For decades, we’ve watched lucky winners of the HGTV® Dream Home pack their bags and move cross-country to picturesque locales in the Rockies, the Florida Keys, or coastal New England. But this year, the dream address is right in our own backyard.
HGTV has unveiled the HGTV® Dream Home 2026, and it is a stunning waterfront sanctuary nestled on the shores of Lake Wylie, just outside of Charlotte.
For residents of York and Lancaster counties, this year’s sweepstakes offers a rare and exciting twist: the chance to win a life-changing luxury home without leaving the community you love. If you win, you don’t have to move away—you just have to move up.
The Grand Prize: A $2.4 Million Lakeside Masterpiece
The 2026 Grand Prize package is valued at over $2.4 million. One lucky winner will receive:
-
The fully furnished, custom-built home on Lake Wylie.
-
$100,000 in cash.
-
(Typically, a high-end vehicle is also included, often a Mercedes-Benz, though check official rules for specific vehicle details this year).
View this post on Instagram
A Tour of the “Moody Modern” Retreat
Designed by long-time HGTV designer Brian Patrick Flynn and built by local favorite Knotts Builders, the home is a departure from the traditional bright-white farmhouse style. This year, the design team embraced a “moody modern” aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the lake’s natural beauty.
Key features of the approximately 3,200-square-foot home include:
-
Prime Waterfront Location: The home sits on a private peninsula, offering panoramic views of Lake Wylie from nearly every room.
-
The “Cyber Space” Exterior: The house features a dramatic charcoal gray exterior (Sherwin-Williams “Cyberspace”) that turns deep blue in the sunlight, designed to disappear into the tree line.
-
Outdoor Living at its Best: A multi-level deck and a spectacular two-story boat dock make this the ultimate spot for sunset watching, fishing, and entertaining.
-
Interior Luxury: Inside, you’ll find 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a chef’s kitchen with a massive island, and a “camp-chic” guest suite that nods to the region’s rustic charm.
How to Enter (and Win Local!)
The sweepstakes is officially open and runs through February 13, 2026.
You can enter twice daily—once on HGTV.com and once on FoodNetwork.com.
-
Enter here: HGTV.com Sweepstakes
-
Enter here: FoodNetwork.com Sweepstakes
Pro Tip: Set a daily alarm on your phone. Millions of people enter, but consistency is key.
Why This Matters for York and Lancaster County
While the home is officially listed as being on the North Carolina side of the lake (just minutes from the SC border), it highlights the incredible appeal of the Lake Wylie region. Having a national spotlight on our waterways brings attention to the beauty, lifestyle, and value of living in the Carolinas.
Plus, imagine the commute: moving your furniture down the street rather than across the country.
Good luck to all our local readers—let’s bring this Dream Home “home” to a local winner!
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
