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Is the location in Redwood, California? Even though Elvis was born in Tupelo, Miss., located in Redwood is the famous "Smokey Joe's Cafe" which features Rock and Roll Classics with Elvis. Let me know. "I'm all shook up...uh..humm...uh..hummm...oh..yeah.

Posted by BOG101 – April 16, 2008 10:13 AM

Well that looks like a lovely town! I like wine. Me and Otis like to kick back on the porch during the summer and polish off a couple jugs of Gomer's special huckleberry wine.

Posted by Floyd D. Barber – April 16, 2008 10:19 AM

Sonoma California! Wonderful location. Fcole, can you tell us the Elvis link/clue? Was it the wine? Thanks for your since of humor. Your a fun guy! Now to find the actual community that the home is being built in, now that we have the state and town. (Hello NJ Gal. I was really amazed at how many Elvis connections turned up in the comments. Here's a link to what inspired my last clue:
http://www.sonomafilmfest.org/pages/program
Elvis..ringing a bell...premiere of our latest film...get it? fc)

Posted by njgal – April 16, 2008 10:32 AM

Ledson's Armstrong Estates, in Sonoma, Calfornia.
Nice!

Posted by njgal – April 16, 2008 10:45 AM

SONOMA VALLEY! CALIFORNIA DREAMING and no more guessing or red lights in view! It's just beautiful! THANK YA THANK YA VERY MUCH! oooh! with all my bouncing around I may have GOT CLOSE THIS TIME! I'm still not sure, I'm a little web car sick!
p.s Congratulations Dee family on the dream coming true for you. Your little girls were so well behaved and just darling! I hope you all enjoy your dream home vacation!

Posted by CARRIE MIRACLE – April 16, 2008 10:53 AM

WONDERFUL HGTV!!! The locations really looks amazing. I will be watching for all the details and plan to enter as often as I can.

Posted by Eli – April 16, 2008 10:57 AM

Awesome! So will the next dream home come fully equipped with a winery? I like wine. It makes me feel mellow.

Posted by Cartman – April 16, 2008 11:12 AM

It looks absolutely beautiful. This is the best location yet!

The home that I saw at the Armstrong Estate's website was over 3 million dollars. I wonder if that is typical in that area?

There is always something to look forward to: where will it be built then what will it look like, who will win it and then on to the next one. I am totally addicted to HGTV, I think I need an intervention (but wait until the winner of the 2009 DH is announced).

Posted by Snowapple – April 16, 2008 11:25 AM

Sonoma! Hooray! Now please give us the address. This is the best place in the country to live!!! Great job HGTV. I'll be entering every day.

Posted by Lisa W – April 16, 2008 11:32 AM

Sonoma Valley, California looks beautiful
place for the 2009 Dream Home. The
Historic town of Sonoma, California
is really nice. I can not wait to
see the house beening built.

Posted by Sandra – April 16, 2008 11:33 AM

OK, OK, I was led astray by FC's crafty clues, from Portola Valley to the Armstrong Redwoods, through Sonoma and on to St. Helena, and then, in a final frenzy, exhausted from the rigors of my research, to coastal Santa Cruz.
Now, after watching Jack Thomasson whip along the N CA coast, past the Russian River and Valley vineyards and right into the old plaza of downtown Sonoma, I can hear the bells of the Mission tolling "It's Sonoma, DB, It's Sonoma" after all. Marie from Oregon, it looks like you are about spot on for location.
I'm taking my briefcase and stash of cash back into retirement now, but only until there's a knock at my door---either to announce me as winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2009, or a local posse that's carefully followed every clue both old and new to my front door.
Either way, we'll all be looking forward to Jack's progress videos and our daily visits to the HGTV website to post our entries. Here's to your health, FC, and the entire cast of characters involved in the success of the Dream Home 2009 project.
NOW, FC, SHOULD I START SNAIL-MAILING IN MY DH09 ENTRIES TODAY? IF YOU COULD JUST SNEAK THEM IN A TINY BIT EARLY... ;>)

Posted by DBCoop – April 16, 2008 11:45 AM

Dear HGTV: I'm so excited that I nailed the location first!!!! I am overwhelmed with happiness...now...all of you that have participated in finding the location can agree with me...this area is heaven..the video exposes the beauty!!! I can hardly wait for you to reveal the building cite as Armstrong Estates!!!! The Sonoma Valley boasts over 200 award-winning wineries, scenic coastline and beaches, the mystical Russian River, majestic redwoods, 21 challenging golf courses, more than 40 spas, fascinating museums, shopping, galleries, diverse festivals, farm markets and incredible eateries....this could be my dream home come true!!! Thank you HGTV for giving me hope...I can't believe the 2009 Dream Home will be built where I've dreamed of living for years & years!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 16, 2008 11:48 AM

I'm soooo excited...a dream home in my own backyard. The first person to mention Sonoma was Marlane on 2/19 but the 1st correct guess came from Sandra on 3/11 @ 9:24pm. Good job!
I can't wait to sneak a peak.
Cheers!!!

Posted by Becky from Napa Valley – April 16, 2008 11:55 AM

Dear HGTV: I can't help watching (over & over) house planner Jack Thomasson leading us through a tour of the gorgeous surroundings of the Sonoma area...just where he shows the cross roads of wineries, you have to notice that Jack's hand rises to the right under all the arrows...just under the arrow that points towards Ledson Winery? Is this another clue to the cite for building? I've been saying all along Armstrong Estates..and the "Premier Builder" is Steve Ledson!! He has created beautiful homes with unsurpassed quality in the Armstrong Estates. Yes! Yes! I love you HGTV!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 16, 2008 12:01 PM

Thanks fcole, I get it. Elvis and Annabelle!
Fun. Have a good one! :)

Posted by njgal – April 16, 2008 12:04 PM

I'm changing my drink from margarita to wine :-)

Posted by BL – April 16, 2008 12:05 PM

I don't know if it was intentional but it does appear that Fcole may have given enough avenues for discovering the location within the actual clue.
If a single connection was intented I do believe it was the Elvis-Wine connection. I guess it just depended on how you were leaning and looked for a way to substantiate it determined what one would search e.g. Elvis-wine, Elvis-Sonoma Cal. as I did, etc... Even though I went the way of an avenue, It's still exciting to have guessed the correct location.
Congrates to those who guessed correctly. But the reall prize is yet come!!!!

Posted by DFB – April 16, 2008 12:19 PM

Since Jack was standing in front of the Ledson Winery I'd say the Ledson Armstrong Estates guess is a very good one. Yippeee! I LOVE Sonoma! But we'll need a red convertible there rather than an SUV. After all, one MUST have a convertible to cruise Hwy 1, and to smell the special scent of fermenting grapes in September cruising through wine country. I bet they'll have some touring bikes in the garage (hopefully at least a 2 car garage this time), lots of outdoor space with a firepit, outdoor barbecue and picnic spot, a wine cellar, best kitchen yet (after all you're in culinary paradise), an avocado tree of course, an herb garden, a pool for those hot valley days.... Me thinks the $2million range might be exceeded this year?????? I can hardly wait to win it! Please do lots of videos to keep us excited. I'm gonna go watch that one again :)

Posted by Ynotme – April 16, 2008 12:22 PM

Love the location HGTV, thanks soo much to you "fc" for the fun filled clues, I haven't done this much research since I was in school.....lol I can already picture myself here, I be entering online, and snail mail!! can't wait until the next video, good luck everyone!!

Posted by SHEILA GRIFFIN – April 16, 2008 12:47 PM

Jack is standing in front of all of those wine casks, it looks like LED is stamped on them, maybe because they come from Ledson winery. Ledson is the builder for Armstrong Estates. Marie Miller gave us a link to Armstrong Estates and the homes shown in the video are very similar. They are just beautiful.

Posted by Snowapple – April 16, 2008 1:21 PM

Yikes, FC, I just had a terrible thought; since I live in a gated community, how will the HGTV folks get in to surprise me? So, it may be a little premature, but here's the gate code: (number deleted) Keep it handy, just in case.
Can you imagine the film crew standing at the locked gates showing a very frustrated host with millions of viewers watching in heightened anticipation? Egads, a producers worst nightmare.
Well, on another note---with my final frantic (wrong) guess of Santa Cruz, I should be starring in the Sonoma Film Fest's screening of "Diminished Capacity". For now, I'm off to pop open a 1.5 litre bottle of Ledson Winery's '97 Estate Merlot Reserve and go hang out by the pool. Here's to you, kid.

Posted by DBCoop – April 16, 2008 1:32 PM

fcole, An Old Italian Toast, May your life be like good wine, Tasty, Sharp, and Clear. And like good wine, May it improve with every passing year. "SALUTE". Cent' Anni... Our ever so humble Grazie HGTV & Scripps! You really do read what bloggers submit! Sending a million silly kisses... We cannot wait too see this Dream Home! I'm going to spin off the planet if I can't get Jack's video running! I otta! However, I know the area... big grin on my silly face! Ciao Bella!

Posted by Charlottenoel, Pacific Northwest – April 16, 2008 2:20 PM

I'm so sad, my video wont load. I'm sorry if he said the town name, but I still have to guess because I did'nt get to hear. The road sign that he standing by is right outside Gen Ellen, ca. not to far from Sonoma in Sonoma cty. ca.

Posted by annie – April 16, 2008 2:46 PM

Hey, just thought of something. Since David Bromstad and Danielle Hirsch (love her, why doesn't she have her own show?) live in that area maybe they could do some of the decor. He's great with the Tuscan/French Country/Wine Country/European look, and a painting by David would certainly be an asset! I'm really hoping this doesn't turn into a Craftsman style home as some of the others by Ledson. Not representative of wine country at all in my opinion. Go for the fantasy like all the other dream homes. Florida felt like the Bahamas, Colorado felt like the mountains..... Sonoma has to feel like a Spanish/Mediterranean/Tuscan/wine country home. Please, not Craftsman style. The other Leson biggie seems to be Victorian. Please don't go there HGTV, please. Go for the fantasy like you have in the other homes, we love that!

Posted by Ynotme – April 16, 2008 2:51 PM

don't anybod be breaking their arm pattin themselves on the back. I believe there were alot of people who got the general area alon time ago and before others.

Posted by Anonymous – April 16, 2008 2:58 PM

As of yesterday the 15th April no one had the location until I emailed the exact address, the construction start date, who is building the house and informed everyone the house is under construction in Ledson's Armstrong Estate Subdivision. Check the emails from the 15th April.

Joe

Posted by Joe Burroughs – April 16, 2008 3:20 PM

Wow, just about in my backyard also. I was hoping for a coastal home, not inland.

Posted by Karen – April 16, 2008 3:38 PM

I am soooo excited I could pee myself. LOL. Well my guess was Napa (wishful thinking), but Sonoma is just as beautiful and still only a 15 minute drive for me. I can't wait and hope that they will allow tours in January!!! I'll let you all know how much better it is in person! I live in a dream valley and now just need my dream home! My dreaming starts today.

Posted by acp – April 16, 2008 3:42 PM

CALIFORNIA DREAMING, that i will be doing, if I'm not the winner in carolina, either one will do, I've been praying for years to get out of LOUISIANA, if it's meant to be, it will be, If not, then oh well, life will go on, Have a GOOD DAY everyone, Lisa Barnard...

Posted by Lisa Barnard – April 16, 2008 4:02 PM

It sounds like HGTV is going to have another dreamy grand prize for next year's giveaway. A wonderful location to build it in....

Posted by dreamn08 – April 16, 2008 4:53 PM

Hey Joe, They deleted the address of the DH from your earlier email. Is it the lot next to the beautiful craftsman on 5th, or the lot across the street from the cemetery on E. Napa? I lived in Sonoma 2 years ago and always wanted to live in Armstrong estates. Steve Ledson is the best Builder! I can't wait to win the dream home and move back to the most beautiful place in the U.S. I'll be pouring a glass of Pinot Noir as soon as I'm done with this email:)

Posted by Lisa W – April 16, 2008 4:57 PM

I've never been to Sonoma, but I'm ready to learn.

Posted by deb – April 16, 2008 5:08 PM

Helllllllp! I cant load the video. Never have had problems before this so hopefully just a temporary setback. Thank god there are plenty of bloggers talking about the area of the 2009 Dream Home otherwise I would just explode. Maybe lightning will strike twice in Iowa, March 2009. I enjoy the blogs here so much better that the DYI cabin. There are some personal discussions but they at least always pertain to the DH. Good luck to everyone. Now it is time to start goggling.

Posted by sandi, iowa – April 16, 2008 5:22 PM

Ahh Happy Birthday too his Holiness BenedictXVI he's soo adorable!

Posted by Charlottenoel, Pacific Northwest – April 16, 2008 5:39 PM

What a place to have a home! Fantastic choice.

Posted by Bob Bishop – April 16, 2008 5:50 PM

Joe Burroughs, would like to join us over at the HGTV Dream Home message board. You have a lot of information regarding this home and the area, that we would love to hear about.
HEre is the link to the Dream Home MB:
http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/ubb.x/a/frm/f/4714002552
See you soon!

Posted by njgal – April 16, 2008 5:56 PM

Thank goodness we now know!!! Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley sound wonderful. I would love to see the real list of clues, the ones that counted, and what they all meant. Come on, let's have it!!!! Spill the beans! :-)

Posted by robin – April 16, 2008 6:13 PM

YAY!!!!!!!!! I love that area, I knew it had to be near wine country! I moved from Petaluma to north of Sacramento last summer and have missed Sonoma county so badly since! It is so gorgeous there, foggy mornings, giving way to sunshine in the afternoon, vineyards and farms everywhere, a short drive to the coast or the redwoods, what could be better! Maybe my dream of moving back there could become a reality, my husband couldn't tell me no if I won! I can only pray and dream of the possibilities. WOOOHOOO!

Posted by Felicity in NorCal – April 16, 2008 6:26 PM

Hey, great choice, guys! I used to live in the Bay Area, and I always dreamed of moving to Sonoma. Without a doubt, Sonoma is the most beautiful part of California. Here's wishing all the best to the lucky lucky person who wins a home in that paradise! :)

Posted by Carrie Leilani – April 16, 2008 6:26 PM

It all sounds wonderful, I would love to leave New Jersey born and raised here. A new beautiful home is what I need. I will enter daily and pray that I will be that lucky winner! Good Luck to all!

Posted by Karen M – April 16, 2008 6:35 PM

To Joe: I have been sleuthing through all the clues for months & I hate to tell you, but I figured out the Armstrong Estates long ago!!! Just today, after watching Jack's film clip, did I see the name Ledson...so what are you talking about? Do you have the exact address? I thought I was doing pretty good figuring out that the Dream Home would be built in Sonoma, California, in the Armstrong Estates!! (The clue about Armstrong happened weeks ago!) I hate to tell you, but I was the first to figure out where (check all the comments)!! Marie Miller

Posted by Anonymous – April 16, 2008 6:35 PM

Dear Fcole: I noticed that you made a comment on Joe's email about the location, address, etc. etc. Well, I've been commenting all along about Sonoma, the Armstrong Estates, etc. etc. & have not received anything from you. It would be so nice to hear from you, especially if you think I'm on the right track (pardon the pun)?? Today's video was absolutely fantastic..I really do love HGTV & thank you so much for all the fun!!! Marie Miller (Hello Marie, happy Friday! fc)

Posted by Marie Miller – April 16, 2008 7:20 PM

I love Sonoma, I'll be touring this one for sure.

Posted by chance – April 16, 2008 7:26 PM

Congrats to all you great sleuths who chose the right city. Ya'll pretty darn good. Been fun reading your posts and this has been a real fun trip!

Now we have an even loooonger wait till the big reveal in early 09. Phew, thats a long time from now. What ever (besides enter the contest every day) WILL we do till then? Maybe we could all rendevous in Sonoma, see the countryside, and get acquainted over a glass or two of vino. How about some time in August?

Posted by msmaxsings – April 16, 2008 9:07 PM

Colorado was great! Florida was OK. But SONOMA CALIFORNIA THAT'S FANTASTIC! Beautiful country, wonderful climate, A++++!!!!!! Was always too expensive to consider in the past, but always a wonderful thought to dream about! Now you've got me dreaming about it again. With the possiblity of a beautiful HGTV Dream home, what could be better. OH IF ONLY......

Posted by Joan – April 16, 2008 9:21 PM

I agree with what ynotme posted.I hope it's a Spanish/Mediterranean Tuscan style home.Hope it's white and a red clay tile roof.Oh and please don't forget lots of flowers and a rose garden.

Ps Remember they have already done the craftsman and the Victorian style in other Dream homes of the past.

Posted by Linda – April 16, 2008 9:32 PM

Sonoma, California

Awesome location!

Good luck everyone!

I hope they have a nice pool and tennis court attached this year.

Rand

Posted by randall – April 16, 2008 9:38 PM

I can't wait!! I don't know what else to say.. I'm so EXCITED! YAHOO....it's not to far from where I live so I can TOUR the home..I can't believe it Yippie...I just love HGTV and all the sponsers for making Dreams Come True :)

Posted by Linda Parkerson Woody – April 16, 2008 9:48 PM

How exciting!!! I love Sonoma. I used to live in San Francisco for 2 years and loved touring the wineries on weekends with friends. Sonoma was always my favorite. Quaint, friendly, eclectic, great food and wine and beautiful. Hopefully the next DH09 will be a Spanish mission inspired home like the one off the main plaza in Sonoma.

Posted by Graciela – April 16, 2008 10:09 PM

Oh yes!!!
Sanoma! It's so beautiful! Thanks for the great ride fcole. Good luck everyone! I totally agree with the Tuscany/mediterranean/Spanish Style home, Always been my favorite.

Posted by sharon kirkwood – April 16, 2008 10:09 PM

fcole, do I hear Elvis tunes playin on the stero in Jack's car... You can shake an apple off an apple tree Shake-a, shake- sugar, But you'll never shake me Uh-uh-uh No-sir-ee, uh, uh I'm gonna stick like glue, Stick because im Stuck on you! Yeah, an Elvis marathon!

When we kiss my hearts on fire
Burning with a strange desire
And I know, each time I kiss you
That your hearts on fire too

So, my darling, please surrender
All your love so warm and tender
Let me hold you in my arms, dear
While the moon shines bright above

All the stars will tell the story
Of our love and all its glory
Let us take this night of magic
And make it a night of love

Won't you please surrender to me
Your lips, your arms, your heart, dear
Be mine forever
Be mine tonight... Elvis!! Screammmm! Can't wait too see what Elvis treat gets added into the 2009 Dream Home... hmm A Cool libary collection of all his old movies would be super! duper!

Posted by Charlottenoel, Pacific Northwest – April 16, 2008 10:21 PM

Wow - what a fantastic location for a dream home!
Looks beautiful, can't wait to enter - I am so glad I guessed it first!

Oh wait - that wasn't me, was it?

Posted by Carol R – April 16, 2008 10:22 PM

"Two thumbs up" Great job HGTV...
I have butterflies just thinking about it.

Posted by Tricia Ballard – April 16, 2008 10:41 PM

I wish I could view the video but can't seem to view it on my computer. I lived in CA for the first 40 years of my life and the last 10 in Idaho. Both states are beautiful but the weather is definitely better in CA, especially around the coastal regions. We had some snow flurries today in ID!! When my children were young we use to drive from Sacramento over to Dillon Beach through the rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley. It is absolutely beautiful, fabulous place for long bike tours. Some of the small towns are rather eclectic, composed of artists, hippies, ranchers, vinyard owners, wealty bay area business people who don't want to live in the city and everything in between. Whoever wins the 2009 DH will surely love all this area has to offer. I, along with some other people, guessed this location or should I say general location on the 15th of March. Marie Miller I believe you were guessing Santa Cruz on that day. I do believe Marie Miller may have been the first to guess the exact development though. Kudos to all of us who enjoy the search and narrowing down the clues. I look more forward to solving this mystery every year than waiting to see who won the DH.

Posted by Lydia P – April 16, 2008 11:18 PM

FCOLE, what was your favorite game when you were a kid? We sure had fun with this clue game! Thanks a lot. I totally missed the mark with my Santa Monica, then Santa Cruz guesses. It was certainly my wishful thinking. To me, a dream home in California would have an ocean view. It would be on the bluffs or cliffs above the beach, never on it. After a childhood in Malibu, CA I have seen plently of homes on the beach get under mined with a storm and be condemmed and then demolished. Maybe another year HGTV will try my pick of places for an HGTV DREAM Home, Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County, CA. over looking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. I live near there, in what is known as the Central Coast Wine Country. I love to hang out on the beach at Avila. Hope my family and I can tour the 2009 HGTV DREAM Home this year, since we are close by. A trip to the Monteray Bay Aquarium thrown in would be great fun too. For all you Bloggers out there who have never been to California, come in the Spring. The hills are green, with a bit of yellow from the mustard flowers and purple from the lupines. The orange California poppies are in bloom. It is beautiful! The other great season in which to visit is during the wine harvest in the Fall. We almost always have sunshine, so do not worry about that. Pack a swim suit, you will want it. Thanks again FCOLE, you are a fun guy! Tough job LOL!

Posted by CAgirl – April 16, 2008 11:27 PM

"Sonoma California," A lovely place..
I just hope that the designers (architects)
make it a "GREEN DREAM HOME) California is a water shy/short state! And being in Sonoma they get their power from PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric).
Thats why I'm glad I'm using "Redding Electric."
PG&E's tract record for blackouts and Brown outs every year are going gold!

So please make it a solar active and passive design!
One must remember that California is predominantly a desert state....

So when do the tours start?

Also need to remember California State law, and common sense, mandate a 150 foot clearance around the home!
Fire laws that saved my place last year!

Posted by Chris – April 17, 2008 4:03 AM

Looks like Florida to me or may be New York no it’s Memphis
We know it’ not in California

Posted by Anonymous – April 17, 2008 6:06 AM

FCOLE-WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AREA, THANKS FOR THE FUN!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE CLAIMING VICTORY FOR FINDING THE SIGHT, HATS OFF TO YOU!! HOW ABOUT WE GIVE DOUBLE GOLD METALS TO YOU, MAYBE THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER. THIS WAS A GAME AND SOME OF YOU ARE TAKING THIS VERY SERIOUSLY. I THINK WE ALL HAD FUN DICOVERING CALIFORNIA, DON'T TURN THIS INTO CHILD'S PLAY. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO FOUND THE SIGHT FIRST, WE SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS. AGAIN HGTV- THANKS FOR THE FUN AND JACK YOU CHOOSE A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT FOR THE 2009 DREAM HOME.

Posted by Anonymous – April 17, 2008 7:58 AM

Mark my words. This will be the highest value HGTV home yet. I see a $3 million bare minimum value in this expensive area. Fed and State Income taxes will be roughly $1.3 million; however, what's left over from sale will be a whopping $1.7 million. I never thought they would ever do a dream home in California (until the clues of course). Totally amazes me.

Posted by Sandy – April 17, 2008 8:29 AM

California, my home state, although I am from San Diego area. I have not been back there in over 20 years. I do have a suggestion though. How about building something less extravagant but with more land and a small barn? I have horses and would love to some day win a home that I could take them too.

Posted by Karen – April 17, 2008 9:25 AM

i'm not interesting because the 12 house that they gift is only to america people, they don,t think for hispanic

Posted by Anonymous – April 17, 2008 9:32 AM

I have heard that only two out of nine winners actually took possession of their dream home. Were the taxes not affordable? Would they have had to move away from their present home, family and friends to take advantage of it? Were they able to sell it?

Posted by june beattie – April 17, 2008 9:46 AM

Another message to Joe: I checked your April 15th message & all I see are blanks?? My guess of Sonoma, California, in the Armstrong Estates came way, way before that..so, how do you figure no one had the location? Just curious here in Oregon!!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 17, 2008 10:19 AM

Dear HGTV: I'll get this right yet....Correction to my prior comment...I can't help watching (over & over) house planner Jack Thomasson leading us through a tour of the gorgeous surroundings of the Sonoma area...just where he shows the cross roads of wineries, you have to notice that Jack's hand rises to the left under all the arrows...But just to his right the arrow points towards Ledson Winery? Is this another clue to the cite for building? I've been saying all along Armstrong Estates..and going to Armstrong Estates website, the "Premier Builder" is Steve Ledson!! He has created beautiful homes with unsurpassed quality in the Armstrong Estates. Yes! Yes! I love you HGTV!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 17, 2008 10:40 AM

sonoma california! =D
can't wait HGTV.... :0
p.s.-thanks for finally telling us fcole- :)

Posted by emily – April 17, 2008 11:30 AM

I am soooo happy that the 2009 dream home will be in the wine country. My husband and I have been touring the wineries there for 26 years and we've loved every minute and every drop of wine.

Finally, to all those bloggers who were sure it was Santa Cruz and the ones who were still naming other states, you can stop guessing. All of us who guessed the wine country, many clues ago, were right!

This guessing game has been fun and now I can finally put it to rest. Best of luck to all next year!

Posted by Linda – April 17, 2008 11:43 AM

Lived in the area and traveled to the Wine Country many times. Alway's beautiful and many adventures await anyone traveling the back roads of this area. How exciting. I will be watching and ofcourse wishing to win for the entire family to enjoy.
Cheers, Nan

Posted by Nan Vogee – April 17, 2008 11:43 AM

How about a spanish hacienda style home for the Sonoma Dream House? Deep verandas and terracotta tile work wonderfully in the California climate. It would not be hard to make this a green home also! Smooth stucco, clay tile and wood from renewable resources would add character, beauty and energy efficency!

Posted by Patty – April 17, 2008 11:51 AM

Sonoma, what a fantastic location. I can't wait to see what you do there!
Two things I wish HGTV would consider:
1. Please keep the handicapped in mind when you build this one. Some of your houses have been beautiful but totally unaccessable for many people.
2. Please, please, please; find a new interior designer. I am so tired of Linda's work. It was fun for a couple of years but now it seems that they all look the same with the large letter words on walls, oversized clocks, and many many other details. Come on... You can do better.
Thanks for your consideration,
Mike

Posted by Mike – April 17, 2008 11:56 AM

I never seen any address , city or any type of location from you Joe, just a bunch of blanks.

Posted by annie – April 17, 2008 12:13 PM

We're Californians and I told my husband about the new dream home location. Of course, we are absolutely ecstatic about Sonoma Valley. But being Californians, we are wondering if HGTV has raised the stakes on the Dream Home Prize? Real estate in Northern California is the most expensive in the country!!!! In any case, can we request HGTV to ask Food Network have Michael Chiarello of Napa Valley to cook for the HGTV Dream Home 2009 winner when they come visit the Dream Home ???

Posted by elm – April 17, 2008 1:52 PM

Hey Marie, sounds like your research was right on the money! I've been checking out all my clues and cheers to us! Ledson's Armstrong Estates is it!! GOTTA BE!! I can't wait to see it!! I can taste the wine now...
Thanks FCole for all the fun....now get back to work and get us more video!
Cheers!
Judi

Posted by Judi B – April 17, 2008 1:57 PM

Excellent choice. I was born and raised not far from Sonoma, CA....lovely area. I trust the home will have the same vintage charm as many of the homes in the area. I will enjoy watching and entering in hopes of returning to my roots.

Posted by Linda – April 17, 2008 2:06 PM

I LOVE GRAPES... CALIFORNIA IS BEAUTIFUL WOULD JUST LOVE TO WIN THE HOME AND HAVE ALL MY WONDERFUL FAMILY SPEND SOME TIME WITH ME. YOU HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL IDEA'S AWSOME SHOW....

Posted by Debra Huntington Beecher – April 17, 2008 2:28 PM

Morning fcole, such a restless night, dreaming of next years Dream Home made me stop and reflect on the good the bad and the ugly, their will be a multitude of broken hearts after the announced winner of 2009 Dream Home. However I seriously doubt anyone of us would pass up this special opportunity a once in a lifetime chance of winning a home of this stature in this location. I can say with the utmost confidence I will NOT be the 2009 winner... Harsh reality, I could not afford it if I did win... mybad! Still, I could no more bring myself to stop or ignore this fantasy dream. About as close as we will get is taking the tour sometime next year, my two sons and daughter law can hardly wait. I really hope Jack does a weekly newsletter telling us what took place during the week, how he liked the people the area wines and tasty cuisine just the whole experience. Would be very interesting reading. This is a Dream Home and request from many past and present bloggers.

We don't know yet if 2009 Dream Home will include a tiny vineyard/winery or just be nestled amongst them. My dream of owning and operating a winery began many years ago. I know in my soul it was what I was born to do. I appreciate the feel of rich soil in my bare hands to watch each vine grow, produce year after year a product that brings joy to thousands of individuals. I don't mind getting a little dirty, I cleanup pretty good LOL I could do without the dead frogs, a small price to pay for working out under a beautiful sky and warm sunshine surrounded by happy positive souls. What might we become without dreams, hopes or desires or passions.

I soo wanted to own a vineyard next door to Francis Ford Coppola... now how cool would that be! A neighbor that just keeps on giving! I'm kidding! Remembering the wonderfully smooth "Beringer" wine was always on the table every holiday in my parents home. My personal favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon or Champagne yum yum. No doubt I would have many other favorites if I had the chance to taste what is produced today OMG! There's over three hundred winery's between these areas today or more!

Chateau Montelena Winery is breathtaking! Of coarse the high cost of land in California got so dang expensive my vineyard dreams went down like a bottle of Sauvignon with a grilled ribeye! So what's a woman to do when life gives you lemons instead of sweet ripe grapes you make lemon aid, with as much sugar as you want! Okay I stole the lemon part and switched it up a bit. Just because I can't own a vineyard/winery doesn’t stop me from supporting many, just kidding! I decided couple years back when my youngest of two sons graduates high school I'm going to apply for a job with "Trinchero Family Winery" Sutter Home Winery"
I like their family motto. I feel when you reach a certain age its more about the journey the experience when you really love doing something its not really a job. I'm sure there are thousands of dreams that got shanghaied or put on hold right here within this blog. How lucky we really are being given the opportunity a daily chance at winning something like these HGTV Dream Homes... let's not forget the second chance at winning a new GMC SUV, a new garage, power tools the list goes on and on... Scripps/HGTV all the thousands of people that keep us inspired and truly appreciate what we share or dare to dream. Get ready folks I'd bet a hefty amount there will be thousands if not reach a million trying to win this next Dream Home! Just imagine somewhere in the U.S. right this moment the next winner has no clue what life changing miraculous event the near future has in store for he or she, how can we not be excited about that!

Just a thought Okay a hint hint... 2009 Dream Home package, it would be really cool to have matching Tata Nano's for the golf coarse or just for running around the town of Calistoga or the local Farmers Market... Pink for the ladies/support for breast cancer.. maybe Red, White, & Blue for the men or flames up the side lol. Best Of Luck Everybody!

Posted by Charlottenoel, Pacific Northwest – April 17, 2008 2:49 PM

Gee Joe, it's not hard to "guess" if you work as the city plans examiner

Posted by sagg99 – April 17, 2008 3:06 PM

Well, it was good guessing with all of you! I'm so excited it's in sanoma! hurray! It's far from me, but everything is, when you live at one end of the state, lol! I hope that I could go down and visit it next year too, before it's given away. It's probably the only one that is ever going to be close to me. HURRAY!

Posted by kelli – April 17, 2008 4:15 PM

Why did'nt I get an email on the 15th stating the address of the new 2009 DH?
Donna

Posted by Donna Caffey – April 17, 2008 4:53 PM

is stephanie keeping the home

Posted by tyler – April 17, 2008 5:12 PM

GREAT!!!!! I am definitely California Dreamin' now!!! (I even have kin in CA......coincidentally I have kin in the Carolinas as well!!!) I'm praying & will have my bags packed well in advance.
Be seein' ya everyone!

Posted by Gail – April 17, 2008 6:01 PM

It is a beautiful area. I, however, am spoiled. It is hotter in the summer and gets somewhat more rain there than here on the Monterey Bay. Another negative is that in the winter if you don't have good soundproofing you hear the fans in the vineyards (keeping the grapes from freezing). One positive is that it is close to Infineon Raceway, the only northern California NASCAR race.

Posted by Joline – April 17, 2008 6:27 PM

So fcole... is it on Charles Van Damme Way? ;)
(What? Is that near Jean-Claude Van Damme Blvd? Honestly, I don't know the address. fc)

Posted by sagg99 – April 17, 2008 7:09 PM

how exciting, cant wait to see the plans :) it will be beautiful for sure .

Posted by sb – April 18, 2008 12:37 AM

Sonoma California looks absolutely beautiful! Congradualtions to the Dee family. I know they will be happy in their new dream home. Thanks to HGTV for giving us all hope. Can't wait to see the construction.

Posted by judith rolander – April 18, 2008 12:37 AM

OMG.....I'm so excited about the New DreamHouse in Sonoma, Ca. I would love to live up north. Someone please tell me when I can start entrying my name. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like.

Goodnight,
Michelle, from Whittier, Ca.

Posted by Michelle – April 18, 2008 1:21 AM

In response to Anonymous - Yes, the HGYV Dream Home is for American citizens, regardless of their heritage, Hispanic, Oriental, Russian, Mideastern, European and others too numerous to name. Notice the key word here is citizen. After all the name of this country in the United States of America.

Posted by sandi, iowa – April 18, 2008 9:09 AM

Happy Friday to you too fc!!! Thank you for responding...nice to hear from the "other side!!" You cannot believe how much fun I've had with all the clues!! Sonoma is very special to me since I grew up in Sebastopol!! Have a GREAT weekend!! I'm still trying to figure out the exact location in the Armstrong Estates!! Cheers to you fc!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 18, 2008 10:45 AM

Hey Judi!! "By George I think we've got it!!" I'm now trying to find the exact location...this is tricky, but persistence pays off!! All I know is no matter where they build it, it is going to be breath-taking!! Have a GREAT weekend!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 18, 2008 10:49 AM

Sonoma California is a beautiful place. I would love to go there with my family for a vacation. I would love to extend a Congraduations to the Dee family. I missed out the entry on the 2008 Dream Home but, would be glad to enter for this one. Good Luck Everyone!

Posted by Onetha Hart – April 18, 2008 10:49 AM

Just got to watch the video of Jack touring the site of the new Dream Home. It's so gorgeous, love the vineyards, the redwoods....my husband will go gaga over the woodsy bike paths...I can't wait for more pics and videos! Keep 'em coming!! I'm so excited! Guess me and DBCoop gotta get our postcards ready. ;-)

Posted by Michelle, Atlanta GA – April 18, 2008 11:14 AM

I like Robin's comment about explaining the clues.
Congrats to all the correct guessers - there were many!

FCOLE: Are the clues going to be explained?

Posted by Carol R – April 18, 2008 12:12 PM

One word for Marie Miller...DECAF!!!
Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

Posted by Anon – April 18, 2008 12:30 PM

Just guessing from the lots available in Armstrong estates there is a street called Charles van Damme way, also streets called Patten, and Armstrong,still trying to pin point the lot.So fcole... is it on Charles Van Damme Way? ;)
(What? Is that near Jean-Claude Van Damme Blvd? Honestly, I don't know the address. fc)

Posted by sagg99 – April 18, 2008 1:23 PM

I wonder what the floor plans look like? Good luck to everyone.

Posted by Anonymous – April 18, 2008 3:42 PM

As correctly posted earlier by sagg99, Joe Burroughs is indeed the plans examiner for the City of Sonoma. Some "guess" Joe---you're busted!

(Gee Joe, it's not hard to "guess" if you work as the city plans examiner
Posted by sagg99 – April 17, 2008 3:06 PM)

Posted by DBCoop – April 18, 2008 4:24 PM

Welcome to Sonoma HGTV Dream Home Fans!!! You will love it here. The weather is great, the town is charming and we are close to everything yet still in a country atmosphere. The one thing that best describes our home town feel is our annual Zucchini Races held at the Farmer's Market on a Tuesday usually in August in the Plaza. Imagine a place where you grow a vegetable all summer, enter it by it's weight category and decorate it to resemble a racing vehicle then send it down a plastic slide to see how far it goes. It's Americana at it's best in the heart of the wine country and this is just one of the many festivities we have here. I'm just hope I win the home so I never have to leave this town!

Posted by Cynthia – April 18, 2008 5:04 PM

Fcole, are you going to stay with us through out the building of this Dream Home 2009, especially when the DH MB shuts down for the season? It would be great if you came on time to time and gave us some nuggets about the house and the area. Thanks, and I hope your having a Great Weekend! :)

Wow, 9.25 Million, are you buying?

Posted by njgal – April 18, 2008 9:03 PM

This makes me very, very happy. Thanks HGTV for giving us all something so wonderful to dream about.

Posted by Angie – April 19, 2008 12:43 PM

I live in Sonoma county and it is an AMAZING place to enjoy life, raise children, explore nature, not to mention the wines! I am so excited that HGTV chose my home town to build the next dream home!!! I can't wait to see the design!

Posted by Stacey – April 19, 2008 2:38 PM

To Marie Miller:

Get over yourself!!

Many people guessed Sonoma, many of them long before (or around the same time as) you. They just didn’t go on and on about. You apparently have a need to blow your own horn or be recognized for winning a non-competition with NOTHING as its prize!!!

The sleuthing was a fun game, NOT A CONTEST!

Let it go already!!

Get over yourself!!

Posted by annonymous – April 19, 2008 5:42 PM

My hubby and I vacation in Sonoma whenever we can afford it and we love it, the Vintners Inn, the Bottle Barn, Gary Chiu's Restaurant. We LOVE Sonoma and the people there are wonderful. Hopefully we will be living there in 2009 as it would be heaven for us. Good luck to all that enter but we hope we are the luckiest of all and win HGTV's 2009 Dream Home...........

Posted by Lynne Johnston – April 19, 2008 5:50 PM

Sonoma is a nice town. As soon as Jack mentioned town square, I knew the location. I currently live less than 75 miles from Sonoma but since it's a great area I will enter when the time comes and if need be, commute to work after I win.
Anyone for some wine, bread & California cheese? :-)

Posted by Linda – April 20, 2008 11:15 AM

Love it. It was one of my initial guesses from the scrabble game clues. Sonoma is the best place ever. Clean air, beautiful weather and close to Bodega Bay, my all time favorite beach. In fact, I'd planned to build my own dream home there someday-maybe won't have to wait! Well, you guys can all stop by once I'm settled in. ha ha//YES!

Posted by kelly in AZ – April 20, 2008 6:36 PM

Dear Annonymous: I got over myself many, many years ago..sorry the way you feel..I am curious why you are so negative about such a fun activity...I am just trying to figure out the clues just like everyone else! I've spent lots of time trying to figure each one out...have you? By the way, someone did mentioned Sonoma, California, before me without any explanation why they guessed it...if you're going to participate, at least explain yourself!! Keep yourself focused on what is important...have a GREAT day!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 21, 2008 1:04 PM

Dear Anon: Decaf...I DON'T THINK SO!!! I'm having way too much fun!! It's nice to know that so many people are actually reading my comments!!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 21, 2008 1:09 PM

To Judi B: Thank you for the nice comment..I needed to read that after reading comments left by "annonymous" and "Anon!" I love HGTV & following fcole's clues all the way to the "Great Reveal" have been so much fun!! I guess I'm a bit over-zealous just because I love Sonoma, California, so-o-o much...I have my footprints all over that area!!! Anyway, thank you very much..you made my day!!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 21, 2008 4:21 PM

Marie Miller: How must it feel to be critized by a coward named Anon? Who cares who guessed the right location, or the address? I just hope fcole, or anyone else, could explain the Monopoly clues. Don't mean to whine, I enjoy a glass of wine now and then, but can Sonoma Valley grow great tomatoes? That is the fruit of the vine for me. About the DH, I wish it would be a Spanish Hacienda Ranch, but I'll have to wait for the floor plans.

Posted by Katydid – April 21, 2008 7:47 PM

I am so-o-o excited!!!! I promise If I win the home I WILL live there. I will most certainly have a lot of family visiting me. I ould move there in a heart beat.

Posted by Pat Johnson – April 22, 2008 2:29 AM

Dear annonymous: You are absolutely correct...Sonoma and/or Napa, California, were first mentioned as follows: Sandra on March 11th & 15th; Tricia Ballard on March 14th (2 times); Jane M. on March 14th (2 times); Lydia P. on March 15th; Mary M. on March 17th; KC on March 17th and Marie Miller on March 19th! However, I do not believe anyone guessed Armstrong Estates based on the clues given in Clue #10...no prize for that...just satisfaction of solving a puzzle! It is GREAT fun & I have an appreciation for all the comments, even yours!!

Posted by Marie Miller – April 22, 2008 10:23 AM

The 2009 Dream Home is Sonoma, California. I recognized Downtown Sonoma. We had been there on vacation. My husband worked in San Francisco years ago. We love it out there!!!!

Posted by Debbie Waitkus – April 22, 2008 6:26 PM

To Katydid: I'm feeling GREAT even with the bruising I've endured from Anon & Annonymous! I've forgiven them though!! I'm more focused on positive vibrations rather than negative!! I've really tried to understand and solve the clues..it gives me something to look forward to each day!! Thank you fcole & HGTV!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 22, 2008 11:03 PM

Boy Marie, I agree with a lot of others here, about getting over yourself. You say you did that years ago. And in the same breath tell us how great you are, because you've done all this research. and nobody else's guess should count because they didn't explain themselves, ie; write a novel about themselves. I'll use your words and say " it's great fun", it is. So let's keep it that way by and not be worried if fc notices us or comments to us, or if any one else notices how smart we are. Lets have fun!

Posted by annie – April 23, 2008 4:40 PM

Dear Annie: Thank you for your comment! I'm feeling way more grounded now!! Have a GREAT day & know that I really do appreciate everyone's efforts in guessing all the clues!! Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 25, 2008 7:53 PM

To Annie – April 23, 2008 4:40 PM

WELL PUT!!

The "Marie Show" has now extended on to the next topic on this blog, and still she goes on and on about herself and her accomplishments, possibly even creating an alias to nominate her(self) as most deserving to win the DH09! The strangest entries are the ones where she almost seems to imagine she's having a personal relationship with the blog master, FCOLE. I guess that's what you do when you're "over yourself."

I put my vote in for a return to FUN for ALL! What's the style of the house gonna be like? Whose the contractor? Whose the decorator? What's going in it? Will there be a guest house? When do we get another video? What's the specific address? When can we tour? What was the relationship between the scrabble clues and the location? Can we get Joan Stephen back? etc, etc, etc.

Posted by Sarah – April 26, 2008 3:14 PM

Congratulations to the 2008 dream home's winner!
The Florida key's house had all my favorite colors (Outside and Inside). I was already dreaming of winning that house and moving there with my daughter. I love the Ocean and it looks like (with home prices) the only way I would be able to live near it would be by winning a house. Oh well! Now ..I will focus all my efforts in the next dream home. We don't own a house and If we win.. we'll move there. Thank you HGTV!

Posted by Ana E – April 27, 2008 5:04 PM

After doing some investigating, it's easy to see why Joe B. had answers.....check who the building inspector is for the City of Sonoma.

Posted by Sonoman – April 27, 2008 6:16 PM

Hello Sarah: If you truly tuned in for the "Marie Show", you would know that I, like everyone else, have just been pondering each and every clue...I'm more excited about solving them than worrying about a personal relationship with fcole (although we are all connected through fcole)!! If you notice throughout most of my comments, I've addressed and thanked my entries to HGTV! After all, if it were not for HGTV, we would not be involved in this game of clues!!! I love HGTV & cannot begin to tell you how much fun I'm having!! Have a GREAT day & thank you for dialing through all my comments!! Faute avoué est à moitié pardonnée.
Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – April 29, 2008 12:31 PM

Marie M.

Et le prétentieux sont à peine crédible!

Posted by sarah – April 30, 2008 12:58 AM

Wow, Sonoma, I love it. I am a Northern California girl. This would be a dream come true.

Posted by Michele – May 1, 2008 12:41 AM

Where can one enter the 2009 contest? Have entries begun yet?

Thanks

Posted by Linda – May 1, 2008 9:11 AM

Dear Sarah: I guess you are trying to tell me that I'm a fraud...or at best creating an appearance as such? "And the pretentious one is hardly credible!" Wow, was I surprised by your statement...I was looking forward to a heartwarming french conversation. Marie Miller

Posted by Marie Miller – May 1, 2008 7:12 PM

Linda;

Entries haven't begun and probably won't begin until January of '09. You can enter online then and I think you can enter by mail a well. All of that info will be posted on the website once the contest begins. (This is pre-preliminary stages right now)

Posted by Jennifer – May 1, 2008 11:15 PM

Let's face the facts. We are all aware of the location. i'm going to suggest the home I envision. Thomas Kin Kade's Still Water Cottage
Painting.I saw that picture in a magazine when I was a little girl and I tore it out and even had it hanging up on my wall for a while.Or an Old English farm house cottage. I just don't see a cookie cutter cape cod or colonial. I had one of each.Everone has different tast

Posted by Cindy Bollinger – May 2, 2008 2:53 PM

Love the location..I never been in California, but I'm sure I'll love it..Great weather less humidity. Would be a dream came true..Thanks:)Yasira

Posted by Yasira – May 4, 2008 12:57 PM

That was great when I watech the video and on TV.. I was like cool.. Every since I found out that that one lady won.. And there could be a chance. I promised myself, since it was an acctual location near a vineyard, and it look so beautiful and (beautiful..)lol.. Yeah, I from then on.. I have been looking on you iste for months now tring to see when we can start blogging and voting for this cabin..
Candice

Posted by candice – May 5, 2008 11:00 AM

Actually live across the street from the house being built. What do you all want to know?

I must point out that the town of Sonoma is in the county of Sonoma. The Russian River is over an hour away. Bodega Bay is at least an hour away. San Francisco is 50 minutes away. The homes are $3 million or more. You won't want to live here.....

Posted by Neighbor – May 6, 2008 11:00 PM

I just want to say Thanks HGTV for giving me some kind of hope everyday,and allow me to keep on dreaming. We lost our only source of income last year and lost everything else a few months after that. Our home was foreclosed and our only means of transportation repoed. And,it hurts everytime my 5 yr. old asked ,when are we going home,and where's our car ? . We currently live with relatives,otherwise,we'd be on the streets.
It is nice to be able to dream again,esp. for my two young sons. A place to call home again... I hope whoever wins the next Dream Home really deserves it,and live in it. Goodluck to all of us.

Posted by Val – May 7, 2008 6:05 AM

I just have to say, that after watching all of the hard work that went into last year's and this year's project, it's still unbelievable that you all continually out do yourselves. Three cheers, (or more) for all of your crew's hard work and determination. Great programming on hgtv !
Helene

Posted by Anonymous – May 8, 2008 4:52 PM

Neighbor: Just out of curosity why wouldn't we want to live there? You do!

Posted by bird lover – May 8, 2008 5:28 PM

I know where this house is and would really like to enter the contest as soon as possible although I understand we can not do this yet. I can watch the house being built but not like neighbor, I do not live that close. What can you tell me neighbor? I think this is really exciting. I can not wait for it to be completed. Did you guess from the clues neighbor? I thought they were pretty obvious. We shall see.

Posted by hand me the keys – May 8, 2008 7:45 PM

I would love to see the home...in 2009. i would just love to move there ounce i see the house. but its a bit far for me. build one in Washington...around, moseslake, ephrata, spokane, and ellenburger, not seattle.

Posted by candy – May 9, 2008 2:22 AM

bird lover-I was being sarcastic. This is one of the best spots on Earth.

Posted by Neighbor – May 10, 2008 12:25 PM

I wish that HGTV would build a dream (green)house in Maine||||| Please consider this since I just started watching HGTV channel this year| Sincerely, Arlene Hall 240 Federal ST. Wiscasset,Me. Thank you.

Posted by Arlene E Hall – May 11, 2008 12:54 AM

Thank you for building this one on the west coast. If we won it we would still be in visiting distance of our adult children and their families!! I am also among those who encourage you to think green and also make it universally accessible on the first floor for visitors or senior members of the family.

Posted by peggy Ann Southwick – May 12, 2008 5:34 PM