2009 Dream Home extraordinary and unique once again, as the 13th, I believe, in a superb lineage of exciting and masterful must-win dream-come-true sweepstakes.
Loved the tour. Missing the porches a great design detail for a grand victorian home. What’s up with that? No porch swings or Rockers Or table for Tea? I’m a southern girl and it is traditional to entertain on those beautiful porches as well. the home is fabulous but Linda doesn’t usually miss something like that.
Hi All – I thought the show was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I know some viewers were disappointed with the content, but I thought it was well-balanced. I was expecting that the producers would credit the generous sponsors, as well as include the designers, of course. Maybe others haven’t seen these talented designers on the regular shows? I am impressed, and Linda King, you are no exception! I love the boxes..they are so much easier to manage than a traditional garden. The edibles are an excellent way to reduce our “carbon footprint” as well, for those of us Californians, and others who are CSA supporters, and buy organic, we can appreciate the value of these plantings!
How can I get my comments posted? I tried to ask a question in the previous section, but it says that it is “waiting moderation”??! So many others have posted, and it seems much quicker! What am I doing wrong?
Michelle, Atlanta
2009 dream house. i would liked to have known what it would have been like,if only jack and linda had decorated the insside. leave the other designers to their regular shows.where is the laundry room washer and dryer? why is carpet on the floor in the kids room?
Last night I couldn’t stop dreaming about living in this home and enjoying all that the Sonoma areas has to offer, especially the farmer’s market within walking distance.
The HGTV Dream Home reveal certainly maintained my interest throughout the program. As soon as the cameras zoomed in with the first floor aglow, I knew this would be worth seeing. From Linda’s creative and colorful approach to the outdoors, coupled with the Iron Chef Bobby Flay’s culinary artistry to the casual elegance and interesting decor; this home has it all, including a gem of a wine storage area, not to mention my favorite outdoor table setting. I agree with Brenda. The program was more impressive than the 360 video and I’m sure in person it is even more astounding.
As a child I actually had a car similar to the police car Kim used to display in the children’s room, only mine was a fire truck and had a cool speaker hat. My father was a volunteer fireman for many years and when I outgrew the toy, we donated it to the local children’s fire museum.
Thanks, HGTV and everyone participating in sharing such a beautiful home. I hope you pick me. I would love the chalkboard on the outdoor table to read Sippin’ in Sonoma with Sandy!
Dear Gail:
I loved your interview with Linda King, however, I do have one question….does she come with the DH2009? Her tips & information are very much appreciated & I loved seeing some of the plants up close & personal..could you please tell me the name of the “willowy” long stemmed purple flower? I see these a lot in Oregon, but have failed to find the name for them. Yes, I flunked horticulture!! My idea of cultivation of plants, is isolated to pretty pots on my deck!! I would need help keeping up the flower beds, but do love the dream of going out to “the garden” to pick fresh flowers for my kitchen & living room!! Okay, I have to buy them now, but would love the experience of walking in the garden with my wicker basket in hand to pick all the color and beauty I see from these beds!! They are absolutely beautiful!! And, I absolutely love the herb garden…I do love to cook & having fresh herbs is a must…fantastic planning!! I can’t think of a better smell in the air than fresh basil! I’m so into this home, I feel like I live there already…it is like having a “mental margarita”….does mental well-being transpose itself into reality???
zzzzz….boring! The home design is beautiful, but the interior decoration is just like all the previous homes – beachy, lakeside look. This is wine country, where are the rich colors (Kim Myles room was the only one worthy). The formal dining room with the white chair covers – what happens when you want to enjoy a great bottle of port?? I think Linda is stuck in a beach-side design rut, maybe Kim should have decorated the entire house!!!
I grew up in the San Francisco area, and it would be a dream come true to finally get back to my home state.
I love that you put in the raised garden area, it will be so helpful to those like me with disabilities, but still the great desire to grow our own food.
I would never ever be able to move back to California, I cant even afford to visit there, I don’t own a car so there is little I can get out a go do, it is like you are trapped in your own rental home.
I dream like everyone of you, those who are too poor like me to ever envision owning a home, it is beyond our reach. Those like me who are getting older and realize they have nothing to leave their children and grandchildren.
It has always been my dream to have a piece of land, that way we will never ever be homeless again. A little piece of God’s earth is all we need to call it home, we want nothing more than we need.
If I won the dream home, I would have to sell it, I couldn’t afford to live to live there on a disability check. I would open a no kill animal shelter, and love and take care of those animals that have been discarded, abused and neglected.
That is my dream, a trailer on a piece of land that was big enough to house horses, dogs, cats, any creature that needs love and attention.
My family could take it over after I am gone, all seven of my children love animals and wouldn’t hesitate to take it over.
My dreams are simple, they always have been, all I need now is the dream home to begin my journey into a life of caring for all God’s creatures great and small.
Good luck to you all, and God Bless You in this New Year!
I too was wondering about the taxes? Last year they gave you money that covered taxes, but it doesn’t appear so this year…
Also, the instructions for mailing an entry are confusing in the area of mailing a postcard. Does the postcard need to be mailed in an envelope???
What have the previous winners done about the taxes? I don’t think I could keep the home because the taxes would be more than my income could support.
AHH! Marie! My mouth is watering, too. I agree with you..how good does it get to have fresh herbs and zin vines growing outside, while you are cooking inside?? The garden is extremely thoughtful. Basil is my very favorite herb as well….I love to cook w/ basil – making fresh pesto, paninis – like tomato, fresh mozz. & basil, basil/chile/curry thai dishes, add basil to omelets, etc.! Delicious!
Where are the electric solar panels. Come on people. This is the 21st century. This is a million dollar plus home, built in sunny Sonoma California. Electric solar panels were the least they could have done to offset the expense to the enviroment, for two Subzero refrigerator/freezers and two Subzero wine storage refrigerators.
I know, they probably had CCR’s against using solar panels, but if that is the case, Mr. Steve Ledson better get the lead out and get real about greening the enviroment. At the very least they could have put the panels on the garage roof or replaced the “vineyard” with ground level panels.
This program is supposed to educate consumers about the possibilities of new home construction. They have sorely missed the mark.
We put solar panels up on the roof of our home, in Napa, in April 2008 and saved the enviroment 112,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, as of Dec.31. We have produced more electricity than we consumed.
Also California is in a drought. There is way to much lawn area in the landscape. Again people, where is the xeroscape or faux lawn.
I do complement them on not putting in a swimming pool. They use way to much water, chemicals and electricity. We put a pool in 30 years ago. The worst decision we ever made. Join a gym, with a pool, or use a community pool.
Can my husband and I both enter the drawing if we have different email addresses?
This dream home is truly a family home. I love the traditional farmhouse feel of the house. I was curious why the interior decorators did not stick with the vintage nature of the home. Kim Kyles kid’sm room looked as is it belonged there with her vintage decorations that inspire memories. The master suite was also luxurious and in keeping with the feel of the house. The rest was too modern; but that spectaculat kitchen makes up for everything.
Incidentally, do some of those books lying about tell how to maintain those vines and make wine.
This house is in a neighborhood and would make a great family home.
I believe the winner pays the taxes, state, federal, and local. also the homeowners. They are not part of the package, which is why none of the winners were ever able to keep the home. One man tried and lost everything.
Make sure you have a spare $700.000. But if you win, you can sell and build your own dream home.
I will try once again to explain why I have been so silent. My computer was infected with a virus, so has been disabled for a couple of days. Just when I wanted to wish my dear blogger friends a blessed, prosperous, healthy and happy New Year, I couldn’t….so I am wishing it now. I have caught up on reading the (mostly) wonderful blogs and watched the DH Special, which was just spectacular. Thanks, Linda, for giving us three beautiful options for over the fireplace. I now realize how nice it is to have an outside entrance to the study and noticed the comfy guest chair in the corner. I could rave on and on, but most of you have already done that, each in your own eloquent way. One final little detail…..whoever is responsible for putting spell-check on this blog, Thank You so much. Good luck everyone and pleasant dreams.
I have been trying to enter the contest, but I am not able to input a phone number. Is anyone else having trouble doing this? I tried contacting HGTV, but have not received an answer. Thank you.
((((Ron))))
It was Joan Steffend, not Joan Lunden.
I was disappointed in the floor plan. Most of today’s homeowners would have preferred a larger family room then a small family room and formal front room. With the exception of the kitchen, the rooms appeared small and over crowded with stuff. The master bath was a dream and the outdoor living area was well designed. All in all, I think, it just missed this year. Still, I enjoy the program and am already looking forward to next years home. Kathy C
Question: In the study there is a short (half) door. Does anyone know what this is? Could it be storage? I was wondering how you could have a computer system and hide all the “uglies” associated (wires, cpu, scanner-printer, etc.)?
Other than that, I would make very little changes. I think the house is beautiful and who wouldn’t appreciate the expertise of professional designers and builders?
Once again, I’m calling this one my favorite!Kudo’s! You’ve all out done yourselves again!
LOVED THE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS, THE LOCATION, ALL OUT OF A DREAM OF MY OWN. THE PORCHES SEEM BARE THOUGH. NOT AT ALL LIKE LINDA TO LEAVE THEM BARE. NO SITTING AREA WITH THOSE RAILS AND LATERNS AND WRAP-A-ROUND PORCHES A GREAT PLACE TO SIT AND ENTERTAIN NEIGHBORS.
Hey Katydid!! So happy to hear from you & a Happy New Year to you also!! We have miss your valuable wit on this site!!!
I hope that Linda King can keep the “princess flower” shrub going through the winter weather ahead with a little help from the Christmas lighting that adorns them.
I was wondering where you had flown off to, Katydid. Sorry to hear of the computer virus problem—I know I feel practically cut off from the world when my computer is acting up, even if just briefly.
Glad I’d just had lunch before reading Marie and Bonnie’s chat about all those culinary delights, or I would have had to have headed out immediately to the nearest Italian restaurant to partake in a wonderfully hearty plate of pasta—al dente, please.
Has all the postcard mail-in confusion been resolved? If I was entering by postcard, I’d probably drop them in a stamped envelope anyway, otherwise so much personal information is available, such as DOB—or is that being too paranoid? Oh well, Happy Dream Home Sweepstakes everyone; it’s already day two, with 48 more entry days remaining before the cutoff, and counting.
I love the new hgtv home,its to awesome to believe.The master bedroom is so special. The foyer is beautiful,its like walking in a dream world.You guys sure know your work. I would love to be able through this home.
Hey! I just can’t get enough of the new hgtv home I could look at it all day . It’s like looking at the home of a millionaire. The person that wins this home will be a millionaire for sure.
LOVE the house, decorating, etc. But – I was disappointed when I went on the website to find out where the chandelier in the foyer came from, that they did not list it (or any of the other chandeliers) in the products section. Anyone have any idea?!?! I want one!!!
Velvet, thanks for giving Ron the straight dope on J.S. She was a favorite of mine. Read that HGTV has let her go. Must be a good reason. I wish her well. Coop and Marie Miller, thanks for welcoming me back. Coop, your root beer float led to parades and both of you seem to have been in red convertibles. I can just see you, MM, waving your full clad white gloved arm in a queenly manner. Hope you were driving up to the Dream Home to accept the key. I’ve never been in a parade, but as Dolly I did sing “Before the Parade Passes By”. Does that count?
Herbs, I love Basil, but I also love Rosemary. Do I hear the wedding waltz? Isn’t HGTV the greatest. Good Luck to all and pleasant dreams.
Why not a lavatory on the first floor? Also why are designers being stingy about bathtubs. Drapes between rooms are a dust-attracting nuisance, difficult to clean, maintain and expensive to replace. Seems to be a builder’s choice to cut costs at the home-owners expense. And all the windows are not practical. Would love a dream home to be spacious and lovely but also super-practical and economical for the long-haul. Dream homes should be “dream” in every sense of the word–a dream design, practical for a current and future needs, and a dream to maintain. If someone were to fulfill my dream design and requirements, I don’t want to experience a nightmare in the expense and work required to maintain it.
I just took the on-line tour. The home is lovely and nicely decorated but I noticed what I consider to be a major flaw in the design plans. There is no powder room on the first floor, whats up with that?
Dear HGTV
Me and my mom and dad are trying to win the contest this year. We really want to win the dream and we love California. Please choose us as the winners!!!!!!
Hi…it was fun watching the DH09 special.
BoBo and I watched Monica P. as she filmed
the opening of the show! We were standing on
the sidewalk as she walked towards us…she is sooo beautiful in person, and very sweet
and friendly. She called me the “super-
neighbor” everytime I saw her, and indeed, I
guess I am !!! Ingrid from Sonoma
Hey DBCoop, if there was more than one version of the show — I saw the same one you did. Actually, I saw it twice in the same day (and taped it the second time) so that I can revisit it at will. Ingrid, since you are the “Super-neighbor”, is that your pool next door?
Did Mr. Thompson NEVER visit Healdsburg, CA? It is the cutest most amazing hamlet in Sonoma County! It’s in the northern part of the county right off Hwy 101 and it’s certainly the most charming little town ever! No offense to the town of Sonoma, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Healdsburg, my hometown.
Welcome Back, Katydid! We missed your charm and candor!
Did I miss something in the tour, or is there no washer or dryer in the upstairs laundry room? I looked at the videos and photos, and while I saw the Rinnai water heater, I saw no evidence whatsoever of a washing machine or dryer.
I’ve just discovered this blog and have enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Like all of you, I’ve been looking at the pictures of the DH over and over … and waiting with great anticipation for the DH special on New Year’s day. Grrrrr…I turned it on and saw a little, but fell asleep before it was over! I am so peeved(with myself)! I see that there will be a show on Sunday @ 5 pm … will this be a repeat of the special for those who missed? Does anyone know? Yesterday I saw a list of dates on the left side of the homepage, but today it is not there. I should have printed it when I had the chance! I love the Dream Home too, but there are a couple of things I would change if (oops, I mean ‘when’) I win it… I suppose no one could be perfectly satisfied with everything. You know, the comments about disabled accessibility stuck a chord with me. My brother is a veteran in a convalescent home with MS. He is confined to a wheelchair. I would love to win the home so he could come and live with me. But I keep thinking, how would that be possible in that house? I thought maybe the study could be converted to a bedroom, but the bathroom outside it does not have a shower and is really for guests to use. It would be wonderful for him to have his own bedroom and complete bath. I would convert the children’s bedroom into his room, but how would he get upstairs? Well, if there was some way to install a small elevator … but the only place that would even be feasible would be the stair landing, I think. I wanted to get a good look at that stairway and landing also (I think someone posted something about that). I would like to convert half of the garage into a guest room, and put the two poster beds from the kids room there. I live in So CA and would like to have more guest quarters availability for friends and family to visit. Also, I would like to put a “doggie door” somewhere; the most likely place would be the door in the breakfast nook leading out to the back yard. The dog house replica of the dream home is wonderful (!!), but I wouldn’t keep my Cavalier King Charles puppy outside to live, even in that fabulous house! Well, sorry to have gone on and on, but I am gratified to have been able to express my dreams somewhat …where is there a more appropriate place to dream big and have others understand your dreams? Happy New Year to all and may all our dreams come true in 2009!!
Dolo
What an amazing home!!! Truly something that must have come out of my dreams, with the porch and such. My husband would die to live in Sonoma, so close to all the fabulous vineyards. Also, what a great little town to raise the kids (all of ours are adopted from abusive homes and deserve a place like this to live). Truly amazing HGTV!!!
Traci
Southern California
I too thought there had to be a 1st floor bathroom! I think this is the most elegant/understated HGTV home to date, the others had WAY TOO MUCH decorations on the walls, everywhere on the tables, etc., The other aspect I appreciate is the simple colors on the walls & no stripes, patterns, etc., everywhere on the furnitures, linens, etc., as in the past homes. I live in LV, NV & that yard/patio/landscaping/gargae/driveway/backyard etc., is a dream & I love that section of California. I too wonder abouto the taxes if you win these homes, esp. in California? Too win a vehicle too would be nice as I was in a head on Friday 13th in July & totalled my 2003 PAID Odyssey van! Hope they have Minute Clinics/CVS because if we win, we are moving the next day & I will need to transfer!
This house is beautiful. GOOD LUCK everyone.
I sure hope the entire garden survives the 30 degree temps tonight! Really great use of color in the front and I love the privacy hedges! I cannot wait to plant my own gourmet alley right near the breakfast nook and drive through Sonoma and Napa to fill up both the chiller and the office wine storage! Probably would have to win CA lotto just to keep up with the taxes!
I have watched the Dream Home special so many times ON DEMAND. They have extended their veiwing of it.
And I love the house more each time. I think the show is just GREAT!
And Gail, just love your new video with Linda. She did an awsome job with the garden.
Standing ovation to HGTV!!!
They have spell chek on here?
Don’t hink so. It musr be your computer.
Hello all this is my first time bloigging on the DH blog. I am a big Blog Cabin fan and spend most of my time on that blog.
I have Multiple Sclerosis so being confined to a power chair I am dissapointed that none is the home are built with the handicapped in mind.
The house was beautiful, the show didn’t talk much about each room as they did in previous years. As usual I am not crazy about the decor havent been in any DH but the one in Tyler TX. The room colors were great but the furnishing seem to crowd the rooms.I wish the office would have had 2 computer areas instead of the wine closet. The outside area is beautiful and well done love the landscaping.
Well as you can see I am long winded and very vocal about what I feel. I hope I didn’t offend anybody.
Like I said early on I wish HGTV and DIY would consider the disabled just once. This home wouldn’t matter since the taxes would be to high for most people to afford to keep.
Hugs and Prayers from Lakehills TX
I think the home is beautiful. And the ‘princess flower’ shrub in the garden just lovely! Purple is my favorite color.The herb garden is a great idea hope to have a nice one like it one day. I love my garden and I know there was a lot of work put into this one. Great job Linda! I love everything about the home and wouldn’t change any of it. The work and time spent in the construction will be greatly appreciated by some lucky family!
Re the taxes: I believe a bank contributed a cash prize for the North Carolina home (and maybe Florida too). Banks aren’t doing very well this year ….
Don’t forget that you have to pay federal and state income taxes (in your home state and probably in California as well). Then you will have to pay property taxes every year on a 2M$ home. Plus insurance. The average winner will have to either sell the home outright, or mortgage it (if possible) to pay all of the taxes. That is what happened to most – if not all – of the homes. Besides, most of the people entering don’t live and work in California, and probably can’t relocate.
Hello to all of the regular posters!
PatStella
Monica P. is not only beautiful, she is blessed with talents! I watched HGTV all day long and loving it. My husband and I are both retired and very little “handy talents” so the Dream Home show is such a joy to watch. You guys know how to put simple things together and make them look like a million bucks anyway. Best of wishes for the New Year to all. Job well done.
Loving all of the comments and reading posts from the “regulars” (katydid, Marie Miller, DBCoop and more)
I was here last year too, didn’t talk much but read a lot, entered a lot, and toured A LOT! Love this house, it looks so much more family-friendly, not so much a resort, but more like a home. Of course, I think Texas is still my fav, although St. Mary’s in GA was also gorgeous…then there’s Lake Lure, NC, that was beautiful too. Guess I could name them all right here, huh??
Okay, so Coop….I too am confused about the postcard entries. I entered last year by postcard (100 times, can you say OCD?) and did not put them in envelopes. This year, it looks like we are supposed to do that? I only ask because postcard postage is a little cheaper than envelope postage. But no worries, either way, I’ll be handwritting those entries too! Good luck to all, I just love this giveaway, I look forward to it ever year.
You know Bonnie, the kitchen in the DH2009 has such a beautiful & industrial sized stove with two ovens begging to be used, why don’t we get together once one of us has sealed the deal & cook up some delicious concocions such as basil/chile/curry thai dishes! Then in the morning after, we can toss some basil into the omelets & wake all who stayed over with the aroma that fills their nostrils & lifts them up & down stairs! Wonderful thoughts!!! I’m sure the first to hand their plates out will be our buddies, Coop & Katydid!! I know they would enjoy the cuisine celebration in “our” DH2009!! Who knows, maybe Coop will be the Chef!!
I am also wondering whether paid property taxes is part of the sweepstakes…I have logged thousands of hours watching HGTV and continue to love it….but I think you should put a moritorium on the word “pop” if you don’t mind my saying so….
This is our dream for sure, we’ve been talking about Sonoma forever! My only wish for the home’s design was that it had a full bath and room downstairs for older guests who cannot climb stairs any longer, or like one viewer posted, access for disabled people. Other than that, it’s amazing and what a beautiful place to build. My 9 year old daughter and I enjoyed the show from beginning to end!
MMMM, Marie! Wow, that sounds fabulous! The house just lends itself to get-togethers? It really would be a very enhanced lifestyle, huh? Like you, we are in a small space, so I can just imagine having that open kitchen…WOW. It is so much fun to cook with, and for others!!!
Let’s see, yes, let’s have a spicy thai stir fry with basil, and we’ll grab some Ledson Sauvingnon Blanc and maybe a fruit-forward Zin, whatever wines will stand up to the spice in our main course. We’ll call Gail, Ingrid, and Lovelykitty, too. I think they’re over at Ingrid’s. I will bring my restaurant-sized rice cooker, and we’ll make some appetizers from scratch as well…chicken satay, dumplings with ginger, etc. We can prep in the kitchen, munching appetizers there, eat in the DR, then retreat into the study later for a digestif. Everyone can crash, then we’ll brew some strong coffee, make some omelets, before strolling into downtown to hang out. We’ll just go out for a casual lunch, or buy bread & cheese, as Gail recommended. Maybe DBCoop called in a few RSVP’s for afternoon spa services in Calistoga. I think Gail made a RSVP for Della Santina’s at 7:30 PM. Sound good?
Is this over-the-top enough?? The crazy thing is, that it could be possible! At the very least, we can have lots of fun with Dreaming and Planning.
Greetings and a Happy New Year to all… I have been in “bizarro world” and didn’t realize the HG Dream House was on tv. Now I will be tuned in for this. The house is truly beautiful. Everyone involved went above and beyond. GREAT JOB!!!! I loved that the plants chose were Victorian themed. In answer to Bonnie; I think the plant is a purple feather. I put these in in my garden, and all I can say is”they are so intriguing that people will stop and ask about them”. Also the princess flower shrub looks very pretty. Hope that it makes it through the winter months. I was more than thrilled to hear there were not one, but two wine coolers in the kitchen. Each of the rooms are heavenly, and what house can boast that it has Zinfadel vines? Hurrah!! I can’t pick a favorite room or furniture because I just fell in love with them all. Good Luck to us all..
Does anyone know if there will be an opportunity for the public to tour the Dream Home in person?
WONDERFUL thoughts, Marie and Bonnie, and Thai is my very favorite exotic food, next to gourmet French, supremo Italian, and authentic Mexican—Yum. Sad to report, however, that while I have a discerning palate for foods and wine, I did not by ANY stretch inherit the cooking gene—so if you’ll cook it up, when the ‘eatin’s’ done, I’ll do the clean up, OR we’ll just kick back with a digestif on the patio while a hired crew does the rest. And I love the idea of putting together a spa day in Calistoga, but don’t forget that with all the hard work of celebrating, we’ll also need to have our daily in-home masseur/masseuse to work out the sore spots. Ingrid will be in charge of invitations to all the new neighbors, and BoBo will be the greeter, if they don’t mind. We can arrange to fly in Katydid as well—who knows, she may already be present and accounted for as the new Dream Home winner! Can we count on you, Gail, to bring some sinfully delicious dessert? As for the Ledsons, Sebastianis, Cuneos, and all of the great folks who make Sonoma so special, AND, it goes without saying, ALL the super cast of HGTV stars who helped make it all possible, come on down!!
I assume you’ll be there too, lovekitty. Bring your favorite dish, or better yet, your favorite wine. Let’s just dream a little dream….
Sorry, lovelykitty, think I need that spell-check on MY computer.
keely – I also noticed that this house, though lovely and spacious, doesn’t have the grand scale or the flair of many of the earlier DHs. Perhaps it’s a question of value – $2 million in California today doesn’t get you as much as $2 million in Tyler TX or some of the other locations DH has built!
lovelykitty…thanks for the HGTV on demand tip. I missed the show and am watching it on demand at this very moment. Will touch base when it’s over.
AH! DBCoop – we have another thing in common. My fave is Thai also, or anything spicy Italian like Arrabiata or Pink Vodka Sauce on pasta, or ANYTHING Mexican (authentic taquerias or taco trucks preferred), the better! Of course, love French cuisine as well…who doesn’t?? Other food passions are sushi and seafood.
What about our friends??? I think this Food Talk will open up some of our other blog friends to share their ideas…”What would you cook?”
Let the fun continue…
With all the food talk, I think it is time to give origin to the first ever “cook off” early on after the winner is announced!! I believe we need to prepare the way for
HGTV to provide all the gastronomic adventures of any and all chefs that want to undertake or seek out new and daring enterprises for the DH2009….these “adventurous pioneers” with their gastronomic genius could take orders from all the delicious people present…it’s a partee!! Bigger than the World Famous Buffet at the Rio in Las Vegas!! When should I begin to mail the RSVP’s? Let’s prepare the way for HGTV to spring for our food celebration!!
When I was younger, my mom and I played what is wrong with this floor plan. Along with not being handicapped accessible with a restroom for guests on the first floor there are some other problems with your dream. Even though my mom passed over 15 years ago and I am the grandma, I noticed the lack of upper cabinets. I prefer my uppers because I can keep things out of the reach of the children. I’d much rather have uppers then the third prep area AKA the 2nd island. What about a pantry? With all the entertaining, where do the owners store staples other than the wine? I suppose I could use some of the wine slots for sodas and waters. Being from Florida may be swaying my next observation but we cover our outdoor eating area in case of rainstorms so the furniture is not wet when we go to use it. Also, it slows the affects of sun dried and cracked furniture. Plus, we screen rooms too to keep down the pest such as bugs and alligators (hahaha on the second one! We do not see as many alligators as tourists think!) Then, I am getting nit picky but why not inside French doors where the curtains hang? Can’t really afford the house so put up curtains when the budget ran out? I’d much rather have seen the living room and dining room from the front door and then the doors reopening to reveal where the real family lives! Speaking of the hall ways, I see strictness of the lay out even in the open areas. I felt like from the kitchen through the family room is a series of invisible hall ways. Plus, there is too much clutter to dust! Can I afford a maid or is one for a year included in the prize? Maybe, I am more of a minimalist at heart but I thought California was ahead of the nation on green so why so much stuff added to each room? By the way, after working in real estate and living in about 20 homes in my lifetime, I designed my own home then my husband and son built it! I am sure some might find fault with it (For instance, it is not completely handicap assessable) but I love to look out the back, kitchen windows and see the Florida swamp lake. I enjoy relaxing while sitting on my front porch seeing a canal as well as the lake across the way. I can sit in my great room and see the birds swarming at the waterside. Plus, I can sit on my back full length of the house porch ( a second porch) and see nature everywhere (but not any alligators in two years). I paid well under 1 million for this million dollar view! If I win your house, I’d sell it to someone not as good at what is wrong with this picture! Am I disqualified for being so honest and not impressed with the price and location? I did like some of your other dream houses! Just not this one!
I’M DREAMING, I’M DREAMING, I’M DREAMING… and hopefully my dream will come true! The House is phenomenal and everything you wish for! This will be without a doubt NOT ONLY the “DREAM HOME” for me, but the ultimate “AMERICAN DREAM”. Coming from a foreign Country (Brazil) I’ve already accomplished a lot of dreams here in America. I’ve been here with my Family for 20 years where my Daughters grew up to be two wonderful people; I have an adorable and gorgeous 2 ½ year old Granddaughter named MIA ANGELINA, that is the” light of my life”; and my Husband and I are very fortunate (but hard workers) to own our own businesses together (we are restaurateurs) ! So winning this House would be just the “EPITOME” of a DREAM! We leave in San Francisco and the wine country is one our favorite places to go all through the year, especially when we have relatives coming and visit us from Brazil, they love the wine here and would love even more if they had a place to stay in Sonoma! As for me, I would open my Restaurant in Sonoma and contribute to the community!
Could someone PLEASE direct us to directions on the POST-CARD issue??? They are NOT clear in the Rules section on the postcard. Normally, one can enter contests by mailing in a postcard with the 37 cents postage on itself. Can this be done in this Dream Home or NOT? does it have to be put into an envelope first?
Or please direct us to the location with the answer!! Thank you!
What were you people thinking? This home is your average country house. The view from the front of the house faces typical California low-income housing. The dining room chairs are throw backs from the 80’s. Who in the world was your decorator? Mimi from the Drew Carey show? This house is a major disappointment and no charm, or richness. Where is the molding, the wood beams, the feeling of being at a vineyard? Give me a break. You couldn’t give me this house.
I was just wondering as a mother of two girls, is it just me or does the kids room designed for boys. My youngest daughter loves batman, but her favorite color is liliac. Red and Navy are neutral colors, but the design with the cars and that silver strip is definately a design for a boy. When my girls saw the kids room they asked where was the little girl’s bedroom. Sorry, Kim you missed the mark on the kids room.
Bonnie and Marie: You are making my mouth water with your menu suggestions and all the activities sound great. Coop, thanks for your suggestion to fly me in, but if the gangs all there, I’ll fly if I have to flap my arms all the way. As much as I’d like to be the winner, I’m hopin’ for not just CA but someone in the great northwest (gotta include MM) to win.
Bonnie, all that spicy food sounds so great, but my system won’t tolerate it. I’d have to prepare Julia Child’s Coq au Vin. I usually make it a day ahead so all the flavors can meld, but with all you great chefs helping, it would be a cinch. I have to admit that when I dream about winning the dreamy Dream Home, the most thrilling thing would be meeting the HGTV folk, the neighbors and blogger friends. Ciao
Oh wow. I am so in love with this home. I want to be in there yesterday. I am from the San Francisco area and have not been home since 1986 and omg I would come home if I won this house in a heart beat. I love the area and I would get to see my family more often ( way more often) and oh I would just jump for joy.
Hi Brenda…no,that’s not my pool next door
to the DH09…I’m close, but not THAT close!
Sounds like we’re all planning for a great
party, regardless of whether we win or not…
what a great idea! DBCoop can finally reveal
his true identity…you’re not Jack T. are
you? You have so much inside information, I
wonder who you are!?! Ingrid from Sonoma
ps welcome back Katydid !
I wonder why all the homes aren’t built “green” now. Should be standard at this point. Perhaps they incorporated green elements but didn’t mention. Beautiful home. I would have appreciated a more universal 2nd bedroom-kid’s room isn’t very appealing for no children families.
i love the house yesterday i went on the tour my mom and i really need that house sense ours is falling apart and my father just recently pasted away. and sense i am only twelve you probably think you don’t want to listen to me but some of these people are way over there head! that’s all.
(:
i love the house yesterday i went on the tour my mom and i really need that house sense ours is falling apart and my father just recently pasted away. and sense i am only twelve you probably don’t want to listen to me but some of these people are way over there head! that’s all.
(:
please help my family! with the house!!!
oh what happens to the people when they win pay a ton or millons of money you should pay for the house for whom who wins this
I agree, the DH09 kitchen is to die for, and cooking in that space would be heavenly! The kitchen I now have (galley style) barely fits my daughter and I, and we bump into each other when we’re trying to cook together … add a cat and a puppy into the mix and it can get chaotic! I understand there are 2 refrigerators? Is one a fridge and the other a freezer? That would make sense to me. Since there are also 2 small refrigerators for wine, I don’t think all that extra refridgerator space is necessary, but a freezer would be. Or does HGTV think we won’t be using the freezer because we will be buying most of our food fresh from that outdoor farmers market in front of Sonoma’s town plaza, and/or growing it ourselves in our own backyard? I like the idea of eating fresh and healthy. I wish they had planted a lemon tree and/or an avocado tree in the backyard so they would be available readily and fresh. I also like the idea of walking to market, too. It seems that some of you may live in Sonoma … I think Ingrid and BoBo do? Are you, Ingrid, the neighbor directly next to the Dream Home? Who is Bobo? Is he/she a pet? Anyone who lives in Sonoma, please tell me what the weather is like … Kim Myles’ addition of rain boots and a hook for rain gear seems to give the impression that it rains a lot in Sonoma … is this fact or fiction? Since it is above San Francisco, does it ever snow there? Once, in 1976, I visited my friend from high school who lives in Berkeley and she and her husband drove me and another high school friend to the wine country and we tasted some wine somewhere — I just wish I could remember WHERE it was… it might have been Sonoma, but then again, it might have been Napa. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable day, I do remember that much!
did the Fl family keep the house or sell it. I wonder how many winners really still own the home they’ve won. Even if you won the money to pay the first year’s tax what would you do next year?
The home is beautiful! What Sonoma neighborhood is the Dream Home 2009 located in?
Today (Jan. 3rd), after I finished filing my 3rd entry for the HGTV 09 DH, I came across another area on the HGTV.com website titled, “Change the World”. It’s a project in which we’re asked to vote for a city project focused on veterans. The projects are simple — things like fixing windows, making floors more wheel chair accessible, putting in heating systems, and so on. In the middle of all my dreams for a larger house, this reawakened my mind to a sobering conclusion — there are so many people in need. I’m impressed that HGTV has decided to do something about it, in their “Change the World” campaign. All we asked to do, is vote for the city of our choice (each city’s project is described under the city title) . While many of us (especially me) live a comfortable quiet life and dream of winning the 09 HGTV Dream Home, there are countless others who just dream about a decent place to live, providing food on the table for their families, overcoming addictions, a place to lay their head a night or trying to find a (any) job. If my one daily vote on the “HGTV Change the World” can effect any one’s live positively, I’m willing and WILL do it. I’m encouraging my fellow bloggers to do the same.
DH is beautiful, but for us girls from the South, where was the front porch furniture? It was begging for rocking chairs. Monica Pederson was a bit ‘fake’ for my taste. Too much gushing and smiling. And all that fabric draped on the floor…obviously those designers do not have pets that shed! Next time – drop the celebrities. Flay belongs on Food Network.
I have read the rules several time, but I can’t decifer if it is okay to enter online, and then also enter by mail. Do you have to pick one method of entry or can you enter both ways? If anyone has any info on this it would be greatly apprechiated. Or if the superfan can find out the answer to this, thanks.
I’m quite sure, Ingrid, that Jack T’s HGTV projects, personal interests, and family keep him FAR too busy to assume an alias, much less the time to sit down and compose a blog or two, as fun as that may be.
In short, while DB Coop admires the extraordinary contributions of Jack T. to the Dream Home process, they are definitely NOT one and the same…but considering Jack’s star power, I take your question as a compliment.
Im sorry, You can’t even get me to enter this sweepstakes, Because I wouldn’t even let you Give me this house Tax Free!!!! What on EARTH HAPPEND!!! Here, My 11 year old Grandson could Build a Dream House Better than this… Im Sorry, that this is a sorry excuse of a house..Judy..Oklahoma.
Hello Everyone. Isn’t my new home beautiful!!!! I can’t wait til this spring when we can begin entertaining at the house. Ingrid, I can’t wait to meet you. I hope we can become fast friends. I am looking forward to learning and cultivating our new vineyard. Love to you all. April
The Sonoma DH is absolutely gorgeous and seems perfectly suited for entertaining. I love the master suite and outdoor spaces most. Another fav is the cascsading curtains which frame the windows and entryways are very whimsical, yet add warmth to the place. I can’t wait to settle in!
Gail, is there any chance we’ll get a better peek at the first powder room? Also storage seems to be limited. I didn’t notice any place in or near the foyer to hang hats, coats or store umbrellas. And how about storage in the kitchen area? How deep are those pantries and is either one designed to store the bissel vac, mop, broom, swifter or whatever one would use to keep those beautiful hardwood floors free and clear of dust bunnies?
Also I wonder why the designers didn’t include any water features in the home or in the outdoor area. It seems there is more than enough space for a fountain in the garden, or a small outdoor tub.
I look forward to reading your posts and learning more about the yet undiscovered features of this lovely home.
i like the house a lot but honestly after looking at the tour a few times ive realized i like last years home and others much better. i like most of the items of furniture but no acessories are there. the walls seem a little bare too. i guess anyone could put in there own acessories to add their style to the home, but right now its not feeling like a “home” that someone can just go into, kick off their shoes and relax. i love the master bedroom and the study, but not so much the kids room. it is totally made for a little boy only. i suggest linda does more open designs next year in the kids room so that it can work for girls too. i missed the hgtv tour that occured a few nights ago sadly. i hope they will show it again on tv sometime soon, if at all. i like the house overall, but im currently not overly impressed with it. sorry for the extrememly long comment, haha. hope to see more soon (: great job hgtv.
Does anyone know how big the lot is? Just curious how much property comes with the fabulous house and garden.
This home sparks my imagination! I envision it as a B&B with garden fresh herbs in the eggs. I think there would be a wait list for you all to come visit! Good luck to all of us. kc
Must say, you all sure know how to throw a party! I will be there for sure, being that Thai food is also my favorite.
Egg white omelate followed by a day spa in Calistoga!
Can’t think of a better dream!
Need it…want it…gotta have it!
Hello Lovelykitty: I like your health conscience egg white omelate idea, especially followed by a day spa in Calistoga! Motivation would be sprung from living & owning that fabulous DH2009 in Sonoma!! Yesssssssssssssss!!!! After eating all the ethnic foods, I’m sure we will need to get busy in the gym!! I’m thinking one of the bedrooms would be perfect to set up a work-out room!! It would set my moral principles at ease to dedicate at least 45 minutes a day to sweating..it gives credence to my own personal thoughts and actions!
Hey Brenda: Thank you for your comments regarding the “HGTV Change the World!!” I think the first project starts with the mental attitude that something is believable! Changing the World starts right here…talking about it!! “Plant the Seed”, “Give it Water”, & “Watch it Grow!!”
Hi Katydid! I definitely think the most thrilling thing about winning the DH2009 would be meeting the HGTV family, being part of the Armstrong Estates’ neighbors, and inviting all the blogger friends to spend time together in the beautiful “Valley of the Moon”. What better place to gather than the birthplace of wine-making in Sonoma, California!! I have an invitation list going..you’re at the top along with Coop!!
My dear Coop! I really cannot figure you out! I know that your “silver speech” comes from work that involves writing..it has to ’cause you are so eloquent in your presentations! Are you a writer for the local “Examiner?” Are you a retired “screen play writer”? Are you an international correspondent? You are keeping me confused as much as “brains and computers!!” Or, more analogous as the wings of a bee opposed to those of a hummingbird!! What is your skill of excellence?? My curisity has peaked!!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS!! I do need a spell check…curiosity looks funny spelt “curisity!!” What happened there? I guess my brain flows faster than my fingers!! Talk about a state in which you want to learn more about something..How about spelling!!!
I forgot to ask if anyone watched the Charger vs Colts game last night? WOW! WOW!! If you are a Charger fan like myself, you must have loved it…it was as exciting as a “Super Bowl” game to me!!! GO CHARGERS!!!
If only you could pay the taxes for the Dream Home winner. I thought this was suppose to be for a family who needs a home, better than the one they own. Who can afford to pay the taxes for a $2 million dollar home!!!
Are you ever going to build a dream home in the Midwest? I think many would love to have that happen.
Is it possible to make this your 2nd home for some people? Or would that just be selfish to keep 2 homes to yourself. I personally would love to have a home in both the sun and snow!
daddy’s darling, Hello was that a plea for them to pick you to win the dream house. It sure sounded like it.Everyone has a handicap in one way or another. Good luck and God Bless everyone, everyday. and KUDOS to winner of this beautiful home.!!!:)
Good Morning, All! Katydid – Coq au Vin is delicious and classic, and I am sure yours is excellent. It sounds good…haven’t had it in awhile… It is fun to cook new dishes. This kitchen would be such a fun “lab” to experiment and try new recipes, as well as cook favorites.
Brenda -thanks for the note about “Change the World”.
Marie – I am with you regarding the exercise/spa regimen.
More importantly, I agee with you, Katydid, and Marie. Community is most important, and definitely would be the most exciting aspect of this experience. I think we all know how wonderful it would be to meet the neighbors, locals, and blogging buddies. A celebration (or celebrations, plural!) would surely be in order, and entertaining in this DREAM home is a dream. Somehow, we all already know how wonderful it is…that is why we are so over-the-top. Count me in!
Thank you, Brenda, for bringing HGTV’s ‘World of Change’ program to the attention of the Dream Home blogging community. I was totally unaware of it, and wonder why I missed it since its 19 Dec inception.
And really, Marie, my career work has never involved writing—nothing more exotic than the financial services business. However, other than crafting words into thought within this Dream Home blog (and other venues, both social and political) I’ll share one of my most enjoyable “hobbies” with you, other than my foreign travels: Rather than crossword puzzles or Sudoku, I prefer to engage my creative side with an occasional design challenge. This favorite past-time of mine often takes me to the http://www.HGTVPro.homeplans.com website. I can easily spend many enjoyable hours at my desk, in the quiet of my study, perusing the extensive webpages of HGTVPro houseplans. I decide on the particular style and approximate desired square footage of my newest project, then narrow down the choices to just one, or perhaps two. Then I print them out, mentally take them apart, and on paper, resurrect them in a manner that perfectly fits my likes and lifestyle.
Over the years, I have created a fair number of “dream homes” this way. I’ve even been fortunate enough to have drawn up my very own house plan, and to have made it a reality. Now, simply developing “dream homes” on paper—the design process—is my greatest reward. That explains the intensity of my involvement in HGTV’s annual Dream Home, and now, Green Home, sweepstakes projects.
My two most current HGTVPro houseplan favorites are (in the larger estate category) #SPS-4100-A3S, a classy 4,100 square foot two-story Country Craftsman, and #HDS-99-496, a dazzling 5,342 square foot single-story Mediterranean with formal drama.
Thank you, HGTV and HGTVPro. Keep the dreams coming. Have you had YOUR HGTV excitement yet today?
The house is beautiful, but as a mother of three I can’t help but think of functionality. I didn’t notice a coat closet on the first floor at all. Did I miss it somewhere? I assume you would come in the back door on a daily basis. Where do you put your things?
I think that Monica is not right for the job. She needs to slow down more and explain more detail in the special.Also she should be with the celebs. when they talk about the room and point out architectural parts of the room or whatever, if not then maybe they shouldn’t have that many celebs.I liked it when the other person did the tours. And also I think the dream homes have gone down hill starting with 08. I LOVED 07,best one ever out of the ones I have seen. They should have more handy capped stuff to,not that I am handy capped but i don’t think its exactly fair. Some people may not enter because of that.And I want to know about taxes too.
Okay Coop, I don’t mind being wrong, but come on, you are not just the “run-of-the-mill kinda guy!” I’m very impressed with your creative hobbies…in fact, I would love for you to design a dream home for me. I would also be interested in hearing your opinion about a potential site to build my dream home here in Brookings. However, there is a delima…I found a strip of land above “the Port” that I absolutely fell in love with as the view is active, but still with an ocean view! The problem is that it would call for a very skinny layout since there are weird “set backs” & it also involves a “right-of-way” that runs along side the property. Even if I could get a variance to build on the property, it would still be a challenge to put something on it that did not resemble a “Park Model!!” In all your wisdom & experience, have you ever come across such a challenge? Would it be worth it?
I always loved HGTV; but it seems to becoming elitist. There’s not much for us non – millionaires anymore. It is probably why Joan Steffend isn’t around. She dealt with regular people. The DH is an example. Totally out of reach for their average viewer. If HGTV wants to give away a home, then make it possible for a person making the median US/Canada income to afford winning it. In other words, pay the taxes.
I have always loved Linda Woodrun’s decorating, especially the house in Maine, Florida, and Colorado, but she really lost sight of this home’s character. Her decorating just does not do justice to the home.
Very nice place for some multi-millionaire, who could build his/her own dream home and probably has.
Judy
I missed the HGTV 2009 Dream Home special. But viewing the video’s online, I thought the wine closet should have been placed somewhere else. Maybe in the hallway leading to the study that could also be used as a kitchen closet or just another closet if not used for wine storage.
I hope they use the same master gardener for future dh’s. She did a fabulous job. I love that sweet blue in the living room too. I still say they should have included a first floor master. My dream home doesn’t include being on the same floor as my teens. Matter of fact, a master on the first floor AND the other side of the house away from the other bedrooms. Right next to the wine room would be okay by me
With a frenchdoor leading to the pool/spa. Nope, not wanting to wake up.
I can’t find the message board!!! Please tell me they didn’t do away with it
Read the rules all taxes on the house,property and car are the winner`s responsibility
I can’t believe how beautiful this home is, what a great thing to give away. The only thing is, how much money do you have to come up with for a $2 million dollar prize, and than, what about property taxes, they must be sky high there? It would be so nice to win it, but if you have to come up with a ton of money than your dream home could turn into a nightmare if you’re poor! Does anyone know about the taxes??
The TV special provided only general information, but it was still very impressive. Does anyone know how much land the home is on? I know the house is about 3700 sq ft.
What happens if you love the house but don’t care for the furnishings??
Also, did I hear correctly that it is only a 2-car garage??
Small comment. What’s up with the on-line entry of ‘State’ this year? In previous years the ‘State’ field was open for text entry and it would scroll based on the first letter entered. This year it’s some weird widget in a small window that you have to scroll through to find the correct state, and that is no fun when you live in the second half of the states. And no, we do not enable cookies, so I have to retype my entire entry every day.
Ingrid: bobo would be so welcome to visit my doggie dream house, as I don’t have a pooch at the moment. Speaking of pooches, Coop, I remember you once asked for suggestions as you were interested in getting a canine companion. Did you ever find one? I also remember that you mentioned purchasing a property overseas and asked for ideas on how to decorate it. That really made me laugh! But now I realize we have a real hobby in common…..floor plans. Your favorites are much more grand than mine. I have my eyes on the Green Home. Marie Miller, just remember that silver speach can come from speaking, as well as writing. And that Coop is very tricky. Love to all bloggers and pleasant dreams.
My family lives in the Napa area…and I absolutley LOVE Sonoma! I would of loved to see the looks of the neighborhood faces as the construction began! I will dream big this year, so I can have a chance to be with my family again in a georgeous house! Good luck to everyone!
Wow-
We were so excited to sit down as a family and watch the special like we have for many years- this was the biggest disappointment! Not only was the show’s production awful, the house is hardly up to the standards of craftsmanship in homes of the past. Sonoma is beautiful, but clearly corners were cut- The house is set up to entertain-(it’s in wine coutry for heaven’s sake) but there is no downstairs bath- the family room set up is not cozy- and everything is narrow, including the upstairs hallway- the house is on a busy street- older neighborhood…….overall a big disappointment- I think you missed the mark this year completely- head back to the southeast- please!
Love the house… But wanted to know if the wine closet in the study is refrigerated? if so, how did they do that? Want to use the same concept in my home.
How does any of the dream house winners pay for the tax on the winning of the house? At a 35% rate on the $2M house is $700,000. Who can afford to win these dream homes? Not to mention the property tax associated with the house. Isn’t CA property tax at 1%? I want the house but I’ll be afraid to actually win it. How did the other previous winners deal with the tax?
I’m bummed, I’ve been trying to post and say howdy to ya’ll, but everything is “awating moderation”.
Well, Marie, your “dream home” property would present a challenge, even for a HGTV design pro. The “skinny lot” is, in my opinion, less a problem than the “right-of-way” issue, which can get very thorny. A skinny lot merely requires creative design skills; the right-of-way and variance hurdles CAN be complex, costly, and often intractable. Is there a zoning specialist or city planning/building department you could get feedback from, if only to be pointed in the right direction for further inquiries? Without doing lots of homework, and legwork, it’s too easy for a dream home project to turn into a nightmare. That’s one reason why the HGTV DREAM HOME is such a wonderful gift—the hard part is already done!
Never got another canine companion, Katydid, after losing the last one. I’d like to, but since I have purchased property overseas, I would be away for extended periods. That would be unfair to any pet.
I’m hoping to get up to see the finished HGTV DREAM HOME for the Ledson’s Harmony Foundation benefit tour before heading across the Pacific to shop for furnishings, and get the new home decorated; the sooner the better.
As for my “grand” home plans hobby, the current two I mentioned ARE large (too much for me) but I enjoy working on any scale, from modest manufactured home models to dramatic estates.
OK, GAIL, time to throw out another video, or tease us with some new photos. There’s so much more to learn about the 2009 DREAM HOME, I’m sure, and less of interest about DBCoop!
What if the winner cannot afford any of the taxes, fees, etc. Can the home be sold quickly enough to prevent them from going bankrupt with a little money left over for themselves.
I was so blown away with the design of this house. Every detail was so carefully thought out! The front porch is just like the one my greatgrand parents had, and the palm tree was just like the ones my great grandfather planted in Anaheim, Ca. Thank you HGTV for giving us the opportunity to win this beautiful home.
I really wish more time had been spent on the house and the grounds. It seemed to me as though a great amount of time was spent on the activities available in the Sonoma Valley. It is nice to get a little information about the surrounding area, but that is half of the fun in relocating, nice to know, but not as much detail. I found the fact that Kim Segwayed over some trails and topped it off with a spa visit a waste of time. I would have rather seen and heard more about the house itself.
Overall, I really liked what I did see of this dream house. It actually felt like a house that someone could live in full time, not an overpriced vacation home.
Although Kim’s “kids” room was attractive enough, it really felt like it was geared to a boy’s room. I cannot picture a little girl in that space. Might something more gender neutral be more fitting?
I did not feel the “home office” would be very functional as an office. Personally, I would have referred to it a study. It would appear to be a great place to pay the bills and maybe read a book or perform some other solitary function. With that in mind, I really did not see the need for a separate entrance.
A wraparound porch harkens back to sitting and visiting informally with friends and family. I was very disappointed not to have any furniture on the wrap around porch. It seems to be the perfect place for morning coffee or afternoon iced tea. A porch is great place to chat with loved ones and unwind and enjoy the “vistas”, watch your children play. I really think you missed a wonderful opportunity there.
It was also a truly a pleasure to find a (2)refrigerator(s) in the kitchen where it belongs, unlike the last “dream home” located in the Florida Keys where the refrigerator was located in anoter room. I really liked this kitchen, it felt like an area where you could really get serious about food prep and entertaining family and friends.
In the past, I have had issue with the color palettes chosen for the houses. This time that color palette chosen throughout the house was for the most part pleasing. The only room I really detested was the master bedroom. That Kelly green was hideous. Being located in the midst of such beautiful natural surroundings in various shades of green, I would have thought a better choice would have been one that drew your eye to those gorgeous natural surroundings.
Lastly, does everyone in the US own a dog? Why do you feel the need to add a matching dog house to every dream house?
I Loooooooooooooove this home and I hope I win it, taxes, upkeep, gardening, and all other expenses connected with a sweepstakes winning like this. I would live in it as long as I could and enjoy every second. It is very exciting to think that I would have as much a chance to win this as anyone else. The only thing I would change is make one of the rooms with so many windows my art studio. I just discovered this HGTV site and have been going over every aspect of this Dream Home on the digital tours. I didn’t know about the recent show but will watch for the next airing. It would truly be a dream house for me. I have always loved Sonoma and always wished I would get a big portrait commission to put me in that beautiful and inspiring area for artists. I have lived in the foothills near Grass Valley California for 10 years. I live in an apartment attached to the main house occupied by a daughter and son-in-law. Now my daughter tells me I have to vacate my painting studio to use that space as part of a bedroom remodel since my son-in-law has bad knees, she has a bad back and has to move downstairs from their upstairs loft bedroom.
This is devastating to me because I am 10 years older than I was when I moved in here and when I moved here I made an investment in some remodeling in my wing and my daughter told me I would always have a place to paint. I am a senior and it will be hard for me to adjust my space in my apartment to accomodate my painting because I have a lot of “stuff”, but I would move to Sonoma in a heartbeat. I have had some success in my art work over the years. I have a portrait in the Pentagon, as well as many portraits in institutions of higher learning all over California and with many corporate, executive and military commissions, as well as clients in the music industry,and Medical field, both national and international. But like a lot of artists the work is not steady so I am not exactly a starving artist but I am certainly not rich, just talented. I have been busy during my productive years. I love my life but I would thank God every day to be able to live out my years in such an inspiring Dream home. I know that if I am to have this home, I will. I will do some serious positive imaging for the next several weeks. I would invite a son and his wife to live with me and perhaps one of my several grand and great grandchildren. We would make it OUR Dream Home. When do we move in??
Beautiful home. It’s missing a bedroom. Thankfully Joan Ludden was missing. The show was so poor. Every 4 minutes a comerical. What happen to telling us how the home was built? The architure choosen for what reason? This was the absoulte poorist show HGTV has put on on the home. I thought it would get better without Joan, but it did not. I don’t get two shakes of a hen’s tail where you shopped. I don’t care to see 12 minutes of your designers shopping, show me all sides of the home. What about where it is built? The neighborhood? I get the feeling the house was built in a Getho or drug infested place. Prehaps the neighbors were opposed to this place.
Nice home but you all missed the mark miserably. This was poor, very poor. I know that a 50 foot by 20 plot of grapes will not produce tht much wine.
This house is going to be perfect to raise my family in. It is such a blessing that God has brought this contest to my attention and I cannot wait to enjoy every foot of the new house. Thank you!
Sorry, but this house is not worth $2mm. The lot is horrible, with no views except the neighbors. The street its on is terrible. The rooms are VERY small. The kids athroom and guest bathroom have no tubs. The kitchen is hideous. The Master Bedroom green is a nightmare to wakeup to. They’re giving away a vehicle thats a gas guzzling beast and that no one wants from a company going out of business. Overall, this house is a total mess and HGTV should be embarassed. Its not worth the taxes.
I was truly disappointed in the dream home. The outside of the house is gorgeous and the landscaping. However nothing inside exites me. For the anount of money poured into it. I really expected more.
The formal living was just blah. The kitchen was set up strange. The family room was ok. The master suite was a disappointment. The bathrooms were lacking. The office space was ok, but no computer and really who needs wine in the office. I know it is sonoma, but still….
The outdoor living space was awesome as well as the landscaping. I would love to have the home just based on the outside.
I think you needed other designers on this project. Like Vern or Sabrina.
After all the years of your dream homes just getting better and better this was a major letdown. I have entered every dream home since you started hoping to win. This one I won’t enter, because with my luck this is the one I would win. LOL
I just can’t say this is my favorite DH. I have always been a fan (Mexico Beach will always be my favorite, I still dream about that place) and I would give anything to live in California. I’m not even that put off by the obvious differences in the homes across the street.
This is what I’m not crazy about: The arrangement of furniture in the family room (who puts a sofa in front of the tv?). Two islands in the kitchen (I love extra countertop workspace, but it breaks up the flow of the kitchen). No outdoor furniture on the front porch????
What I am crazy about…Location, Location, Location. The back yard with the grave vines and raised beds are pretty awsome and that’s pretty much it. I like the paint colors and the bedrooms are fine, but they aren’t stand outs like in years past.
The BEST DH would be one completely designed by Candace Olson!!
Thank you Coop for telling me what I probably already knew…I was hoping for a miracle with this property! I think the owner/broker already knows that the lot is unbuildable & that’s why he holds tight..he will not budge on his price & will not accommodate any requests! I guess he is looking for a sucker to take over his “nightmare!!” Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts!! By the way, where are you building overseas? Just curious..your life seems exciting & more than busy!
Katydid…you are right about Coop ’cause his silver speech comes through loud and clear no matter whether it comes from writing or speaking! He’s tricky, but has a unique power of communication, and to me, is always “on point!!” His banter has worth!!
Oceangirl..I absolutely agree with that Candace Olson would be the awesome choice designer…I think I’ve seen ever episode of hers & I’m totally crazy about Chico!! I’m thinking, after I win the DH2009, I will hire Candace to redecorate!!
The house is truly beautiful. But can someone tell me what’s up with the palm tree off the corner of the house? Seems kind of out of place given the rest of the plantings. I saw one picture where a different tree had been planted there, but it’s obviously been removed. What’s the rationale behind the palm? Thanks!
Re property taxes – from what I found on line, the tax rate is almost $14.00 per thousand. That means the yearly property taxes would be about $25,000. Then there is insurance. There are also Federal and state income taxes, as well as Social Security and Medicare taxes on the total. In the rules section, they say they will give you a 1099 for the total. In order to take possession of the car and home, you must have proof of insurance.
The winner is not chosen based on need; an independent organization picks a winner at random. All of the details are in the Rule section (at the bottom).
You won’t have to pay income taxes until the next year, so you could sell the property and use the proceeds to pay the taxes (with a tidy profit, probably). Then you could buy a home that is affordable in the location you desire.
PatStella
Correction/addition to my previous post:
I don’t know if you would have to pay quarterly estimated taxes or not. Any tax accountants in the house?
Certainly the first thing you should do is to consult with a financial advisor and/or an attorney before taking possession of the prizes.
You could also sell some of the furnishings, art, etc before putting the house on the market.
Since this is in a planned community, I am sure they have rules about how the property is used, which would rule out turning the home into a bed and breakfast business, or renting rooms on a short-term basis.
PatStella
I love the house and the floor plan. Only one question, where is the downstairs powder room? I have never seen a new two story home without at least a downstairs powder room, in fact a half bath would even be better in a home of this price range. Also, if there are taxes that will be the responsibility of the winner, when will they be required to pay? In this economy selling the house may take long time.
Has anyone who won a Dream house (or Green House) been able to keep it. Or, they were required to sell to cover taxes?
This new house is a mix of good and bad. Most have been mentioned. Odd layout.
Hello, I greatly enjoyed viewing this nice home. I didn’t happen to see a dishwasher in the kitchen. Does anyone know if this Dream Home has a dishawsher? God Bless you all.
I am mystified by the fact that this “$2M” home has:
3 Bedrooms, 2.75 baths, No pantry (where do you put canned goods), few kitchen cabinets (everything is under-counter except for the two cabinets over the refrigerators), only one kitchen sink, no faucet for filtered water at the kitchen sink, no bathroom on first floor, seems to be missing a washer/dryer in laundry room, curtains at entryways (?), small rooms, a queen bed in a master bedroom (?) …
This house was built close to the street in an area where it stands out as the most expensive house on the block, not good for resale purposes.
Comparing this “Dream House” to others in the past it seems like the location (Sonoma County) was more important than the design…
The property taxes are not cheap on a $2M house (the median in Sonona County is .6%, we pay around 1% in Southern CA), and in our current economy homes are not selling at the rate or prices achieved just a year ago.
Sorry to burst bubbles, but this is no “Dream Home”.
OK…..focus on the Dream Home. It occurred to me that in this dire economic downturn, it might have effected the DH budget as well. Perhaps they might have had to scrap a few outdoor features (fountain, spa, covered walkway, porch furniture, etc). Just glad they kept those wonderful raised garden beds.
Let’s see……what would I bring to the DH? My goose down pillows and duvet. I would love to have a super musical set-up and would barter some of the furnishings for a top-notch musical system with dual controls in the kitchen and master bedroom. It’s so much fun to dream. Thanks HGTV!
P.S. Regarding those negative posts, all coming in a row….I’m glad they won’t be entering….better chance for us dreamers.
I love the Dream Home, except I do not understand why Kim Myles was given a opportunity to do a room. She is NOT a designer, and is, at best, a mediocre “shopper”. I never watch any of her shows because everything is rough and unfinished around the edges, and never creative. There will never be another Design Star as great as David, and both the designer guys who made it to the final three were better than Kim.
Hi All! It appears like we have a lot of new bloggers…Welcome to this lively community! It is so fun to read all of the comments and opinions.
I wanted to say, most respectfully of course, that those of you who think that this home is in a non-desireable area are definitely mistaken. Those of us Californians and Sonoma fans REALLY know how desireable Sonoma is to call home. The location is superb. One of our bloggers thought that maybe the homes across the street were “low income” houses. Let me tell you, they are definitely not. Many Californians, like my family, live in smaller, older homes that are expensive, or at least above the national average. The median home price in this gorgeous town is nearly $600K for a reason. The neighborhood is highly desireable, trust me!
Just to follow my prior comment..we don’t currently live in Sonoma, but let me tell you, the location is indeed ideal!!
This is the most perfect home the dining is to die for elegant is all I can think. The kitchen comes next then the master bath and bedroom both inside and out is gorgeous brilliant.
This home is small but beautiful. I have lived in CA all my life and would love to relocate up north if I won. The taxes and decrease in local property values would the the deal breaker. I would need to sell my current home to live there which I would do if I could get a fair price. Selling a home in CA nowadays is tough to say the least. In my area of the State property that was selling for 600,000 in 2007 fell to 300,000 in 2008.I know everyone has been hit by this ecomony but HGTV should anti up the money for the taxes. Especially since this home even though very nice is not the dream homes built in the past years. HGTV get your act together.
I am so excited about the 2009 HGTV Dream Home. My daughter and I visit you website everyday to enter and to check out whats new. I have a question though. At home we don’t have cable. The only way that I get to see the house and get updates is from this website. Will the New Years show appear on this site soon. And when you announce the winner, will you have it live on this website as well? We’re really looking forward to seeing who gets blessed with this charming and yet elegant Sonoma Dream Home.
Katydid! Hopefully my comment about having the DH2009 redecorated by Candace Olson was not construed as a negative comment. I love the DH2009…but, have to say, I do love Candace’s work!!
I can’t believe it either about the negative posts? And, to say they are not going to enter for the chance to win the DH2009!! Pouvez-vous expliquer cela, s’il vous plaît?? Oh well, it will give us more thankful mortals a better chance at winning it. I would be more than proud to own the Sonoma property…it is a little piece of heaven & I would be living very close to my children & grandchildren!! The negative people would gain more respect for this property if they were standing right in front of it as I did the early part of October, & let me tell you…the house is awesome!!! The whole area of Armstrong Estates is beyond beautiful…it is peaceful..imagine a place where time slows down, and simplicity and authenticity rule the day. I feel that the DH2009 has style and substance, and join hands with comfort and luxury. The Sonoma Valley during the fall shows subtle shades of gold and orange creeping through the vineyards as vines go dormant for the winter. It is the most beautiful place to be from August to October. Also, where else on earth are you going to find some of the best Chardonnays, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines that California has to offer?
People, stop complaining & comparing this dream home to the past dream homes!! How could anyone not appreciate the opportunity to own a classic “farmhouse” in the middle of the “wine country?”
Au revoir! Prenez/Prends garde!
Oui, oui Marie! Je suis bien d’accord! We are definitely, “on the same page.”
Hello everyone,
Gina here, (from Brazil). I’ve been reading some of the comments and concerns about the house! COME ON PEOPLE! LIVE IT UP! This is a giveaway house and of course there are going to be pros and cons and things there are different from each personal taste! Don’t worry I’ll win this house and I’ll have a chance to make it the way I wanted instead of criticizing what is in there! If you want to have a house of your dreams in terms of layout, décor and etc… you should built your own house and don’t even bother with this one! Leave it for people that appreciate things in life much more and enjoy every bit of it!
CHEERS!
It is a very poorly designed house in a great area.
I will enter the contest, but would sell the house as soon as I could, something that nearly all of the previous winners of the HGTV Dream Home’s have done.
A $2M home with no bathroom on the first floor? One sink in the kitchen? No closet at the entryway? No Pantry? A house that was designed to entertain yet the guests have to trudge upstairs to use the loo? What was the architect thinking?
Let’s be realistic…
This home comes with taxes due for winning…that would be $700K…, then you have a yearly property tax due Jan 1 2010 of anywhere between $15K-$25K… Can you afford a monthly payment of $4K for your “free” house, because that would be the minimum you would be paying for 30 years.
If you remember the contest name, this is a “DREAM HOUSE”, very few would be able to afford to live there, and for those who can’t, it is just a dream…
Why plant the raised garden beds in the shadiest part of the yard? Locating the garden between the garage and house will offer at best, just a few hours of sunlight daily in the growing season. Not nearly enough direct sun for tomatoes.
Bonnie: Je vous adresse mes plus vifs remerciements.
Very nicely said Gina Betti!
Come on Bill! Even when all is said and done, you will have realized some great “All American $$$$!! Besides, I’m not worried about all the baggage ’cause at my age, I plan on using a “reverse mortgage” accordingly & will love living in this beautiful home for the rest of my life!! It would be a blessing in my life!!!
Retire in a house that you have to climb stairs to use a bathroom? It would have been better if they had built a Tuscan style single story, with solar panels.
Jan 1, 2010 you would have to pay the IRS over $700K in gift tax, and your 2009 property tax would be due. Any thoughts that a reverse mortgage would pay those and other taxes incurred by the gift of this property is a dream, so you would still have to make significant payments.
This is why all of the winners of the “Dream House” giveaway have sold or are in the process of selling their dream house.
If you remember, when HGTV began this contest they stated that these were dream homes, and that they were aware that most of the winners would not be able to afford the homes.
The best thing you could do with this house is sell it, pay the taxes, and take the profits and buy or build a house that would suit your needs and income level.
Sorry, just being realistic…
I think the home is BEAUTIFUL, the landscape is Great and I enjoyed watching each “artist” designer expressing their gifts through design! The colors were vibrant in several of the rooms and the just POP!!! The outdoor table setting chosen was more suitable to the house however that green and blue was delightful to the eye! HGTV you have done another great job!
BILL: Your posts show that you know nothing about this Dream Home. There is a POWDER ROOM on the first floor so you don’t have to trudge up stairs to relieve yourself. And if you need a shower without going upstairs, I suggest you run through the sprinklers. I’m sorry for being so harsh on you, but I wish all you last minute bloggers would get your facts straight. Marie Miller: You addressed your last note to me….how did you know what was going through my mind before I had even posted it? Are you a mind reader? Love that you and Bonnie are conversing in French but that leaves me out. let’s see….C…”s la vie.
Does that mean “such is life”? Well, I think the winner of the DH will have a much better life. Good luck to all and pleasant dreams.
Even if there is a Toilet and sink downstairs, which I do not see on the tour, nor is it noted in the floorplan, this is still a very poorly designed home.
To think that you could afford to move into this home using a reverse mortgage is a joke.
Anyone who wins this home and thinks that they can afford to live in it, without currently being a multimillionaire, is dreaming.
There are going to be VERY large payments due Jan 1 2010, and if you cannot afford what is basically going to be a $700K mortgage, in a town when you do not have a job (unless you are lucky enough to currently live in Sonoma County) then you cannot afford to live in this house.
Sorry to be so frank, but even though the prize in this contest is a $2M home, the prize for those who have won this contest is the difference in what they were able to sell the house for and the taxes that are due.
The home will be sold by whomever wins it, if they take the time, which I hope they do, to find a good financial advisor, who will tell them exactly the same thing I am telling you…
Take the money from the sale, pay off the taxes, and find or buy a home that suits your needs and is in your income level.
Don’t think of it as a $2M house, think of it as a $500K+ (hopefully) prize.
I see that someone discovered that there is a powder room on the first floor. Thanks for posting it. I would assume it is down the hall, on the way to the study. Am I right? If it’s located there, they didn’t put it on the floor plan and I don’t recall seeing it on the show. I would love to be the winner, but I must confess it would be necessary to sell. My family could enjoy it for a few months though, then we would need to find a serious buyer. I have enjoyed watching all the DH series over the years. It’s fun to dream!
Please pay more attention during the tours……as has already been said…there is a powder room outside of the office…..
I think everyone is well aware of the tax issue…. just go with the flow and enjoy the rush of winning something this fantastic. True that few of us can afford to keep it…..but no need to preach on this site…..
Happy New Year to everyone!!!
YES THE BATHROOM IS BY THE STUDY I BELIEVE THE PANTRY IS BEHIND THE FRENCH DOORS WITH THE SHEER CURTAIN IN THE KITCHEN, THAT`S WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO ME, THEY KINDA RUSHED THROUGH THE TOUR I FEEL SO SOME THINGS WERE LEFT OUT
To the lovely Gina, who lives in Brazil – unfortunately, you cannot enter/win the contest if you are not a legal resident of the United States; at least, that is what it says on the Rules page.
It is a lovely house, though I agree with many that there were others superior to this one. I would be happy to win the contest, but could never afford to keep it. I said before, as Bill has said, that the first thing the winner should do is to consult a financial advisor, and figure out the best way for your personal situation to pay the taxes, including social security and medicare, that will be owed on the prize amount.
My goodness, Mary, such an explosion of “waiting to be posted” commentary. I’m struggling to catch up with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Ah yes, Marie, cognizant of the reverse mortgage—I’m not surprised; it takes strength of mind, willpower, and believe it or not folks, a plan of action, to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be. In that regard, some of the comments recently posted are a combination of fact and fallacy, including some points regarding reverse mortgages. They can easily be set up for initial lump-sum payouts, along with ongoing installment payments, sums that are dependent on a formula that takes into account the owner’s age(s) (62 or older) and the lender’s valuation of the property. But sell or hold, the end result is a significant capital gain when all is said and done. Every entrant in the sweepstakes will have their own “end run” game in mind, however strong one’s own personal feelings may be.
Mais oui, Bonnie et Marie, mois aussi, je suis d’accord avec vous, et beaucoup d’autres reveurs. (and for Katydid: “but yes, Bonnie and Marie, me too, I am in agreement with you, and many other dreamers”)
I was wondering if anyone knows how much the taxes would end up being for this prize. I’ve seen several comments on how one would have to be rich to afford to win this…
Sorry guys but this DH is still to die for. Its like know other home that the dream team has ever built. I would claim it in a heartbeat.
My 8 year old just watched the tour with me and proclaimed that was his and his brother’s room. He even chose his bed. That yard looks beautiful and i think the garden is exciting. Thank you for the chance to win!
Hello!! It blows my mind that people could have negative things to say about this house, it is quite spectacular, especially in the eyes of many middle class families sitting (contently) in tiny homes! Why complain about what it’s lacking, instead appreciate this opportunity to even envision yourself living like this, that in itself makes me giddy. I know we probably won’t win, but you can bet I’ll be entering everyday just to have a chance. Sonoma is amazing, my husband and I go there on special occasions and love eating at Cafe Le Haye, it’s phenomenal. The town is so quaint and lovely for young families, I would just be head over heels living there. Anyhow, people who don’t like it won’t clog up the sweepstakes, so that’s fine by me. Man, coming from where we are, this would be like a mansion….no complaints here. Not so sure about my teacher salary and taxes that could be tricky…but you know, I’ll just keep dreaming a little longer anyhow, it’s more fun that way. Wow, I just can’t get this place out of my head, it’s just that exciting to my little family, it would be such a blessing. Good luck all! Sweet dreams.
Perhaps I err—yet I feel compelled to share my overwhelming sense that, as maybe one of the less principled among us Dream Home aspirants, we must admire the strength of character in those who stand firmly by their convictions and refuse to enter the HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes because they sincerely, without forethought or an ounce of malice, may dislike any or all aspects of the Sonoma Dream Home.
As for me, by my own admission, I am weak, for though I would have added a soft gray window trim to the 2009 Dream Home (sorry HGTV) I am never-the-less irresistibly drawn to enter for the $2 million dollar Dream Home prize each and every day of the fifty day entry period. Go figure!
As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thankfully, each one of us perceives beauty in our own unique way. For my part, I will continue to dream a little dream, plan carefully, and take appropriate actions to achieve them. One foot in reality, the other believing in my dreams, and firmly balanced by a driving tenacity to succeed.
Have you had YOUR HGTV excitement yet today?
Everyone with tax concerns should go to the myunclestan website. It gives you a realistic view of what to expect if you win and an opportunity to do something about it. A very resourceful website if anything.
DBCoop – So well said! Great point about those that stand by their convictions. All the comments keep the blog lively and real. Regarding the window trim, the dark purple hue reminds me of a Burgundian or Bordeaux style red wine. MM!
Of course, it is more interesting to uncover common ground among bloggers. Julia – for example, I share your excitement. It sounds like we have somewhat parallel lives — I have a small family, also live in a tiny home in CA, and Sonoma is very special to us as well. Like you, I would do just about anything to make it work. Not only do I appreciate the opportunity to envision residing in the HGTV home, I LOVE it as well. Cheers to us dreamers!
I share in the sentiment of Julia. I have been viewing the progress on the website. For my family, this truely would be a “Dream Come True!”
I especially loved viewing the vision that the developer shared. This would be an amazing place and community to be part of.
I love this home, the area is so inviting… and to those who disliked the homes across the street, I think they are apart of the Historic Overlay Zone that has restrictive zoning to preserve the traditional Sonoma style, (you don’t have to worry about someone building a Mega Mansion that change the appearance of the neighborhood) it happened in my old neighborhood, the house was ugly, and out of place! check out this site for more info http://www.frontdoor.com/city-guide/sonoma-ca-usa/5-great-neighborhoods-in-sonoma/p2
DISCLAIMER: I am not a mortgage expert.
You folks who mentioned getting a reverse mortgage (HECMs)need to do some research. There are age and $ amount limits.
I live in TX, am 62 and would not qualify for an HECM for enough money to pay half the taxes due on 1.8 million.
Wow!!!!! I can’t believe all the negative post!!!
Why didn’t they build a greenhouse for us gardeners….why is the house not bulit from cement instead of wood…..where are the solar panes….
Too funny!!
And the downstairs half bath IS shown in the floor plans..right next to the stairs, http://img.hgtvpro.com/HPRO/2008/07/30/DH09_FloorPlan1_w609.jpg
And in the 90 second video, as well as the TV tour they show you the halfbath.
http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/index.html
Can’t understand why so many people are missing it.
It’s OK if it is not your style or taste, but no need to actully bash the home. Many of us think it is the BEST!!!!!!
Yes, there are TAXES which most of us can’t afford. But you still WIN even if you have to sell the house.
It’s all about the DREAM!
Relax, have fun, DREAM BIGGGGGG!!
Hello PAT STELLA, it is Gina from Brazil here! You probably didn’t see my previous message posted on Jan 3 @ 3:49 pm (go back and see), I’m “originally” from Brazil but I’ve been leaving in San Francisco for the past 20 years, I’m an American Citizen and I’m well qualified to win this house! And like I said before, I’m not concern about the pros and cons of winning this Dream Home. What matters is the fact that I will win and I’ll make the best of it! (THANKS MARIE MILLER for agreeing with me on that!). For the ones that are still LOST about the layout of the house, the powder room, the pantry, etc… go to HGTVPRO.COM bottom of the page in the middle (Recent Highlights) click on Building the 2009 HGTV Dream Home, scroll down the page and click on 2009 Dream Home Floor Plans, click on the link and you can see and print the floor plans! You will see that there IS a powder room between the family room and the study and there ARE 2 (two) pantries one in each side of the door way going to the dining room! I saw all that on the first tour of the house on TV and also on the pictures on line! Just pay more attention people! God Bless America! Here is the link if works:phttp://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/dream_home/article/0,3140,HPRO_28936_5913851,00.html
My clothes are packed and I’m ready to move in. What a great house!!!! My dream has always been to move to Sonoma or Napa and retire there. My home would never be empty with family and friends visiting! This is a great place for the hostess with the mostess!!!!!
I am surprise to see how many people are picking away at the house. They must view life with the glass half empty. Oh my god, the house is beautiful and I would be the happiest person in the world to win, I am sure!!
To all the wieners out there, to solve your problem, do not enter to win! It will increase the odds for those of us who truly love to make this house as their home.
The HGTV Dream Home blog: free entertainment at its best!
Speaking of, I recently discovered another HGTV web area (accessed from Dream Home Central/Main) that’s fun to check out: http://my.hgtv.com/my-dream-designs/multigallery.esi
Viewers are able to post photos of their dream destinations, vacation homes, etc, and you can even register to rate your favorites. Since, as Marie and Bonnie (among others) well know, I love Thai food, I found the Thai Island dream destination ULTRA dreamy.
And thank you, Kevin, your brief comments were right on the mark. I believe dreaming is protected under the Constitution.
I was trying to copy the different outdoor table settings for my wife to reproduce at home for the up and coming summer. She really liked the different themes. There are no photos of them, just the video. I cannot figure out how to get a picture of each one. The video does not allow you to do so. Help!!!
Propertry Tax would approx. cost $2,500 per month at $2 million dollars
Hello lovelies! Not sure on that spelling…I am afraid I have been sucked in! I should be grading papers for my amazing 8th graders right now, but NO, the house calls me back….aahhh…procrastination and daydreaming, a bad combination. Back to the entry page for today’s finger exercise
And hello Bonnie, my parallel-lifer…could you be a teacher by chance? That would be funny. I agree, I think I would sell all my belongings or whatever it took to pay the mortgage…I would love the house, even if it was empty! The furnishings are just a bonus. And Sonoma, oh man, it doesn’t get much better for me. I could actually keep my job and my husband wouldn’t commute nearly as far…oh so perfect….which is why it probably is just TOO perfect to be true. But I’ll be home waiting with sweaty palms on the reveal day just in case. 
I have a question for Gail. I think the landscaping is beautiful! I’m wondering though, will HGTV supply the new owner with a plan showing the varieties and how to care for them? Any chance they will post that info on the site? The lucky winner will need to know how to care for all those beautiful plantings.
Hi All! Yep – DBCoop said it, it is just too entertaining to miss any of these posts! Speaking of…Lovelykitty – you are making me laugh now with your candor again.
To Julia – I am not a teacher, but I have a great job that I could move with…as does my husband. We are not too far away…just need that catalyst. It would be a DREAM, and an easy decision to make, huh? Let’s keep dreaming!
Thanks, DBCoop for pointing out the Dream Destinations link. I admit I am tunnel-visioned with this DH. Thanks for the quick “departure.” I just viewed that beautiful beachside pool. Thailand is definitely top of my list as well for travel destinations!
Main Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a background check on any potential Grand Prize Winner and reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any person based on such background check if Main Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that awarding the prize to such potential Grand Prize Winner might reflect negatively on Main Sponsor or any of the Participating Product Sponsors.
OK, what does this mean exactly? Am I too fat to fit in to the Main Sponsors idea of someone to make the winner look good? Does my income level reflect negatively? Why the vague rules? If you want the perfect family to win, why not just come right out and state you want typical family “X” to win! This takes awy from this being a random draw. It’s random but if the Main Sponsor doesn’t think you fit the bill, the random winner is out the window! I think it’s a cheap cop out rule and HGTV has their noses up in the air. It’s like then saying, “This RANDOM winner isn’t good enough to represent us” Random, my but!
Way to go TAMMY! Way to go! I Love your comment! That is right! The rest should just leave for “US” that know how to dream a DREAM and make it happen! I’ve already dreamed so many dreams and believe me; I’ve accomplished them all! This will be just another one! A BIG ONE: THE AMERICAN DREAM!
OMG!! The house is so beautiful! Love the colors so fresh and fun. The yard and the garage is also awsome!!=) The kids room is so cute. I can see my 2 boys in that room.
The kitchen is Amazing with 2 subzeros!!
The bookcases and the white furniture in the bedrooms are so clean and french looking!!
The HGTV Dream home is always is crazy cool.
This house is in a great area with lots of sun which we don’t see much of in Seattle.
I would love to live there!!! Good luck to everyone……Please GOD let me Win!!! =)
I know that no one is going to loan me $700,000 to pay the taxes. So, I joined the myunclestan.com network. Heck, it seems like the only good chance we have to keep the dream house.
Once again, Dream Home has created a wonderful, elaborate, dream-filled home full of fresh ideas. Have always been a sunrise coast person, but always welcome the Dream Home showcase as a “Hot Rod Home” that I will remember.
To Laura Harrison regarding “Main Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a background check on any potential Grand Prize Winner and reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any person based on such background check ” etc. The sponsors have to legally protect themselves upfront in the case that an “undesirable” individual would win and possibly be a spokesperson for their organizations. I can think of several examples, probably none of which would apply to anyone blogging here. How about a high-profile murderer, or porn movie star, or Bernie Madoff?
A LOT OF STUFF THAT PEOPLE IS SAYING THAT’S NOT IN THE HOUSE,IT IS!!!! YOUR NOT LOOKING HARD ENOUGH, MY HUSBAND AND I WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE INTERNET ALL THE TIME AND WE NOTICE EVERY THING AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE FOOL PLAN, YOU CAN SEE ALL THE ROOM IN THE HOUSE EVEN THE ONES THEY DONT SHOW ON THE SHOW AND INTERNET. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE BAD TALKING MY DREAM HOME. I THINK HGTV DID A GREAT JOB, THIS HOUSE IS FOR A PERSON THAT NEED A NEW START IN LIFE AND SOME ONE THAT IS GOING TO WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF TO KEEP IT AND FOR LAST, SOME ONE THAT NEED IT, LIKE MY FAMILY. I DONT HAVE ANY THING BAD TO SAY ABOUT MY HOUSE. YES I AGREE WITH Julia.
YES I AGREE WITH TAMMY, IF YOU DONT WANT THE HOUSE PLEASE DONT APPLY. GIVE US MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES A CHANCE TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The home is so very lovely. I have spent time in that area and really fell in love with all it has to offer.
When we move into the Dream Home, we will have a great party, inviting the Dream Home staff. And yes, we will be living in the home, not selling it.
What more could you ask for!!Beautiful.Hope to win this year It would be a dream come true.Good luck everyone!!!
Coop…do you have a French background? Do we have that in common?
Thank you for the warnings regarding a “Reverse Mortgage!” I’m sure I do not know all the “ins” and “outs” regarding such an animal, however, I will try anything to hold on to the “Dream House!!” I don’t want to sell it when I win it…I want to live in it!!!! This is what I find in the “Wikipedia!!” A reverse mortgage (or lifetime mortgage) is a loan available to seniors, and is used to release the home equity in the property as one lump sum or multiple payments. The homeowner’s obligation to repay the loan is deferred until the owner dies, the home is sold, or the owner leaves (e.g., into aged care). A reverse mortgage is analogous to an annuity where the principal and interest are paid with homeowner’s equity.
In a conventional mortgage the homeowner makes a monthly amortized payment to the lender; after each payment the equity increases within his or her property, and typically after the end of the term (e.g., 30 years) the mortgage has been paid in full and the property is released from the lender. In a reverse mortgage, the home owner makes no payments and all interest is added to the lien on the property. If the owner receives monthly payments, or a bulk payment of the available equity percentage for their age, then the debt on the property increases each month.
If a property has increased in value after a reverse mortgage is taken out, it is possible to acquire a second (or third) reverse mortgage over the increased equity in the home. But in certain countries (including the United States), a reverse mortgage must be the only mortgage on the property.
HELP!!!!
A time to dream… I ready to pack my bags and enjoy my wonderful new dream home… Dreams do come true don’t they? Well I’m ready for it. My hat is off to all that were a part of this great home. You all out did yourselves.
I love this home.
This Dream Home is one of my least favorites, if not the least, for several reasons:
Some past dream homes have some outside designs for porches/balcony. No chairs/benches for the front porch? Plants, or anything?
1) Too many bold colors, and in almost every single room!. The house looks like it’s a showcase for bold color palette…too many BRIGHT orange, green, red..It’s OK to use bold color but on most of the rooms in the house, including some hallways??? This is too much! Way too much.
2) The master bedroom color is horrible. My favorite color is actually green, but to have this very very bright bold green color in the bedroom??? Who’s able to get any sleep? The master bedroom should be a resting retreat, and not some play room. If Linda likes green so much, she should have painted a different shade of green, whatever it takes to give the room a more calming effect.
3) The kids bedroom is the WORST kids room I have ever seen. For one, you should not make an assumption that the room is for boys-only (red, cars, etc). And two, even if it was a boys bedroom, not all boys like cars! Lastly, I had 11 girls watching this show that day, and they all hated it. Girls like red color and cars? Oh please…I also have 2 boys, my own, and they hate it.
Please do not do motif or theme rooms just because you “think” all children will like it (that’s what Kim said).
4) The nicest bedroom is the guest room, but there is one problem. Checkered floor for guest room? You have the 2 carpets mixed up. If you liked checked carpet so much, you should have put that in the kids bedroom, and the kids bedroom carpet in the guest room.
5) Way too many white curtains on the first floor, to close off the rooms. While this is a lovely idea, they make the rooms look too busy? No other way to separate the rooms? Only curtains?
6) There is no bathroom on the first floor (even a small half-bath)????!!!! All I hear is how this is place is designed for entertaining, and yet no bathroom for guests???
7) There is no curb appeal.
9) One chair in the study? There is already a wine storage in the kitchen, another one in the study?
10) for a “Dream Home” – no crown moldings?
A few things that I like: the small vineyard, double-island in the kitchen (great idea!), the porch, and yes, the location (I mean in California). I am glad that finally a Dream Home is built in California (and I do love Napa Valley)! This is the best part about this Dream Home. That said, whoever wins this Dream Home will be doing a lot of interior re-design: repainting most of the house and give softer hues for the interior to give it a more relaxing environment, add a half-bath, redesign the kids room (pretty much take everything out to make it more neutral).
I am quite surprise with the design of this Dream Home, from the architectural point and also interior design point. Kudos to the location!
My favorite memories are trips to the wine country in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. I fell in love with Sonoma. As an artist and wine lover, this would be the ideal place for me and my husband to retire. I have always had a secret dream to own a vineyard; a mini vineyard is perfect. We have friends that live close by. How great this dream would be for us.
Mais oui, Marie, I DO have a French (and English) background, with many relatives scattered about the French countryside, as well as England, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to travel extensively and visit them all. I just spoke with French relatives by phone this morning asking me to return soon for a visit—but I have other travels to pursue before I get back to France once again.
As for reverse mortgages, I’m hardly the resident expert on them, but I’m told that the minimum age to secure one is 62. As I understand it, the formula used to project how much you can receive, both in a lump sum and monthly payments, is based on life-span expectantcies, current home value and equity. Obviously, the older you are when taking out a reverse mortgage, and the higher the home value/equity ratio, the greater is the sum which you can request. Whether at any point in that equation you could receive the full amount as a lump sum prepayment to pay the taxes on the Dream Home in full, I do not know. As I say, it varies, and there would be limits on the maximum lump sum payout. You’d have to consult with an expert for your individual situation—after you pick yourself up off the floor when the Dream Home Team shows up at your door to film the winner’s reveal.
Happy Dreaming to All.
Wow. I can not understand how people can complain about the design of the house, it’s beautiful!! Hope I win!!!
I’d like to thank lovelykitty for mentioning the ON DEMAND availability of the DH special. Since I fell asleep on New Year’s Day before it was over, I was so happy to see the complete special … over and over again.
For some reason, I do not have Flash capability on my computer (bought secondhand), so I’ve never taken the ‘360 degree’ tour. Before I saw the Special and the still photos, I vaguely remember that I was also puzzled as to where the first floor bathroom was. However, if you scruinize the photo gallery, you will notice many details that have never been mentioned in these posts. It is a lovely home, no question about it, and the area is magnificently beautiful, but I guess some people are just trying to be realistic about the whole thing … which can be good, and bad. I must admit, reading these blogs about the taxes due has rained on my parade somewhat. I have few things to dream about in life, and dreaming ‘big’ about this Sonoma Victorian farmhouse gave me joy, temporarily . Of course, I’m not crazy enough not to think about how I could possibly keep it if I won, being single and turning 61 … but still, I am voting everyday and hoping … and imagining myself (and my brother, my daughter and my cat and dog) living there. I’ve never owned my own home… it would be like going to heaven before actually going there. Yes, as I said in a much earlier post, there are probably a few things I would like to change, a few things I don’t quite ooh and ahh over, but the gift of a new house? with furnishings to boot?!! Please, this could only happen in America. We are so, so blessed to live here, and have what we have. yes, I live in an old, small house (L.A. area) that I pay more than half my salary for, but it is a lot more than many people have, both here and around the world. As a people, we need to learn to be more grateful and appreciative of what we have, not what we don’t have. Ok, I’m stepping down from my soap box now. I just want to retire in a peaceful, beautiful place like Sonoma and write, and walk my dog … if only in my dreams. God bless one and all.
Dolo
YUMMY! Fresh Fruits and Vegetables…Right outside the Back door??How awesome is that?? Looks as if the kids and I would be having Fruit salad…yummy…yummy!! And of Course MANY vegetable salads as well!
Wow…would that be awesome!!We can’t grow anything here in Pennsylvania!Only a few things in the summer months.Which isn’t long enough!!
If I lived somewhere where it was nice year round.I think I would become a vegetarian.I would just love the fresh herbs,veggies and fruits!!Like the Strawberries and Grapes!
And definately Tomatoes!!
I can just imagine my daughters outside picking and eating fresh fruits and veggies as if it were candy…lol! Of course So much healthier than candy..though! Now I am So hungry for a salad!!Too bad there’s no fresh fruits or veggies here right now..Well I guess it’s time to make a trip to Wal*Mart (Ugh)!Would much rather get it from my backyard!!!So much fresher and tastier!! Btw, AWESOME job MASTER Gardner and Hgtv!!!xoxox
Thanks yet again Hgtv & Master Gardner!
You know it has to be absolutely incredible…to have all of us fantasizing and California Dreaming!!
Even way over here on the freezing east coast! Where it is below zero here for the third day in a row now!Brrrrr!Oh what I wouldn’t give for some Cali SunShine! xox
I LOVE love LOVE the new HGTV home!! I’m a gardener myself, so I was so impressed with the garden in back of the house but the great “showy” flower garden in the front yard is so wonderful too. Sonoma is probably such a fertile location too! I have 30+ rose bushes and perennials in my yard and can not wait for May/June here in the Denver, Colorado area to get my hands in that dirt! The HGTV house is just fabulous this year! I would be so proud and excited to win…and I will show that too, if I do!
When I am the winner of HGTV Dream Home, I would love to invite Paul James over for dinner!
Does anyone know the acreage of the lot? It must be quite a bit, considering it’s on a corner, has the huge backyard and garden, the garage, etc. If anyone knows, I’d love to know as well!
I love everything about the gardening around the house. The house I live in right now is also on a corner lot and has a “football” flower garden. I was about to get rid of it the other day but now that I’ve watched the video with the master gardener I actually want to keep it and just change the flowers and plants that I currently have in it. All the changes I’ve been making to my house are ideas that either I or my wife have gotten from HGTV.com or from watching it on tv. Thank you.
I love to garden and I am glad that the dream house has one. I can’t wait to plant veggies and drive my new car.