Posted by fcole – May 2, 2008 11:03 AM
Since I'm still waiting on those floor plans for the next HGTV Dream Home, I thought I'd try to find a question I could answer. DB Coop wanted to know if I ever get to visit the Dream Homes in person. OK, easy enough. Yes. The team that creates the online tour does visit the home each year, and so far I've been lucky enough to take trips to Lake Lure, N.C., Winter Park, Colo. And, of course, the beautiful Florida Keys.
Here I am in the woods at Lake Lure. For some reason we just thought that sign was hysterical.
Here's a picture from inside the HGTV Dream Home in Lake Lure, one you didn't see in the online tour.
Funny story about that picture above. For some reason we never did figure out, there were literally a hundred or so pillows in that house. Not throw pillows, just big fat white bed pillows. So when Bruce, the genius who shoots and creates the 360-degree panoramic shots for every HGTV Dream Home, needed to photograph the master closet, JP and myself had to move all these pillows and stash them in the master bath. Then put them back in the closet.
Speaking of Bruce, here he is at the Winter Park house.
It seems like there are always some cool animals hanging around. In Lake Lure, it was this great big black lab that belonged to the builder.
In Winter Park, we met Shadow. She belonged to a builder working on the house next door to the HGTV Dream Home, and would wander over to say hello occasionally. Here she is with JP playing with her favorite toy, a stick.
While Winter Park was a dog town, Islamorada was ruled by cats. There are cats everywhere in the Florida Keys, and they are exactly as laid-back and chillin' as you'd expect cats to be when all they have to do is hang out in the Keys all day. This is Pistol. He literally moved right into our room at the Islander Resort.
Well, since he's been there for 16 years according to the staff, I guess we’re the ones who moved into his room. Luckily, Mrs. FCole, who went with me, loves all animals and was thrilled that Pistol adopted us for our stay. Seriously — Pistol stayed with us for four days. Never left our room except to go outside for a bit to tend to his cat business. Most of the time he just curled up on the bed and napped. He may still be in that room, as far as I know.
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Excellent post. Now let's go see Iron Man! (Yep, taking off the rest of the afternoon to see the Greatest Superhero Movie of All Time. Downey rules! fc)
Posted by ferrgus – May 2, 2008 11:30 AM
HI FCOLE, NICE TO MEET YOU!! That was very nice of you to introduce yourself to us, now we are all going to send you photo's of us (JUST KIDDING). Now that we also know there is a Mrs. Fcole, are there any children? Thanks for the behind the scene photo's and I think it's great that you and your wife get to tour the Dream homes. Can you tell us the exact location, by that I mean the address of the Sonoma Dream Home or do we have to wait until Jan.2009? Have a nice weekend!!!
Posted by Jan – May 2, 2008 12:53 PM
Hey we finally get to see fcole! Hello Mrs. Fcole thanks for being such a good sport!! Is "Pistol" just the cutest wee kitty cat!
That street sign is hilarious! I love how they stayed "Green" and kept the cost for material at ZERO! LOL We have some of those silly street names in the northwest as well... like "Jumpoff Joe Creek" & "Jumpoff Joe Butte" (Mah! What the).
Perhaps back in the day, Joe jumped off into the creek. Another favorite, Portland's "Terwilliger Curves" say that fast five times, cracks me up!
Holding on for the Sonoma home design reveal. The "Green Home" winner is getting closer! I feel lucky! Enjoy your day at the cinema!
Posted by Charlottenoel – May 2, 2008 1:23 PM
So nice to put a face with a text. Lovely of you to share with us Fcole. It really makes you so much more real to us. Thanks and enjoy the Movie!
Posted by njgal – May 2, 2008 1:36 PM
That was great! Loved the pictures and finally getting a glimpse of fcole. I hope we get a lot of behind the scenes pictures of the DH09 house.
Marie mentioned Yountville, and I have always wanted to visit the French Laundry there. Is it really as wonderful as everyone says? That is one thing I would really enjoy about Sonoma, all the local produce and great restaurants. I can't wait to hear what style the house will be! I hate waiting...
Posted by Snowapple – May 2, 2008 1:44 PM
I am so excited about the 2009 dream home. I have been going to the North coast every year since 1990. It is truly beautiful. I have a Daughter who lives in Napa and I love to go there also. We've travelled these roads in Napa/Sonoma for years and I even mentioned that the next dream home should be on the North Coast. We've alwaysw wanted to live in this area but as Retiree's (I was disabled by cancer) we have never been able to afford it. I am looking forward to seeing the next wonderful Dream Home during all it's phases, and maybe this year I will win it. Thanks HGTV for giving us all, the teeniest chance to win.
Posted by Kathleen in Nevada – May 2, 2008 1:55 PM
Fcole, Have you been to Sonoma yet, it is most beautiful there..... I got to go several weeks ago.....
Posted by Hoof Hearted – May 2, 2008 3:20 PM
DB Coop, so sad for you that you lost your Sheltie. My heart goes out to you. The loss of a pet is hard. They are a big part of the family and the loss leaves such emptiness. My "two cents" worth of advise for you, is to get another Sheltie. Once you have a Sheltie, you really are spoiled for other breeds. Shelties are so sweet, usually calm, smart, and obedient. We had three Shelites in our home in Malibu when I grew up. I still miss them all. Let your heart heal and get a new Sheltie puppy when it does. Best wishes to you CAgirl
Posted by CAgirl – May 2, 2008 3:34 PM
Really enjoyed the pictures, FCole. Would love to see more candid pictures during the building, decorating, and online tour prep stages.
Posted by Lessie – May 2, 2008 5:26 PM
Finally, we get a chance to see the man behind the elusive blogs!! Thanks for all your work with us during the past few months. It was "fun". See you soon I hope, when I win the next dream home!! Thanks Fcole.
Posted by Kim – May 2, 2008 6:18 PM
What a great way for HGTV to bring recognition to an informative website. I spent over an hour just browsing the site and only then did i enter the sweepstakes. Being a california girl born and bred I love next years site for the 2009 dream home! Thanks HGTV!!!
Posted by laura wolf – May 2, 2008 6:28 PM
Am very excited to find out that the 2009 dream home is in Sonoma. The climate there is truely wonderful. I'm a big wine fan, so I've been there several times with the family. Sorry about your dog
Posted by Gary – May 2, 2008 11:20 PM
Thank you for sharing.
Good job on the 360's.
Posted by adele – May 3, 2008 4:45 AM
How great to put a face to the name!! Love that cat in the keys. I would be trying to take it home with me, to my husband's dismay(I only have four). I have met Bruce, believe it or not. I even have a picture of him, but too bad we can't post pictures.
Posted by lovelykitty – May 3, 2008 5:45 AM
1st of all, who names themselves Hoof Hearted? but i do have the same question as them...... Have you been to Somona yet fcole? or do you have to wait till the dh is complete?......btw, thanks for finally showing us who you are :D
Posted by emily – May 3, 2008 10:31 AM
Gee, all this time I thought fcole was a SHE! I have to admit to being new to this blogging stuff, and there may have been things I have missed that would have given gender away. Nice to see you, sir! Love that cat!
Posted by Nini – May 3, 2008 10:54 AM
Fcole is actually a person. Yeah, I was begining to think he was a figment of my imagination.
Posted by Blondesue – May 3, 2008 8:45 PM
Late in 1929, Santa Barbara architect George Washington Smith was interviewed by the New York critic John Taylor Boyd, Jr., who was conducting a series of interviews with America's most famous architects for the magazine Art and Decoration. The inclusion of Smith was perfectly understandable--buildings designed by this Santa Barbara architect had been, from the beginning, a favorite of the country's leading architecture and design magazines.
Smith's architectural career lasted only 12 years, from 1919 to 1930. But during these years he (with the assistance of his draftsperson, Lutah Maria Riggs, who joined his office in 1922) produced a remarkable array of buildings, both in quality and quantity--of 80 designs for new or substantially remodeled homes in Santa Barbara County, 54 were built. Many were based on Spanish, Mexican and Hispanic California precedents, but he also designed in the Italian, French Norman, and English Tudor modes. His 1926-28 Crocker Fagan house at Pebble Beach is America's one and only example of a Byzantine house. In Texas, for the Van Wyck Maverick family (1926-28), he created one of the most impressive courtyard-oriented houses built during these years, and he introduced the world of Spain to, of all places, Fisher's Island off the coast of New York (in his Cheney house of 1928-29). At the time of his death he was just beginning to explore modern architecture in his unrealized Art Deco-inspired Crocker house (1929-39) in Pebble Beach.
If your interested in reading the entire article, Google, Founding Father, George Washington Smith. by Dr. David Gebhard.
Posted by Randolph – May 4, 2008 1:02 AM
Mr.fcole, Love the behind the scenes pictures. I hope that someone keeps this up as you build the HGTVDH in Sedona, whoops slip of the tongue, I mean Sonama (maybe a thought for next year?). Seriously?, the casual pics hold me thru while the house is unveiled completely so please have many more. Also if helps remind me of the many people involved before the grand presentation to the winner. Love the pics of the dogs and of course Pistol. I myself am the proud captive of 2 cats, Ernie and Eddie, a Jack Russel who prefers to be called Katie, and the grand dame Sammie, Queen of the World,a mini-dashhound. Oh yeah, all of whom would be ecstatic to call Sonama their kingdom and of course I would have to come along to serve them. Have fun everyone!!!! Please no downers.
Posted by Sandi, Iowa – May 4, 2008 9:27 AM
Dear fcole: WOW...so great seeing you in the photos...putting a face to a name is wonderful..thank you for sharing all the photos. The animal stories are heartwarming & since I love cats, I just fell in love with Pistol! I wonder if he really is still in that room...I hope so..it just adds something real to it all! Mr. Cole, you have a fantastic job & you must enjoy what you're doing..your wife is a lucky lady!! Thank you again for sharing!!! Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 4, 2008 11:28 AM
Great pictures, there needs to be more of the wildlife in the different places where the dream homes are going to be so people know EXACTLY what they are in for if they win the house.
Posted by Mary Owens – May 4, 2008 12:17 PM
Good Morning Mr. & Mrs. Fcole, can't forget Moondoggies, speaking of DREAMING. HGTV encourages us to DREAM, mine our plentiful this Sunday morning, thought I would post a few, ta die for "Villa" designs. Jack, don't think about the COST just yet. Quite difficult to choose one top favorite villa out of many. However, if I had to pick a top favorite architect it would be Andrea Palladio, "The Villas Of Palladio", during the Renaissance" also (high renaissance period). Soo many genius architects from our past. Our current times are so intertwined blended with such a rich history... it takes a little bit of each of us to develop an American portrait 2009, Native Indians, Dutch, German, French, African, Spanish, Mexican, Irish, English, Italian, Scandinavians on & on.
I'm just posting MY personal favorite... not to imply I don't appreciate all beautiful gifted master craftsman. Some of the German & French architectural creations still make me go OMG!
Other "Villas" on my wish list to VISIT, La Villa Borghese, Barbaro ora Volpi, Cornaro ora Gable, Foscari La Maclcontenta, Almerico ora Valmarana La Rontonda. No doubt the frescoes & sculptors many antiquities are something to behold in ones lifetime. Michelangelo, Da Vinci. The Temple of Aesculapius. (I was defiantly born in the wrong century) Sebastiano & Antonio da Sangallo, Giorgio Vasari, Filippo Brunelleschi, Annibell Maggi, Bartolomeo Baglioni!
When I close my eyes and picture a died and gone to heaven Villa, surrounded by beautiful gardens with a huge pond and ornate gazebo smack dab in a vineyard. Okay, need a minute lol breath! You can make it happen Jack! (Think corporate vineyard, "HGTV's D' oro Vineyards") If you compare the cost to any run of the mill Venetian Castle or Irelands Kilkenny Castle, its not soo bad. I had both Dream Castles on my list for future HGTV Dream Homes. LOL back to REALITY keeping my fingers crossed 2009 Sonoma Dream Home will have a grand Villa flare.
If not however, 2008 "Green Home" is still a Dream that could come true!! Oh yeah, my birthday's this month, (HGTV/Scripps you shouldn't have ha ha ha) I could pull myself away from the West for that little emerald gem... perfecto size! I love the way people from S.C. talk. After I settle in, play some golf, take my golfcart out for a spin, by the way don't those come in other colors. My first road trip in my new Chevy Yukon SUV visit Paula Dean & Sons then Magnolia Hall, sightsee down town Savannah Georgia, then head for Graceland. Nashville, a must stop in person Thank You, (get ready to PARTY) it will take days to soak up all the entertainment hot spots... there's a whole new side of the country to see! Good luck everyone!
Posted by Charlottenoel – May 4, 2008 12:40 PM
It is so wonderful that you are giving someone a chance to win such a beautiful home. I am entering the contest for my grandmother, because her house is falling apart.She has taken care of all of her grand kids and the neighbors kids. My grandmother has really big holes in the roof, holes in the floor, we have pictures to prove it. We are afraid to let our kids go inside because we are afraid that the ceiling or the floor may cave in. she is embrassed to let church members, and family come over to visit. this will be a blessing for her to win this home. She lives in Columbia S.C so it's not even that far away.Please help my grandmother! if not Thank's again and I hope that someone who deserves it win's this beautiful home. Thank's
Posted by Tammy Skeete – May 4, 2008 5:28 PM
It would be nice to know when you start the voting for items in new house. When I found the Greenhome there was only 5 things to put my vote in for. How about updates on the start of a new house to cast your vote on?
Posted by Diane Richardson – May 4, 2008 8:34 PM
fcole nice to meet you. Love to have your job with all the perks. (Pillow fight) Bruce nice to meet you, excellent camera work, doin it a long time? OMG these homes are so gorgeous, it like fine wine it gets better with time. (:>) I guess you'll get those plans soon, not much time left 7 months. Hopefully the weather holds out. Do they work 24/7 on these homes that's not much time. Keep us up to date.P.S. that tom cat has the life.It's huge. Sorry to hear about your dog you can rent our Akita it's a brattttt.She thinks she's a cat.
Posted by Mary from PA – May 4, 2008 9:52 PM
fcole...loved the pix...it makes it so much more fun to see who we're onine with...Thank you...you made everything the last few months great...
Posted by Susan Nordrum – May 5, 2008 8:16 AM
Wow.. Through all the work you guys had in store there... It looked like you guys relaxed too.. Especially having your lil friends join you..lol.. Pistol and JP are beautiful animals..
Good luck again on everything.. Candice
Posted by candice – May 5, 2008 10:42 AM
Hello again.. I keep posting comments and they never show.. Well.. I hope everything is going well and the best of luck to everyone.. This dream home is truly a dream. It looks beautiful!
Candice
Posted by candice – May 5, 2008 11:20 AM
I so want that dream home in north carolina.... Send it to me... I will start packing now..:)
Posted by melissa – May 5, 2008 2:31 PM
Nice meeting you fcole! BTW --in that first picture, where you are standing by the sign...is that a dog I see in the bushes by the initials RH? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
Just kidding. Thanks for all you do...its been a real hoot!
Posted by msmaxsings – May 5, 2008 7:32 PM
How do I begin my comment this time? I think first I will thank FCOLE for responding to my question about visiting the past Dream Homes, and his very thoughtful posting of personal photos and the touching ones of the resident pets that HGTV crewmembers encountered and made friends with during their visits and the Dream Home builds. I suppose the mountain of white pillows might have been a delivery gone wild, such as an order for 1 dozen which then mysteriously morphed into 10 dozen instead!
For the more difficult part of my comment (I'm not usually big on the real personal stuff in blogs) I just wanted to quickly as possible let all know my enjoyment of being a part of the DH09 blog. DBCoop is on the mend, with plenty of work ahead, after a triple bypass surgery on Thursday, 2 May. I was released from the hospital today, after 4 days of recovery. Anyway, I am going to be quite a work in progress for awhile. None the less, I'm sure DBCoop will keep up with all the new and exciting developments on this blog and the great interaction we are able to have with FCOLE and his wiley clues and comments that keep us on our toes. Thank you FCOLE, and fellow HGTV cast and crew, for all your hard work and fun times that allow us all to dream, to learn, and to improve our lives in many ways.
OK folks, now carry on!
Posted by DBCoop – May 5, 2008 8:30 PM
Thanks Fcole for sharing both the behind the scenes pix and for putting a face to the name. While we may all still be dreaming about the Dream home, we no longer have to fantasize about who you are. Every little bit of the mystery that's revealed actually helps me sleep better :-D Thanks again. Looking forward to the new post.
Angie
Posted by Angie – May 5, 2008 11:02 PM
Finally nice to see a Dream Home on the west coast. I'm from Marin County, CA and day tripped into Sonoma many times. It truly is a beautiful place and a great town. Perfect for the Dream Home giveaway. I'm so excited to see how the design of the home progresses and how they incorporate the CA history, style and culture into it. Good luck!
Posted by Dina McCallion – May 6, 2008 2:37 AM
If I can't win the 'Green Home', I'll take the Dream Home.
Posted by deb – May 6, 2008 10:00 AM
Marie Miller -- I totally agree with you about Candice Olsen! She is more than "divine" and if she got her hands on the DH 09, well, I just have three words for it.... FAB-U-LOUS! I've loved EVERYTHING she's done on her show (Divine Design for those who don't know). Never a room I didn't like.
I am so happy about the location of the DH 09, just beautiful. Of course I would sell, but as someone else said, if it's worth a few million, I'll still profit nicely and head back to my homestate, and build (or buy) a home in a sleepy Massachusetts seaside town...maybe Rockport, or down in the Cape. Let the dreaming begin!! :-)
Posted by Michelle, Atlanta GA – May 6, 2008 10:06 AM
Sonoma sounds like a great place....Hope the next one will be in Washington...we also have many wines/vinyards.....
Posted by ey – May 6, 2008 12:19 PM
Well hello fcole
A face to attach to the name finally. You know that weed patch sign probably means poison ivy or something else near that grey rock and jim falls for the weed patch trick everytime and gets him a rash. That consists of real polk-a-dots!
Posted by CArrie Miracle – May 6, 2008 2:19 PM
Hello,Jack My family have been green for a while however we would like to take the next big step and have a green home and we saw you building a home and we thought that we could do that to even if we don't win the dream home. My husban is always looking to improve the enviornment and educate our children.
Posted by Marina – May 6, 2008 7:18 PM
I am an animal guy - would have been happy with the dog house............
Posted by steve e – May 6, 2008 9:41 PM
keep up the great job. you make TV worth watching.
at least 12 hours a day ..
Posted by Daniel Taylor – May 7, 2008 2:48 PM
FCOLE: Thanks for keeping it real. Nice photos!
KATYDID: (in case you don't go back to the other page)
If this blog were a script from Hollywood, it would go straight to video.....
....maybe not even that far. Maybe documentary T.V. The "REAL WORLD" of HGTV!!!
Seven bloggers, picked to live in an HGTV DREAM HOME who agree to have their lives taped. Will MM and COOP hook up? Will MM be caught posting as HH (or versa-visa)? And what of the DOG? Who will be the last one standing and who will have to make due with the GREEN HOME?!?!?!?!
(HGTV: Remember where the idea came from! If you choose to use it, I want royalties!!! AND DON'T LET MARIE MILLER TAKE CREDIT FOR IT!!!!! tee hee)
FCOLE: I think we need something else to keep us busy!
Posted by Jennifer – May 7, 2008 9:18 PM
Hi focle! Hey, DBCoop sending you some prayers & Get Well Soon Wishes!
Posted by Anonymous – May 7, 2008 9:27 PM
Great pictures, thanks so much! Love that Pistol, what a friendly (and lucky) guy -- has his own room in the Keys!
FCole, surprised your hair isn't totally grey after reading all our blogs lol.
Thanks for all you do.
Posted by Katie – May 8, 2008 7:40 AM
Hilton Head....here I come! What a beautiful location. Best of luck to everyone. It's fun reading these blogs. Don't stop dreaming.
Posted by Carole – May 8, 2008 8:36 AM
How excited we are getting as May 9th comes upon us. My Husband and I have been dreaming of what it would be like to own this beautiful home. We will be watching on June 8th. Enjoyed being part of this whole process. Fran Majewski
Posted by Frances Majewski – May 8, 2008 10:11 AM
Hi Michelle: I'm happy that you agree with me..I love Candice Olsen & would certainly love to see her footprint on the 2009 Dream Home..it would be the most devine creation for her yet!! She is perfect for the task!! Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 8, 2008 10:22 AM
Hey DBcoup...I was so sorry to hear about your triple by-pass..WOW!! My prayers and thoughts will be with you during these re"coup" days!! I love your comments and hope your recovery is quick like your wit! REST!! Lots & lots of REST!! My best to you. Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 8, 2008 10:29 AM
Hi, Fcole thanks for taking the time to post the behind scene pictures. Amazing how we all want to know more about the Dream Home Team people. Anyway, what I really want to say is I hope I win the Green Home. Since the x has taken leave and taken our house I reallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy need a house. I promise to care for it just as if it was my child and one day hope to share it with a wonderful new person in my life some day. Besides it's close enough to my birthday. June 22... can't tell you the year then I'll give my age away. haha.. I toured the Green House every room and I really hope I'm the lucky Woman to win this gorgeous Green Home. I already have a name picked out for her. E's Greene Home Estate, What do you think? Just remember I'm crossing my fingers that I entered enough times. Sorry I missed a few week-ends I don't always have access to a computer. bye for now and I promise to watch the Dream Home 2009 progress, cause if I don't win the Green Home you better believe I will be entering for the 2009 Dream Home.
Good Luck to you ALL! E
Posted by Greene – May 8, 2008 11:16 AM
I love all the programs on HGTV and find them to be very informative as well as entertaining. You have really made a winner in the "Dream Houses" as it gives everyone a chance to win something really special and beyond belief. Keep up the good work and I,sure for one, will continue to watch all your shows!
Posted by melody antonini – May 8, 2008 4:28 PM
Hi fcole, just wanted to post my sincere Thank You all... HGTV/Scripps & Company for the wonderful daily fun and opportunity to win a Dream Green Home... GMC SUV, Cash & Prizes... Only one more day, best of luck everyone!
Posted by Charlottenoel – May 8, 2008 5:31 PM
I've been really enjoying a browse through the HGTVPRO.HOMEPLANS.COM website. Put in Craftsman style (or whatever your preference), a few other parameters, and up come detailed pages of house plans to spend hours dreaming about. I've already found my own online favorite.
In addition to a wine cooler, I wonder if the DH09 will include it's own wine bar or pub room? If we're lucky enough to have an area for a detached garage, don't forget the guest quarters over the carriage house.
...and a last quick comment about blog etiquette:
If You Don't Want Fleas, Don't Engage With The Fleabags!
THANKS FCOLE, LET THE GAMES CONTINUE.
Posted by DBCoop – May 8, 2008 6:37 PM
Love to win this gorgeous home, I live in a condo and my dream is someday to have a home.
Posted by Martha Behnke – May 8, 2008 11:27 PM
The 2009 Dream Home would be ideal for a retired couple married 47 years. After watching hgt 12 hours a day seeing the quality things your build from ground to the make overs whether it is one room or a 5 bedroom 41/2 bathers. Your are untouchable.
Linda C. Mathews
Laurel, MS
Posted by Linnda C. Mathews – May 9, 2008 2:56 AM
Thank you FCOLE for the pics! you realy put your heart into the work and it shows. we all think the sweepstakes are a winner!
Posted by D. Lewis – May 11, 2008 4:26 AM
Hey Jennifer: How about if I were your agent? Then we could both benefit from the royalties earned in Hollywood!! Oops, I guess I can't star in this mystery reality show & be an agent at the same time? Even if I hooked up with Coop, I would still have to contend with Anon!!! Oh well, living in Sonoma seems to agree with all of us. Bon Appetit!!! Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 11, 2008 10:28 PM
