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Green Homes are really the way to go! As a public school teacher, I really want my students to get in on the green.
I have a question though, I see that hardwood veneer was used. Why was bamboo or cork not considered for flooring.

Posted by DAISY MCBRIDE-JOHNSON – April 9, 2008 4:31 PM

Hello - love the house (of course), and am going to try to get to see the tour. Thanks for the update, and the links.

Posted by Carol R – April 9, 2008 5:34 PM

KWALTERS: I am so sorry I addressed my question on the last blog to fcole. Now I'm getting my head together and thank you for answering the question "how the winner is chosen". Now if you could consider
more questions about the lagoon. How safe? To fish, but not to swim? Alligators are scaring some people. I love this house so much I wouldn't care if an alligator tried to nibble my toe. I'd just run for the safety of the screened porch. KERRI: So young, so wise. Amen.
This is a Dream Home Green Home, so Good Luck to all, and pleasant dreams.

Posted by Katydid – April 9, 2008 6:59 PM

I have been meaning to ask a question. Is there some sort of barrier preventing alligators from creeping onto the property (ie: a steep embankment)? If not, what are some kid and alligator friendly methods of keeping everyone safe?

Posted by rositadc – April 9, 2008 7:47 PM

KWALTERS, You stated the winner is selected in a random drawing. The rules state the finalists will be selected in a random drawing. So do you mean that the winner is drawn and determined when the finalists are drawn? Also, can you tell us how many finalists there will be??? PLEASE!!! Thanks!!!

Posted by Ella – April 9, 2008 10:58 PM

I love this house, I love this area. The town of Tradition and everything about it is the perfect place to retire. The resources, the thought, the care that went into this home is nothing short of amazing. I have always wanted to retire near the ocean, in the south somewhere. This really will be a dream come true for someone.

Posted by deb – April 10, 2008 7:02 AM

where is the green house--can we visit it?

Posted by Anonymous – April 10, 2008 7:22 AM

Dear HGTV, Thank you for answering the above questons. There are wonderful tips on the links. I love the fact that the home is solar powered. As a teen in the mid 60's, we were always taught to turn off a light when we left a room, don't let the water "just run" while brushing your teeth, don't hold the refrigerator door open. It doesn't sound like much, but it could make huge difference if everyone did. I notice now, my two grown sons do the same. Some may think it tacky, but I also reuse plastic grocery bags when I get them to line the smaller garbage cans, they are perfect. I have (out of neccessity) been recycling for years. I now know what a difference it can make. What a fabulous community to live and retire in. Yes, it will be a dream come true for someone. Thank you HGTV for allowing a chance to dream, and for introducing so many people to "GREEN". I watched a special on a PBS station last night about the ocean, and what a fragile system it is and how we must take care of it. The rainwater collection system is fabulous. And I honestly hope they do not allow motor boats on the lagoon. As I said in an earlier blog, the Homassassa wildlife park rehabilitates manatees, (and other wildlife)and does not allow gas powered boats,(electric only), so as not to pollute the water. It is so so very important. Thanks again for a chance to dream. Unless one was "extremely" wealthy, I don't think one could afford a to build a house to this caliber, I know I couldn't. Thank you for allowing dreams, the education, and to whoever wins this dream home, congratulations.

Posted by deb – April 10, 2008 7:41 AM

I would love for my family to win the hgtv green home! I have my family involved in recycling here at home.We definitly recycle the plastic grocery bags!Ican't imagine throwing them away,you get so many of them when you shop.Think of how many would be in the dump sites if we didn't recycle them? So many people think out of sight out of mind, but the trash is still there and it takes years to decompose!I personally believe in the paradise Jesus spoke of at Luke 23:43. I believe that paradise will be on earth and in it we will not treat the earth as we do now. Psalms 37:10,11.

Posted by Dana – April 10, 2008 10:05 AM

I will be in Hilton Head in May for a wedding. Is is possible to take a real live tour @ that time?

Posted by Sandy C. – April 10, 2008 10:25 AM

Can I go to Hilton Head to tour the home? Where is it? Thank you

Posted by Donna – April 10, 2008 10:55 AM

i am trying to win this house for my grandparents, i really would like to win this eco-friendly home for them because they live in florida and are trying to sell their home, but not even one person came to see the home that is for sale. i feel bad too because they are so kind and have wanted to move to north carolina almost all of their lives but they have never been able to because they couldnt aford it and they couldnt sell their home.

Posted by noelle – April 10, 2008 11:27 AM

I have never seen a place/picture as peaceful as this. When you look at this picture it takes your mind to another level. Can you imagine sitting outside with a fire,over looking the lake, watching the sun going down and having a cold beverage. This must be call a GREEN DREAM HOME IN HEAVEN. IT'S BEAUTIFUL.

Posted by Blanche – April 10, 2008 11:29 AM

I remember very well growing up in a house with a tin roof. When it rained it was so relaxing, peaceful & can be romantic.
I see this Green Home has the same effects. Sitting on the porches, or painting an oil painting there will be my dream. The Green Home has MUCH-MUCH-MUCH to offer the winner of this more than wonderful home !!
My daughter Emily & I love this Green Home, it's more beautiful than the one in FL Key's Given away.

Posted by Mitchell Tickle – April 10, 2008 2:09 PM

Hi Kelly,
My husband and I have watched the HGTV Green Home show several times (we recorded it on dvr) and we discussed solar power for our own home. So, my questions are, where would we start to look for companies that provide these systems, is it feasible to power the entire house with roof panels, and how expensive would all this be? Good luck to everyone for this great home!

Posted by Charlene – April 10, 2008 2:17 PM

To Donna & Sandy
Go to the Green Home Topics, then select, "Let the sweepstakes begin". You shall find the open home day's,hour's & $20 tour fee. Wish I could meet you there but we're into several street rod/antique car shows from the time. I hope you all have a great time & let us hear from you. Safe trip. dee

Posted by dee – April 10, 2008 2:37 PM

I thank the Main Sponsor & Sweepstakes Administrator at Ritway Inc as well in a chance at being the Grand Prize Winner of such a Green Home Giveaway !

Kelley-
How will it be drawn ? Either by "mail",sent in, or by entering by "e-mail" ?? I know by the home given away in FL Key's entering by "mail" one had a chance to win weekly prizes, is this Green Home the same ??

Nevertheless, I hope & pray by entering by "e-mail" daily, that the windows of heaven open up for my daughter & I to win this greatful blessing !!

It truely would be a "gift" given from above ! A piece of heaven here on earth !

Thanks to all unseen Sponsor's in the developement of this Green Home ! Unity of all thing's sponsored, it's a Grand Green Home !!!

My, my, oh my !!! (SMILE EVERYONE- your neighbor may need it.)

Posted by Mitchell – April 10, 2008 3:49 PM

My children and I were viewing the photos of the Green Home and I must say it is truly a dream home. The landscape is breathtaking and a wonderful step toward environmental conservation. I work day to day in environmental sciences and see the effects of our misuse of nature. I commend HGTV on their efforts to educate and promote green living. The winner is truly a blessed person and best of luck to everyone.

Posted by renee b – April 10, 2008 6:18 PM

My children and I were viewing the photos of the Green Home and I must say it is truly a dream home. The landscape is breathtaking and a wonderful step toward environmental conservation. I work day to day in environmental sciences and see the effects of our misuse of nature. I commend HGTV on their efforts to educate and promote green living. The winner is truly a blessed person and best of luck to everyone.

Posted by renee b – April 10, 2008 6:18 PM

would u rather have the dream home or green home? just wondering. leave comments. thanks!!

Posted by marlys – April 10, 2008 9:08 PM

Nicely done! You guys must be busy, but it's so nice that the guestions do get answered. Keep up the great job. I love the home.

Posted by Mary from PA – April 10, 2008 9:17 PM

I want to know what the room is behind the door inside the cubby in the bunk room. Looking at the floor plan of the second floor, there is plenty of room in there with a window but it's not featured with pictures or details. Thank you!

Posted by jess – April 10, 2008 11:23 PM

Good morning. Just came in off the screened porch with my morning coffee. I walked into town earlier and got my paper and some baked goods earlier. Oh, sorry, I was dreaming. Good luck everyone. And have a good day.

Posted by deb – April 11, 2008 8:20 AM

FOR SANDY C. AND DONNA: If you go to the entry (Let the sweepstakes begin) you will find all the information you need to find this home.Glad I could help! I hope eveyone has a good day!Bye for now!

Posted by Dana – April 11, 2008 8:50 AM

Good Morning -- I have really checked out all the power saving features or energy efficient features. My husband and I were lucky enought to be able to build a home several years ago, but many things have changed. I would love to see what the future holds for saving energy in the next 10 years or less. My husband is checking it all out as well. This is a great home with great ideas. And YES-- I have already entered this morning. dee

Posted by dee – April 11, 2008 11:40 AM

TO JESS: Inside the cubby closet is the mechanical and a/c, etc. The window you see on the floorplans is actually in the living room. If you take the 360 tour of the room go up to the very top, above where the doors are to the screened in porch, and you will see the windows, which can be seen from the outside, also. The living room has a vaulted ceiling, with the windows at the very top. Hope this helps.

Posted by bird lover – April 11, 2008 1:09 PM

Katydid- Don't worry about the alligators. My parents live on a lake in Florida that has them and we have never had a problem. You just have to make sure people do not get in the habbit of feeding the wildlife, and keep your animals away from the waters edge.

Posted by Amanda – April 11, 2008 2:13 PM

I would really love this house, it is beautiful. Most of all I would really like to get out of the Minnesota winters!

Posted by Viki – April 11, 2008 3:36 PM

Wow Hgtv really did it Big time with this one.They are giving away the first ever build energy efficent home that will be safe for our families to live in and for our kids especially, and we will be saving a lot too from the energy star appliances the home comes with to the features put in to making this home. and to complete this package they are also giving away a 2008 Yukon Hybird THE WORLDS FIRST EVER TWO- MODE HYBIRD PROPULSION SYSTEM IN AN SUV (Gas-electric V-8 drivetrain).NOW YOU SEE WHY I START OFF WITH A WOW. WHAT A PACKAGE. HGTV YOU ROCK FROM THE CEO TO THE DESIGNERS,PRODUCERS AND EVERY ONE THAT PUT THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO MAKING THIS DREAM HOME PACKAGE A REALITY THAT WILL COME THROUGH FOR A BLESSED WINNER WE ALL THANK YOU. CAUSE EVEN IF I DONT WIN THE HOME AT LEAST THE IDEA IS OUT THERE AND SOON EVERY ONE WILL START TO BUILD A GREEN HOME AND NOT JUST A DREAM HOME OR A CONVENTIONAL HOME.

Posted by Shawna Seymour – April 11, 2008 9:47 PM

I saw the most beautiful sunset this evening. We sat out on the veranda, just gorgeous. Getting ready to call it an evening, but taking a bubble bath in my claw foot tub. Aaaahhhh, to dream!!

Posted by deb – April 11, 2008 11:19 PM

Does anyone know what the deal is on the swirly gig light bulbs that are supposed to be green? Are they more dangerous than efficient? Are they in the HGTV home?

Posted by Angie G – April 12, 2008 12:14 AM

Every home built today should be a green home. You would actually be saving by building a green home. Might cost a little more to build but in the long run it will pay off. I love this home, the outside is very country and the landscape is just wonderful. Birds and bees and all sorts of critters will love this yard. Great job on this home.

Posted by Diane – April 12, 2008 7:46 AM

Good Saturday morning to everyone. I would like to address some concerns about the alligators. My father lived in Florida for many years. I understood from the paper, news, etc. (regarding alligator attacks),that people should not feed the alligators. I believe they are naturally afraid of people, however, I am sure if they are hungry and looking for food that they may attack a small dog etc. Please keep in mind, these are very, very rare cases. I had visited Florida for over 20 yrs prior to my father passing, and I was never afraid of an alligator attack. I did read about some, but I personally was never afraid. I, like everyone else would love nothing more than to win this home. I know the winner is chosen from a random drawing, and I would encourage everyone to read the rules. I, personally, do not think that one should enter the contest with the idea of selling the home, and that whoever wins it should be required to live in the home. I also pray (literally) that whoever wins this home will be so very appreciative and honor what HGTV has done with this home, for the environment, and be a spokesperson for such. Good luck to everyone.

Posted by deb – April 12, 2008 9:21 AM

i love the thought of an echo friendly home!! Hilton Head island is such a fun place, i hope i win!!

Posted by Megan – April 12, 2008 12:23 PM

MARLYS: I would presonally rather win the Green Home for several reasons. 1.)It's the only dream home that I've seen that I actually have a chance to live in. I have 3 children from a former marriage and I cannot move across state line. 2.)The green Home is just my style! I love the cottage look. It's very humble in my opinion. Just right for a country girl like myself! 3.) IT'S GREEN! As I stated before I believe paradise will be on earth( ISAIAH 45:18).In it we will not treat the earth as we do now so we might as well start practicing now!

Posted by Dana – April 12, 2008 1:24 PM

I really enjoyed seeing your house yesterday. I have a question about the wood on the walls downstairs. They called it butt-board, but I can't find out anything in google about butt-board. It appeared to be pine boards butted together. Is this a special product? I did love the look. Wish me luck in the contest! My daughter lives minutes away.

Posted by Debi – April 12, 2008 5:20 PM

Marlys; in respect to your question. I suppose just having a home to call my own is my dream. It is difficult to say which I would choose. I find the concept behind building the green home a wonderful step in the right direction. In many ways, the home is a dream home and my best wishes to all those in pursuit of their dreams.

Posted by renee b – April 12, 2008 11:31 PM

Sunday, Apri 13th, 2008....it's snowing in Michigan. The trees have budded, some flowers have bloomed, others are popping their little heads through the soil and..IT'S SNOWING. I am so ready to move to someplace warm, and the lowland of the S.C. coast sounds like a really nice place to retire.

Posted by deb – April 13, 2008 7:54 AM

Each year the dream homes are lovely but this year's home is especially beautiful with its restrained, understated elegance, peaceful setting, and tasteful furnishings. To combine all these characteristics with a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable materials is inspiring. Thank you for this year's inspiration!

Posted by Karol B. – April 13, 2008 3:01 PM

I would like to knowwhat the address of the Green Home is so I can look it up on Mapquest.

Posted by joe Kissel – April 14, 2008 7:57 PM

This Green Home is a Dream Home. As a public school teacher, I work in a Green School! This year my third and fourth grade students have pushed for more recycling, and even healthier and organic foods in our cafeteria! At home, our family is making changes to become greener, healthier and happier! Thank you for making this important way of life a reality. Good luck to all!

Posted by RKlemmer – April 15, 2008 10:19 AM

In the last 2 homes built by HGTV, the baths have had wood floors. Is wood good for a water area? How many hot water heaters are there and where are they located?

Posted by Dea Ann – April 15, 2008 12:51 PM

I think the Green Home is great!! and I would love to be able to retire and live in it. It would also be a great place for my grandchildren to be able to come and visit.
Thanks for all your hard work.

Posted by Esther Vick – April 15, 2008 4:36 PM

Could someone tell me more about the dog art in the green home bathroom? I love it and would like to have the artist(s) name(s) and gallery information. Thanks!

Posted by Robyn J. Miller – April 16, 2008 1:04 PM

Hi! All my life my favorite color has been green. All the greens you colored the house with are so-so-so inviting. Ever since I built playhouses under the apple tree, I have wanted to design my own home, build and live in it. I still draw plans and dream on! Greatfully, I am that I enjoy spending hours studying your plan.

Posted by Marjorie Howe – April 16, 2008 2:28 PM

Well, spring has finally sprung in Michigan, I think. It was a pretty day yesterday, and is supposed to be today, however, rain and colder over the weekend. Now, that I've given you the weather forcast, I will simply state, I am ready to move BIG TIME. I sit in the house all winter, I do not like the cold. I have a very low tolerance for it. I love the heat, the humidity does not bother me at all. I loved visiting with my father in Florida any time of the year. I would absolutely love and cherish this home.

Posted by deb – April 18, 2008 7:12 AM

Good Morning HGTV and all you dreamers from one dreamer to another wishing you all the best of luck in winning but I do have a question. There is no fireplace in the Green home and due to not knowing I was wondering if a fireplace is not considered Green? Also, does anyone make an energy saving coffee pot? I would have thought for sure Sears had one but could not locate one in the store. I love the tankless water heater just wish they were a little more afordable I would surely have one then. Thank you HGTV for help to save our planet earth. Would it not be wonderful if ya'll could do a small school all green? What a great tourist attraction that would be for all the educators and for all the schools to tour for field trips with thier senoirs to get them thinking about carreers in the field of Green. Thanks HGTV all the sponsors as this has got to have everyone thinking about going Green.

Posted by Southern Lady – April 19, 2008 10:15 AM

Where is the door from the garage to the interior, have to go outside ? Why did the not use a Induction cooktop & Bosch type washer/dryer combo,these are very green energy appliances& maybe a ground water heatpump also,...

Posted by Roger Ragland – April 19, 2008 11:17 AM

I don't remember seeing the tankless water heater. We need to replace our hot water heater and are thinking of going tankless. We've been getting conflicting reports about them - even from plumbers! There is a green home in our community that used a new kind of tanked water heater. What kind of tankless did the dream home use, and are they really the way to go?

Posted by Kelly – April 21, 2008 9:35 AM

How can an open fire in a fire pit be "green"? Are there no exhaust gasses and no fuel used? What uses are served by an open fire outdoors? Can you cook on the fire pit?

Posted by Wayne – April 21, 2008 1:44 PM

Kelly: Look in the garage,In the part where the golf clubs are. Hope this helps.Bye for now.

Posted by Dana – April 21, 2008 4:45 PM

We want to build a new home. We want to build a green home. I am requesting any info or reference that may help me in building this home.
Thanks for your help

Andrew Welsh

Posted by Andrew Welsh – April 21, 2008 10:07 PM

I see the tankless water heater now. What kind is it? I don't see it listed on the garage page or Shopzilla where it routes you to see the products used.

Posted by Kelly – April 22, 2008 5:23 PM

Could someone tell me how the tankless water heater works. How does the water get heated before it reachs the faucets? I feel really dumb not knowing, but, haven't ever questioned it before. Thanks,

Posted by bird lover – April 23, 2008 3:24 PM

I love the thought of a Green Home. Could you tell me what kind of paint do they use, and what color is the kitchen painted.

Also, is it more expensive to build a Green home.

thank you
Lois

Posted by lois volkert – April 24, 2008 9:34 AM

Thanks HGTV for all the info on the furnishings, and don't forget everyone, May 4th at 5:00p, Green home on V. Good luck everyone.

Posted by deb – April 28, 2008 7:57 AM

Hi everyone,

I wanted to thank Hgtv for giving away a dream home every year and now a second one for 2008. We just recently sold our home in hopes of building a small retirement home. We are currently living in our small motorhome that my husband uses to do street ministry. We are blessed that the church is letting us park in their yard for free. It would be a true blessing to win the green home. I know it is more expensive to build a green home. Does anyone know anything about free electric using a solar pole or something that goes in the ground? Thanks.

Posted by Sharon – April 30, 2008 10:56 PM

The solar panels are one of my favorites. Ok, I said one of my favorites. Then I will see something else and go "Oh, I like that, that's my favorite", so what does one say except, "Amazing".

Posted by deb – May 1, 2008 8:09 AM

It's just amazing. All of it, everything.

Posted by deb – May 2, 2008 7:45 AM

I WANT THIS HOME, I KNOW, I KNOW, SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE. CAN'T BLAME ANY OF US FOR WANTING IT. IT IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS.

Posted by deb – May 4, 2008 8:36 PM

Where did she get the pictures by Ben Hamm (sp?). I love them, and would like to see/order some.

Posted by Kate – May 4, 2008 11:43 PM

That is such a beautiful picture of this home.

Posted by deb – May 5, 2008 5:10 PM

Ok, one of the most important features to me are the solar panels. Yet, for the life of me I cannot locate the supplier for this home anywhere on the site.

So, what are they? Oregon is blissfully sunny from May through Sept and it'd be nice to know what options are out there for alternative power.

Posted by Chip – May 5, 2008 8:10 PM

Can anyone pleasw tell me where Linda found the pictures of the dogs that are in the 2nd floor bathroom??

Posted by Jill Cousins – May 6, 2008 7:53 PM

I am trying to find out how many Sq Feet are in this house?

Posted by Brandy – May 7, 2008 4:15 PM

Well, I have done all I can to win this home. On line entry 'every' day, and mail in entries galore. I am trying and it's almost to the end. Someone is going to be a very blessed soul here in a few days. Let us all hope and pray that the home and HGTV will be honored by keeping it
'Green', and really appreciating what has been done here and what it stands for. Good luck all.

Posted by deb – May 7, 2008 8:01 PM

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE...IT'S BEEN FUN.

Posted by deb – May 8, 2008 3:08 PM

deb, no one can accuse you of not trying!!lol!! I will miss blogging with you and I admire your determination! If you win don't forget to say hello!!

Posted by Dana Dryburgh – May 8, 2008 4:04 PM

Dana, you're a doll. I definately did try, but it doesn't go by how many times you try. So girl, you take care of yourself, and hopefully we will meet on that porch, or perhaps another blog for HGTV. Good luck to you.

Posted by deb – May 9, 2008 3:52 PM