Posted by fcole – October 22, 2008 12:03 PM
Guest blogger Loren Ruch oversees the HGTV Dream Home television special in his job as Director of Original Programming for the network. He just filed this special report from Sonoma.
I had the incredible opportunity to hang out in Sonoma, Calif., at the big load-in day when all the furniture arrived and let me tell you, it was exciting!
Loren and designer Monica Pedersen
You know how in the real world moving can be stressful and never-ending? Not here! I saw the entire home go from a blank slate to fully decorated in six hours.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I can reveal that this year’s HGTV Dream Home 2009 special will be hosted by the gorgeous Monica Pedersen from Designed To Sell. We'll also feature two guest designers: Kim Myles from Myles of Style and John Gidding from Designed To Sell. Kim and John are each designing their own rooms, in addition to the fabulous Linda Woodrum, who flawlessly designed the rest of the home.
Some of this year’s highlights include a kitchen with not one but two islands, a study featuring a leather desk (very contemporary) and a kids' room with some of the grooviest auto accessories used as artwork that you’ve ever seen!
HGTV designers John Gidding, Kim Myles and Monica Pedersen take Sonoma by foot, Segway and horse
I’ve shared a few pictures of us goofing around while in the wine country. Seeing Kim Myles on a Segway was one of my highlights for the trip, and Monica’s horseback ride (the original Segway?) was a close second.
Don’t forget to watch the show premiering on New Years Day! More to come…Loren
For more behind-the-scenes details of this year's home, visit HGTVPro.com for exclusive videos, photo galleries and reports from the HGTV Dream Home 2009 job site in Sonoma.
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Yippee-Yi-Aaaaay! Who knew them designers could ride, Monica looks ready for a rodeo!
Posted by Cowboy Roy – October 22, 2008 1:13 PM
Yee-Haw! You are right Cowboy. Monica on that horse? Reminds me of the Tyler Tx DH days when we would saddle up in 3.2 seconds & ride like the wind *sigh* I am so glad she & Kim & John are in Sonoma. Linda & Jack could sure use a hand or two when it comes to arrival of furniture! That just means? The house is about to reach the completion stage! Great job dream home team! And thanks Loren Ruch for the photos and info! Yee-Haw! You are right Cowboy. Monica on that horse? Reminds me of the Tyler Tx DH days when we would saddle up in 3.2 seconds & ride like the wind *sigh* I am so glad she & Kim & John are in Sonoma. Linda & Jack could sure use a hand or two when it comes to arrival of furniture! That just means? The house is about to reach the completion stage! Great job dream home team! And thanks Loren Ruch! Yee-Haw!!
Posted by BL – October 22, 2008 1:53 PM
What fun ! It doesn't get better than that !
Posted by Silvija – October 22, 2008 2:16 PM
Yes Giddy up ride'em cow girls and decorate the house in a trail of decorating dust!! So Decoarators do have all the fun! Just kidding I do look forward to seeing Monica, Kim and Linda's special touches.
Posted by Carrie Miracle – October 22, 2008 3:38 PM
Okay I am playing catch up on HGTV Dream Home 2009, but will check back often (it's been tough since our family has had to cancel satellite t.v. due to budget tightening and therefore do not get the HGTV or DIY programming anymore). It's great to see new and familiar faces once again and kudos for a great job (as always!) Thanks too for continuing to post all the videos and blog updates for those of us who can no longer watch the t.v. show (for now...sniff!) Sincerely, Betty
Posted by Betty – October 22, 2008 5:23 PM
I sooooo can't wait for New Year's Day!!! I can't wait till the first of November either, to see the rest of the inside totally finished.
I know it will be awesome. ~kate~
Posted by kate – October 22, 2008 6:16 PM
Wow Franklin!! Beautiful photos of John Gidding, Kim Myles and Monica Pedersen taking Sonoma by foot, Segway and horseback!! I have to admit I never would have thought about a Segway, but looking at Kim & knowing the area...I think it is FABULOUS!! Can you see me now...a jug of wine in one hand & steering with the other all the way back home to the DH2009 from Ledson's Winery!
Nice to meet the "Guest Blogger" Loren Ruch!! Thank you Loren for the Special Report...we in blog-land savor every little bit that is thrown out to us!! We can only daydream about the upcoming HGTV Dream Home television special, so thank you, thank you!!! Must be a wonderful job being the Director of Original Programming for the network. You must have loved being in the land of the "Valley of the Moon!!" Sonoma makes people HAPPY!! Marie Miller
P.S. Monica....How did you enjoy being a cowgirl for the day?
Posted by Marie Miller – October 22, 2008 7:07 PM
Dear Franklin: When do we actually get to see the inside of the DH2009...I can only imagine how beautiful each and every room must look! After Linda Woodrum has decorated nine Dream Homes, and ran her own interior design business, TS Hudson Interiors, in Hilton Head, SC, I know that I will admire the creation of each and every beautiful room she will create from a blank slate in the DH2009! I can hardly wait until the shopping starts...you know, where the pots & pans are purchased along with every other conceivable item for that beautiful home!!! WOW! Hard to believe that we are already moving the furniture in...it seems like yesterday that the building started!! I'M SOOOOOOOO EXCITED. Marie Miller
P.S. By the way Franklin, we never have gotten explanation for each and every clue given from the beginning of the DH2009...will that ever happen? Maybe I could direct that question to the "Super Fan??"
Posted by Marie Miller – October 22, 2008 7:23 PM
Hi,
I would love us all too win, but apparently that is not possible.
After the winner is choosen I would just love to see every nook and crany, including closets.
I work part time as an emergency operator. Not 911, I connect ER's to Drs. and Drs. to ER's and other areas of hospitals.
I am also a displaced dry wall taper and finisher, I have a home I worked on featured in a magazine, "San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles". Septmeber 2000 issue, Torre-Bueno house, it is a stunning home. I have 20 years experience, and I work hard too.
Illegals have taken over our industry. I feel for their ills and being displaced themselves. I am a parent, divorced and need to provide for my family and I am not bleeding the state to do so, but do without and save , this country is bleeding as well.
I am only working part time, I need a full time job where I make the most income, my x-husband left me with nothing.
Are you hirering dry wall tapers?
Sincerely
Leslie Bordage
Posted by Leslie Bordage – October 23, 2008 4:44 AM
Congrats to you Loren! I can't wait for 2009 to roll in. I'm also delighted to to watch my favorite designer - Linda Woodrum. Loren, please include details about the immediate surroundings - location, location, location! Thanx!
Posted by Cindy Curtis – October 23, 2008 9:22 AM
Can't wait to tour the house! And seeing Kim on a Segway made my day. :)
Posted by Kelley – October 23, 2008 10:56 AM
Same old designer for the majority of the Dream Home... well, at least they let someone else work in a couple of the rooms, although not the designers I would have chosen...Candice Olsen, David Bromstad, someone who has a real feel for people and place. I'm praying that they don't botch this one up - the preliminary plans were terrific and it would be nice if the finished project exceeded them. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Posted by Theresa – October 23, 2008 1:19 PM
Betty, I feel for you girl! My husband is an independent contractor and business has slowed down so much that we had to downgrade to just the broadcasting channels. I've managed to save the broadban for 2 more months but I don't know what we'll do after that.If I have to though ,I will go to the library to see the slide show of the 2009 dream home!! I so miss watching hgtv!!
Posted by Dana D – October 23, 2008 3:52 PM
I am sooooo excited to see this house more than any other year because Sanoma has always been my dream place to live i live about 4 hours away and wine country has always been my dream.. I know this house is being created for me and i cant wait to see it in its completion (sorry everyone)
Posted by christine – October 23, 2008 7:26 PM
I love following the progress with the HGTV and the local team. This one is really dreamy with it's traditional stye and as for the interior design, you can't go wrong with Linda and I see she has a little help. Look forward to seeing how it came together. I'll be entering to win everyday starting on 1/1/09.
Posted by Sonja C – October 25, 2008 12:57 PM
We are having incredible weather here in Sonoma lately;warm(80's),clear,and sunny with cool nights. The film crew has been BUSY everyday,and the street is still blocked off so filming is not interupted by what little traffic we have. Did you know there is also a GREAT doghouse in the backyard for the lucky winner??? Sonoma is a very dog-friendly town, so BoBo and I will be happy to meet the new four-legged neighbor that will get to live in this amazing home! Ingrid from Sonoma
Posted by Ingrid & BoBo – October 25, 2008 3:48 PM
Yes Ingrid, the weather has been beautiful. I was there yesterday (Sunday)and they had opened the street back up, even though they were still fliming.
I didn't see the dog house, but will look for it next week. I was looking for you and BoBo.
And yes, Sonoma really is dog friendly. In fact, the whole Bay Area is.
Posted by lovelykitty – October 27, 2008 6:37 PM
WOW! Thanks for all of the comments and great blogs! I just got back from Sonoma last night - and now the Dream Home is officially decorated inside-and-out. I'd probably be in big trouble if I gave too much away, but I will say that Linda's master bedroom this year is my favorite one to date! How's that for a tease!
Posted by Loren – October 29, 2008 8:50 PM
I am very glad to see that this year there will be new designers. The designer from the previous years had gotten so predictable ie: metal stars in Texas, large fish on the coast and greeen in the "green house" (which is the only time that she varied her color palatte of blue and beige). Good luck designers, I hope you whow us!
Posted by corla ladner – October 30, 2008 11:42 PM
Does anyone have any idea when the message boards will be opened up for dream home discussion?
Posted by Ken – October 31, 2008 7:58 AM
You know, I keep offering my help with any of the projects going on in Sonoma, but no takers. I work really hard, show up on time and have an incredible sense of humor.
Also, I feel bad for Dana having to downsize her broadband cable. Ask your company, if they have a plan that includes HGTV, DIY and the Food Network. I may not get the news channels anymore, but at least I'm constantly entertained by HGTV.
Posted by Carole – November 1, 2008 9:50 AM
The new dream home is beautiful, I cant believe that HGTV has one in the county that I live in The master shower is a dream in it self I cant wait to enter for my chance to win, I love HGTV and watch it everychance I get. when can we see the rest of the house will you be doing a tour on the other rooms any time soon?
Posted by melanie – November 19, 2008 8:17 PM
I have entered all of the previous HGTV Dream House contests and couldn't believe it when I heard it was in Sonoma! I have 2 sisters who live there and also have 2 in the San Fran area. I live in upstate New York so I'm hoping to win this... so I can bring my elderly mom with me!That way we can all be together to make her last years the most memorable.
Posted by Patty Bilsky – November 22, 2008 11:53 AM
