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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
I accept your offer, Marie. I’ll share my Meyer Lemon and Blackberry Bread Pudding if you share the Chopped Apple Salad w/Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette. What about adding a few other sinfully delicious dishes like Loin of Lamb marinated in Merlot, Garlic & Parsley w/Piquillo Pepper Pesto, thinly sliced sauteed Pototoes w/Mushrooms and Onion, braised Artichokes, and a serving of Cauliflower-Green Chile Gratin? If you supply the warm baguettes w/creamery butter and a selection of gourmet aged cheeses and red table grapes, I’ll bring along a subtle raspberry sorbet to refresh the palate, and last but most certainly not least, an appropriate selection of the finest Ledson wines. With a menu like that, we’re bound to entice a few other Dream Home dreamers to share the bounty…especially if chef Bobby Flay agrees to drop by and provide some valuable professional guidance, and a helping hand of course. Cheers!
So, exactly how much does it COST the winner to WIN this fabulous home? I’d venture to guess that a person will have to sell the house in order to fund the taxes, fees, etc.!
Kind-of sours the thought of winning…
Oh my Coop: I can hardly function after reading your menu comments…OMG…you know the way to a woman’s heart…I’m sooooo hungry now, I’m going into the kitchen to create something that will satisfy my taste buds that you so tempted! I’ve tried very hard to get back to healthy eating since the holidays, but hey, I think Loin of Lamb marinated in Merlot, Garlic & Parsley w/Piquillo Pepper Pesto, thinly sliced sauteed Pototoes w/Mushrooms and Onion, braised Artichokes, and a serving of Cauliflower-Green Chile Gratin fit the bill of health!! Salute my friend!!
What a wonderful dream home! I just adore Victorian homes, but this one in particular sure does have a farm style warmth to it, the garden seems breathtaking!
if we do win this house I promised my younger daughter to get a golden retriever to fit in the dog house hehe
I have two daughters who are just as excited as me to hopefully win this house, even our cat
Good luck to all, it is honestly a superb house that would be sure to make any feel at home, great job designers may of been one of your best designs along with the Colorado home.
To Michelle aka 4dewdrops! Sounds like you have a head start on Rosetta Stone French Edition, and I’m still amazed what you have accomplished with your babies!! Thank goodness for groups like Atlanta Triplets and More!! I see you managing your Triplets’ stroller down the rows of shopping horror as I did with only my Twins’ stroller..mine sat across from each other..I think it would have been better one behind the other? You’re right, this is probably boring other bloggers, so I’ll stop..just mainly want to say…GREAT JOB!!!
My husband in curious – what would the income taxes be on the win? Oh, and the real estate taxes? He takes the fun out of dreaming of a win….
Ah, I am so impressed with the dream home! I saved the t.v. special on the DVR, all my friends and family are having fun teasing me about my obession with the dream house. It is not only a fan-tabulous, awesome, well thought-out, 'specially safe (earthquakes!), gorgeously appointed, terrifically landscaped (love the raised beds!), and more than I could ever dream up–it has been built in truly one of the most relaxing, historic, and sumptuous areas of my beloved home state, California! Even if I don't win–I am having a blast imagining our family's relocation and becoming a part of the community down in Sonoma. No other place would be more perfect for my family–great pick HGTV! Thanks for this fun! Oh, the dogs really want to know about their Doggy House–where can we find out more?
I was wondering about tax implications …. how does that work? If it is all total worth 2 mill, aren’t you taked at 50%, thereby owing 1mill? so wouldn’t you have to sell everything?
How does this work?
Thanks, Jenny Smith
4dewdrops: I didn’t find your post the least depressing, but full of joy and I thank you for answering so many of Marie’s questions. I am so grateful that the CP you mentioned is mild. Just seems like “the higher power” placed them in your loving hands because you could handle it. How old are they now and are they all boys or all girls or a combination. I ask because, like Marie, my twins are boy and girl, and I could offer a suggestion on how we handled the birthday parties when they became 5 to 9 years old. You are a sweet Georgia Peach and your answer to Toby makes me love you even more. Please keep on blogging and keep on dreaming.
Laura Van Meter asked about the kitchen counters…
According to the HGTV MarketPlace they are Silestone Mythology Series in the color Grey Expo.
http://www.silestoneusa.com/colors/colors.cfm?ColorID=21
Could someone please break down the taxes on the winnings!
Coop and Marie: Your menu is divine. Especially the potatoes.:Leaves nothing for me to bring. Maybe a course of consume. made from scratch. Would you prefer veal or beef bones roasted in the oven, or maybe a combination of both. Who am I kidding….I can’t compete with you two. Here’s my fractured French. Bon…..Apatite…..Coop, Bonnie is after you big time. she doesn’t know our history. When you jet off to your Pacific Island, will you at least give us initials. This has been fun. Thanks HGTV for a chance to win a marvelous Dream Home.
missed a ? Sorry.
This California Dream Home is beautiful, but it’s on a residential street within the town proper. Remember the phrase, location, location, location…Give me a mountain site with views to the next state, or a home with ocean/lake frontage, with neighbors far and few…then this might be my Dream Home.
Hi Katydid! Yes, the trips are 2 girls, one boy, 5 1/2 years old. Honestly their b-day hasn’t been a big deal yet (about who wants what kind of party) because they are intellectualy at about an 18 month – 2 year level. They were super-preemies, born at 25 weeks. Maggie is probably the most advanced, but Christopher and Sarah still do not talk yet (Christopher is deaf/blind and Sarah has autism). Maggie has dev. delay, but she is talking, and singing…she is our little performer, cracks me up. Anyway, so that is why b-day isn’t hard (yet!). Once the other two start to put in their two cents, well…it’ll be a blessing!! lol!
We all need to connect on another site once this is over. I mean, I know Green Home is coming soon (cool floor plans), but is anyone else on Facebook or something like that? It would be great to get to know each other more (maybe even see a pic?!).
Interested in the outdoor lighting. Is there any product info available on the garage lights that coordinate with the pendant lights on the front porch? Also, technique used for the mirrors in master bath–how does that work? Are the framed mirrors hanging in front of the wall mirrors? Are they attached only at the ceiling? They are so unique and very good looking! Any how-to guides available for the do-it-yourself types? BTW – great house! Each one is different and one may appeal more than another, but that’s what’s so great about each one. They offer great ideas and great opps for dreaming . . .
I joined the myunclestan.com club to help pay the taxes on this beautiful prize. I figure since I am going to win this year, I probably should take the necessary steps to get the taxes paid.
I really would love to have a new home, but one that is a little bit more down to earth.If I was to win one of these,I would never be able to afford to live there. Hey, I’m from NC and my husband is retired and I’m almost there and we don’t have alot of money. So,unless I win one, I will never have my dream home. My dream is to have a beautiful home in th mountains of NC,Tenn.,or West Virginia.I guess I will be forever dreaming…………
Godd morning everybody!I wanted to blog in saying that we enjoyed watching th HGTV Videos on line. The Farmer’s Market held on Tuesday nights at Sonoma Plaza sounds like a wonderful way in meeting your new neighborhood! The Laundry room that was presented by Monica in the Big Box Shopping video is much bigger than our kitchen! My wife likes the 2nd choice of the living room that highlights bright primary colors for Spring and Summer. I like the 3rd choice because of the Flannel pillows! Anyway it is that central artwork over the fireplace that totaly agrees with everything! The climate of California would definetly be great for my mother-in-law. It is so clean and beautiful there. Can’t wait to go horseback riding!
Dear Michelle (4dewdrops): I can only imagine that your daily life with a special-needs children presents many unique challenges. I guess a support group for mothering multiple births is nothing compared to finding other parents who understand what you’re going through and can give you advice and direct you to resources. I would imagine that you let yourself cry, scream, or anything else that helps you release your emotions during the trying times as well as the rewarding times!!
For the first time, I now want someone else to win the DH2009 besides myself…I’m routing for you Michelle! I would think winning the Dream Home would release you from any financial burden you may be going through and/or give you the money needed for extra help, guidance, and treatment for your children! I do not hear you complaining at all & so admire your abilities as a loving parent! I’m sure that your positive thinking has linked you with GREAT emotional and physical health! My hat is off to you sweet girl!
Bonjour katydid!
You’re delightful…Preference is for beef consume…and made from scratch wonderful!!! No need to compete when you can just join us…cheers my friend!! Your fractured French is totally exceptable, and I enjoyed the application!! Au Revoir!! À la prochaine!!!
Hello everyone! I hope your day is going well! I’d like to comment to Lendsey & Toby. Lendsey, well said in your response to Toby! I couldn’t have said it better myself. Toby, please stay positive. It doesn’t matter how that house is built. It is a benefit to anyone who wins it. It will change any winners life. Start imagining what kind of handicapped equipped home you could build with the winnings! You could build it anywere you want and make every aspect of it handicap friendly. Imagine what you would would want in every room…. Stay positive, enter and if you win you’ll have the home of your dreams! The HGTV is a dream home to everyone….just imagine the possiblilities!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a nice day!
4dewdrops, I commend you. Being a Montessori teacher, I have worked with many children of many different abilites and have to say I have loved every one of them. Maria Montessori Said, “Children are both a hope and a promise for mankind.” All children are dear and those children are lucky to have such a devoted person caring for them. Keep it up!
Where are the washer and Dryer in the laundry room?
*blushing*…you guys are too sweet! I go by two mottos in life “It is what it is” and “Instead of waiting for the storm to pass, we need to learn to dance in the rain”. So I dance in the rain often, and if I look like a drowned rat aftward, well… it is what it is.
Debi:
You need to look at the photos of the laundry room…it is awesome…actually it is almost as big as my livingroom in my condo!! The BeadBoard application in there is perfect..inspired by the classic look of tongue and groove paneling, the BeadBoard gives the DH2009 an elegant finish. Though its style is classic, BeadBoard is fully modern, too!! I love it!! I guess all tastes are individual, but this happens to be one of my favorite rooms in the whole house!!
Dear Michelle: For a drowned rat, you seem to swim well under all adversities!! I’ll think of you always when I do one of my favorite things: Go “singing in the rain!!”
BONNIE: Where are you? I am so sorry for my silly remark about Coop. I’m sure Marie and I would be happy to share the blogging friendship we have with Coop with you. I loved your posts. Please forgive me and join us bloggers again. Good luck to all dreamers.
4dewdrops: You have such an amazing attitude towards life. I love your three darlings, Maggie, Christoper and Sarah and wish I could cuddle each of them in person and give you a little time to yourself. We are snowbound here in MI so I will have to adjust your motto for the time being and learn to “dance in the snow”. But every time I think about the Dream Home in Sonoma, I get a warm feeling inside. Don’t we all? Good luck, dear friends and thanks HGTV.
Katydid! NO WORRIES! You are just too kind. I have missed blogging the past day or so, because I've been on the road. What is going on with DBCoop? I am getting suspicious….(ha). DBCoop – when do you leave for your trip? I may have just figured something out…..girls, am I right? If so, then, OMG, have I been blind or what?? Guess where I went today?? Yep. 620 Fifth Street East! The house is fantastic and stunning! Stayed there long enough for the security guards to change posts. Ledson is a super businessman, because during this hype, he conveniently has a few lots for sale (one large, or two small lots) across the street, and one around the corner…room for us ALL to have homes, blogging buddies! It was 64 degrees today in Sonoma, folks, late this afternoon. "Hi" to Susan and her husband, whom I met today. I missed seeing our dear Ingrid, but saw plenty of your neighbors and their canine companions!
The average taxpayer cannot afford this home. If you read the rules for entering this sweepstakes it states we would have to pay taxes on this home. I would like to enter this contest but cannot afford it. Federal tax bracket can go as high as 39.6%, this is not counting the state of California or my state of residence which is Idaho.
My household’s income is $104,000 per year. We cannot afford this on a $2,052,450.00 prize. Most of Americans cannot. Yet, you are consistently advertising this on television. Do you know what the taxes will be on this home and is there help to pay for these?
Can anyone tell me what the tax load to the owner will be? I want to know what the Federal Taxes will come to, then what the property taxes are annually and what the association dues are for Armstrong Estates. Also if I am only earning 100K per year can I really afford to win this?
HGTV you have out done yourself. It’s is truly beautiful. I could only dream of living in a home so perfect.
I find this years dreamhome a lot better ut the taxes are than last years. It may have some flaws, but hey, it’s free. I’ll add a bathroom in the garage for guests..hehe. I do wish it had a full basement which would make sense if your reproducing a house of that era. As far as the neighborhood…hey, I’ll just bring a case of beer over and meet them all. i don’t look down on people by what they have or don’t have..living in the back of my van sucks!, but the taxes are great! And to the snob who wrote about seeing the neighbors pool..OMG..you can see that? That’s one pool I plan to be swimming in after socializing with all those neighbors..don’t you think they read these blogs also..or are they too poor and uneduacaited..hehe…to afford a computer…nice home HGTV!!
The house is charming, the layout is good and few would quarrel with the prospect of living in Sonoma…..however, what were they thinking with the colors??? A grass green bedroom? A “kids” room that would only appeal 5 year old boys in their “anything about trucks” phase – in red and gray no less? The “golden arches color: guest bedroom? Come on…. a gallon of paint in a nice livable shade doesn’t cost any more than one in an ugly garish color.
Although I certainly entered the contest (with no actual hope of winning) I have to agree that in amenities and size, this house is no comparison to the other dream homes.
Hey can the winner opt to take the cash value of the vehicle? This would certainly help with the just over $20,000 yearly property taxes. What about the other IRS taxes does anyone else know? Does anyone know when the taxes would come due? Are there Home Owner Association dues as well? Yes about that washer and dryer do they exist? Has anyone noticed they never show the stairwell?
My goodness what a lot of sour grapes! I think the house is lovely, and anyone who knows California real estate will know that this house is beautiful. There is no down side to living in Sonoma, CA. The Victorian style house is in keeping with the area.
Bonnie: So nice to have you back. I promised myself I would not blog anymore about Coop’s identity. But wouldn’t it be amazing if you and I were on the same track? On to the next post….I’ve got a lot of catching up to do too.
Hi everyone! Can’t believe I was 11 days late! I love this house, I am all moved in as soon as I get rid of that discusting paint in the Master Bedroom. I am already having nightmares about it. Only 222 bottles of wine? That leaves me a few short for my year there. LOL
Good Luck buddies, MargieB
Hello HGTV Dream Makers ,
Let me compliment you on EVERY dreamhome you’ve ever built, they are truly quite an impression. I am so in love with the 2009 home that i envision myself in it every waking hour, thats how fabulous it is. I think that your team has been making tremendous effort each year to make someone happy, and I hope they are. Those who cirticize need not, everyone can see that this dreamhome doesn’t come cheap. Why don’t some people just learn to appreciate the good things in life. I pray I win this home for a lot of love was put into it, the teams love for what they do should at least be considered. HGTV you’ve done well over the years, If i do get that call, I will be in that Dreamhome in a heart beat. Keep making dreams come true.
Love
Esla S
Is it possible for the person who wins to turn this into a bed & breakfast. I’m getting near retirement from my “desk” job, and have always wanted to own/run a b&b. How great would that be in Sonoma?
For all of you naysayers, all I can say is more chances for me to win! You obviously have no idea of home values in California, as I currently own a small home (under 1000 sf) on a third of an acre, and it is valued at about $350,000. Sonoma is a much wealthier town than where I currently live, and home values there are much higher.
I live about 30 minutes away from the Dream Home, and am hoping that it is open for viewing. Can the blogmaster tell me when it is open to the public (days and hours)?
I would be grateful … all is beautiful! Thank you for the opportunity – sincerely
I would be grateful … all is beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity – sincerely
My..My..MY..so many negative comments. Its a…DREAM HOME…It is a chance to escape the reality of everyday. A chance to… DREAM… with the possibility of it becoming yours.
I love the home and I hope I win it!! Good Luck to all!!!
For those of you who are disappointed in the Dream Home. You Might want to try DIY s blog cabin were you get the chance to vote, on the location and what goes into the cabin, With A Chance to Win As Well.
I love Sonoma, I never been there, but I went to Spain and look exactly and the house is amazing and lovely. Every time I saw the house I dream seeing my family and my dog in every room, drinking a glass of wine, eating cheese and enjoying the sunset with my husban in my arms. I see LOVE everywere…
The home is lovely and anyone who thinks differently is nuts!! I’m sure if a handicap individual wins, they would accommodate their requirements, so not to worry if you cannot do the steps. Think more positive everyone and close your eyes and dream.
Sonoma is beautiful! My in-laws live there and we’ve visited 3 times since they moved to California from NY. My Family lives in Florida also originally from NY.
The square in Sonoma is very quaint with great shops. Sonoma Jacks cheeses and wines is wonderful. The landscapes are breath taking. I just wish that we win so that we could spend time with my in-laws. They really miss us,and they want to be able to enjoy our twin 5 year old grandkids that live with us. That kids room is perfect for them and the guest room is perfect for my daugher who is a single mom living with us. She just graduated Culinary Arts School which makes the herb garden and kitchen a perfect match. This PERFECT house seems to be made for our family. My mother-in-law prays everyday that we win.
I DO live in Sonoma County and I DO think this is MY dream home! Each room is just as I would like it. And, I wouldn’t sell it, because we LOVE living here. Sonoma County is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The house is also beautiful and everyone should keep their negative comments off the site. This is a place for good stuff. Be happy