Mary

Contributor to HGTV Dream Home

Dec 22

Public Tours and More

Good news! You can now purchase tickets for on-site tours of HGTV Dream Home 2011. Get home tour details here.

Also, as a special holiday gift to all HGTV Dream Home fans, I’m launching a Super Fan double video feature today. Enjoy!


Posted at 10:36 am

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  • 377 Comments

377 Comments

  1. Merry Christmas everybody.

    funfordot on December 25, 2010 at 4:12 pm
  2. Sure would like to see that beautiful Dream Home decorated for Christmas…. Eh? Maybe the winner or future owner will dress it up in full Holiday spirit next year. Now bring on the parade!!!

    Happy Holidays, and a Merry Christmas to All….

    Canada could use a Dream or Green Home or Urban Oasis…. Eh? For the Canadians of course.. I'm sure Mike Holmes and Sarah Richardson wouldn't mind taking that on. Shall I get the petition started while I'm here???

    Cami on December 25, 2010 at 5:10 pm
    • I for one, would not mind at all to see Mike Holmes doing anything! And since I am married to a Canadian, we could still enter that one too! The more the merrier!

      moon_lady on December 25, 2010 at 8:44 pm
      • That's cool. I don't know why HGTV Canada hasn't already started their own Dream Home giveaway. They have the lottery, I can't imagine what rules might prohibit them from offering a home giveaway. They also have drawings for large prizes. I've been watching HGTV up here. I don't know how long they've had HGTV Canada, but I check on their website from time to time. I'm sure a giveaway program would be good for publicity. Here's a link to HGTV Canada. http://www.hgtv.ca/ HGTV Canada Dream Home!!! Eh? It's so cold up here… The Canadians need something cheery after the holidays.

        Cami on December 25, 2010 at 10:01 pm
        • Hi, Cami–I think A LOT of the HGTV shows were done in Canada, or were joint U.S. / CA. productions, or at least had Canadian designers… A good many of the designers use expressions like, "over- top " of, instead of saying "above", and that subtle CA. accent can be detected, (even if it is not as obvious as saying "Eh" all the time, or "aboot " for "about"). I count Candice Olsen and Scott Gillivray as major 'candidates', and many, whose shows were on HGTV, but have been canceled ( or disappeared from the current lineup ). All of which leads me to suspect that HGTV Canada is the parent/ original network–or at least they produce more design shows than the U.S. network.

          LLColeman on December 27, 2010 at 9:05 pm
    • Just want to say hi.

      MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 11:08 am
  3. A blessed Merry Christmas to all of my friends on the HGTV blog! I hope all of your Dreams come true! Beverly :-D

    Beverly on December 25, 2010 at 8:21 pm
  4. Here I go again! We just arrived home from having dinner with friends for Christmas, and I am drawn back to the blog! I have looked at each and every photo, video and tour on here about this wonderfully fabuluos house HGTV has built for us to drool over. I just have to say this (and I feel bad about it) but, I cannot make myself like the dining room chairs. I would put them by a desk but I could not use them for dining. They remind me of my office furniture back in 1992!

    moon_lady on December 25, 2010 at 8:59 pm
    • Merry Christmas, Moon Lady…. I was lucky to see family today, but at night I too have to check the blogs. I understand the good points for the desk chairs being adjustible and easily moved around…but I picture a dinner party too festive with wine, and all the guests getting the chair legs tangled–LOL.

      LLColeman on December 26, 2010 at 3:08 am
    • I feel the same way, I always have to come view the blog and see whats new with the Dream house! Gosh, I keep falling more in-love with the house!

      lrm10070 on December 26, 2010 at 10:52 am
  5. Hey Gail yes this HGTV dream home is amazing , and we are getting closer to when we will be able to start entering this givaway. I have been stuck in front of my computer, and am glad that i dont have to go to the library, and i have my own computer. I spent 8, or almost 9 years without a computer , but i did go to the library about once a week. Today was a good christmas day , and i had fun with my family while we all ate dinner together. I am not verry good at poetry, but i am trying to think of something to come up with. I also know that this will be an awsome home to live in. I am going to make sure that i do enter daily. This home is so cool, My family and myself are so excited to start entering the givaway. Thanks dream team

    hudjon1977 on December 25, 2010 at 11:18 pm
  6. If i were to move to stowe vermont i would really like to watch the skiiers go down the moutain. The views are so awsomly amazing.I can say that i love erverything that this sweepstakes has to offer. I only wish that i could get to see this HGTV dream home in person

    hudjon1977 on December 25, 2010 at 11:34 pm
    • Your so right, the views are amazing!

      lrm10070 on December 26, 2010 at 10:51 am
  7. Just viewed the videos made available. Boy, that house is sealed up tight! Learned something new of how great homes are built. Windows being slotted in place, timbers precisely cut to lock together snug, and tiling application smoothed out so beautifully. ? Really smart and talented builders being meticulous in every room put together. Hoping to be a visitor or a permanent resident of Vermont in Stowe soon. ;-)

    iMaryE on December 26, 2010 at 12:59 am
  8. Oh. Forgot to mention earlier…..I LOVE the kitchen! I can see myself cookin' up a good breakfast for many friends and family gettin' ready to go out on the slopes. Ummm. I can smell the Dunkin' Donuts coffee brewing now and the hickory-smoked bacon crisping in the iron skillet. How do you like your eggs? ;-)

    iMaryE on December 26, 2010 at 1:03 am
    • Haha, to funny! I think the HGVT community did a great job to make as all dream BIG!

      lrm10070 on December 26, 2010 at 10:50 am
  9. Season's greetings! We had a record-breaking white Christmas here in Georgia, although the snow did not get here until about 8 PM! It is still snowing a little this morning, but it will probably all melt away by tomorrow, so we have to enjoy it while we can! And speaking of holiday snow, here is a video of some chilly Christmas fun in Stowe:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVh8EUW-a9E

    I'm off to walk in our winter wonderland while I can — see you all later!

    CplusE on December 26, 2010 at 6:52 am
    • Snow in Georgia? How fun—–enjoy your beautiful winter wonderland walk.

      MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 11:16 am
    • We got a dose of it in S. Carolina too! Quite beautiful, Maggie the Wonder Dog, being a Southern Belle, was energized, and quite enjoyed her walks in it. Me, having lived in New England most of my life, admired it, but rejoice that this is but a fleeting pleasure.

      AnneEliseSouth on December 26, 2010 at 2:25 pm
  10. A beautiful, stormy, winter good morning to everyone. Christmas was a wonderful parfait of family, friends,food, drink, music, xmas bling, and conversation! And when I arrived home last night—-there was a beautiful poem on my email from my grandson—-it was the perfect ending to this Christmas day.

    MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 10:38 am
    • How nice. Such a great gift to come home to!

      moon_lady on December 26, 2010 at 1:14 pm
      • Moon lady, It was wonderful. He loves to write—so talented.

        MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 3:06 pm
  11. I love all the stories and poems. I love the video and I also think this house would be perfect for hosting parties, having family over. I think you guys did a wonderful job of everything. You thought of everything a person might want. Thanks for the opportunity to win this house. Someone is going to be very lucky. When the economy is the way it is someone is going to have their dreams come true! :)

    lrm10070 on December 26, 2010 at 10:48 am
  12. I'm catching up with the blog this morning also. Linda Woodrum's art choices are wonderful—so many local artist's pieces. I hope the rest of your holiday season is serene and wonderful.

    MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 11:14 am
    • MeKhazSimi, I agree with you. Did you notice that the metal sculpture over the fireplace
      came from Ethan Allen? Did you also notice that Delta is not listed under the Refreshment
      Center heading, too? I guess we'll find out soon.

      Deerspring on December 28, 2010 at 7:29 am
      • Deerspring,, I did not catch that, and actually I was rather surprised that the sculpture was from EA. It's perfect for the firepace. Also interesting that they list the kitchenette "off of" living area rather than "part of". Sub-zero appliances in a kitchenette area? –and you're right—Delta is "missing". We don't have much longer to wait for all the answers. Thank goodness.

        MeKhazSimi on December 29, 2010 at 9:13 am
  13. There are way too many beautiful posts to take in all at once—–so, as they say—-I'll be back. LOL

    MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 11:19 am
  14. Along with a very special 2011 HGTV Dream Home, Stowe, Vermont gets another star to share the spotlight — the new 425-seat Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center at Stowe Mountain Resort. The arts center will host theater, music, dance, comedy, film, lectures and multimedia presentations, according to executive director David Rowell. The $9 million arts center is part of a $400 million expansion at the resort; other segments include a luxury hotel and spa, high-end houses, restaurants and a new base lodge. And did I also mention a spectacular new HGTV mountain lodge that's the centerpiece of the 2011 Dream Home Giveaway?!

    Better hurry if you want to catch the opening show, however. Ben Vereen, who won a Tony Award for "Pippin" and has appeared in numerous Broadway hits, will be the new Performing Arts Center's first performer starting Monday, December 27. If you can't make it in time for Mr. Vereen's performance, there are many other possibilities: http://www.sprucepeakarts.org/ This way you can schedule your Dream Home tour AND catch a great show at the Performing Arts Center while you're enjoying everything Stowe has to offer.

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 12:23 pm
    • This reminds me of the excitement over the 2010 Blog Cabin, and its proximity to Woodstock Performing Arts Ctr.; it is so great to hear of the new venue in Vermont. Thanks for the info, and very Happy New Year to you & Show Me.

      LLColeman on December 27, 2010 at 8:39 pm
  15. While the week between Christmas and New Year's is normally one of the busiest times of the year in Stowe, early 2011 may see an unusually high number of visitors, since as most fellow dreamers already know, if you want to catch an in-person performance of the 2011 DREAM HOME, public tours begin Friday, January 7, 2011, and continue through Sunday, March 20, 2011. Tours take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 2 pm to 5 pm, and are 30 minutes long. Proceeds benefit Mt. Mansfield Winter Academy.

    However, I don't think visitors will be able to test the waters of that fabulous outdoor spa. That honor will be left to the lucky Dream Home winner. If I win, I'll be sure to report back in the blogs about relaxing in the hot tub and being warmed by the fire, all while taking in those amazing mountain views.

    Happy Ski Trails to You!

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 12:24 pm
  16. Speaking of the HGTV Dream Home, check out this very interesting December 9 online article from the Stowe Reporter: http://www.stowetoday.com/stowe_reporter/news/local_news...

    Read carefully, and you just may pick up a few new pieces of information from this newsy article. Actually, one item really jumped out for me. As a matter of fact, it gave me a rather "sink"ing feeling, addressing something that some fellow bloggers have been questioning about the Living Room "kitchenette" area.

    Happy New Year…and may all of your ski slopes be white!

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 12:24 pm
  17. Here's to hoping Mary has had a great holiday and is feeling generous and gives us some more to blog about. More, more, more. Iam eager to learn MORE!!! Ok, maybe she needs to get through New Years first. I can be patient a little longer.

    moon_lady on December 26, 2010 at 1:21 pm
  18. Oh for Want of a Sink, Devoutly to be Wished

    A sink, or not a sink — that is the question:
    Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
    The slings and arrows of outdated information,
    Or to take alarm at the sight of a missing sink
    And, by exposing it, end the speculation.
    To question, to wonder no more in darkness
    And by revealing truths, to end our search.
    To rest in peace, devoutly to be wished
    That MARY, perchance Super Fan Gail
    Who would with courage address such doubt
    To make clarity of our quest and thus
    Release all from the clouds of unknowing
    Ay, fellow dreamers, there's the rub.

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 1:30 pm
    • Coop, I have a "sinking" feeling this is not the last we'll hear about this subject!
      It's just about as hot a subject as the basement was on the 2010 Green Home!

      AnneEliseSouth on December 26, 2010 at 2:19 pm
      • AnneEliseSouth, We can only hope the poem touches Mary and Super Fan Gail—and the message "sinks in".

        MeKhazSimi on December 26, 2010 at 2:53 pm
    • Hi DBCoop
      …Me (s) thinks thou dost protest too much :O) lol

      GoldieLocksBear on December 26, 2010 at 3:54 pm
      • You know how it is, GoldieLocksBear, I can't do anything halfway. If I'm going to protest, I might as well go for it hook, line and "sink"er…at least until MARY pulls the plug on me — and I can't imagine a more draining scenario.

        DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 6:53 pm
        • Good evening DBCoop :O)

          Well said ! Brilliant repartee :O)

          Time to batten down the hatches here in Exeter, New Hampshire ~ 'tis a wild and stormy night, the blizzard is howling and we've already lost the front of the wood shed ~ it blew away in the wind :O(
          I hope all is safe and snug and cozy in the Dream Home Ski Lodge :O)

          GoldieLocksBear
          XO

          GoldieLocksBear on December 26, 2010 at 10:17 pm
    • Wow, Coop–if Will Shakespeare himself has been blogging with us, he could not have better captured our plight of being surrounded with "clouds of unknowing" (regarding the missing kitchenette sink). Perhaps the powers that be Scripps Vassals shall "ope their hearts" to reveal the information we seek. This is but a Dream Home in a Vermont mountain Hamlet, after all. ( I could not resist).

      LLColeman on December 26, 2010 at 11:57 pm
  19. Piano and birds and Stowe Dream Home! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFaNWFpd2c&fe

    alicesoneysmom on December 26, 2010 at 6:58 pm
  20. It's hard to believe that in less than a week, we'll be entering for this magical Dream Home in Stowe. Then we have only 50 precious days to enter for the chance of a lifetime. I've got to remember to clear my schedule…no overnight out-of-town adventures unless I've got my trusty laptop with me!

    That's going to make for a VERY BIG New Year's Day! We'll have the beautiful HGTV 2011 Dream Home float to watch out for in the Tournament of Roses Parade, the big screen tour of the Stowe Dream Home with favorite hosts Monica Pedersen and designer John Gidding, AND we'll be submitting our first entries for the Dream Home! Wow, I need to write myself some reminder lists to post around the house so I don't forget anything. I wonder if I'll even have time to treat myself to a special breakfast of hotcakes and Vermont maple syrup?

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 7:24 pm
  21. Which reminds me — by a show of hands, who has plans, whether big or small, for New Year's Eve? I don't know if I'll be staying up until midnight or not, but I do have earlier dinner reservations that evening. I guess it depends on whether I have dessert and more than one glass of champagne. If that's the case, I'll retire before the clock strikes twelve so I can be up in time for the 8 am West Coast start of the Rose Parade on HGTV.

    DBCoop on December 26, 2010 at 7:31 pm
    • My hubby and I along with his father and my mother (who have been a couple longer than my hubbby and myself) go each year to a New's Years Eve party. We each get dressed in our finest (one time a year I wear a long gown) and pay an outrageous price for that night. We hire a driver and start the year with music and dancing. I have to say though the last few years, the night has gotten shorter!! We arrive later and leave sooner!

      moon_lady on December 27, 2010 at 8:12 am
      • A great way to ring in the New Year, moon_lady. After all, it's not only a celebration of a new year, but of life itself. So why not get dressed up and go out for a night on the town.

        Like most folks, I rarely have an opportunity to put on the Ritz, or at least my tux, but it's a fun, "feel good" change of pace, so I take advantage of the occasion when I'm on a cruise to dress for formal night as we sail into the sunset. Although my nights seem to be getting shorter as the years go by too! Regardless, every evening without fail, I think to myself how thankful I am for the day I've had, and when I wake in the morning, I remind myself to be grateful for another day.

        Talk about reminders, only 5 more days to go before we begin the victory march to Stowe…and Dream Home entry bliss!

        DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 11:52 am
  22. Good evening everybloggie,

    Plans for New year ~ definitely seeing in the 2011 year by toasting the old one out and welcoming the New one in at Midnight :O) No parties planned though, just a time for family to be close together and celebrate.
    Low -key, but good times and building good memories at home.

    Happy New Year to all !
    GoldieLocksBear
    XO

    GoldieLocksBear on December 26, 2010 at 10:24 pm
  23. Gail your funny, but i do wish that you would post a video for all us bloggers to watch ervery three day's. This would be cool. I really like the fact not only will i have a spaw that will be good for theropy , but to top it all off when it get's cold outside there will be a fire to top my experinces off. But i still agree with erverything that this dream home has to offer me. It's cool that i am now a part of a community, known as the bloggers community. I still cant figure out how the home got built so verry fast. I really dontknow anything about building a home, but who would have guessed that the floor's would be heated? If there does get post cards made i could send them to all my many friend's. Post cards is so verry perfect , and the location is magnificent. I wouldnt change anything that the HGTV dream team has done.

    hudjon1977 on December 26, 2010 at 10:40 pm
  24. I think it would be cool to just go and take my dissposable and take a bunch of picture's . I could find mysef living there. I really do love this dream home. However i have never complained about any home that the HGTV dream team has built. It would be such a perfect place for me to go and explore all over the mountain's and the town called stowe. I am just soo excited. I do wish that i was a poed, however i didn't know it. Yes i could use a lot of practice

    hudjon1977 on December 26, 2010 at 10:50 pm
  25. To all of you on the East Coast. Please be safe. While I'm sitting here in Michigan I remember 2 weeks ago and the 3 day storm we got and I feel for you. Stay warm and this too shall pass!

    moon_lady on December 27, 2010 at 8:44 am
  26. MY DREAM………… To live in that beautiful bunk room and pretend I'm a kid full time!!!! B)

    Cami on December 27, 2010 at 11:01 am
    • In honor of Cami's wish to live in the Dream Home Ski Dorm bunk room as a full-time kid:

      Dreamland, Dreamland,
      HGTV's Mountain lodge themeland
      While you dwell within it,
      You are ever happy then.

      Childhood's joyland,
      Magical, merry Dreamland!
      Once you enter its doorways
      You're forever happy then.

      DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm
      • Thanks Coop. Our family vacation is over now, and being a kid in Dreamland sounds very appealing right now. It's been a looooooooooooong vacation. Next time it's just going to be us two big kids.

        Cami on December 28, 2010 at 2:35 am
    • If your kids are anything like mine Cami, you wouldn't be able to get away with acting like a kid too long.

      EdinOregon on December 29, 2010 at 8:10 pm
  27. Good morning. Thinking of all of you in the East this morning. Hope all of you are safe and warmly tucked in at home. LOL

    MeKhazSimi on December 27, 2010 at 11:08 am
    • I second that…( got my peeps in NYC, and especially in NJ.) I remember blizzards there when I was a little kid.

      LLColeman on December 27, 2010 at 7:25 pm
  28. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year all. Enjoyed reading all yawl have written since I was able to blog last. Bet PFG must be busting at the seams that their limerick was read by Superfan. They do read our blogs! They even adjusted the amount of the cash option after little Miss Math here brought up the fact it did not add up . . . lol. Dream Home 2011 is beautiful. Glad all are well. Will start having work done on my home in a couple of months. Off today but still working around 50 hours per week. Take care & keep warm. May not get here as often as I would like but think of everyone here often.

    joplays on December 27, 2010 at 12:03 pm
    • Thinking of you too, joplays,,,glad to hear your home will finally be finished. Hurray for Little Miss Math…Happy New Year to you too !

      LLColeman on December 27, 2010 at 7:23 pm
  29. Since Monica Pederson was in Chandler Arizona, will that be the location of Dream Home 2012?

    joplays on December 27, 2010 at 12:10 pm
    • I don't know that sighting Monica Pederson shopping in the Chandler, Arizona mall predicts the Dream Home 2012 location, joplays. However, if you happen to run into Jack T there, THAT could be a good indicator of upcoming plans.

      Personally, I'm hoping that Jack T has been spotted around the Hawaiian Islands in months gone by….

      DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 11:10 pm
  30. question: If my foggy memory serves me correctly, along with the list of all things DH 2011—–isn't January also the beginning of Mary's clues to the future location of DH 2012?

    MeKhazSimi on December 27, 2010 at 2:38 pm
    • Not to worry, MeKhazSimi, those foggy days happen to the best of us at some time or another.

      Actually, while MARY loves nothing better than to throw us curve balls (in her very own words: "Ready to crack my sneaky, lead-you-on-a-wild-goose-chase clues?") the beginnings of the Location Clues for the wild and zany 2011 Dream Home caper began on April 5, 2010 with Clue Number One, ending with Clue Number 14 on June 10, and the announcement of Stowe, Vermont as the Dream Home 2011 location, which hit the blogs on June 18, 2010. (At least according to my sources.)

      The dates for the beginning of the Dream Home Location Clues vary somewhat from year to year, depending, I suppose, on how Jack T's schedule is going with the final approvals on the property, etc.
      I'd say it would be most unlikely for MARY to hit us with Location Clues for DH 2012 while the 2011 Dream Home Giveaway is still underway. However, stranger things have been known to happen!
      Who knows — she might even just announce the location out of the blue one day, without subjecting us to her wily ways.

      DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 9:48 pm
  31. Weather update for the January 1, 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade: It's going to be chilly out there come early morning on New Year's Day. With an overnight low around 37 degrees, and a high in the afternoon at a predicted 58 and partly cloudy, HGTV's well-known float-riding celebrities, designer John Gidding ("Curb Appeal: The Block") and Design Star winner Emily Henderson ("Secrets from a Stylist") had better put on their woolies! Actually, they can dress warmly, and fit right in with the theme of the Stowe Dream Home Winter Wonderland. How perfect for them, but maybe not so much for other more tropically themed float participants.

    As for me, I'll be relaxing in my favorite VIP front row seat — a cozy sofa in the comfort of my own living room, warmed by a soothing fire, and remote control in hand to pause and rewind at will. Well, somebody's got to do it, and lucky for me, I was the first to volunteer!

    DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 10:00 pm
    • You may have been the first to volunteer Coop, but I can guarantee you won't be alone! ^_^

      EdinOregon on December 28, 2010 at 12:33 am
      • Okay…should I set out snacks? Please forward a list of favorites so I can put them on my shopping list. I guess I should also ask for RSVP's so I know how many bloggers to expect. (I may need to add extra seating for overflow crowds.) ;)

        DBCoop on December 28, 2010 at 10:45 am
  32. Yippie I can post again, seems like I've been locked out for ages, don't know why, I do try to mind my p's and q's. I was disappointed there was no home office or storage above the carbarn. But what really blows my mind is the lack of privacy in the ski dorm. My friends may be ok with it but my family tends to the prudish side. Is there a dressing room hidden around the corner? The shower stall doors are frosted glass and I wonder how much privacy they really give? Do love the size of the DH and the remote controls. The shades alone would amuse me for months. Walking barefoot on a warm floor in the middle of winter sounds like heaven.

    KCDigger on December 27, 2010 at 10:15 pm
  33. Now on to a couple of posted Quick Polls.

    I'm having trouble deciding which box to check for the HGTV Main Page Quick Vote. It asks "…what is your New Year's resolution?" and gives 3 choices: "Get Organized" "Finally Finish That Project" or "Redecorate."

    However, since I need to "Get Organized" so I can "Redecorate" and "Finally Finish That Project," I really need to vote for all three! Ah yes, another fine mess I've gotten myself into….

    DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 10:21 pm
  34. The other Quick Poll is on the Dream Home Main Page, and asks you to select "your favorite 2011 furnishing…"

    At this point, the two top contenders, the Kitchen Island and the Ski Dorm Bunk Beds, are neck and neck with 32% of the votes each.

    I'm sure Mrs. Beare would vote for the Kitchen Island, while Baby Beare would check the Ski Dorm Bunk Beds. Personally, I'm torn between the two. I'm not a cook, but that Kitchen is still incredibly attractive, and those bunk beds look so cool, fun, and well, just neat to spend a week trying out a good night's sleep in each one of them. Anyway, I know I'd spend an awful lot of time in both rooms.

    I think my New Year's resolution should be: Be more decisive in 2011!!!!

    DBCoop on December 27, 2010 at 10:30 pm
  35. Good Morning everyone! I'm forwarding a Christmas message from Janzee at her request:

    Hi sweetie Liz, Christmas Eve I came back to Vegas and then Christmas day we drove up to that lodge I've talked about built about thirty years ago. We sat around a large fire and enjoyed the Christmas lights,the lodge trees and a view of a frozen pond. Then something very unusual happened, I looked up on an antique table and saw pictures of all the fellow bloggers on the site, twinkle twinkle. A big guy walked through the front door with a rudy complexion, some snazzy ski atire and a huge bag of goodies. He said "have you been good this year"? And then he turned to the pictures of all the bloggers and said " I know they have been very very good, and I have a huge surprise for one of you. Mmmmm I said, could you mean the HGTV DREAM HOME in STOWE. With a smirk, and a wan smile, Santa grinned and said, "Stay tuned pussycat, the best is yet to come". Liz up to you, but if you like could you reprint this on the main board?

    SweetLiz on December 28, 2010 at 9:26 am
  36. Well Gail i have no idea how to zoom in , or out. I dont know what the computer's problem is? Maybe it's just the opperater. I am rather new with this computer, or any computer for that matter. But each day that goes by i feel like i am learning more each day. Gail i am allway's having a good day no matter what i am doing. I do like being a part of this awsome small comunity known as the blogg. My goal is to enter daily. I do feel like this year will be a good year for me. What will be the first thing that i can do when i win this year's HGTV dream home? I will do so much exploring to see what i can find. I still love to take picture's of what ever looks good at that time.

    hudjon1977 on December 28, 2010 at 10:06 am
  37. I usually do take rather long showers any way but i would love to take longer showers in the shower at the HGTV dream home. I am still amazed that the home is so big. Just becouse i am single Gail does not mean that i wouldnt appreciate the home, becouse i would love to win this year's HGTV dream home. I do have a really big family that can go with me to be at this home, becouse it is soo big , and there is plenty of room for ervery body. I still haven't been able to see Monica Pederson on any of the tour video's. I would love sitting in the spaw with the fire burning watching the skier's go down the mountain. I also really enjoy riding on one of those snowmachine's. They are so fun to ride, but i do not ride verry fast, Becouse you never know what is in front of you, so you need to be safe.

    hudjon1977 on December 28, 2010 at 10:15 am
    • Monica will be on the HGTV special on television, if you have cable or satellite service to receive the HGTV network. If not, at some point, the show will be available to watch on the computer. Monica is not appearing on this early online tour.

      LLColeman on December 28, 2010 at 11:29 pm
      • Ok thanks at least i know that she is not in any harm , and that she is ok . That is my main goal. She will be on cable channel 44 on january first, On the HGTV channel. T%he HGTV channel is on cable channel 44 on cable. ^Yes i do happen to bhave cable. I am going to watch this channel all day long on january first, so that i am not one who misses anything. Thanks again friend

        hudjon1977 on December 29, 2010 at 2:01 am
  38. I can think of a number of possibilities for that "trap door" (above the entry door into the Mud Room) on the ceiling of the Car Barn. I'll list several. The first is that this is how the aliens get in and out of the Car Barn without being seen. Another is that some of the interior ceiling timbers were accidentally cut too short, and there was a extra square of wood laying around that was used to hide it…in hopes that no one would notice. Or it might be an access cover over electrical or mechanical components. The possibilities are limited only by one's imagination!

    Or maybe it provides access to the "sky dome" that was mentioned….

    DBCoop on December 28, 2010 at 11:19 am
    • I am never dissappointed in your theories. I will agree with the alien theory. sounds like fun!

      moon_lady on December 28, 2010 at 2:16 pm
    • Option 1 is highly imaginative and also alot of fun! Sky domes and aliens seem like a
      good combination. Option 2 can be handled in two words: framing videos. Option 3
      seems the most plausible but is a little mundane. So like Moon_lady, I'll go with the
      alien theory. It's alot more fun like secret rooms. It nurtures your imagination!

      Deerspring on December 29, 2010 at 8:53 am
  39. Has anyone from the dream home team actually said what the secret feature is?

    etmarika on December 28, 2010 at 12:31 pm
  40. While looking at the photos of the Main Entry, I noticed that there are 2 artists lamps (you know, the one's that are hung above the artwork in the gathering room) without any pictures beneath them. I wonder what is up with that?
    So, here is my theory, whacky or not! Those 2 spots are reserved for the pictures of the winning family. Perhaps HGTV will frame some shots from the winners weekend, or commission a local artist to paint a picture of the winning family, and the winning canine for the Doggie Dream Home.
    I am a bit concerned that if Soney, Diamond, or Maggie the Wonder Dog win, the Doggie house may need to be expanded a bit. There's no way Maggie's doggie derrierre will fit in that cute doghouse Although she's sweet, she's far from petite!

    AnneEliseSouth on December 28, 2010 at 1:09 pm
    • AnneElise, I was just looking more closely at the doggie dreamhouse, and realized the little house is covered with, what else–BARK ! Way to repeat a design theme( birch bark) and slip in a pun at the same time, LOL.

      LLColeman on December 28, 2010 at 11:32 pm
  41. Another good one!

    moon_lady on December 28, 2010 at 2:13 pm
    • Happy New Year, Moon_lady! Thanks.

      Deerspring on December 29, 2010 at 8:05 am
  42. Now, THIS is truly brilliant ! Great wrap up, Janzee–especially the reference to the kitchenette sink ! I love the imagery in your poetry; thank you for sharing.

    LLColeman on December 28, 2010 at 11:24 pm
    • You're welcome.

      Deerspring on December 29, 2010 at 8:48 am
  43. PS regarding Maggie–maybe they can design a little sleigh for her to pull if "she" wins !

    LLColeman on December 28, 2010 at 11:34 pm
  44. well fello bloggers. I am glad that i am not the only one who was a little bit dissopointed with the room above the car barn that actually wasn't a room, but was an empty space. However the builder had mentioned that it would't be hard to go ahead and put the room above the car barn that we all already thought until the virtual tour started on december 20 th. The home is still just as beuitiful as it has allway's been since i have watched the home be built from the ground up, and this was exciting to me . To watch something so perfect be built from the ground up. I is just awsome.

    hudjon1977 on December 28, 2010 at 11:52 pm
  45. I am also a good fan of yours Gail, becouse i do admire the job that you do so well. I am doing well today. There was no snow on the ground for christmas, but maybe next year there will be snow on the ground at christmas. Its been 11 years now , that we haven't had snow on the ground at christmas. Today it is snowing out side like a blizzard , and cant wait to go out and play in the snow , when the wind does stop blowing. However Super Fan Gail i hope to see a new video before the first of january. That would be really nice of you. I do hope to see monica pederson again. I have been waiting almost a year well sine the last dream home vertual tour. She really does a good job like the hole dream team does.

    hudjon1977 on December 29, 2010 at 6:13 pm
  46. Hello friend's I am just checking in to see what is new on here. Same video from Gail. I still do love the HGTV dream home eventhough the car barn dosn't have a secret room above the car like all us blogger's thought.. Anything that the dream team has got there hand's involved in is absoulutly amazing , and shows me that some day it is possible to have my own home. This HGTV dream home will be pervfect for me. I almost cant wait to explore the ar4ea. I look foreward to soaking my body in the spaw outside next to the worm fire in the fire pit. The computer was a really cool invention, and i am glad that i do have one.wich has given me the oppratunity to be a blogger. Its a lot of fun. Thank's DREAM TEAM.

    hudjon1977 on December 30, 2010 at 1:29 am
  47. Hello everbloggy. I did go out last night at ten p.m. to get aluminum cans from the trash can's. It was so cold, and i dont have any glove's. I was out side for almost 3 hours, and by the time i finally rolled myself home my hand's were so cold. I run my hand's under hot water so that i can get feeling back in my hand's. We only have almost two day's left till we will be able to enter to WIN this awsome 2011 HGTV dream home. I love erverything about the dream home so far. I cant wait to see it in person, and take a soak in the worm spaw wich i will enjoy verry much, and i love the fire place next to the spaw. This was a perfect idea. I check the blogg daily in hopes to see a new video, But i am sure Super Fan Gail has been busy with all her responsibilities. Good job dream team and thanks alot.

    hudjon1977 on December 30, 2010 at 9:52 am
  48. Its cold out side but i am still in a verry good mood , however i do wish that it would snow. We did not have snow on the ground at christmas again this year. I like erverything about this year's beuitiful HGTV 2011 dream home. My favorite places are the kitchen ny master bed room. And of course the hot tub wich have alway's wanted one of my own. I have been stuck in front of my computer for month's now gail, well since the dream started buiding this year's HGTV dream home. I will love to explore stowe vermont to see what i am ble to find. Some of those town's that were close to stowe looked cute. Its a good idea to have a town that no cars can drive on the road. I can tell you that it hurts people who get ran over by car's.This home is also so amazing and cant wait to see it in person. Thanks again dream team for a job well done.

    hudjon1977 on December 30, 2010 at 10:13 am
  49. Finally finished the tour of the 2011 Dream Home! It's so good to dream about all the things I'd do if I won. Whoever wins this baby will be one happy puppy next year. Ready to enter. Wonder who will be the first to enter–blogger or non-blogger?

    Lessie on December 30, 2010 at 8:13 pm
  50. Love, love, love what you've done with Up on the Housetop Deerspring. HGTV bloggers are so talented.

    Lessie on December 30, 2010 at 9:21 pm
    • Happy New Year, Lessie. Wishing you and your family a year of happiness and joy.
      It's a time for reflection of the past year and a time for planning ahead. I agree with
      you there is a talented group of bloggers here who also have a friendly and caring
      attitude. I'm glad you enjoyed the song.

      Deerspring on December 31, 2010 at 5:25 pm
      • Started replying to your comment about 3 AM, but was too tired, but I'm rested now.

        Happy New Year to you too, Deerspring. May all the desires of your heart be fulfilled and your joy overflow for years to come. Generously share all the goodness that comes your way. Can't wait to hear your new stories.

        Lessie on January 3, 2011 at 3:21 pm

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