Beautiful! The perfect place for me!! This weather, and the easy access to gulf swimming and walking on sand is just the prescription to combat Fibromyalgia. I will definitely follow your progress and enter the contest!

Beautiful location! I see myself already owning it.

Interesting story about the purple island and the pirates. I particularily like the ending about finding a gold doubloon. :)

Sounds really nice, the home, and having a treasure hunt there would be great.....don't know about the hurricane flow thru there tho.....

I think you have truly picked the most beautiful site for the 2008 Dream Home. It would be A Blessed Dream to live in such a beautiful place.

Simply Beautiful! Beautiful Island, beautiful home design. That is the Dream Home from My Dreams! The Spanish probably named the island Islamorada "Purple Island" because of the beautiful color hues that are cast on the beach at sunset. I've sometimes seen the Floridian beaches on the Gulf of Mexico side turn a pink to lavender shade at sunset. Exquisite for the eyes to behold - that against the Sparkly Emerald colored gulf. I would LOVE to call Islamorada Island and the house my home! And I even have a circa 1500's Spanish Galleon ship bell to place in the entrance hall.

IT'S THE PERFECT TROPICAL HOME,PERFECT FOR ANY ONE OR FAMILY THAT LOVES THE BEACH.

my husband has had 7 difficult years due to health . i would live to win thishousefor him so he could live again. he and i love to fish and boat in florida. the last time we were in florida we camped at big pine key for amonthin the rural cammping location.pleasehelp me win this dream house.

What an impressive site! This house is shaping up very nicely and I would like to win it.

What type of protection included in the construction of this beauty erand insurance is required for the hurricanes in that location?

The home is grand and from what they completed it seems the builders doin a great job. It takes a great crew to do that. Keep up the gooood work.

Looks Good. Can't wait for it to be finished.

This is the all time stupidist location selection in the history of home building.

Beautiful! Hope I win....Pat

THANK YOU WHAT A LOCATION . YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST WOW CANT WAIT TO SEE MORE ..,.,.

Unless your going to as much effort into making the home hurricane "proof" as you will making it comfortable and beautiful, it
will seem a waste. and one day that dream will become a nightmare.

put a game room and a workout room and a movie room

I would love to see one, just like the one you bilt in TX bilt in Ceader Key,FL!Eather that or one I sean on exstream Homes last month.It was dome shape an stoodup to a huracane.Great shape for FL,Butefull! I wish I had one just like it!

This is an incredible locaton for the Dream House! Since the house is being built in a hurricane prone area, what is being done in the construction process to make the house hurricane proof? If there is such a thing- I know that there are ways to make a home in this area more likely to withstand the high winds and storm surges.

I was surprised to see a 3 story structure. I would think if you were building something in hurricane country, you would want something with a lower profile.

You have truely found a paradise that I would love to own and ride horses on the beach and have children frolicking in the waters dreaming of the treasures they will discover under their sand castles. Congratulations the Spanish Casa is wonderful. I am awaiting my set of keys and ofcoarse the guest cottage is forever yours. Dierdre, I am currently packing.

The DH08 would be the best "Pirate gold coin" piece yet!

The good ol' "Eight Escudo of Pirate Lore". There appears to be all kinds of treasures on Islamorada's eastern shores, from down under to building high up. :)

What a perfect selection for the DH08 home. It's surely a treasured location!

Am not sure I am correct, but aren't there going to be 6 other houses (3 on both sides flanking it)? Tho't that it was going to be more secluded and private. Would love that. From the picture with other homes, it was the farthest away from the bay and was a longer walk, while passing the other homes on the way. Was that a fountain or a community pool where they begin? Either I am seeing the picture incorrectly, or the plans have changed. Would love to hear how it really is going to be.

Please pick me, the area is my element..water, lots of it, since I am a Pisces...would be perfect for me. Would be able to go boating, swimming, fishing, etc. Just being near all that water would be best for my peace of mind (since my son is in Iraq and am a single mom, now), right now it is something that is really needed for me. Also, would be great, because my apt. is too small (one bedroom)to have my children come live with, stay with, or even visit with me (or relatives). My parents may end up staying with me (I am the only single one of 6 kids and can't expect them to uproot their lives), since their health isn't getting any better. Want to make sure they are taken care of and that I am there for them, if they need someone. They live in NW part of Florida, but would be much closer to me, than they are to me now (I am living in NY). This would help my children worry less about me, since they know I can't afford to build a home of my own, or afford to buy one. Need to have a place of my own.

Would love to see the plans how it is all laid out.

What colors are you going to have? I tho't that the main bedroom could be a sea blue with white accents, with decorations depicting a tropical bungalo. Would love a nautical/tropical theme to the house. Seashells, tropical plants, etc.

Mostly white in color, but nothing too bright..something more calming and sedate to bring peace and serenity to the rooms. Except for the excercise room..something more upbeat but no bright colors..reds, yellows, oranges and lime greens are too much.

I've always wanted to be a beach bum when I grow up. After a 5 and 1/2 years of a battle with cancer with my daughter and she lost her battle leaving an 8 yr. old son, I'm ready for a dream home for my family. I've got try and win this every day!
Thank you,
Harriet Vining

WOW!! Having lived in St. Augustine for several years and now in Ohio, I would love to wake in the morning to the sounds of the ocean outside my window. Hope to show my family the joys of Florida living with nature at it's best. HGTV has picked another beautiful site. This is one nurse who could use some dream home medicine.
Great Job HGTV!!!

What a beautiful spot!!!!! I have entered almost all the Dream Home sites. Looks like I will be entering this one as well. This would really be a Dream!!!!!!! Have always wanted to learn how to scub dive, the perfect spot to start to learn. Can't what to see the finished product.

I have seen alot of homes being built in South Florida, particularly the Keys. I have always been on the other side of the deal though -- showing the properties not owning them. This site is spectacular and the home is sure to be a gem! If anyone has ever set foot in the Florida Keys then they are sure to know that your blood pressure drops about a quick 50 points. The prestine waters and the majestic sunsets just blow you away. It is absolutely relaxing and good for the soul. No doubt I will try to get a shot at this beauty. Jack - I think you will have a difficult time letting go of this one. But I promise that if I win you can stay for free. Can't wait to see the finished product!! Good Luck with all the rains.

I can't wait till the 2009 site it has to be better than this one. This is the first site that was not a favorite one.

I'm really looking forward to entering this one. My husband and I have wanted to retire for years to Florida, but just couldn't budget the change. We both love the ocean views and know the climate change would really help both of our health. Florida is our dream destination and this house looks like a dream house.

Dear HGTV, Love your location, can't wait to see timeline for entry. Would love to see contest to help decorate this home. Also can we have more frequent updates. Thanks, Deb Hogue

i love the site, i'm a beach lover.

I would love to have this home, we had our share of health problems as many have. My husband worked hard for over 33 years, as I have worked hard as well. After all these years we lived in this home praying we have a chance to move into a new home because this one needs so many repairs and we can't afford to pay someone nor are we able to do the real hard stuff ourselves. Thank you for giving us this dream of owning this new home. We have been to Florida and love the location you picked.

It really is an amazing home! A true dream home for anyone that is lucky enough to win it. When does the actual sweepstakes start and how do you enter, does anyone know?

I live in Naples Fl. and we go to Islamorada all the time with my son and his furture wife they met at Islamorada and we go with them ther to enjoy the beach and to go fishing , they are planning to get married there March 22, 2008 it sure would be great to win the Dream Home there so we all could enjoy it

I think the location is wonderful! My parents sure could use a new location with a move in ready house. Let's see my parents lost there family business to Katrina. Then my 5 year old sister that my parents adopted 5 years ago was taken away from us and givin to her drug addict abusive father who decided he wanted to finally be daddy. Then we found out that the judge was related to this man. And now my mother has been told that she has cancer. Since her mother and grandfather died from cancer she's not taking it well. So if just one good thing could happen this would be a good one because to get away from my sisters memories maybe my mother could get her life together and not feel so helpless.

I am very excited about this wonderful home you are constructing.I am equally excited about entering the contest.Personally,I ahve never won anything,but if I could this lovely home would be a great beginning.I hope it is environmentally safe,and blends in with the climate.i am a small town girl,and to be able to reside in such a place so full of sunshine,beauty,fun and relaxing area,would be a dream come true.I will follow the progress of the build,and look forward to entering the contest,i will keep my fingers crossed as you never know ,Ihave just as good a chance as anyone else.God Bless.

Living through Michigan winters, Islamorada is an inspiring dream...

I adore this house almost as much as I loved the Carolina House two years ago. I lived in West Palm Beach for 12 years when I was younger and loved the Keys as well. Have been in Manhattan and at the Jersey Shore since I left Fl more than 40 years ago. I miss palm trees and jasmine.
I pray I may win this house. I have not owned a house since leaving Fl. I would feel so much more secure if I did own a home of my own once again.
I am helping to raise a great grandchild who adores the sea and all it's animals. She hopes to be a marine biologist in another 15 years or so. She would love to be able to swim all year round.
Whoever wins this house will be so very blessed.

Dear HGTV,
You give every one,including myself something to dream about.Thank You for making all our lives a little brighter and a little more wishfull .keep up all the great work.God knows we sure do need something to brighten our days.

WOW what a great place for a disabled viet nam vet to spend the rest of his life enjoying the weather and life--not hurting as much from weather changes. We are looking forward to entering as often as we can!!

Patricia

You all are creating another beautiful home. I have been so impressed with the previous homes built and have entered in many of these contests. My husband and I would be so grateful and honored to live in this home. Keep up the incredible work. The details you put into each home are so impressive.
We live in Bradenton, FL and the keys are a very special place here to us. We are so blessed with beautiful, pristine waters and we will continue to keep these natural areas free from pollution in the future.
We will be so blessed to win this fantastic home, our dream home, thanks so much. We love you all, the A team, that is what you are. Can't wait.

What a wonderful location location location . Living in the Phoenix Arizona area, Your 102 F. for the day time temp. sounds great, to our family. We have 115-117 and have been 122. A lot of folks in AZ, use misters a fine water spray in out door entertainment areas. This could be used at this wonderful house as well. This wonderful beach home will be a great blessing for some lucky family, Good Luck To Everyone. We have been looking for the beach for the last 22 years from the time that We moved to Arizona from S. California HA HA Guess We just wont be able to find it in the desert. L. G.

hey..my names jennifer..this house would bne perfect for my family..my parents have high blood pressure and are getting old..it would be at for them to have a place to relax..and for us to live somewhere that is put new because our home needs alot of fixing up..if we won the stress of fixing our home would be gone and my 3 younger cousins would have a fresh start from everything they have gone through this year..they live with us now..we could really use the extra space and help them get a new start in life that they truely need and deserve..i hope e family that wins this home keeps it and deserves it too

This dream home is in the most beautiful location. However, I would like to know if this house is hurricane safe? Many hurricanes pass through Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico, so why build a house that can be taken down by hurricanes?

THATS IS BEAUTIFULL.I LOVE TO LIVE THERE.

My sister lives literally next door - other side of founders park and I visit her often...I can't wait to be her next door neighbor in my dream home. It truly is my dream home! Can't wait to win it!

I was thrilled to see that you have chosen a place close to my heart. I lived in Marathon key (which is further down)in the late 70's and if you are looking for the simple life like me this is the perfect house and location! Who every becomes the winner (hope it's me) please make sure to take in the sights on all the islands. There are many wonderful small restrants with fresh seafood catches everyday to enjoy on the menu. And if you have never tried grouper cheeks that is the first thing you should try it's wonderful. I was wondering are they going to use solar power or heat on this house. With the sun being so strong most of the year seems it would work best. I hope with go with natural tones in the house to keep it fresh feeling like a resort. Can't wait to see more updates, keep them coming.

I can't wait to win the Dream House! I saw some others wanted an elevator - no need to put one in. The stairs will keep me in shape.

I LOVE THE LOCATION !!! AND THE OUTSIDE COLORS ARE AWESOME!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT. HOWEVER, I WOULD RATHER SWITCH THE KID'S BEDROOM WITH THE GUEST BEDROOM.
I WOULDN'T WANT MY CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN ON THE GROUND LEVEL WHEN THE PARENTS' ROOM IS ON THE TOP LEVEL.

I'm sure this will be a beautiful home. But it seems that each yr.the homes HGTV build becomes much more expensive. Only the people w/an income of over $200,000/per yr could afford to pay the taxes on such a place. I agree w/most every one else, that this will be a beautiful home, but..living in 'hurricane alley' doesn't sound so appealing! How about the 2009 home being built out in the boonies,where taxes wouldn't be
so expensive, and have it all on one floor!