In a delightful turn of fortune, 77-year-old Karen Hiers, a retired substitute teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, has been crowned the winner of HGTV’s 2026 Smart Home giveaway. This exciting announcement, made public on 14 August 2026, reveals that Hiers has won a stunning resort-style home in Orlando, complete with lavish furnishings valued at over $1.3 million, as well as a generous cash prize of $100,000.
A Dream Come True
Hiers, who has been a loyal follower of HGTV, dedicated herself to entering the network’s competitions twice daily. After years of hopeful participation, she received the email declaring her the winner, a moment she initially found hard to believe. “I didn’t believe it at first,” Hiers recounted. It wasn’t until she consulted her son that she began to accept the reality of her good fortune.
The joy of sharing this new abode with her husband of 55 years, Bill, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, adds an extra layer of happiness. “I can’t wait to share this with my family,” she told People.
A Home Designed for Living
The 2026 Smart Home, crafted by designers Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, is a testament to Florida’s vibrant lifestyle. The two-storey beach bungalow spans over 3,000 square feet and is designed to embody both fun and relaxation. “This home captures the vibrant energy of Orlando while embracing the relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Florida,” Brian said during a video tour of the property.
The house features an array of impressive amenities, including a game room equipped with a multi-sport simulator, a spacious pool, and an outdoor grilling area. Hiers will find herself surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, providing a perfect backdrop for her new life.
Inside the Dream Home
Upon stepping into the Smart Home, one is greeted by a cosy living room complete with a brick fireplace and built-in shelves, creating an inviting atmosphere. The kitchen boasts a stunning marble island, complemented by a combination of white upper cabinets and warm wooden lower ones, fostering an elegant yet comfortable space for family gatherings.
Adjacent to the main living area is another lounge, designed with sophistication in mind, featuring a giant sofa and ample natural light streaming through skylights. The sliding glass doors lead out to a wood deck and pool area, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor living.
The primary bedroom, with its cottage-inspired décor, offers serene greens and wooden accents, while the en-suite bathroom provides a soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. Upstairs, the home continues to impress with a game room and two additional bedrooms, including a whimsical child’s room with a cleverly elevated bed.
A Celebration of Family and Community
Hiers has expressed particular fondness for the spacious backyard, which promises endless opportunities for family fun. The outdoor kitchen is perfect for hosting gatherings, complete with a full-range stove and grill. Meanwhile, a miniature putting green adds a playful touch to the landscape.
The sweepstakes for the HGTV 2026 Smart Home was open for entries from 21 April to 19 June, and Hiers was one of over 75 million participants hoping for a chance to win.
Why it Matters
This story of Karen Hiers is more than just a tale of luck; it serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from community engagement and the simple pleasures in life. Hiers’ win highlights the importance of dreams and aspirations, showing that with perseverance, even the most improbable dreams can come true. Her story resonates universally, inspiring others to keep believing in the possibility of change and new beginnings, especially in a world that often feels uncertain.
