The 2015 HGTV Smart Home, located in Austin's prized Zilker neighborhood, could soon be yours, but this time it'll cost you.
HGTV recently announced the winner of its Smart Home sweepstakes, which included the fully furnished home, $100,000 provided by Quicken Loans, and a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Isabel Villarreal of Harlingen, Texas was the lucky winner of the prize package valued at more than $1 million, but she won't be keeping the impeccable Austin home.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Villarreal has chosen to sell the home, as "she said she would not be able to afford the taxes on the lavish property."
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom modern farmhouse was unveiled by HGTV in April. It features an open concept kitchen and living space surrounded by windows that block sunlight and reduce heat, while providing lots of natural light. The upstairs features even more windows and multiple skylights, plus a vaulted media loft. Notably, there’s also a wet bar in the master bedroom.
Multiple outdoor living spaces, including a screened-in porch and outdoor dining area, complete the modern farmhouse vibe in one of Austin's most sough-after neighborhoods.
"I wish I could keep it, it's the most beautiful house I've seen in all my life," Villarreal said. The home will hit the market, but Villarreal plans to keep the rest of the prize. The cash, reports the Express-News, will be saved for retirement.
Tour the home in the photo slideshow above.
The HGTV 2015 Smart Home is a modern farmhouse with a cedar privacy fence and pecan tree offering a lovely Texas welcome.
Enjoy a nice evening on the tanning lounge while illuminated by the poolside fire pits and ambient pool lighting.Photo courtesy of Rudy Lara
The private guest house has an open floor plan, suitable for visitors or extended family stays.Photo courtesy of Rudy Lara