Key Takeaways
- Karen Hiers, a 77-year-old retired teacher from Jacksonville, FL, won HGTV’s 2026 Smart Home valued at $1.3 million and $100,000 in cash.
- The modern, fully furnished home features smart technology, a resort-style pool, and unique amenities like a hidden Skee-Ball lane.
- Hiers is sharing her win with her family, including her husband, children, and pets; she entered multiple contests over several years.
Retired Teacher Hits the Jackpot with HGTV’s Smart Home
Karen Hiers, a 77-year-old retired substitute teacher, has claimed the grand prize in HGTV’s 2026 Smart Home sweepstakes. Located in Orlando, Florida, the property is valued at $1.3 million and comes with an additional $100,000. Hiers expressed disbelief upon receiving the news and enlisted her son to validate the email she received about her win, suspecting it could be a scam. After verifying her win, she opted to call HGTV for further confirmation.
Hiers, who has been a loyal fan of HGTV and its designers, Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, plans to share her new home with her husband of 55 years, Bill, along with their two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The modern abode is only two hours from their current home in Jacksonville.
The property is designed with a focus on both style and technology. Featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms, it highlights airy interiors with breezy textures and mature design choices. Notable features include a multi-screen viewing wall, a concealed television within a framed mirror, and a rotating shoe display in the primary closet. Additionally, the home boasts a full sports simulator, an outdoor kitchen, and an extensive entertainment space, including a resort-style pool and putting green.
Hiers’ dedication to participating in HGTV contests finally paid off after years of multiple daily entries, with her name selected from a staggering 75 million entries. The sweeping design and advanced features of the house aim to offer an enhanced living experience, marrying modern conveniences with aesthetics.
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