There’s a brand new home in Zilker Park that won’t cost you anything. Each year, HGTV builds and furnishes a "Smart Home" to be given away to a lucky sweepstakes winner. Last year, HGTV gave away a charming, high-tech home in Nashville. This year, it's a 2,300-square-foot house in Zilker Park.
The three-bedroom, three-bath modern farmhouse was constructed by Riverside Homes.
Austin was at the top of HGTV’s list for many reasons, says Jack Thomasson, an HGTV professional house planner.
"You can't find a city with a better combination of emerging technologies, exciting nightlife, great food and a welcoming culture that attracts more and more people each year," Thomasson explains. "To be able to build this new home in a thriving neighborhood close to downtown Austin puts it in the center of everything 'smart' that the city has to offer."
The three-bedroom, three-bath modern farmhouse was constructed by Austin builder Riverside Homes and is designated as an "Austin Energy Green Building." An open concept kitchen and living space is surrounded by windows designed with special features meant for blocking sunlight and reducing heat, while still giving plenty of natural light. Upstairs features even more windows and multiple skylights that operate remotely, plus a vaulted media loft. Importantly, there’s a wet bar in the master bedroom.
Because the home was built in the historic Zilker Park neighborhood, construction complied with the "McMansion" ordinances, which were designed by the City of Austin to minimize the impact of construction and protect the character of Austin’s older neighborhoods.
There are multiple outdoor living spaces at the home, including a screened-in porch and outdoor dining area that has, of course, a grill. The outdoor spaces feature drought-resistant plants, gravel landscaping and an automatic sprinkler system to avoid water waste.
The fully furnished home is only part of the grand prize package valued at more than $1 million. The lucky winner will also receive $100,000 provided by national mortgage lender Quicken Loans, and a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to park in the beautiful driveway.
Starting at 9 am EST on April 15, eligible viewers can enter to win the package twice per day on HGTV.com. The giveaway period runs through June 2, and you can even sign up for daily email reminders. Check out a virtual tour of the home here.
The HGTV 2015 Smart Home is a modern farmhouse with a cedar privacy fence and pecan tree offering a lovely Texas welcome.
The estate is a private and peaceful oasis.Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner
The spacious executive lodge also comes with a kitchenette, making it suitable for hosting guests or using as an office.Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner