Where Could It Be?
The next HGTV Dream Home, I mean. I was pondering this topic the other day. What if the big guys said I could choose, money being no object and convenience to the home owner of no concern? Game on! Here are some suggestions I’ve drummed up based on my own personal preferences (for some reason I am thinking about islands and lighthouses and great escapes these days). Feel free to chime in, debate me and pitch your own ideal Dream Home locations.
Isle Au Haut, ME
Imagine getting away from it all and living on an island smack dab in the middle of Maine’s Acadia National Park. You’d have to ride a mail boat to get on and off the island (could make grocery shopping a big hassle), but I have a feeling the sunsets alone would be worth the inconvenience.
Orient Point, NY
This old fishing village, complete with adorable clapboard cottages, is one of my favorite places along the East Coast. Located at the very end of Long Island’s North Fork, it’s the ideal spot to explore the area’s amazing wineries, organic farms and breathtaking coastal scenery. Need a day trip? You can hop aboard the Cross Sound Ferry and be in Connecticut in just over an hour.
Tangier Island, VA
This centuries-old village is steeped in Chesapeake Bay lore and tradition. Honestly? The prospect of eating fried crab balls on a weekly basis would be enough for me to pack up and relocate. The folks do have a distinct dialect, but you’d catch on once you’d been living there for a spell.
Could one of these locations be the site of our 2010 home? I’m not telling a soul.
I enjoyed looking into Theresa S. J’s nod to Emerald Isle, North Carolina as an ideal dream home location. As part of the Southern Outer Banks, also called the Crystal Coast, this town and surrounding locale is truly perfect for the coastal, unspoiled beach, outdoor and marine sports-loving aficionado.
For history buffs and culture, shopping and dining divas, nearby Beaufort offers an ample choice of each, (yes, Scarlett, there IS a Beaufort in both South AND North Carolina) The North Carolina Beaufort (founded in 1709) even includes museum-piece artifacts from the shipwreck of infamous local scallywag and fearsome pirate, Blackbeard.
Aye mates, if ye be stout o’ heart, n’ got th’ sea’ in yer blood, check ‘er out at:
http://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/
What about Savannah, Georgia with it’s beautiful spanish moss draped in the trees, rich history, cobblestone paths, beaches, and horse-drawn carriages? If suggestions are still being taken into consideration, count me in for a dream home in Savannah!
DB COOP…YOU CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN AND INFORM IN THOSE MOST AMUSING AND ELOQUENT WAY POSSIBLE…WITH NO MISPELLED WORDS AND BEST GRAMMAR….I AGREE….LET THE BELLS RING AND LET’S MOVE ON WITH THE DREAMING…I THINK ALL THE STATES AND MOST APPEALING CITIES IN THEM HAVE BEEN MENTIONED….I HAVE A HUNCH…THAT MANY PEOPLE POST THE CITY THEY LIKE THAT’S CLOSE TO WHERE THEY LIVE….SO THEY ARE CLOSE TO THEIR DREAM….IF YOU GET A LITTLE BORED…ALTHOUGH I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT…YOU CAN MAKE US A CHART ON WHO HAS GOTTEN THE MOST VOTES….I’VE SEEN A LOT OF BLOGS MENTIONING TENN….I WONDER IF SOMEONE ON THEIR TRAVEL BOARD IS BLOGGING!!!! BEING A SO. CA. GAL….I’M SO PARTIAL TO OUR ENVIABLE WEATHER…BUT AS MANY HAVE MENTIONED….THIS IS A VAST COUNTRY WITH SO MUCH TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE….VIEWS THAT COULD BRING TEARS TO THE EYES OF A DIE HARD TOUGHIE…WHO DOESN’T LOVE A BEAUTIFUL FLOWING RIVER (in my mind…there’s nothing as lovely) or a majestic mountain, rolling hills, the colorful magenta, orange, yellow skies of the desert at sunset, ..We live in a beautiful country…and it’s been nice to share in everyones dreams….But since the choice has been made and they’re probably building as we blog….it’ll be fun to find out. I think the Hamptons would be ideal (if you have somewhere to go for the rough winters….five days of snow will do for me) sitting next to the potato (e?) fields they are known for….BEEN THERE AND IT IS DIVINE….BUT MUCH TOO COSTLY….SO DREAM ON DREAMERS…AND HOLD YOUR BREATH….WON’T IT BE FUN. LOVELYKITTY I WANTED TO AGREE WITH YOU ON SOMETHING YOU SAID AND NOW CAN’T REMEMBER! LOL…oh well, hello, hello Marie and thanks for the fun…and everyone one the list!!
I’ve noticed that there is very little mention of the midwest in any of these posts. I know that when people think of luxurious locations they think warm climates and sandy beaches, hence why the vast majority of dream homes past have been located in coastal states and predominately in southern climates. I know most people in the U.S. think that all the midwest has to offer is boring cornfields; however, I’d like to think there is much more to be found in the midwest, particularly along the mighty Mississippi river. I think it would be nice if they located the dream home on the river near a town like Galena, IL–which is historic because it was the hometown of President Grant and is extremely touristy. Also, some top 10 lists for scenic areas in the U.S. make comment of the beautiful hills and bluffs of the Mississippi valley, or the beautiful autumn foliage of the area. That’s my 2 cents on the matter.
Sure would love to see it here where i live but that would hurt to much to see it. It rains a lot here so most people get tired of it fast.But it quite and ther is no prettyer place when te sun shines.Try Ketchikan Alaska.thank you vivian combs
I WAS HAPPY TO SEE QUITE A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR MICHIGAN AS THAT’S MY CHOICE TOO…BUT I SPECIFICALLY WANT THE UPPER PENNINSULA OF MICHIGAN…NEAR LAKE SUPERIOR AND NOT FAR FROM MARQUETTE. GOD’S COUNTRY. THANK YOU.
Certainly appreciate the many wonderful options expressed above. Several have great appeal and many would be a great gift for anyone looking for a get-away. My own preference involves mountains or lake, or both. I prefer the ruggedness and altitude of the Rockies, but the Appalachians have great beauty also. Something about mountains renews my spirit so a dream home for me would be in mountains. I agree with the comment of avoiding planned communities with HOAs. The dream home should have no contingencies that add stress to living there. Thanks for everyone’s ideas.
Diana B, I have to say you might very well be right: MARY’s three “personal” favorite locations could be indicative of the whereabouts of the next Dream Home. After all, those sly folks at HGTV have put one over on us before, so it wouldn’t be the first time. Final runner-up states or simply personal favorites? Any comment, MARY, on Diana’s thoughts? (maybe we can trick her into narrowing down the location!) If you’re correct, Diana, that’s a big SCORE ONE for you!
Thank you for your high compliments, Lily-Beth Reilly. (Coop bows gratefully) Actually, among other general interests such as history, archaeology, anthropology, astrophysics, philosophy, literature and languages, travel and architecture are two of my favorite topics and pastimes (along with interior design), so when HGTV puts the two together with their wide range of programs and the online sweepstakes, I just can’t stay away. (Possibly to MARY’s chagrin!) Especially, the “Where Could It Be?” and “Dream Home 2010: Home Style” threads keep my creative mind working day and night, night and day…. The pursuit of knowledge, with a dash of mystery and a bit of challenge thrown in, are irresistible to me. Ha, there it is, Coop in a nutshell. (TOO much about me, let’s get back to HGTV.)
By the way, I always find myself agreeing with lovelykitty. How does she put her finger on the point under discussion and do it in so few words?! Not my forté, obviously. And speaking of wise fellow bloggers, we hope to have more news and views from Marie Miller at any moment.
Dream high, dream low, dream big, dream small,
Dream hither, dream yon, but always dream, dream on.
I would love to see the Dream Home in Maine. So I could win for my mother. I was already bummed when the CA Dream Home wasn’t in built in Los Angeles (maybe in the future…). But I wish good luck to everyone for a chance to win.
Birmingham, Alabama or Atlanta, GA
I think it should be in pennslvania because i
live there and my friends and family live in pennslvania too. Also i would like to see my
family every day.
Hawaii would be the perfect place to set up a dream home… At lest thats where my dreams lead me…
DBCOOP= you are totally Amazing. You have introduced us to an extraudinary, at (Reynolds Plantation), and now, Emerald Isles? For me, Reynolds Plantation has more of a Divine Attraction, but my cousin lives in Jacksonville, NC, and I believe that it is pretty close to Emerald Isles! How do you find these places? WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO TELL US ABOUT PINE MOUNTAIN????
You seem to have a lot of general interest’s. I won’t ask you what your career is, I know, that’s being nosey— but I am curious. I have a feeling that you are a College Professor. I am a nurse, one of my interests is Health Care.
I’ve book-marked (Reynold’s Plantation); and I’m going to Plug It, and Beg for It, and try to Sell the Idea to Mary and the HGTV Team next year ( OF COURSE MENTIONING THAT IT WAS YOUR IDEA AND IT WAS YOUR BRILLIANT FORESIGHT THAT MAY LEAD US TO THE DREAM HOME OF 2011)#$%^&*— but I’ll still suggest in a humble way Naples, Sanibel, Clearwater, and Tampa while I’m at it, might as well, right??
Yes, after thinking about it today, I’m kind of thinking that ONE of these 3 Destinations just may be the whereabout of the 2010 Dream Home.
I googled them all (except for Maine which I absolutely have no interest in)— and I’m leaning more towards Orient Point, NY. I love Virginia, but having to take a boat or a plane to get to the island and to the home? That would be a real nuisance. LILY BETH REILLY= I think that Orient Point is about as close to the “Hamptons” as you can get, so it seems. I’ve never been to either place. It’s funny, because way back when, when Jack stated that it would be “east” of California—- New York just came to my mind— it was my gut instinct for some reason. So we’ll all soon find out.
Maybe I’m just beginning to realize that “what will be– will be”. HGTV is like the Superior Infallible— no one is going to change their minds!!!! So no matter where the Next Destination is, Lets Have Fun!!! HGTV hasn’t let us down yet with their talented creations.
Diana B.
Ok, I am soooooo not reading all of those posts, lol. I will just throw my idea out there… I know everyone is talking East Coast, and being a Georgia girl myself I can see why… but I have always wanted to live in one of those Earth Ship homes over in Sedona, AZ or around that general area. I know… a little TOO hippie for some, but you can make them really beautiful.
It should DEFINITELY be in NYC!!! Imagine that…..
I think that would be amazing and its one of the best cities in the world. Its a dream
how about Murphy, Texas
Would love to have a dream house in a large metropolitan area. I’m thinking of top floor, penthouse condo. Large picture windows throughout the home overlooking the glittering lights of a city nightlife. Walking distance to all amenities like, shopping, dining, and shows. Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; New York, NY; Washington DC; Chicago, IL, etc.
Someplace a bit more busy, fun, and young.
Well, Diana B, between just the two of us, I’d go for ‘Reynolds Plantation’ myself for more of a year-round homesite, and keep Emerald Isle a carefully guarded secret for vacation getaways.
Just a quick note: no, not a professor of any kind—my career was mostly in finance, oddly enough. Clearly I have other interests as well….
Give me a few weeks to put things together, and I’ll bring back the goods on Callaway Gardens. Who knows, I might even run into Jack Thomasson scoping the place out, if he hasn’t already, but then he’ll probably swear me to secrecy anyway!
Okay, do I DARE post another nod to a Georgia Dream Home location? Well, why not—so thanks for the great clue-in, jackie, about Thomasville, Georgia. (Seems like Georgia’s on everyone’s mind these days!) I’m impressed—this peaceful and charming small town just up the road from Tallahassee, Florida is known as the “City of Roses”, with more than 7,000 plus, and counting. Naturally, there is an annual Rose Festival (April), a historic downtown, a large farmers’ market, and an 320 year old (plus or minus) oak tree to check out. (Personally, I always appreciate landmarks that are older than me.)
Thomasville is singled out in magazines and media as “amenity rich for a small town” with an “outstanding climate” and a delightfully affordable “retirement haven”. With gracious Southern plantations, charming Victorians, historic churches and rich, colorful foliage, not to mention the exquisite beauty and fragrance of its many rose gardens again, it’s a town to wax poetical about:
“Way Down in the South where the Gulf breezes blow,
Where tall, stately pines and the live oaks grow…”
A few brief lines from an ode to Thomasville, written in the 1890′s—Anonymous
To read the rest (of the poem) and all about this scenic Southern town, go to the following website:
http://www.thomasvillega.com/
Somewhere warm. It’s not a dream if you are cold.
DBCoop,
It surprised me when you said, "my career was mostly in finance," because I never thought of you as a 'numbers' person since many of them are one dimensional.
BUT then it makes sense. You're multi-dimensional as most gifted people are. You see what most people don't or can't. That's why you're able to whet our appetites for new places and ventures. You describe them in such a manner that we're open to seeing the beauty in other people's dreams.
Mathematicians who are musical genuises have this creative gift too. Never knew one of our own bloggers would be so incredible!
Can't imagine how many more wonderfully gifted people are on this blog. Thanks for sharing with us.
There are some beautiful sites on Cape Cod. Wellfleet, Chatham and certainly Provincetown would make for a lovely site for a vacation home. Cape Cod has some of the most beautiful beaches around. For something even more exclusive and breath taking, why not consider Nantucket or Marthas Vineyard?
Did we break a record for the most comments to a post? 775??
Ah, MARIE MILLER= I was wondering where you have been lately. You have been missing all of the action!! DBCoop, as far as I’m concerned, has FOUND the LOCATION for the Dream Home of 2011— it may be to your liking. Check it out, at: http://www.reynoldsplantation.com.
DBCOOP= Yes, you have found another Lovely Community, a Ruby of a town, with a real Southern Charm. I’d be careful though, you are letting too many secrets out. I’m glad that you clarified the information on Thomasville. When another blogger, Jackie, mentioned it, I was thinking, ” Thomasville as in the thomasville furniture”– LOL!!!!
Another Great Location, and a working person can just drive into town, ” Tally” for a day’s work. I Love Roses of all colors, Oak trees, Pine Trees, and all sorts of tall trees that have color and character— something that you don’t have in Florida ( except while driving North into Tampa do the trees start getting a little taller)!!! I bet this town makes a silly-willy out of Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom festival!!!
But—- my Heart is still on “Reynolds Plantation”. If common people with a deficit in culture and appreciation of beauty, or maybe a Northerner would simply say, a numbskull ; either way says, ” that Reynold’s is too Great, too Grande, too Grandiose”. Well, my reply would be, ” hush,hush and shoot— and frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”!!!! LOL! LOL!
One of these days, I’m going to check out “Gone with the Wind” at Blockbuster. I love old films. A few weeks ago, I saw Clint Eastward’s film, ” The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”— it was so good!!!!! That film really kept you at the edge of your seat!
Diana B.
All the locations for the dream homes have been gorgeous. If I won it wouldn’t matter to me where it was located, just that I won! =)
For the 2010 dream home my choice would definitely be the Chesapeake Bay but I would have to say that I would pick Northern instead of Southern!!! My family and I used to go boating on the northern Chesapeake and it is just beautiful, and some of the views are spectacular. The dream home would fit in perfectly with all the other houses around the area.
Thanks for reading!!
I think that it should be in Middleburg, VA. http://www.middleburgonline.com/
I think it should be in arizona with the view of the mountians and the red rock, it can be very beautiful there
I think a great location for a Dream Home would offer beathtaking landscapes, a sense of purity and gental living. Interface with nature without fear. Ski and snowmobile in the winter. Watch the renewal of life in the spring. Enjoy the warmth of summer on the endless waterways and lakes. Hike in the open wilderness in autum, see the beauty that is Northwest Michigan.
IF U WANT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE REMOTE PLACE PICK A BEIRER ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF GA THERE ARE A LOT THAT ARE FOR SALE AND UNPOPULATED AND JUST UNBELIEVABLE BEAUTIFUL A LOT HAVE THEIR OWN BEACHES AND HAVE WILD ANIMALS ON THEM DEER, RACOONS TO SEE THE BEAUTY IS TO BELIEVE
CHECK IT OUT.
THANK YOU
BABS BARREE
EULONIA, GA
Stowe, Vermont.
breathtaking.
I think rather than having ONE dream home, to have several, possibly built with Habitat’s involvement would be a GREAT thing to do, possibly in the Mississippi/Louisiana area. Please consider..this could be the DREAM HOME for many, nicely done,even though not so elaborately. Thak you! NJKochinski
It should be in Nashville TN..
I am a senior. I live in Ohio. Im happy here. Housing is cheaper here than west or east coasts. I would like a green house that would b be compatible for aging seniors. LIke easy acess in the bathrooms. higher up toilets and walk in showers and easy tub acess. Maybe a house on one flr. Maybe a warm climate like Arizona if not Ohio, northwest. Our winters have been pretty mild. thanks for allowing me to post.
Along the beutiful Thames River in Connecticut. Lots of land, proximity to NY, the forest are beautiful and the River is so picturesque! Good Luck, John B from Northboro, MA
ORLANDO, FL. What could be better. Year round fun, Year long GREAT weather, Theme Parks, FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
How about the Poconos in Pennsylvania? They have some beautiful lakes in the Poconos and it is close to NYC and the beaches of New Jersey. Perfect location!
SEDONA AZ -aka. RED ROCK Country is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Very unique area-mountains, desert, and trees-they get the four seasons in select areas with creeks flowing into the red desert sands.
NOT anything like the traditional beaches and eastern landscapes. Popular destination for the wealthy and most Arizonians.
New Harbor, ME. The most beautiful sunrises in the world. It is quite and serene and near Damiscotta and Rockport for convience. I just loved waking up everymorning to the cool sea breeze and wonderful views.
A mountain retreat in the mountains of North Alabama near Ft. Payne and Mentone. Cool in the summer and breath taking views off Look Out Mountain. Just a great place.
I’d love to see the HGTV dream home in the Pacific Northwest. I think Bainbridge Island (west side with view of water & Olympic mountains would be perfect. Bainbridge Island is a quick 30 minute ferry ride to Seattle (great city and major airport nearby). Of course weather might not be to everyone’s liking but for natural beauty it can’t be beat.
On the Alabama Coast at Ono Island. A private community with every aminity need for a great retirement home or just a weekend get-a-way.
I would like to see the Dream Home build in the beautiful state of Tennessee.And Pray that i will be the one to win…wow
It should be in belle haven, Greenwich ct. EXPENSIVE
I think the next dream home should be in Lake Havasu City, AZ because of the famous London Bridge and the beautiful lake views and good weather
It should be in Dallas, TX. In white rock lake. I think because it is a good neighborhood according to my best friend and it would be good because it is quiet and peacefull
I like the idea of several homes built where the winners would like to live. That way the winners would not have to uproot their family and lives just live in the home they won. Thank You, Have a great day!
Puerto Rico
south carolina…. Historicly beautiful
I would love to see the next dream home be in Ouray, Colorado. It it considered to be the “Switzerland of America”. There is great hiking, swimming (large natural hot springs pool) biking, camping mountain climing, and on and on things to do and natural beauty to see. Check out Ouray, Colorado Website as there are so many things to see and do there that I could not possibly list them all. The southwest side of Colorado (referred to by locals as the “western slope”) is the most beautiful part of Colorado !! We go there as often as possible for vacation and will never tire of the area and it’s beaut.
It seems like most of the houses that are build and given to people are rarely kept by them. Most people want to make their own decisions on where to live. Not many of these people are willing to pull up roots and more away from family and friends. Why don’t you have a sweepstake where people can compete and win the money to have you build the kind of home they want and where.
Marie and Evelyn: While winning this house will set the family up for years to come (when they do sell), I personally would prefer to be involved with a build where I have won a house where I want to build it, using local builders, and in the style and size I prefer. I think this is a great idea which should be revisited again by the networks. I think just as many people would watch this type of show if for no other reason to see what the ‘average’ person is thinking of a dream house and not a network of professionals.
The way the program is done now is not going to stop me from entering in the hopes that I am the winner and can then sell the house and use the remainder of the monies to build where I want in the community I want to live in.
I prefer the smaller towns in the midwest because of the changing seasons and I don’t want to deal with earthquakes or hurricanes. Snowstorms are pretty predictable and can be a rewarding experience to enjoy with the family.