Apr
23
Dream Home 2010: Home Style
We’ve discussed location: East Coast, out west, even a few votes for Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico!
Now let’s debate home style. What do you think? Stately Victorian? Modern townhome? Cozy cottage? Italian-style villa, rustic cabin, adobe ranch? My vote’s for a Federal-style limestone house — but then, I love historic homes.
Here are a few photos to serve as inspiration:
Photo credits: Townhouse by pnwra, cottage by Mackinac Cowgirl, villa by Ramayadi.Net, brownstone by David Paul Ohmer, cabin by Jeremy Levine Design, Victorian by iLoveButter.
Thanks DBCoop for the name correction…I think BoBo and I were hoping that the famous Marie Miller was the DH winner! Can you imagine what it would be like if “M.M.” was your neighbor? Bo and I would nominate her as our neighborhood historian,architect,chef,
and party-planner! (When will they confirm my prediction of Albuquerque,New Mexico?)
Ingrid from Sonoma
Diana B—New Mexico came up in a post from Ingrid & BoBo in Sonoma (mentioned by a neighbor as a Dream Home site). The New Hampshire bit was thrown in by me since we’d spent so much time in the New England area recently, after MARY’s “Where Could It Be?” personal favorites thread.
So far, no confirmation from our sources at HGTV on the truth of either pick. So, the short answer is: no dice!
Bottom line: the jury is still out—this location thing is definitely NOT in the bag. By and large, the hunt has gone cold as a stone.
Many of us are feeling down in the doldrums, looking like we’re tilting at windmills, wandering up a blind alley.
Is it time to start a charm offensive; use those crocodile tears?
Well, between you, me and the bedpost, I say let’s stop beating around the bush and go out on a limb. To put it bluntly (excuse my French), it’s time to fish or cut bait.
Come what may, let’s bite the bullet, cut to the chase, and hope against hope to get a much-needed shot in the arm. After all, this is no time to raise the white flag of surrender.
Now, far be it from me to expect your undivided attention and undying devotion in this matter, for my advice may be deemed by some to be one sandwich short of a picnic, words of wisdom from never-never land; but I say it’s better to move forward in the direction of close, but no cigar, than to be left holding no more than a pig in a poke.
So, fellow bloggers, always remember that the darkest hour is just before dawn, so let’s rally the troops, and get out there and show ‘em what we’re made of! Keep up the pressure, and keep those cards, posts, ideas, thoughts and opinions coming in…. Every voice counts!
Or, when in doubt and memory fails you, just embrace the following two words, Carpe Diem.
Anyone else for Dream Home 2010 location clues??
In my humble opinion, New England life has not been well represented. One could do this by building a home on the beach of Cape Cod, Massachusetts or one of the islands, preferably Martha’s Vineyard.
Each gives you the opportunity to bring the best styles of both areas to the winner, and demonstrate the challenges we face in building. Echo need for elevator in house.
Let’s not forget “Tempus Fugit”. We’re all getting older waiting for the location!
Maybe we should try the more forceful approach. I want to know where it is and I want to know now – or else!!! I just haven’t figured out the or else yet! Maybe we could threaten to have the weather gods send them evil weather. Nah they’re used to bad weather! I know I could have my cousing Genovese visit them!! Nah he has too much trouble getting out of his wheelchair nowadays. I guess we just have to continue begging!
I think Itlaian-Style Villa would look beautiful in Utah! Especially in the Provo Canyon.
That’s the spirit, Ed—you’ve got the right stuff, whatever that stuff is!
As you said, “Tempus Fugit” while tempers flare….
I’m sure there’s a few more sayings we could throw into the mix, but since a watched pot never boils, I guess begging will just have to do for the time being, and you know what “they” say about that: beggars can’t be choosers!
would like to see the dream house in richmond or williamsburg virginia
You guys, are great and over the top with grand idea, lol. Would you keep your huge dream house if it were built in your dream location reguardless of taxes and utility bills and maint?, lol…or are they just dream LIKE houses thinking you won’t win, lol, so we dream over the top, over what we can really afford to dream about. These houses are not free…I guess Ive always dreamed big, never came true, so now Im one of the first baby boomers, and I am just dreaming of retiring one day, having a great house, and not having to worry about how I am going to pay for this huge, beautiful house..My dream now is small, and to only live in a home I can afford, so that retirement is worry free… This economy has taken peoples lifes savings, and winning a home would be great, but I want one I really can live in….Oh a wrap around porch would be dynamite, lol
oh I forgot I like pillars on that wrap around porch, lol….You probably already guessed a beautiful southern colonial, lol and of coure magnolia trees so I can sip my julips, lol
I’d like to see a modern townhome. I’m sure it would look great. And… I on location: maybe Hawaii, New York, or New Mexico!
I personaly think it should be some unknown town, but not in a place where there is tornadoes, hurricans, constent floods,ect. it should be sunny most of the time.like in the western part of the us.
one thing that would be extrmely cool would be a italian rennisance style house, then when you walk in it is like a decko-modern asian them there whould be a indoor pool, a indoor two story waterfal, soft huges of deep rich reds, bold browns,thinds like that. then in the very center of the house be a very bright extremly modern area, eveything is streamline. then outside have a more tropical rainforest theme with bamboo, wild orchids, giant segoias, plants you dont see just strolling along. but in the front a typical front yard of a normal house. O there should be some land on it to. maybe a creek running through it.
I am in love with the idea of the 2010 Dream Home being in Seabeck, WA. There is snow for the Hollidays, warm and sunny weather in the summer, october leaves in the fall, and green forests all year round! PLUS, you have the best of all views: where snowy mountains in the distance meet the beautiful blue pacific ocean, and evergreen forests surround you all year round. (Also, only 20 min. to the Seattle ferry.) For people who love the best of views, Seabeck, WA is HEAVEN.
Wow Ed: I haven’t thought about Latin since I was in High School…“Tempus Fugit!!” Yes, in deed, “how the time flies!!” Especially when you are having fun!! Now awaiting Mary’s new post…”respice, adspice, prospice!!” Maybe somewhere in the mist, we will figure out where the next Dream Home will be built!! And, I shall leave you with another Latin thought: “non est ad astra mollis e terris via!!”
Dear Ingrid: I would love to be your neighbor, but I’m not sure I could live up to all the charming attributes you have bestowed on my behalf…but thank you, and the thought of living in Sonoma, baking doggie biscuits for Bobo, is soothing to the soul!!!
Coop: Yep, I like the unusual sitting room “tower” also, and I will also say that you’re right about the “Blue Hawiian” being acceptable anywhere…it’s just that in the desert heat, I think of “Long Island Iced Tea!!” Fabulous on a hot day! Try pineapple juice in place of sweet and sour….awesome drink! Give me 2 and I’m set for the evening!! Okay, okay Coop….I guess this would be a great drink to sip sitting on the veranda over looking the Ocean as well!! Also, bottom line about the jury still being out…you’re right…they have been voir dired for weeks…time for a verdict (or, at least more clues to end this mystery, or should I say misery)!
Have a wonderful evening my blogging buddies!!
JACKIE= I can understand what you mean, College Mom communicated the same.( It is fun dreaming, and sometimes dreams do come true, or your situation in life changes that allows one to Live their Dream.) You know, an option for the winners of any of the Dream Homes could be, “rent it out to vacationers too”.
I don’t think that the Pt.St. Lucie home will be too high in taxes, etc. The old saying is, ” Be Careful for What you Wish For”
Diana B.
Sorry but nothing beats a home like an Old Hawaiian Planataion Style Home on the beach (any Beach) spacious and opened to the out doors from all rooms a wrap around deck,a large family style kitchen, a family room that opens up to the lanai leading to the back yard and a sandy beach, an upper floor for the master bead room boasting a large lanai over looking the ocean, three downstair bed rooms for family or guest.It would make for a fantastic green home since you can take advantage of the sun for solar power and heating, the natural breeze’s for cooling of the home. landscaping you ask, totaly tropical………….. Aloha
DB COOP= You are So funny, your blog had me Laughing!!! Wandering up a blind alley? Fish or Cut Bait? I thought that you were going to say something else!!!! Left holding no more than a pig in a poke? You are way Too Funny, and you Have a Way with Words!!!
But, ah hah— Yes, I think that you (or Ingrid and BoBo) are on to something. The Rumor may be True. It makes sense. Someone in “the neighborhood” in Sonoma, could have heard it from somebody like, Steve Ledson?? Maybe even “Overheard” it in the Winery or Hotel Lobby???
If so, I guess Walgreens won’t have to re-stock on their post cards this time. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard that New Mexico is a Great Place, another area that seems to be “booming”, or was before the housing market slump. But I’d prefer different places myself—but to each his own.
If it was Seattle, or Vegas, maybe Oregon, or California again— I think that it would be a lot more fun. But— just my personal opinion. (Of course, I still wish that they’d choose the South though– Florida, Georgia, or Alabama)!
Diana B.
I had to work on that one Marie Miller. I finished Latin II in ’62 and never looked back. I know it’s hard to get to the stars, but all we are trying to do is find out the location of the dream home.
Since my sister & brother-in-law are lawyers in Fresno the French voit dire was much easier. Of course I always gave her heck the way the judges butchered the pronounciation of to see & to say!
My dream home would be a green built replica of a craftman’s style home with a large porch. I always pictured myself on the porch in a porch swing with a glass of ice tea or lemonaide. I also love to entertain on a porch when it’s a hot sunny day. Ahhh . . . to slow down and just hang out with the neighbors in the rocking chairs on the porch.
So excited about Dream Home 2010. I’d love to see a modern, green interpretation of a craftsman-style home.
Also, please give it at least 4 bedrooms, plus an office, and an extra place for little ones to play so that it is truly a family’s dream home!! I want to be able to envision my kids living there, or visiting there if my mom wins!!
Marie Miller I forgot to mention that Long Island Ice Teas are one of my favorite drinks. Two tall ones would definitely set me up for the night. Does it still taste like your not drinking anything alcoholic when you use pineapple juice??
Words of wisdom, Marie Miller, as you’d know, attributed to Seneca the Younger, Roman philosopher; 4 BC-AD 65…(on reaching for the stars)…“non est ad astra mollis e terris via!!”—generally translated as “there is no easy way from the earth to the stars.”
Again, more sage advice, Marie; “respice, adspice, prospice”—”look to (examine) the past, the present, and the future,” when sifting through the clues to the location of the HGTV Dream Home 2010. (As some Latin professors would admit, “omnia dicta fortiora si dicta Latina.”)
Now back to everyday living….
Wow…Long Island Iced Teas, one of my old long-time favorite drinks. Oh yes, so many fond memories. Actually, I remember those days well, at least to start with…the aftermath, umm, that’s another story!
Diana B, the rumors are circulating hot and heavy, that’s for sure! Could this become a story for one of the gossip tabloids? What Hollywood, or perhaps Knoxville, stars would grace the cover page for this exposé? Will Jack Thomasson’s secret Dream Home location be revealed? Stay tuned to the Dream Home blog nearest you for the next exciting chapter of “Where Could It Be?”
I would love to see a kid friendly home. I have 4 kids and we live in a 3 bedroom house. Finding a 5 or more bedroom house is crazy hard. Strictly speaking, my dream house would take a page from the Adam’s family house, complete with hidden passages and a huge library for my kids to enjoy and explore.
I think you guys should build a Ranch style home that has modern western flair. Think Brad Paisley, or the McGraws.
Something cozy and comfortable. You need a big wrap around porch for the front and a back yard with a state of the art outdoor kitchen. and there should be room out back for gazing at stars. The inside home design should be modern western with warm colors. maybe utilizing furniture from antique stores, but refurbished with modern fabric design. Just don't make anything NEON please. I see its making a come back and it makes me sick.
And you should build it in Minnesota.
Hey Coop: You always seem to get my comments!! And, even though “everything sounds more impressive when said in Latin,” I still prefer French…mostly because I heard so much of it around the dinner table! Voilà!!! C’est la vie!!
Ed: You bet…Long Island Ice Teas with pineapple juice just taste like you’re not drinking anything alcoholic..I guess that is the danger of delicious!!! And, I do know what you mean about Latin…I will never forget memorizing Latin declensions..ugh!!
Okay, now back to Dream Land & Dream Homes…when can we expect new and exciting clues from Mary and/or Gail? We are anxious for a new post…where is Jack? Has he been seen running amok? Quiet the jungle, please?
MARIE= Life is full of options and dreams, I guess that is what makes us all human. I enjoy reading everyones comments…Hey sometimes dreaming out loud keeps us off the docs. couch…lol
DIANE= the above was meant for you…I guess I better put the glasses on for reading and typing. Getting old is the pits!!!! lol I guess everyone realizes by now Im new to all this blogging and commenting..
Yes, Long Island Iced Tea’s bring back Good Memories for me too— (haven’t had one in years) Have ya’ll ever had a Rum Runner??? They are really good and yea, bad too— I won’t tell you my aftermath story, but my cousin still teases me about it! And what about a Margarita in Margaritaville?? Is it 5:00 in Vegas right now??
Diana B.
I think the Old Estates homes are terrific. I think Lake Tahoe or Shasta lake area would be a great place for one.
Hey,you guy s with your latin are impressive,but I’am just waiting for our poerto rican bloggers to open up again. Then we’ll see who really knows their latin.I’am lost already,so it’s “Nolos contendos”for me.But please,keep talking because this is what it’s all about.(I’ll try to keep up.)
Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho would be the perfect location for ANY Dream Home. The town is surrounded by trees, a beautiful lake, close to many area ski resorts, and boasts all four seasons. It is a growing community, yet still has the warm feel of a small community. This would be the best destination!
I would like to see the next Dream Home built in Puerto Rico. All these past years you have built them in the USA. There are many beautiful places in my island where you can built. Come on down to PR and see for yourselves.
Diana B, as “they” say, it’s always five in the afternoon SOMEWHERE in the world, so go ahead, live it up! I think today is going to be one of those days…santé mes amis.
DF, no tiene que decirme nada de los Puerto Riqueños, son mis mejores amigos!
And always remember, Dream Home Dreamers: nulla tenaci invia est via.
Now, back to our English language programming
When I came across this webpage, I thought AHA! that Marie Miller has been holding out on us. This would explain that plethora of perfect home plans that keep magically appearing, compliments of our blogging star. Then I read further, and realized; well, check it out for yourselves, folks:
http://www.homesbymarie.com/
Most impressive, with custom homes and sites available. Be sure to browse Marie’s property listings and available homes, like ‘Conrado’ at ‘Rancho de Candelaria’, (shown is a 2,727 square foot Southwestern beauty), or ‘Nature Pointe’, another stunning community just minutes from Albuquerque in the EAST Mountains, featuring estate-sized 2 acre lots as well as luxuriously-appointed homes waiting for an owner’s personal touch.
Now, would you like a Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Hawaii or Long Island Iced Tea served with your Dream Home?! Chips and salsa are on the table….
DB COOP= Sorry, but I think I’ll pass. How about a basket of Apples from Washington State instead? or Starbucks Coffee with Alaska Salmon at a cafe in Seattle? or a Cheeseburger in Paradise in Vegas? Besides, if you gorge yourself with all those chips and salsa, you will then have to go on a diet next week!!!
Diana B.
My dear Coop: Although I have had many alias names, I cannot take credit for Marie Elizabeth Blea, “better known by Betty!” However, you certainly give us a wonderful site to browse….her custom homes are exquisite…I’m especially loving the Tuscan Styled “Primrose Pointe!” Or, hey why not go all out with the “Albuquerque Acres?” If you’re going to Gream Big…this is the one!! Thank you so much for sharing…do you think HGTV could see the “Acres” home in Albuquerque????
My dreamhome is one that is paid for, large, and has all the amenities. It should be in a comfortable climate…a swimming pool is a must. Mansion-style is good. The master bedroom should be huge and so should the kitchen…be huge with every imaginable appliance (state of the art). A very nice screened in porch with lovely breezes and a cocktail bar seems practicle. Extra bedrooms are essential for all visiting family members and friends. The dog house doesn’t need to be outside….our dog sleeps with us! Please select me for the next big give-a-way. I’ll go anywhere for this place.
With my dream home, I’m definitely into one level living with maybe a walk-out basement that’s designed for entertaining. Efficient use of space is another must for me. I love large bedrooms over palatial bathrooms where your voice ecos from all the hard surfaces. I don’t consider bathrooms living space and would rather have the square footage of space dedicated to where I’m going to be most of the time. I’d also want unique but easy care surfaces where people can really live without worry of damaging something. There should be plenty of storage and no wasted space (for example) a pony wall without also using it for a cabinet I’d consider to be wasted space.
I love true Craftsman style with maybe a little bit of Vicoriana thrown in just to soften and balance the linear edges. I’d go for the incredible unique fireplace tile as seen in the original Craftsman homes and the beautiful woodwork like high grid boxed beam ceilings, built ins and gorgeous light fixtures.
And, of course, particularly if this was being built where there are four seasons, the house should be tight, energy efficient and green for year round comfort.
Location? How about somewhere a little more different from the other projects like Spokane, WA. There are some incredible areas to build there.
Dream home will be one, with lots of room for family gatherings everysingle weekend
, big kitchen, big dinning area , big living room and a gameroom would be great, so none one will feel that they arent welcome or that they can hardly breath with so much people around. It would be a pretty house, style doesnt matter, as long as it doesnt look historic with a grandma decorating ideas 
. It would have a large master bedroom with a unique sitting area, decorated in warm tones for a house in a cold area or in light fresh colors for a warm area, a nice cover balcony or private patio, the room will be next to a small gym room 
, the house would be somewhat green if not 100%. solar panels, tankless water heaters, etc. Pet friendly . Vaulted cealings, attached garage, nice medium to large backyard, with seating area, bbq, pool or a fountain… I would love to grow very old with my husband and get to have a nice backyard, with a fountain and a table so we can have our morning tea outside listening to the water drop and the birds sing 
. I guess the perfect home will be like your own little tiny piece of paradise, … paradise that we can enjoy and share with the entire family and not just a place to go to at the end of the day.
I truly love cottages. Shabby chic is my thing. I would love to see the mixture of old and new styles mixed into a shabby chic eco friendly cottage. Also maybe situated in my favorite state of Connecticut-along the water. But, it would have to fit a family of our size(kinda big). Myself, twin 11year old daughters, my mom and dad. and my sister sometimes visiting with her 2 dogs(norman and maggie). And maybe my future soulmate(?).
How about thinking truly outside the box with the 2010 Dream Home?
While the annual contest’s new construction macmansions built in picture-perfect suburban/subrural settings have certainly been beautiful, that scenario is not necessarily everyone’s ultimate dream.
For many, winning a home in a metropolitan city with all the excitement and advantages that lifestyle brings would be it!
Imagine offering (for example) a beautifully renovated/decorated brownstone in Boston’s Georgetown or high-rise apartment in San Franciso, New York, or ….? as the next dream home.
Remember, a spectacular city-scape view from a 20th floor balcony can be as inspiring as a back yard deck…..and walking accessibility to museums, libraries, galleries and theaters can be relax and fulfill just as much as skiing, boating hiking.
I live in Northern CA. Magalia, to be exact. “A little above Paradise”. I think this area is beautiful and a perfect place to put the 2010 green home. So of course being in a forest, mountain area a “log cabin” type home design is the only way to go here. We are at the foot of the back roads to Lassen National Forest, we have the high lakes, snow, cooler summers than living on the valley floor, but close enough to it to enjoy places like Lake Oroville. It’s an outdoor lovers “Paradise”. We are pretty quiet about some of our celebrity folks that enjoy this beautiful area.
Make our Dream Home totally handicap accessible from entrance to exit! Make our Dream Home easy to maintain! Make our Dream Home affordable for the “average” family to maintain so that we could actually afford to live in it and enjoy it’s beauty! Give us an indoor swimming pool (with easy access) to enjoy every day of the year! Give us all of this in southwest Houston and we would be very happy!
“Annette & Mike”
Houston, TX
Cheerio– Are we still talking about New Mexico? Please, Give o’er– it’s Rubbish, Bloody and Shag– ( OK, that’s about it for my English dialect). DB Coop— the homesites look Marvelous, but my eyes are already itching from the sand dust!!!
I found Another Homesite— her name is Diana, too!! get it? Check it Out at
http://www.dianahomes.com
I forget who mentioned renting out the house if a winner, and all I can say is, No Way. What a nightmare that could turn out to be and especially if the winner lives across the country from the house.
Someone, I think Coop, mentioned chips and salsa on the table–we are having bison flavored spread, bison sausage and crackers for snack this evening while we wind down and get ready for a new week.
I don’t know about most of you but ready for another clue or new thread for blog.
And I know I am in the minority but would really like to see a way for the network to involve the winner in the location, style, and size of the house so they are truly a WINNER.
COLLEGEMOM= I was the one that mentioned about “renting it out”. I know, I would have thought the same too– a Nightmare. But this actually is very common in Florida, and becoming very popular. Our Neighbor lives in Germany, and owns a house in our neighborhood! He has had a successful season, with the house being occupied very often.- by vacationers.
I think there is a way to screen people, through a Travel Agent maybe? I don’t know. But he pays another neighbor (to be the Manager), and is always looking out for the house, cleaning it, etc… I don’t know if it’s such a great idea, but my neighbor from Germany has been doing this for the past 10 years with this house.
It would only work though, if the “Winner” was going to only use the Home as a “Vacation Home ” though.
Diana B.
YOU CAN BUILD MY 2010 DREAM HOME IN THE GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS. IT WILL CONFIM YOUR FAITH IN GOD
how do you get them to send you emails about resent blogs on the 2010 dream home ? thanks!
I would LOVE like what Bonnie said on April 25, 2009 about the porch sitting back with a creek, but i really love the picture bottom on the left and the one above it, i like that in both they have big windows to bring in light and views. The pic in the middle left i love love how big it is and how open it looks, i must say that the bottom left pic has that cozy feel to it:). I can’t say how much i really like any of these homes without seeing the insides. I love big rooms and i have a daughter and a sonand they don’t want to room, so i think it would be a good idea to make 2 BIG bedrooms and mabye three if you want a guest bed or have a third child. About the location, not some big city where you can’t realax, mabye a city near but not too close.You have to have some form of water either it be a lake or a ocean but a nice water area for water activities, i think it would nice to have a warm water skiiing, and mt. biking summer but a cold snow skiing ice skating winter. Mild fall and spring i think new mexico would be nice, there is a place called Angle Fire,New Mexico it is just like my discrition and i know you always give a car so you could give a four wheel drive, the home could be a ski in ski out! I think that would be you best bet and it is the perfect place in my oppinion. There is a very cozy feel to it it’s very close to taosand santa fe, i really do think that is the perfect spot.
Collegemom, I don’t think it has to do with “being in the minority” (no disrepect for your opinion intended at all), it’s just more of a reality factor. After all, who WOULDN’T prefer to choose their Dream Home location and style. We probably ALL would. But that’s just not the nature of the beast (or beauty, as I see it), for good reason.
While I’m certainly not the expert, I would imagine, taking into account all of the complex issues in the significant lead time required for every aspect of putting a Dream Home sweepstakes together (of which we are aware of but only a few of the MANY details, major and minor), such as the legal and financial structuring of the project, lining up product sponsorships, selection of the builder, available site location, planning and permit approvals, much less the cost containment of such a venture, etc. etc. and ALL of the unforeseen problems that building entails…ad infinitum, and THEN throwing a successful TV & advertising production into the mix, that promoting a “you choose it, we’ll build it” (your location, your style and amenities) Dream Home sweepstakes, as attractive as it might first seem from our point of view, would be like selling lottery tickets for a jackpot prize “to be announced at some future date.” It wouldn’t fly.
With 39 million entries or so, The Dream Home Sweepstakes as it is set up seems to work very well and generates LOTS of interest, year after year, both for the network and its product sponsors, not to mention that it’s a positive life-changing experience for the lucky winner. The point is, use the windfall to build YOUR dream, whatever and wherever that may be.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the folks at HGTV proved me wrong. I wouldn’t mind in the least.
By the way, collegemom, bison sausage? I’ve had bison burgers before (tasty) but haven’t had a chance to try the sausage. Is that a local product, or brand name?
And yes, let’s celebrate the Cinco de Mayo fiesta with a tantalizing new clue! Are you game, MARY, ’cause the word is, it’s party time!
I think you guys should go extreme home on this one. Set it in the Adirondacks and incorporate it into the landscape of the Adirondacks. Bring the outside in-for those long hard winters with an actual stream flowing through the house into a heated pool.
Lots of sky lights for winter sun and an old adirondack camp feel with really decorative bark and twig decoration. Make it artsy with lots of sculpture. I could draw it up it is all in my head. I love to watch extreme homes and if I had the money I would build one.