The 2019 HGTV Dream Home, located in Whitefish, Montana, stands as a masterclass in mountain-modern design, blending rustic ruggedness with high-end luxury. Awarded to the winner following a nationwide sweepstakes, the 3,600-square-foot residence features custom woodwork, expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, and a layout specifically engineered to maximize the natural beauty of its scenic, secluded surroundings.
The Architecture of the 2019 HGTV Dream Home
The 2019 HGTV Dream Home was purposefully designed to pay homage to the architectural heritage of Montana while offering a contemporary living experience. Situated in Whitefish, the property serves as a bridge between traditional timber-frame construction and modern residential efficiency. The exterior utilizes a combination of stone and wood siding, materials chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their durability in the harsh northern climate.
The home’s footprint is characterized by high, vaulted ceilings and large, oversized windows that frame the landscape like living art. By utilizing floor-to-ceiling glass in the primary living areas, the designers ensured that the transition between the indoor space and the outdoor environment feels fluid. This architectural approach was essential, given that the house was built within a region known for its dramatic seasonal changes, from snow-covered winters to vibrant, lush summers.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The interior reflects a "mountain chic" philosophy. Local artisans were involved in the creation of custom cabinetry and stonework, grounding the house in its specific geography. The flooring features wide-plank wood, which provides warmth and texture underfoot, contrasting with the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen appliances and lighting fixtures. The structural design emphasizes openness, allowing light to penetrate even the deepest parts of the floor plan, preventing the "closed-in" feeling often associated with traditional mountain cabins.
Interior Design: Balancing Rugged and Refined
The interior design of the 2019 HGTV Dream Home was managed with the goal of creating a space that felt both like a vacation retreat and a functional family home. The color palette draws heavily from the surrounding natural environment, utilizing soft neutrals, earth tones, and accents of deep forest green and cool slate blue to mimic the Montana landscape.
Living Areas and Great Room
The heart of the home is the Great Room, which features a massive stone-clad fireplace that serves as the visual anchor. The furniture selection focuses on comfort without sacrificing style, featuring oversized leather sofas and plush textiles that encourage lounging. The open-concept design flows directly into the dining and kitchen areas, making it an ideal space for entertaining.
The Chef’s Kitchen
As is standard with the HGTV Dream Home series, the kitchen was designed for both amateur and professional use. It features high-end cabinetry, a large central island that serves as both a workspace and a social hub, and a comprehensive suite of professional-grade appliances. The lighting fixtures in the kitchen—often oversized metal pendants—provide an industrial contrast to the otherwise rustic wood-heavy design.
Private Sanctuaries: Bedrooms and Baths
The bedroom suites in the 2019 home were designed to offer maximum privacy and tranquility. The master suite, in particular, was built to include its own fireplace and private access to the outdoor decks. The bathrooms utilize spa-inspired elements, including soaking tubs and walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, finished with natural stone tiles that complement the mountain theme.
The Outdoor Living Experience
In Montana, the outdoors is an extension of the home. The 2019 HGTV Dream Home includes a expansive outdoor living area that allows residents to enjoy the fresh mountain air year-round. This space includes a built-in outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, and comfortable seating arrangements that make the most of the property's location near Whitefish Mountain Resort.
| Feature Category | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Custom slab with radiant heating | Essential for comfort in Montana winters |
| Views | Panoramic Rocky Mountain sightlines | Central to the site selection process |
| Materiality | Reclaimed wood and native stone | Blends the home into the natural forest |
| Technology | Integrated smart-home systems | Provides modern convenience in a remote setting |
| Outdoor Space | Covered decks and fire pit | Extends the living area into the wilderness |
Understanding the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes Process
The HGTV Dream Home is more than just an architectural showcase; it is a grand-prize package that has historically included the home, all its furnishings, a new vehicle, and a cash prize. For those curious about the mechanics of the sweepstakes, the program follows a rigorous set of legal and operational guidelines.
Eligibility and Selection
The sweepstakes is typically open to legal residents of the United States who are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. Because the contest is conducted as a promotional marketing campaign, it is subject to strict federal and state regulations regarding prize drawings. The winner is selected through a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the entry period.
Tax and Maintenance Considerations
One of the most important aspects for any prospective entrant or fan to understand is the financial burden associated with such a prize. The winner is responsible for federal, state, and local taxes on the fair market value of the prize package. Additionally, owning a high-end luxury property in a resort town like Whitefish, Montana, involves significant annual costs, including property taxes, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and the maintenance of a large, custom-designed structure. Many winners in previous years have elected to sell the home rather than take on the ongoing costs of a secondary residence.
Living in Whitefish, Montana
The location of the 2019 HGTV Dream Home was a primary factor in its popularity. Whitefish is a premier destination known for its proximity to Glacier National Park and its world-class skiing facilities at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The lifestyle in this region is defined by outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and skiing.
The home’s design reflects this lifestyle. Mudrooms are large and well-organized to accommodate seasonal gear like skis, snowshoes, or fishing equipment. The integration of these practical spaces into the high-end aesthetic ensures that the home remains functional even after a long day of outdoor activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who won the 2019 HGTV Dream Home? The 2019 HGTV Dream Home in Whitefish, Montana, was won by Casey Schetelig of Hoboken, New Jersey. She was selected from millions of entries during the sweepstakes period.
2. Can I visit the 2019 HGTV Dream Home today? No. The HGTV Dream Home is a private residence once it is awarded to the winner. While the home was open for public tours during the promotional period in 2019, it is currently a private home and is not accessible to the public.
3. What happens to the furniture inside the home? The HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes prize package historically includes all the furniture and decor shown in the promotional materials. The winner receives the home fully furnished and accessorized, exactly as it was staged for the television special.
4. Does the prize include the land? Yes, the grand prize for the HGTV Dream Home includes the house and the land it sits on, along with the other components of the prize package (usually a car and a cash endowment to help cover initial costs).
5. How much are the taxes on an HGTV Dream Home? The tax liability for an HGTV Dream Home is significant. The IRS considers the value of the home, the vehicle, and the cash as taxable income. Winners are required to pay income tax based on the total fair market value of the prize. It is highly recommended that potential entrants consult with a financial advisor regarding the tax implications of winning a large-scale sweepstakes.
Practical Recommendations for Design Enthusiasts
If you are looking to replicate the look and feel of the 2019 HGTV Dream Home in your own residence, focus on the "mountain modern" aesthetic. Start by prioritizing natural materials like wood and stone. Do not be afraid to mix textures; a sleek, modern kitchen island looks beautiful when paired with rustic wooden ceiling beams.
Invest in high-quality lighting. The 2019 home relied heavily on fixtures that acted as statement pieces. By choosing lighting that complements your home’s architectural style—whether that is industrial, rustic, or modern—you can dramatically change the ambiance of a room without needing a full renovation. Finally, remember that the "stunning" nature of the 2019 home came from its connection to the outdoors. If you cannot change your view, consider using interior elements like oversized plants, natural color palettes, and reflective surfaces to bring the feeling of the outside world into your living space.
