HGTV Dream Home: A Patchwork Quilt
I’ve been working on content for HGTVPro.com’s Building of HGTV Dream Home 2012 package, now slated to launch in mid September, and I’m loving this quote shared by our builder Bo Holland during one of our recent conversations. I think it so perfectly describes the process of building this spectacular ranch-style home.
“There’s a phrase we often use in construction when something seems a bit challenging or difficult, and we call it ‘cut up’. This home is ‘cut up’. It has a whole bunch of shapes that seem to collide together, angles and geometric challenges that occur. It’s a little bit like a patchwork quilt. You’ve got all these pieces that you are trying to fit together and you aren’t quite sure how it’s going to come out until the end. It’s a very warm, inviting sort of home.”
Today’s collection of photos showcase crib framing, which I touched on earlier, as well as the home’s trussing and unique roofing systems. I’ll be sharing more information in September. Keep checking in for details.
Thanks for the new post Mary…. Glad all the geometric challenges haven't defeated anyone! The house is a beauty for sure .
My goodness, I think I'm first! Nice to see a new thread starting. I will be looking forward to the HGTVPro package. This home is sounding interesting!
My part of the country has fall in the air this morning. Summer comes back with a vengeance in a few days, but this dream home is further north than I am. Glad to see they are getting the house closed up a bit before the snow flies.
Don't rush it! We don't expect snow until at least Halloween! And we won't have to use the snow blower until December. The resorts will be snow-making as soon as it turns cold enough and sometimes they manage to open by Thanksgiving. Thank goodness we have a south-facing driveway at my house.
Sorry… I'll think good thoughts to try to keep that snow blower in the garage until a week before Christmas!
Bless you! I'm holding you to that!!
Speaking of Halloween, I was just at The Store and they have displays of spooky accessories for frightful decorating. I'm not ready for prime time!
I think I figured out why this is called the beehive state….. got stung yesterday at antelope island when a bee flew into my jacket (not my fault! it flew into ME!) and this morning there was a bee flying all around me when I was getting ready to ride… they won't leave me alone! LOL
Maybe I shouldn't use flower-scented shampoo?
Oh, Mary, you didn't forget us after all. Love the new pics, can't wait for the mid Sept. launch. You made us sweat a little, but you always come through!
Finally , new news
Our resident quilter in Midway will love this description, as she has seen this "cut up" house first hand. I think it makes the home unique, and the blue is growing on me. Whaaat? Did I really just admit that???
There is a bit of alchemy in quilt making, something that only the designer knows until the reveal and I rarely show my quilts in the design/construction process. We are fortunate to see the HGTV " dream weavers" at work day by day, little by little, and the house comes to life. It is so satisfying.
lol, wyo_ girl ! Because I associate this house with Beehivestate's reporting, and her hobby of quilting, I already have been thinking of this place in terms of a quilt. Guess there will be some blue patches….
Please tell me the Blue is some sort of primer or something…maybe it's better in person.
very nice in person, believe me if you win you won't care what color it is!
OMG!! A new posting! I guess it takes a hurricane AND an Earthquake to shake it loose. Mary many thanks. Hope all is well in Bucks county. Wanted to return from NJ back to VA via New Hope but were cautious about taking the back roads . Suspect there will be some flooding today. Hope all is ok in Bucks County.
Gosh it sure is BLUE!!!! Hmmm patch work quilt? Cut up pattern? Let's see what develops! I'm still kinda missing the pink!
Hopefully the info on HGTV Pro wil tide us over until mid-September
I'm not very good at geometry.:S Good luck with that.o.0^_^
I can't wait to see the finished work of art. I'm sure it'll be just as comforting as a homemade quilt, with a unique architectural style– stitched with love <3:) This gorgeous home will wrap it's new owners with security and blend seamlessly in their family's life.
And we can only hope for some quilts inside as well. By the way, most of the time when I make a label for a new quilt, I say "stitched with love" by and my name, and "Made in Midway UT" 2011.
Has anyone heard anything about the dream home up in Stowe VT? They got clobbered up in Vermont. Keep us posted please.
Stowe house is fine! I know first hand, us up here in northern vermont didn't get Irene NEARLY as bad as in the south. We lost power in some areas, and a few road closures (or reduction to one lane). I haven't been in stowe for a few days, but im sure it's nothing worse than what the OHTER side of the county got.
It was somewhat amusing, everyone thought that this hurricane was going to shut down power for at least a week, and wash out 3/4 or our roads. So no worries about Stowe Dream Home!
Thank you stoweman7. I hear from my daughter-in-law's family in Stowe that they had 5" rain in two hours! I hate to see the damage in the southern part of the state. I saw where the covered bridge by the Simon Pearce Glassworks factory was washed away.
yes, it was raining HARD and FAST! I don't live IN Stowe, so I imagine that all the water running down Mount Mansfield added to the flooding, more so than in my town, but i know that the house is fine! thank goodness!
Thanks for the first-hand update.
p.s. i'll try to get some more detailed info
glad to hear from you, stoweman. It can be a nervous time waiting to hear from all those we have come to have acquaintance of on blogs, as well as our loved ones.
Ah, thank goodness, life returns to the Dream Home blog. Mary obviously has had her work cut out for her lately pulling together this patchwork quilt of information, photos, videos, and stack's of etc's for the Sept. launch of the HGTVPro.com Dream Home 2012 building package. There's going to be A LOT to see, to read, to ponder, and simply enjoy! Ready when you are, Mary.
By the way, is that a modest balcony I see there in the top photo? How perfect for the Utah version of Romeo and Juliet. I can just hear it now — "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is Midway, and the Provo River sparkles in the sun!"
Could anything be more romantic than this Utah farmhouse-styled Dream Home?!
Yes, it is a tiny balcony off the west side of the master suite.
I see' Coops-peare' has appeared once again, LOL…after being so Bored on here this past month, the Bard in you has been inspired !
LOL!
Not sure, but me thinks I heard a voice in the distance calling "Coop-eo, Coop-eo, wherefore art thou?" Or was it merely the voices of a multitude of bloggers asking for Mary to post a new blog thread? Either way, Mary's back now, we have a new blog thread, and Yours Truly, DB Coop, has resurfaced after a short hiatus from the Dream Home blog — proving that the early demise of either one was unfounded.
Oh for crying out loud, I thought you were on your way back to Midway for Swiss Days!
LOL!!!
Glad you have rejoined us – we missed you!
Thank you, Mary! Thank you, thank you, thank you! A new post. And the new pics are wonderful. I am really intrigued with this new home.
Hooray! Our Mary has returned to the DH blog, and she comes bearing exciting news! It will be hard, but I will wait patiently for mid-September and the information-filled HGTVpro package we have been promised — thank you Mary for the new pictures and for letting us know we have not been forgotten! xD
I would love to hear Linda Woodrum's ideas for complimenting the interior of this complicated, 'cut up' –and convoluted masterpiece. Although it seems to be a traditional sprawling ranch style home, it seems that all those angles and geometric shapes call for a bit of contemporary flair. I'm sure when it all comes together Linda will have managed to marry Utah's traditions, with current modern amenities. In much the same way Grandma gradually embraced modern conveniences–from her wash tub to her washing machine–her wood heated cook stove to her electric or gas range–her ice box to her electric fridge–her needle and thread to her quilt machine (:o Grandma how could you?:|) Anyway, homes were built and added onto over time, just as gradually as new modern conveniences became available. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that it wasn't just the outside home structure that changed and enlarged to suit the needs of a growing family. The inside of the home changed dramatically to accept the desires for new modern conveniences; especially electricity, phone and indoor plumbing.
I'll bet the building crew's glad they aren't having to cut with a hand saw and drive in big ol' square nails with a hammer. ^_^
Yes back when men were men with big ol' bulging muscles of steel and sinew tendons. OOOO sorry I got carried away. Me bad.
ha ha–be bad all you want !!
Some of those construction workin' men still have them bulgin' muscles. Ahem…. not that I've been looking=/
Cami, don't mention "icebox" or "washtub" around Linda! We may end up with Icebox bedside tables in the master suite and Washtub chairs in the family room, LOL! ( Linda knows I love her style )…
Oh heaven forbid…lol!!!
A home filled with antiques???…..AND QUILTS???? That would be SWEET!!!
The progress is really coming along. Looks great!
Love the new pictures! I hope this years home will have a gas stove! That way if power goes out at least you can still cook. Will the home be on a septic system and have a well? So many questions to be answered.
Ladny, I believe they are on the sewer system and city water. It would be great if they could have a gas range and other appliances. It makes it so nice to cook. I also am voting for a barrier-free shower in that downstairs bedroom.
I was just thinking, if a person had disabled family members, it wouldn't be too hard to put a stair "lift" on that back stairway. Just thinking out loud.
beehivestate…….I hear you!!!! Such modest changes…… can allow such wonderful opportunities for people of all abilities. It's NOT that difficult to do! Really. HGTV-set the standard and step it up. Be the trend setter. Take the lead and make the others follow your example. Make these "modest" accommodations the accepted norm in new home construction where ever it may be.
Thank you Mary. The pictures look very nice. I will be checking in for details. I can't wait till the outside is done, so we can see the progress inside. Are they working inside? Anyway can't wait till it's all done. Whoever is going to win will be very lucky. Hey you know what I just realized, beehive if you win you don't have to wait to see the home, once they come to surprise you, you could just put on your shoes and go!!!
THANK GOODNESS! MARY HAS RETURNED! so happy to see the new pics! THANK YOU MARY! PLEASE SHOW US MORE! (don't make us wait for MID SEPTEMBER!)
Wow! How nice it is!!! Can't wait for more. Thank you Mary.
We drove past the house just now. They are putting another sheet of metal on the front part of the roof, over the area of roof that is the mudroom/laundry. If you look at the artist rendering, you can actually see it, adjacent to the master suite Juliet balcony.
Mary, Mary, see you are good to us (sometimes). Thank you for addressing us and showing us more.
We actually do need you around and graciously admit it. You have become a Goddess to so many.
Please stay around and play with us. B)
Yeah new pic for my wallpaper – keeps us dreaming about the Dream Home – Loving IT! I look forward to mid-September to see more of this beautiful DH.
holy cow! Can't believe a new update, i thought my eyes were playing tricks haha. I was about to put up a comment that said the dream home 2011 must be a joke haha.
Wow a new post finally. I have not been able to access the internet for four days because I left my home in NJ on Sunday morning due to the major floods that we are experiencing. I am still in CT and I have no plans to return until the power is restored. We have been flooded before but this is the worst I have seen, I was able to see some of the pictures today because here we lost power and internet after the storm passed due to the soil being saturated with water the tree fell on Monday night and it was not restored until today. Generators do wonders on these days except they cannot restore cable or internet that is the downside but I can't complain me and my family are safe everything else can be replaced because I got about 4 to 5 feet water on the first floor in the house. The water is gone but has left a mess behind. I hope everyone is safe. I have a lot to be thankful for a lot of people lost everything.
The house looks more beautiful every time they post new pictures. Thank you Mary.
albbora, so sorry to hear that you have suffered flood damage in your house ! My uncle & cousin live in N. central NJ in Chester–they were lucky; just lost power and waiting for that to come back on— and they have a garage below- grade that flooded.
Good luck to you in getting your house back to normal. <3
Sorry to hear about your trouble. Good luck getting back to normal out there. We're thinking about you.
You have a wonderful attitude about it, but I am sorry to hear about the process you will have to go through to get things back to normal. I will be watching your posts to see how you are doing.
Thanks everyone for your concern, hopefully I will be able to return home tomorrow because the power will be restored by tonight or tomorrow morning according to JCP&L. So many are out of their homes in shelters and hotels because they can't go back home due to safety.
albbora, how's it going this week, any better? I trust you were able to go back home?
I am doing a lot better this week. I am back to normal now but it was very hectic last week. I came back home last Tuesday after gas came back on and beetween getting my house in order and getting my daughters ready for school it was tough but I did the best I could and everything went fine. When I got back though it was not a pretty sight on my street I feel so bad for my neighbors they are still not back at their homes I feel horrible about them but I can't do much abouth them it will take some time to rebuild. Beehivestate thank you so much for caring <3
Good for you! Keep on keeping on. All my little problems are like nothing compared to what you are having to cope with these days.
Thank you Mary!
DAILY BUZZ. 9/1/2011. Midway UT "NO BETTER PLACE TO LIVE" The house is practically unchanged from my visit last week but I walked all around looking for anything I could possibly report. No signs of anyone landscaping yet. Workers are up on the roof sealing the edges of the metal surfaces and putting long pipes down the chimney. From outside the back porch I could see what looks like a bbq hood. Looking through the dining room window from back behind the fence, I see the built-in wall ovens and a stainless side by side refrigerator. it's hard to see much detail in there because of the bright sunlight overhead.
Up top, I see the metal roof over the two big windows in the garage and over the garage door, a metal overhang. In back, the decks are about the same except there appears to be a square hole in the main deck that is set-up a bit, as if it's a place to sit. Maybe they will build something into the hole. It's not as big as the hot tub opening on the game room deck area, though, so I don't think it's another hot tub, and it doesn't sit down in the ground like the hot tub enclosure does.
Very few workers there today but it was only 9 o'clock. All the grasses around the development are dying back and it's very scratchy to walk through there! I did climb up on the first rail of the fence but couldn't honestly see much better from that perch. A worker bee up on the roof was taking a smoke break and waved at me. I wish I could just stand on the deck so I could see the view of the river, it must be quite a sight. It's a bit cooler in Midway this morning, I had to put an extra quilt on the bed last night.
Everybody have a great holiday weekend! I have a friend coming from Alaska, I'm excited! Don't forget your entries for the UO and the Blog Cabin!
Oh, I forgot to say that they are also building the railings on all the upper level decks… the Juliet balcony in front and the master suite balcony in back. Also the balcony off the back north upstairs bedroom. It looks very nice.
The MBR porch has intrigued me from the beginning. Is there a step-out balcony off it – either a Juliet one or a larger one like off the studio bedroom? The porch has always looked more like it's just part of the bedroom than a porch, if you get my drift. I just can't visualize it being different from a sitting room that looks out on the backyard. I'm also looking forward to seeing what Linda does with it. I can't believe we still have months to go before we can see the interior!
Okay, here's the deal with the porches off the MBR. On the river side of the house, it is a good sized balcony where you could put a couple chairs and a small table and it is covered and has half-walls on the north and south sides. It has french doors, too, and will be a great spot for that morning brew. You could see the fishermen from up there quite easily.
Irishsprite, the Juliet balcony on the NW side of the MBR is the small one, just a step-out balcony, no chairs. I'm getting my directions mixed up, sorry.
I think the new pictures just answered all my questions…lol
Good, there's your thousand words.
I wonder if the raised section is for a fireplace.
It could well be but there is a masonry outdoor fireplace already on the covered deck. I'm thinking something for a picnic table.
I'll be coming to Midway on Friday afternoon to enjoy Swiss Days. I haven't been in years, but looking for some fun close to home, but far enough away to feel different. Told hubby we had to drive by "our new home" to see how it's doing. He just rolls his eyes
Hi, if you want to see the back yard of the house, park at the fishing access point just to the north of the house. Cross the walking bridge and follow the path along the river a short ways and you will come to the house. Walk slightly west to the fence for a good view.
Thank you for all the detailed information I feel like I am there.
So I have a question about the metal overhangs – do they keep snow and ice from accumulating on the roof? I don't have any experience with them.
Maybe the square area on the deck is for a planter with seating around the edge. I've seen those built into decks and they look really sharp.
Bee, is the bbq hood on the back deck something that is built in? Where is it located?
I hope you still like answering questions because I seem to be full of them today…lol!
It sounds like from what you can see inside that they are getting busy in the kitchen. I'm really looking forward to seeing that space and what they do with it. Especially since you said you could see some stonework through the window in a previous post. Between that and the possible uses for the trestle wood, maybe on the floor, there are so many spectacular things Linda can do to decorate the kitchen and dining room. I'm getting excited!!
Irish, yes maybe that's a planter, it's about the right size. Maybe it's for a mini-veg. garden (just kidding). The metal roof is to keep ice from accumulating. The bbq is just outside the french doors, if you are facing north and step outside, it's on the left (I think). I don't know and can't tell if it is actually installed or just sitting there.
I would dearly love to have a small kitchen garden, even a container one. That southern sun would be so great for growing tomatoes! Yum! I keep forgetting that your winter is longer than mine here in central Ohio. What about your growing season, how long is that?
One of the new pictures shows the grill and I like where it's sitting. That seems like a perfect place for an outdoor kitchen.
You can grow vegetables, especially tomatoes, in containers. The soil itself would have to be considerably amended. People in Midway who garden tell me their “five” tomatoes cost $50!
Mary, It's September Not ready? Oh well. On the main page, the look of the kitchen and
dining room seem to look like the last Green Home in Denver. Will it be just the same or
in a larger dimention? Good Holiday to one and all.
You know, I was thinking that I am getting so much better at typing on the computer and then
I reread my posts and keep finding errors. I just won't call you forks. A few will get it.
SandyLA yes we remember! It was the funniest comment and so many forks replied! Still laughing and will never forget it.
SandyLA reporting here! Los Angeles County just had a 4.2 earthquake! I personally think
this has all gone far enough Earth just settle down now. No more quakes, storms, high tides
or fires. It is the first day of September and fall is just "around the corner". Let us go forth and
witness the beauty of nature and the conclusion of the Dream Home building with nothing to
come and get in our way!
Wow earthquake, please we had enough give us a break. Hopefully there is no damage.
I didn't even feel it, but I heard there was some breakage by the epicenter. They usually
don't report about 4s but apparently the studios were hit strongly, but no damage.
Don't forget the droughts too. We are starving for rain here in the panhandle of Texas and everyone else is getting an over abundance. I wish we could share. lol
I would love to share we in NJ are drowning, there are still parts under water. I am still in CT but looking at the pictres looks very scary.
We have had drought but not too bad, but this year – wow – lots of water with no flooding
and the lakes are higher than they have been in years. I know NJ is flooded, are there
other places with water? albbora, hope your house and things are OK!
Sandy, from your lips to God's ears. As Elvis sang, "We're all shook up". We are shook up, and blown away. Hurricane season promises to be lively this year too!
Maybe if we inhabitants could get along better, Mother Nature would give us a break. Just a thought.
Beehive, it appears this house was made for you and will forever be known as the Quilt House. As soon as I saw the title of this post I thought of you…lol!!
Let's call it the quilt RANCH. I hope the studio bedroom has a big closet, I need storage for all my quilts in there. Linda, do you hear me? Let's have a big armoire or some open shelves for quilts and also, I need good light and electrical outlets wired for my Bernina and my iron. Don't want to blow any fuses.
Absolutely! The Quilt RANCH it is! It looks like there is a nice size walk-in closet in the studio bedroom and I echo your request for a large armoire. I think it would be so easy to convert part of that closet into some storage for our various artistic pursuits if it doesn't already have a built-in closet system.
Irishsprite, I thought of Bee also !! Luckily beehive, you did not ask for the space for a long-arm quilter ! I have seen them on tv–they are monsters ! A whole room is needed to house one.
Yes and they cost $20,000 and up so I will not be buying one anytime soon. Personally, I'd rather piece tops and pay somebody else to add the quilting. I have a really fabulous quilter in Puyallup, WA and she has done my quilts for years, better than I could ever do. Now that I send them to her, I call my studio THE FLYING Q RANCH.
We have 10 new pictures – hooray! Here's the link http://www.hgtv.com/about-us/hgtv-dream-home-2012…
Thanks for the heads up on the pictures. I like the one of the driveway, it really shows how the house sits on the land. And, as you can see, the blue is not too prominent from the street side.
The driveway is beautiful and has a gorgeous graceful curve. The front of the ranch is very impressive. I can just picture a couple of high-back rockers on that front porch, can't you?
Yes, I had that in mind from the get-go.
It was nice to have at least one picture from the front! I saw the blue and what
seemed like white paint on the outside. Is it really a light brown? I thought you
had said that at one time. A seperate question: Is the view cut off if someone
is sitting down on the back porch in back of the stone wall?
Hi Sandy, the light-color paint is more of a tan-gray and looks nice with the blue, although it is an unusual combination that I've never seen before. As for the view, the elevation of the house is a little bit higher than I can actually see from standing by the fence looking at the back porch but I would guess you will have some view from sitting on the back porch behind the wall, although you might not see the river because you wouldn't be high enough. It will be interesting to see how much view there is of the river from the back. okay, have a great Sunday!
Thank you Bee. At some point I will be visiting because I think it wouldn’t be too far off my way from home to Denver. How far areYou from Denver again? We usually stay in St. George over night.Hope you had a great weekend!
Sandy, stay in St. George then come north on the interstate. Take the highway through Provo Canyon and follow the signs to Heber City. Midway is a stone's throw from there. Stay overnight at The Homestead Resort or the Zermatt (2nd choice). It's 450 miles to Denver from here, a long day's drive. From St. George to Midway is a good day's drive. Let me know when you get here, I'll meet you.
Will do! Is there an RV park there?
Yes I think so. I will ask around and let you know.
Ooh, she is looking good! I like the combination of the grey, and blue. I think the style,and color make the house seem like it's always been there, not a new creation, it's welcoming, and comfy looking without looking too formal, or fussy.
I hope they paint the trim in a contrasting color, that would be like the icing on the cake.
LOL, you mean like lacing on a quilt !
Thanks, 'lacing on a quilt", I like that description even better.
I would say the "quilting makes the quilt." That is, the stitching that holds the back, batting, and top layers together is "icing" on the cake in a way. I wouldn't call it "lacing" but here in bloggerville, we can make up our own words and so what!
I might say, "Like binding on a quilt". What do you think?
Yes, binding on a quilt or like the quilting stitch pattern.
She's Alive!!!!
Irishsprite, right you are, what a good eye you have for detail. Picture #41 in the new group does show the bbq grill hood.
So, it would seem the post I made earlier from my mobile did not go through here, even though to this day still shows up posted in the Crib Framing post on the phone! Yay for new Mary posts!
Anyway, it just so happened that I was out to UT with my girlfriend for a couple days for a wedding which took place in Provo Canyon where we stayed. I got a chance to have a look-see at the house, too, while I was there. It's very nice and peaceful! I've seen that beehivestate seems to live right around the corner somewhere and a few other DH fans here have already made similar posts, but I'm just excited that I finally got to have a first-hand look at one of the DH's after a number of years following them! (Visited Stowe for years, but not since the DH was built there, and I was within a mile of the Sonoma house but couldn't find it from road memory before I had to get moving along!)
At the time of my original post, I was sitting at the Sidetrack Cafe in Heber City with a few friends in really awesome weather thinking to myself how awesome it is to have gone through the previous night's spectacular thunderstorm without feeling like drowning in an invisible sea of water and feeling little evidence of it's passing in the form of humidity the next morning. I've lived in VA all my life, but this little trip reminded me of how much more the western weather is more suited to me.
I never got to check out the enticing pizza place in Midway, or the nearby Swiss confectioneries, but on my last day, I did get to go up to Sundance with the girlfriend and a couple of friends, climb a bit of Mt. Timpanogos, and stop to be refreshed with some trail snacks at Stewart's Falls B) That was 3 days ago and I'm still kinda feeling it (not out of shape, just unused to the altitude, I swear!!
)
That little hike up to Stuart Falls is fun, I'm glad you got to do it. I can just see you sitting out at the Sidetrack having a coffee. Glad you got here to see the house. I live near the round-about on River Road, on your way in to town. Thanks for coming to see Midway!
Hi, in looking for my own post of a week ago (still can't find it) I came across yours. My number one consideration in retiring somewhere else is the VA humidity. I live in NoVa and have for twenty years and have lived thru the swamp air conditions all that time. I laughed when your post confirmed that others feel the way I do. I want to live 'out west' where the air is dry, the sun is warm on my back and they have tall grasses because there is space to breath and grow them. I want views. Good post, thanks.
The Dream home has so many wings, I believe it could fly.
How would it be to live in a home that didn't just have bedrooms, but entire wings to call your very own. There's 7 people in my family, so add one for the kitchen/great room, and my home would look like an octopod. I wonder if Bo Holland would be up to the challenge of all those angles. I suppose if all the angles are the same… why not?o.0
Thanks, Irishsprite, for the heads up on the new construction photos. It helps me better visualize what Beehivestate has been so accurately describing to us! I also like the LOOOONG driveway photo, and coming from my experience in a similar climate, my mind immediately went to snow removal. The winner better have a powerful snowblower or plow truck!
How much snow do they usually get in that neighborhood?
Several snowstorms each winter, sometimes 2'-4' ++ snow in one storm. It will definitely be necessary to have a snowblower or hire a service to clear the drive. In our neighborhood (down the street) the snow removal service is about $300 for the winter. Snow could be expected as early as Halloween and into March.
Our first winter here was 2008 and it was huge snow so we bought a snowblower and we do ours and our next-door-neighbor's driveways.
I'd be surprised if snow removal cost only $300 per season at the Dream Home, since there aren't as many neighbors to pool together, and that driveway is long!
That's right, our little driveway is about a third of the DH drive.
Hi Wyoming, how much snow do you get in Star Valley?
We get similar snows to you. It's common to get 6-10 inches from a storm, but a little less common to get more than 2 feet in one storm. The average snowfall for this area is about 80 inches per year. What makes it feel like there is even more snow is that we don't get the changes in temperature that we did in Denver — we had nearly as much snow there, but it would melt often because of 40-50 degree days interspersed throughout the winter. Here, if it snows, even in November, that snow stays on the ground until late April or even May!
Yes, once when I lived in Denver we had a big snow storm and the plow made a huge pile right in front of our house. Every day I parked my VW bug right behind the ever-so-slowly melting pile of snow and one day I didn't even see the snow mound and I drove right up on top of it and high centered the car and my DH had to dig me out to get the wheels back on the ground. Our little boy ran up and down the street calling his friends "come see what my mom did!"
Snow often accumulates up to the level of the picket fence when it's real cold and it doesn't melt off.
It sure doesn't melt off. We can tell Spring is coming (in May) when we start seeing the snow below the middle wire on the barbed wire fences around here. Often during the winter, it nearly covers the top wire. It's funny how we measure around here!
My friend tells me that in Alaska they say summer is over when the flowers are gone from the tip top of the fireweed.
Beehive,
I think they might be building a fire pit in the front deck off the great room/dining room. Do you think the crib framing is completed? It looks like regular siding to me with a few angled pieces. For some reason I thought it would be blue paint underneath and then a horizontal layer of something else on top. Also, what is the elevation out there?
Thanks
ksmort9, the elevation here is about 5700'. The "slats" on the crib framing are painted brown, it just doesn't show in the picture because of the date of the photo. No, I don't think it is a fire pit on the front deck but are you talking about the back deck off the great room? That "hole" I doubt it's a fire pit but will watch and see. I question why they would build a fire pit if they have a masonry fireplace right there, and an outdoor fire pit in the middle of a wood deck might be a fire hazard.
Yes, but not if it's one of those gas fireplaces that goes up through gravel, or something similar to the 2011 Green Home. Enjoy your weekend!
Oh, now I see what you mean, a gas fireplace. I wonder how that would work, out in the open, with all the winter snows. I haven't seen it done out here but maybe HGTV is trendsetters.
Please tell us the Blue is just a primer. I like blue but this blue seems to either not photograph well or maybe it's my computer screen. Just looks amiss with the rest of the house.
no, that's the actual blue but the whole house isn't that color, it's just an "accent"
Did you mean "accident"? One thing good about the color,,,it will fade. Looks to me like they stacked a few colorful old-time railroad box cars up to the end of the house.
The back deck is looking mighty fine. Can't see the holes in the deck you've mentioned, but I hope the one off the Great Room has a fire pit.
I still hope they screen-in one of the porches.
Blue always fades, maybe that's part of the "old farmhouse" ambience… they have fade-tested the paint in the Utah sun to see how it will look. You really can't see the holes in the decks unless you can get up a little bit from the level of the camera.
Oh, i know what it's like! Working in my Grandparent's house is a nightmare! (circa 1870)
Talking about waiting nervously to hear about the well-being of former Dream Homes (Stowe), which seems to have weathered the rains just fine, I was surprised with another prominent news article this morning — the "rediscovery" of Tina Mucklow. From the recent photos, she has aged remarkably well since November of 1971. I'm glad to see she is doing well.
Our Utah Dream Home is also doing remarkably well based on recent photo updates and first-hand observations. I am, however, still working on adjusting to the blue crib framing color. Although as they say, time heals all blues.
I STILL love the color. :$
Hi Brenda, did you start back to school?
Yes, I did. And Calculus is kicking my butt!! I only had the easy math in High School. When I went to college, the first time, fourteen years ago, I took Algebra and had to take College Alebra twice. And it's been ten years or more since those classes and I am completely lost!!
I know someone's birthday is coming up soon!!!
Wish I was there to bake them for you!!! 
Yes, it's Tuesday, thanks, I will take virtual red velvet cupcakes with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles lol. Actually, our son is making me a three layer from scratch German chocolate cake for tomorrow's dinner after we all attend the Sheep Dog Trials at Soldier Hollow.Math was my hardest, I never got to calculus but college algebra was killer. I “aced” it but ONLY because my DH tutored me every day. At the end of the term, I was getting to like it and I said maybe I would take the next course and he said “no, please don't!”
Sounds like it will be a Labor Day of love for your son who will be baking your special birthday cake.
Which makes me think of another upcoming special event in Midway — load-in day at the Dream Home. Bound to happen before long. So speaking of delicious foods, when you see the big trucks pulling up to the DH, beehivestate, and Jack T and Linda Woodrum are rushing excitedly about, you might want to deliver some real red velvet cupcakes to them, or even deli sandwiches to welcome them to the neighborhood. Of course, such good deeds just might be rewarded with some special insights on furnishing style and colors, and a couple of photos for hungry bloggers wouldn't hurt either…. :p
Then again, I wonder if they'll unload the furnishings under the cover of darkness in order to foil our plans? Hmm, maybe you'd better take a flashlight with you, beehivestate.
okay, I don't think the load in day will be for awhile, the interior isn't that much done. I won't see the trucks go by from here but if I DO see them, you can be sure I'll work an angle. Maybe run up to the Country Corner bakery and get a dozen fabulous cupcakes for the crew as a housewarming. I've been asking around and no one will confess to seeing HGTV people buying furnishings but you never know. From now on, I'll have my camera at the ready.My friend from Alaska is here for the weekend and right now we are going down to the DH so will post her observations as a newcomer.
I can't wait for the updates!!! Hope your friend is loving it there. I know I would.
Sounds delumpsious!!! I love that there are so many activities in Midway and surrounding areas!! Jack really did a great thing here!!!
Thanks Jack!!! <3
I dont think I could fall more in love with this house… and I havent even seen the inside yet! I cannot wait till this drawing begins!
I love the blue- I have always wanted a blue home with white trim.
I wish I could go back home I am here in CT for seven days now I wish I can go back home. The gas service has not been restored in my town due to flood damage. PSE&G has to inspect all the gas lines because a house exploded due to gas leak http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/fire-destroys-hom….
I can't even send my youngest daughter to school because her school got flooded. I am sure a lot of people are in a worst shape than me but I really want to go back to normal I don't know hou much of this I can take. I am looking at the pictures and reading the blog and I am in such a better mood . Thank you everyone for your concern and thank you HGTV for letting us dream.
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best in getting your home back.
Thank you
I'm so sorry things are going so badly for you, albbora! Do you live in CT or are you just there because of the flooding in your home town? I wish you all the best and hope your gas is restored soon so you can go home.
Thank you. I am in CT since last Sunday because we got floodod I am at my parents house with my two girls and my husband is in NJ in a hotel until is safe for us to go home. The power is on but the gas company is still working to restore service. I am lucky my house is two levels I can return home as long as the gas is back on. The peole that got water and only have one level are in a much worse shape because it takes so much time to rebuild considering the damage NJ got due to hurrican Irene. We will do the best we can I always think positive, it always could be worse.
You have a good attitude, it will be a process getting back to normal, something good may yet come of it all. Keep us posted. Two thumbs up to you!
I love hearing the play by play actions of beehivestate's reconnaissance missions- directly from beehivestate. But then I got to thinking wouldn't it be fun to see beehivestate in action on video.:o
Beehivestate do you wear your regular strolling the neighborhood clothing, or do you put on your recon -camouflage ensemble? Do you stay low and sneak around peering around corners to make sure the coast is clear? Or do you just walk around with a plate of cookies, just so anyone who might see you comin' knows you're there with the best of intentions. Ahhh it's fun to imagine all the various ways a person might lurk-see-loo. Whatever you're doing beehivestate keep at it, and be sure to cover your tracks. lol.^_^
Hi Cami, I finally just figured out how to post pictures to the blog so I will have more fun than ever now. I usually wear my Colorado Rockies baseball cap and sunglasses and carry my binoculars under my shirt. I walk around like I know what I'm doing and like I own the place and I stay off the HGTV property but now I have my zoom lens so watch out!
DAILY BUZZ. Sunday before Labor Day. I took my friend from Alaska down to scout out the house today. She's an "audacious" sort and thought we might just run up, stand on the back deck, and see if the river was visible from there… until we noticed "big (really big) bad Leroy Brown was INSIDE the house in the great room looking out at us. She waved (he didn't wave back!) from the fence. First we drove by the front and took some pictures, then we drove up by the fishing parking lot and walked the back path down to behind the house. It's quite a ways farther than I thought and it was hot and the grass was very dry and my friend was "breathless" from the altitude and the heat. She said it felt like she was climbing a mountain!
I have some new things to report, the most exciting, being that the front door is on and it is gorgeous. It's wood and the color is like a medium-stained oak and the door has 12 windows! The other thing in front is they are building what looks like a landscaping area with a curve of the stone work, this is all in front of the house.
Next: the garage door is on (it was closed) and it is a blue gray that is a little different in shade from the house color. The garage door also has windows. Around the back, they are putting on the decking material on the deck scaffolding.
I took pictures and am going to try to put them on the blog, give me a few minutes to work on that. I also think my friend will post her impressions. After we saw the house, I took her up to the top of Memorial Hill to see the view and then to Zermatt for a gelatto and a drive around Midway to see some of the Swiss painted houses. Tomorrow we'll go to the sheep dog trials at Soldier Hollow.
We did Swiss Days yesterday so we were pretty tired today. Our original plan was to go to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir record their Sunday "Music and the Spoken Word" and then see Temple Square. We'll save that for another trip.
Thanks for the update bee, what a wonderful surprise! I didn't expect to hear from you since your friend from Alaska is visiting until I thought about it a little more and realized that, of course, you would take her to see our house.
The front door sounds absolutely magnificent – 12 windows! I can't wait to see pictures of it. I don't know if there's a record, but this house has to have more windows and/or french doors than any other DH. The downstairs alone has at least 12 french doors alone – just amazing!
Since they're putting on the decking material, can you tell anymore about the hot tub area? Does it still look like they are putting in one? Also that raised area on the other deck – anymore insight into that?
I hope your pictures turn out and you can post them. You know me, always greedy for more pictures!
Get back to the blog, I just posted a link to the pictures and it worked (wonders never cease!) Now I know "how to" and we can have as many pictures as I can get! I can send thousands of pictures if I want!
lol…did you just offer to send thousands of pictures to the woman who can never get enough pictures? Be careful or I'll be asking you to take all those pictures from every possible view of the house!!
Thanks for the heads up on your pictures – I was off the blog (just as you guessed) and came hurrying back as soon as I read the word "photo"…lol!
yes thousands until you beg me to stop already
LOL…don't hold your breath, bee!!!
There will be so many pictures that Mary won't be able to keep up!
Oh, I'd love that…huge LOL!!!!
DAILY BUZZ. part 2. Sunday. This morning we had a very good time looking at some of the pictures we collected from my past trips up to see her and teach quilting in her little town of Haines, Alaska. We decided I might come up there again next February (I always go for the holiday weekend) to teach. It will be during the contest period so, of course, I will have to have computer access so I can get my two-a-day entries in!
While we were at the top of Memorial Hill, I talked to a family from Davis County, UT and they had never heard of the Dream Home, can you believe it? I thought by now everyone has heard of HGTV! I told her my name and got her name so in case they win, I told her to mention that she first heard about it from me up at the top of the Memorial Hill on the Labor Day Weekend.
Oh! My friend dared me to go up to the front door of the house and knock and ask "Leroy" if we could take his picture and post it for you guys. He definitely looks like the sort who would be influenced by baked goods, maybe next time I'll bring a plate of cookies.
Over and out from 84049
S. U. I. B. G., huh, beehive ? (Security Under the Influence of Baked Goods)–LOL ! Maybe you could tempt him with a loaded Pic-a-Nic Basket that has a tablecloth, napkin, beverage and assorted goodies, so that the guard has to sit down a spell to enjoy the bounty from a' friendly neighbor'. Since your friend is so daring, she can sneak in & get photos,while you regale the security guard with fascinating discourse. Come to think of it, this sounds like a caper with Lucy & Ethel from the old " I Love Lucy" shows…………
Too funny! I need alicesoneysmom out here to make a YouTube vid, I think your idea would be worthy of recording for posterity in the HGTV archives, LLColeman! You have a great mind lol and I actually have a picnic basket like that. I think a bottle of vino, too, don't you? While he's opening the wine, my friend "breathless" can sneak around back and climb up on the deck to see if the river is visible from there. By the way, "Breathless" is also a quilter and agrees we need the back upstairs suite for studio space. Oh, I just thought this is Utah and he's probably not going to like the wine. What else can I substitute for that?
How about a nice tall cold glass of homemade lemonade. Thank you beehivestate for those great pictures. I still haven't figured out my new camera but I am working on it, want everybody to see how handsome Soney is. We found this video clip and thought we would share. It goes along with some of our topics of conversation. The Romeo and Juliet balcony, decorating and I think I see Hokiemom causing some trouble. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3_5nEAM7yw
So funny LLColeman it reminds me of Lucy and Ethel too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbo4OYSLTdI
alice, that video was perfect !
I wasn't thinking about Lucy & Ethel, I was leaning more toward Boo-Boo and Yogi because of the Pic-a-Nic Basket. "But Yogi, Mr. Ranger isn't gonna like this!"
Thanks so much Wyo_Girl. How could I forget that Beehivestate mentioned bear sightings near the DH, it probably was Boo-Boo and Yogi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs35Vyy3krE
You guys are seriously funny!
Or do you think it could be Bear and Ojo in the Big Blue House? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vXOkruTHhs&fe…
Hey alice and soney, breathles and I were just watching and breathless gave me the idea to get a black bear costume and go on the prowl around the DH. Can you just visualize a black bear with a Nikon Cool Piks camera?
Breathles says "is seriously funny" an oxymoron?" I told her about the "boar" that my dad had and SandyLA's "forks" and she about died laughing! We have to get up at 5 a.m. to make way for the airport so will talk later.
Thanks ASM — this makes me want to dance, but not necessarily the "flamingo"!
Yes, somehow there is more temptation in pronouncing it a' Pic-a-Nic' basket than plain old' picnic basket'… we do have to distract the security guard, LOL.
Don't worry, Mary !! Just harmless kidding around the blog….
Does anyone else go to the BING homepage everyday just to see the photo? I think the colorfull roof of a few days ago is spectacular- this colorful home reminds me of it.
Yes I do everyday. loved the one of the rice fields
Here (I hope) are some pictures I took of the house today. I hope this link works, as I don't have the foggiest what I'm doing!
http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=67137540@N05&…
OMG I can't believe I did it! I'm so excited! I took more pictures than this but my camera didn't record all so tomorrow I'll go back over there and get the side views of the house for you. Don't laugh but it only took me about two hours to figure out how to get these THREE measley pictures from my camera onto a Flickr account and exported. Sigh!
A big huge hug is headed your way! I'm as excited as you are that you now know how to take pictures and post them – now you can record just what you are seeing and we'll be able to see it too!! Hooray!!!!!
Maybe next time it won't take as long to post them to Flickr since you've learned how to do it. I am so impressed, missy!!
Your pictures are just wonderful – congratulations on figuring out how to post (I have no idea)! That front door is very impressive. Did you notice the lighting fixtures by the front door? I just love them!
I'm so excited you took the picture from the exact view I've been so curious to see – a big huge thanks to you!!! It's the last picture, the one that looks straight at the backyard. It really gives you an idea how massive the ranch (this place definitely qualifies as a ranch) is, with all its additions clearly showing. Just love it – great job, bee!
One other thing, I can see that the MBR patio is a patio now. I'm so excited! From the west side it looks like just another room in the house, but when I look at it from the south I can actually see that it's a patio. The french doors to the MBR are perfectly visible and now it all makes sense. Thank you so much for clearing that up for me. You know how I have to be able to "see" in my mind what everything looks like…lol
You are so welcome! It was a challenge but fun. I actually took way more pictures but my camera was “full” so I only got those four. I figured out how to delete after I loaded onto iPhoto so now I'm good to go. let me know if there is anything special you want to see. I took those pictures of the door with my zoom lens, which I thought came out pretty good. I have amazed even myself lol.
Excellent job with the zoom lens – looks like you are standing right in front of the front door! I'd love you to check out some of the views we normally don't get to see – like the covered porch by the garage, more pictures of the studio wing – from the East side and also the South, and maybe some pictures of the back deck from the West side so we can see more of the fireplace and nearby area. I'm trying to think of things you've told us about that we haven't seen yet. I know I'll have more requests, but that should keep you busy for awhile…lol!
I did take those views but my camera lost them b/c the card was full. Anyway, now that I have the card emptied, I'm ready to roll and I can do better. I notice with the zoom I can get pictures I can't even see when I'm looking without the camera. It's neat.
We are all going to have so much fun while you play with your new (so to speak) toy – talk about reaping the benefits!! I'm already so excited about seeing new pictures! Your zoom lens has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
Oh yes I just noticed the light fixtures AND the big windows on each side of the door. Next time I'm going to more pictures of the front for us. That zoom feature works pretty good for a small camera.
Oh yes, more pictures of the front of the house – great idea! Maybe the area they are starting to landscape now. And the front porch – don't forget that! We have to figure out where we're going to put our rocking chairs…lol!
i need to get you a picture of the french doors in front and how you can see all the way through to the back.
Oh that would be wonderful – I'd love to see that!
Wowee beehivestate ! I can relate to the struggle of figuring out techno moves like getting photos FROM the camera onto a flickr account–(-something I still don't know how to pull off) and the victory of being able to do so much more now with your photography. If you teach quilting, imagine learning how to photograph steps in piecing the quilts, etc,. or shooting pics of a completed quilt. It will open a whole new world……..
As for the Dream House, your trusty zoom can get you within range of the project, regardless of unsmiling Leroys standing guard. Faithful bloggers deserve a peek, so I feel no guilt in looking at whatever you send us in a Daily Buzz–we are drawn to it like bees to honey, Y'know !
I've always used photography with the patterns I write for quilting but back in the day, I would hang the quilt from the garage door and have to get the pictures developed, you know the drill. This will be so much more fun. I have to thank you guys for being the impetus that made it fun to figure this out. It was somebody on this blog who told me about Flickr. There's so much to learn. I went to sleep excited and dreaming about pictures of the Dream House.
You are doing GREAT!!!! You are our eyes and zoom lens!! Thank you so much for posting the pictures and the door is beaUTiful!!!
Great job, beehivestate — thanks so much for the photos! I would love to see a shot of the property from the road down that long driveway to get some idea of what the area around the house looks like. And maybe you could use that zoom lens in the back to get us a shot of the interior through those huge windows!
Okay, I'm on a mission! Those are all possibilities. I think we need a picture from a ways back behind the fence so you can see the panorama. I will try for interior shots, too. zoom zoom zoom!
Oh a real wrap around deck! GREAT HGTV.
Congratulations — a job very well done, beehivestate. Just think, now you can take a zoom lens photo of "Leroy", and make him really famous on the Dream Home blog. He'll be so happy to see himself on the front pages of Flickr that he might even let you inside the house for a complete photo shoot. We promise not to tell Mary a thing about it! :p
Mum's the word!
I can't over how BIG our house is!
Loving every minute!
Thank you, the pictures are amazing especially the close up ones we only see distance pictures beehivestate you are the best!! Thanks again!!
Great photos, Midway! Can't wait to see more. I can't tell, but it doesn't look like those upstairs decks are very big — how many feet from the wall would you say they are?
Wyoming, the Juliet balcony on front is really narrow, same as the “studio” bedroom suite upstairs. The balcony on the MBR suite is at least 6' deep, maybe more, plenty of room to sit for coffee in the mornings. More photos tomorrow for sure. We went to the Sheep Dog Trials today, great fun.
Very cool pics, good job taking them and posting them!
I am trying to figure out the camera on my new phone, and getting very frustrated. Took some cool video and can't seem to send/share/watch it from anywhere except on my phone… wrong format or something, and too big a file for sending over phone message system. *sigh* maybe I should read my owner's manual too
Good luck with that! I think I finally figured my camera out.
I LOVE YOU! Wonderful job. We all appreciate the risks you are taking. HGTV should hire you as a sleuth blogger!
It would have been real nice if they had not painted all that beautiful wood gray on the back porch. It just gives such a clean look to the place when the wood can is natural.
you know, I don't think it is painted. I think it is "Trex" or some other manufactured lumber that is weather resistant and it comes in that color. I saw the boards and they were that color before they were nailed in place. I also like natural wood but in this climate with all our snow, this way is better.
I went out front this morning and took a few pictures of my own house to see what I'd been doing wrong with my camera and I finally figured it out. Some of the pictures I took yesterday didn't register but it was my own fault because I never read the book. Anyway, now I'm good (I hope) and we shall have more pictures tomorrow for our blog.I've only had this camera over a year, my DH mostly uses it. Not any more.
I am so impressed with you Bee, you can do so many things! You have been a naughty__girl already so just go up to the door and say hi. Mary must have called him or his boss__by now and told them to let the pretty lady in! Afterall, you have already done the damage.__Now they (she) will have to keep up
with you!
They put the driveway picture up on the home page. I am getting confused and think the house is
going in circles. I will straighten this whole thing out in the near future! Take it easy!
Thanks, Sandy. I would love to meet you if you ever come this way. I can show you the best place to climb the fence lol.
You are funny Bee, me climb a fence? Ha you have to beJoking! I would love to be able to climb anything especially the steps. Hope they put in strong banisters.
Oh for goodness sakes! There's always a first!! I'll have to show you the way around the fence, Sandy. By the way, you asked about RV parking out here and I found out there's camping in the Wasatch Mountain State Park about a mile from us up the road and I think they can accommodate RV's and you can make reservations. This time of year is absolutely gorgeous, not too hot. You park in the RV spot and I'll come get you in my Toyota Highlander SUV.
Thank you Beehivestate!!!!!!
I'll even take you to Scrappy's Timp Freeze for an ice cream cone! Have a good night, I'm drifting off to dreamland with visions of dream homes dancing in my head.
Ice cream, you’ll give me some ice cream? I am always ready for ice cream whether it is in a cone, a dish, or even if it’s thrown at my face? I’ve been in a few ice cream fights here on the blog. No nuts though if it’s being thrown!
SandyLA, get on over to the main blog site, Mary has just put up a new picture. Wonders never cease!
It's simply amazing the 'snooping' Beehive has done for us all summer! Thanks, it was a trip. I can always visualize your posture thru your comments: peeking and bending maneuvers to see inside and give us more details. Next time bring the workers some beer and chips and they might let you enter. Or does HGTV frown on that?
Don't rip your jeans climbing the fence or slip on the reeds when you go down to the river. Be careful. And thank you, again..and again.
Remember the workers probably live in Utah and probably don't indulge in the frothy stuff.
Soda without caffeine is OK I think but fresh lemonade is a real good suggestion. If it's hot
a little ice cream would go a long long way. Bring it in a small ice chest with some ice in it.
Oh sorry absolutejn, I started talking to Bee again. This is great isn't it? Puts a whole new
spin on things. Hope you had a great weekend and Labor Day. Also hope you didn't labor
today! OMG can you believe 191 posts on 2 pages?
Sandy, although they don't drink coffee, it's very common for Mormons to consume caffeinated soda like Dr. Pepper. Funny enough.