Have you seen?
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After you enter for your chance to win the HGTV Dream Home 2009, be sure to check out the cool guides hosted by our sister sites and other must-see features:
About Sonoma
There’s more to Sonoma than meets the eye. From cool neighborhoods to fun leisure activities, find out what makes this sleepy town tick. Visit FrontDoor.com
Sonoma City Guide
Vacationing in sunny California? Find out why Sonoma is a dream destination for foodies and oenophiles. Visit FineLiving.com
Savor the Occasion
Bobby Flay created a wine country-inspired menu exclusively for HGTV Dream Home! Check out the mouthwatering recipes (the winner will receive a framed copy of the menu plus detachable recipe cards), and then watch as Bobby fires up the grill in the backyard of the HGTV Dream Home 2009 and chats with Monica Pedersen about his sensational creations. Get the Recipes and Watch the Video
HGTV Green Home 2009
We’re ramping up for the April online tour. In the meantime, pay a visit to the blog and post your thoughts. Right now, we’re talking about 2009 green home trends. Visit the Blog
Agreed, that the sweeps page has been buggy. Also, sorry HGTV but this house is not that impressive as usual. I'm dissapointed.
Where can I find the chandelier that’s in the dining room. I just love it and I have to have it!!!
I know it’s not just me: what’s up with the HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes web page, among others? Technical problems or? Hope they are resolved ASAP. In the meantime, I’ll try to check out the Green Home trends.
Sorry but you guys missed the mark on this one. Doesn’t look like a “Dream” home at all, just really above average. Has the recession effected your budget too or is it more of a difference between what money can get you in Cali versus elswhere like the midwest. Also, where is this exactly located? – notice the sorry neighborhood on on the ourdoor tour. For those of you that have a problem with the negative posts, we have every right to voice our opinion. The likelihood of any of us winning this thing is nill so really look at it from a losers view and maybe then you will be able to tell how dissapointing this one really is. Also, HGTV is not so generous as to “give” this away by any means. After all of the sponsors, product placements, tie ins, advertements paying for it and all of the additional traffic to the website, it’s good business and in their best interest.
I hope I didn’t miss these questions/answers but need to know:
Can someone enter via both the Internet and mail?
When addressing the envelope for the mailed in entries, is it possible to use a mailing label for HGTV’s address on the envelope? Thanks so much!! Denise
As a devoted connoisseur of just about ANY fine pudding, Bobby Flay’s Meyer Lemon and Blackberry Bread Pudding recipe sounds and looks divine. His recipe says it will make 10 servings—with me at the table, I might be willing to share it with one or two others, but don’t push your luck!
Foodie and oenophile? GUILTY! Thank you, Mary, for the additional links. I too, downloaded Bobby’s recipes days ago, and look forward to trying them out. Thanks for the Sonoma links. I discovered places I haven’t been to before…like Traintown, which my son would LOVE. How did we miss that before? That you for keeping the Sonoma DREAM ailve with these online resources!
Bonnie,
FYI – Train town is lots of fun for your Thomas lovers, my son had a great time, they have little rides too, aside from the train stuff.
The main video that pans from the front of the Dream Home to the homes across the street from it reveals homes that appear to be much lower in value. I'd be concerned about losing money if I couldn't afford to keep the Dream Home and had to sell it in that neighborhood.
I would like to apply buT I am handicapped & cannot climb stairs.
It seems that these HGTV Dreamhomes are only for another class of human beings and that hurts me and anyone else who is like me.
Why do we live?
Toby Hoff
I may be mistaken, but I don’t see a bathroom of any kind of the 1st floor. Surely there would be one for quests, I can’t believe you would be thinking that everyone would have to go upstairs.
Bonnie and Julia, I have to admit that even just for the adults among us, Train Town sounds like fun to me. I hope they don’t have an age limit, such as no one OVER 35 allowed. My inner child still appreciates the simple joys of life now and then.
Now, back to the serious adult stuff; a few notes for those who have no concept about CA real estate prices, or the high desirability of owning a home in Sonoma, and in particular, the neighborhood AROUND the Armstrong Estates Dream Home (some bloggers don’t seem to grasp the lofty valuations of the more “modest” homes in the area): a little checking around online will tell you that, even with the real estate downturn, Sonoma home prices are still respectable.
For homes sold in 2008 OUTSIDE, but nearby, the 2009 Dream Home neighborhood (Armstrong Estates), the following approximate averages are quite revealing: square footage ranges from about 1,200 to 2,132, sale prices ranged from $535,000 to $1,335,000 (excluding the highest and lowest paid sale prices), and price per square foot averaged about $504.00. (Sonoma real estate pros or local residents, feel free to chime in.)
Clearly, the homes around Armstrong Estates may be older and perhaps less grand, but, at $500,000 plus, you can hardly consider them a “down at the heels” distraction…and I am NOT a home owner in that area, so I’ve no ax to grind with those who might question its livability. The more you know, the more you grow, in real estate as in every other aspect of living life to the fullest.
That being said, have you had YOUR HGTV excitement yet today? I wouldn’t go a day without it!
Thank you Mary for including all these new
videos for all of us to enjoy. They really
capture the charm of Sonoma, and I’m so
happy that some lucky(and hopefully appreciative)person will get to experience
the magic of our town when they win the
DH09. Welcome! Ingrid from Sonoma
Good Morning!!! Fellow Bloogers we'll we knew that there will be some negative comments towards the HGTV home, like they say you can never please everyone, But you have pleased ME and I really hope to win this one, Basically it's one of my favotite locations so close to San Francisco and I happen to love wine and I collect fine bolles of wine so I'm going to have allot of fun in this house and exploring all the sorroundings, And I just might be able to finally go on my Hot Air Ballon Ride over wine country.
Can someone tell me the name of the material used on the kitchen countertops in the dream home?
Wow! what another great House from HGTV. I have watched everyone to continue to put together one of the most awesome Houses built in 2009 and Yes I want to “WIN”. I promise to care for it and pass it to the next generation as a great example of best workmanship that our generation has to offer. I know you must be a care taker for this house and the grounds for future generations and this is what I would do. I may not live close to California but I have no problem in moving. “JUST WATCH THAT U-HAUL COMING UP I-40″. Anyway HGTV I will make you proud if choosing as your winner! So until I get your call I’m crossing my fingers. Good Luck To ALL! P.S.S. I LOVE LOVE HGTV SHOWS I WATCH THEM ALL!
I would like to apply buT I am handicapped & cannot climb stairs.
It seems that these HGTV Dreamhomes are only for another class of human beings and that hurts me and anyone else who is like me.
Why do we live?
Toby Hoff
Toby,
Thank you for posting. Perhaps one day soon HGTV will create a Dream Home that showcases the marvels of universal design ( http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/universaldesign.htm ). Until then, let’s enjoy the Dream Homes for what they are: beautiful houses conceived, designed, built, and decorated by creative and skilled people.
Please DO enter the sweepstakes. Who knows, you may win! If the design or location of the house does not please you, then the profit gained after selling the house will all but certainly allow the you to build a more suitable house.
Finally, your statement, “Why do we live?” breaks my heart. Your life is important. The value of a person does not reside in either ability or disability. Rather, a person’s worth is intrinsic. You are of immense value. Every one of us is important and valuable. I hope that you will understand this.
As always “Thank You” Coop!! I cannot believe how many people are saying that HGTV missed the mark on the Sonoma Dream Home!! I don’t care what they say…It is my Dream Home! Unless they understand what the area surrounding Sonoma is like, they should hold back their opinions! “Pas de veine!!” This is not just about a house…it is about a community! I cannot think of a better living style! Oh well, back to my dreaming, but I do appreciate your facts about the housing values! Bonne journée !
What is going on with the sweepstake website..how can we enter to win the house..if one cannot get to it?
The home is beautiful. I checked out the Sonoma web sites. I would pack up and be there in a heartbeat if I were the luck person to win! Another great DREAMHOME made possible by HGTV! Who could possibly complain? Leslie…very nice response to Toby’s concerns. Toby…keep the faith.
Does anyone know how they will draw from online entries and mail in? is it a numbers thing?
Coop: I tell you what, if you will share (as one of the two you mention)
your Bobby Flay’s Meyer Lemon and Blackberry Bread Pudding recipe with me, I will definitely share the Chopped Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese & Pomegranate Vinaigrette with you!! What a culinary delight we will have in the afternoon awaiting Bobby firin’ up the grill in the backyard of the HGTV Dream Home 2009!! Cheers my dear!!!
Good Afternoon bloggers! After reading several of the blog entries I was surprised by the negative comments. I suppose it is all relative to where you are in your life or where you currently live. We all have a definitiion of our own “dream home” be it location, style, design, size, etc. BUT When an opportunity such as this comes and you have a chance–a chance to have something that maybe you never thought would be a possiblity, then you begin to look at the positives…Think about how winning this may change your life? It would make in difference in mine.
I have also been waiting on a response about:
1. How do they choose a winner with online votes as well as mail-in?
2. Can the mailing address on the envelope be printed by a computer?
3. Can multiple people who live in the same home apply?
Thanks!
The entire Dream Team did a wonderful job and the historic farmhouse exterior and smart interior décor combines best of two worlds (past and present), I think. Win or lose, I must visit Sonoma soon! Thanks for the fun special!
I’m disappointed as well. The house has a cold feel to it and the decorating is just so-so, very ordinary. What happened to the interesting features and unique decor?
And what’s with the curtains everywhere? Talk about a dust/allergin magnet. Nope – not for me
I believe the house is beautiful & definitely in dream country! The value is still quite impressive. I would rather HGTV build smaller homes so when they are won, the lucky person could actually afford to keep it & move in. Look at the past winners. How many have actually been able to keep the house, move in & stay?
Wow… I can’t believe that anyone would complain about winning this valuable home and all that goes with it. Even if it is not YOUR dream home.. it can be sold for a lot more than what is currently in your wallet. It would be like winning the lottery and it didn’t even cost 1 cent to enter the contest. One blogger wrote of a fear of losing money if the other homes around it were not the same in value. HELLO.. what money would you lose? If you win, it’s found money.. it’s a PRIZE.
Today I take a look at the Dream Home in detail and peeked at the comments and all I can say is that many of you are, again, negative, and somewhat silly. HGTV does not look at these blogs, so stop trying to brown now. For those who do not like the house, then exit stage right! The house is lovely including the location. Know this now. Understand this is in CA. If you’re naive about the decor and location, then take time and do your research (including viewing the floor plans of the home that are available online) vs writing silly blog comments. HGTV is a station that most of us would prefer to watch all day like myself, and they incorporte topmost talent – learn to appreciate what’s in front of you and special contests. Also note, no blogger has won a dream home which is a note to myself tht maybe HGTV is watching the blogs…hhmmmm
Am I reading the floor plan correctly? There is a large downstairs for entertaining, but no ground floor bathroom? I also do not see any evidence of a garage. This strikes me as the strangest of omissions. Please explain why you chose to design a home this way. I think that your readers and viewers deserve an explanation.
I am happy to see all of the negative post about this years absolutely beautiful dream home. Does this mean all of you with your negative comments will not be voting?That would mean a better chance for me and the rest of us out there who TRULY love this years design! I think this is a lovely home and hope that someone who truly WANTS this home wins it!
Well, I found the garage! Your website has a gazillion things to look at, and well, I missed it the first few times around. I am still curious about the existence of a ground floor bathroom. Thanks!
What will it cost the winner to maintain this house? I love Sonoma. Living there would be a dream! If I won I would be thrilled, but what if I could not afford the taxes!? Are there home owners association fees? Are there zoning restrictions for running a home business from that beautiful office? Can you add a fence for pets? Answer?
Lesley: Thank you for your response to Toby. I don’t think you are a new blogger, but one of our thoughtful regulars in disguise. .Imagination is good, wishing is fine, but I keep my prayers for more important things, like the health of my loved ones, keeping our planet green and peace in our time. God Bless and Good Luck to all.
Marie Miller!: Your questions made me laugh cuz they are from a multiples mom who KNOWS what it is like and can’t imagine adding one more to the mix! lol…I do the same thing with my quad friends, look at them, shake my head and say “how do you do it?”.
I don’t want to bore the other bloggers, so this will be short and sweet: yes there is a great multiples support group here called Atlanta Triplets and More, yes we have a triplet stroller (Runabout) couldn’t have lived without it!, I had a little help for the first couple of months and then flew solo after that..well until hubby came home from work (he was laid off in Nov ’08…but that is another story), the kids were in the NICU for 4 months (they were born at 25 weeks) and so they were on a really good schedule when they got home so that made things a little easier. All wanted to eat at the same time, but then again, they all wanted to nap at the same time too. All I have to say is THANK GOODNESS FOR SWINGS AND BOUNCY SEATS!!
I saw someone mention earlier that if someone can mail in 200 entries a day, they don’t need this home. I just want to clarify that I only entered a little over 100 times by mail, which cost me about $29.00 (for the prepaid postage postcards). So it’s really not too expensive by mail, I figure why not try? But as someone else correctly pointed out, you only need enter ONE time to win!
And for Toby, my triples have mild Cerebral Palsy and so probably would not handle the stairs well either. So my hope is that we can sell this house and build our dream home closer to family (we live in GA, but most family are in MA.). Your comment broke my heart as well, I hope you have family and a support system to give you lots of love and guidance. In the meantime, hugs and best wishes from Georgia!
Michelle (4dewdrops)
I just read my comment and…geez…it sounds all depressing, but I find the good everyday and smile/laugh a lot. Count the blessings, and ignore the rest.
Also, Marie (and others…Coop? Bonnie?), Je ne parle pas Francais, but I love it so….someday I will! Maybe I should ask for Rosetta Stone French Edition for my b-day? Not until July, but a girl can plan ahead. lol
I have set here and read the bad comments about the wonderful house hgtv built. I don’t know what people are talking about I would live in any area in Somona for a home like this one (hopefully mine). It is just wonderful but I so have a quistion what will it cost us if we did win it. We are retired but I would sell everything for the house. thank you Marilyn in Bakersfield,ca
I love this house! I have an aunt in Sonoma and in laws ( with a newborn) in nearby Healdsburg. My husband and I would gladly sell our So Cal home and relocate to be in that area. What a beautiful home!!! It is perfect for us, wish me luck!!!
WOW! This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see who wins. I hope it’s me. Did anyone see the storage door in the study? I wonder what’s in there. I thought they were going to show the inside of it but I guess I have to see it if I win.
What a lovely house, it’s amazing to think how it could change someone’s life if they won?? I would pack up everything and move right now if I won the house. I love it! good job hgtv!
Can anyone tell me what shade/color of
Silestone counters were used in the master bath? They look great!
I have noticed that there are a lot of negative comments towards everything Dream Home 2009. Those people need to realize the reality of the situation as well as the best possibilities that could arise from this house. This home isn’t geared towards any one particular type of person, but toward the lifestyles of Sonoma, the history and present with a modern-updated twist. A Dream Home doesn’t generally need to be placed in an area of high-class socialites, or those American Dream makers. This is an opportunity for the one chosen to receive this wonderfully handcrafted home…to make their dreams out of it, not neccisarily to continue living in it, I know I couldn’t afford it with the taxes and all, but just think of the endless opportunities that the winner of 2009 and the previous winners will be and were given if they sold the home. I think that we all need to look on the the positive sides of this gift rather than negatives and how the houses across the street aren’t good enough to be your neighbors. Most of us here are middleclass Americans, trying to live day by day, and by God’s grace one of us every year get a chance to be worry-free about what makes this world go round, and have endless opportunities to lend a helping hand to others that aren’t as fortunate.
~kate~
I am looking foward to when the winner is announbced. I have watched every year that HGTV has announced each winner in each different state. I love HGTV’s programs and have watch them since they started. I have learned alot from every program. My favorite is House Hunters.
If I would win I would retire and be excited to go live in a nice community such as Sonoma, which I visited once and thought it was one of the most beautiful in CA.My husband and I are planning to retire soon, so this would be the greatest wish for us and our family. Anyway I love watching all the steps it takes in building the Dream Home and the ends results are always completed to the finest details. I loved last years 2008 DH, but I thought the winner did not appear to be very grateful when they went to her home and announced her as the winner. I hope this year it will be me!
I am looking foward to when the winner is announced. I have watched every year that HGTV has announced each winner in each different state. I love HGTV’s programs and have watch them since they started. I have learned alot from every program. My favorite is House Hunters.
If I would win I would retire and be excited to go live in a nice community such as Sonoma, which I visited once and thought it was one of the most beautiful in CA.My husband and I are planning to retire soon, so this would be the greatest wish for us and our family. Anyway I love watching all the steps it takes in building the Dream Home and the end results are always completed to the finest details. I loved last years 2008 DH, but I thought the winner did not appear to be very grateful when they went to her home and announced her as the winner. I hope this year it will be me!
I fell in love with the green candles in the office. I saw them in other colors in the segment when they were shopping at the candle store. I think I found them online but couldn’t find a link on your website. They can be found at Barrickdesign.com. I just wanted to share that with anyone else who might want to purchase them!
I would love to win this home, I have always dreamed of living in Sonoma. BUT I have an enormous concern….can someone tell me if this is correct? Won’t the winner have to pay federal taxes equal to about 600-700K in 2009 once taking receipt of value of $2M. Who has 600K in loose change laying around!!?? I am shocked that HGTV states federal taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Does anyone have any comment about this???????
okay, I’ve done my homework and now know that virtually all these homes get sold because nobody can cover the taxes and expenses to actually live in them. NOTE TO HGTV PRODUCERS….why not work hard to cover the federal taxes and modify the sweepstakes to include some forward footage of the winner living there / make a show out of it, docu-drama kind of thing. Or is that boring? I guess you’ve probably played out all of the scenarios….but what is TERRIBLY deceptive in my opinion is to portray the sweepstakes as a chance for someone to live in their dreamhome. What percentage of entrants to your contest have the financial resources to actually live in the home if they win it? So, really your sweepstakes is a chance for someone to win and sell a home and keep the proceeds after tax. Okay. Got it. Do bloggers here realize that?
I CANT WATCH HGTV DREAM HOME UNTIL FEB. 8, IM SAD,BUT WAIT, IT IS CLOSER TO THE STOP DATE!!!!!! THE DAY I BECOME A WINNER!!!!!!!!!!
Hey everybody who likes to dream. Even though the economy is becoming worse – it still doesn’t hurt to dream and think that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel! I am happy to be able to have the opportunity to take a couple of seconds in entering on the internet for this magnificent home! I hope that I am the winner. I blogged before with my feelings and I still feel the same about this house. It has a soul that is just waiting to be filled with love! Good luck everybody.
Question: Has anyone looked into the property taxes on this “Dream Home”? I have, I looked up the taxes on similarly valued homes on the County accessor’s website for this neighborhood in Sanoma. At $2mil value and the current rate of property taxes in California, which are very high and which may be going up soon with the budget crisis there, I would estimate that the property taxes will be about $24,000 per year. How can anyone afford this dream home?! No mortgage but you might as well have one with that kind of property tax bill each year. Also, if you read the fine print in the contest rules there may be closing costs on the house to cover as well. If anyone has any more info please chime in. I would love to live in this home but it is not affordable for the majority of the people trying to make ends meat right now. Not to mention what the utility bills will be like with four refrigerators running (two subzero fridges in the kitchen, two wine fridges in the kitchen and another subzero next to the BBQ on the back patio), and all the square footage to heat and cool with lots of windows. Plus, finding a job in California to pay all these bills is not an easy thing to do right now. Any creative ideas on how to afford to live in this house? Please share. Also, I feel like you are sort of sitting duck living in this house, everyone has seen what is inside, everyone know where it is located and not security system included that I could find. Did anyone notice there are no window coverings on the two sets of french doors flanking the fireplace in the family room or on the front door. Seems like you would a prime target for burglar. Also, I noticed they include a doggie dream home but not a closed off yard to keep the doggie(s) safe. There is not gate of fence closing off the yard, some can just walk right on up to that beautiful patio from the street. And you can see right through the bushes to the neighbors yard and pool. Not a lot of privacy or security. I don’t think it would be too fun living in a fish bowl that has been broadcast nationwide for everyone to see and maybe try to come visit. Sorry for all the reality checks but I just had voice my concerns. I do agree, it is a beautiful home in a great area but not sure if it would be a dream living there.