A New York City teacher just had her life turned upside down with a life-changing surprise.
The dream of homeownership just became a stunning reality for one lucky winner.
And a Bronx teacher was left speechless after she won HGTV’s Dream Home that has one feature everyone wants.
Bronx special education teacher wins multi-million dollar dream home
HGTV announced yesterday that Tricia Smith, a 48-year-old special education teacher from the Bronx, New York, is the winner of the 2025 HGTV Dream Home in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Smith won a prize package valued at more than $2.2 million that includes a newly built, fully furnished luxury home, a brand new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, and $100,000 cash from Viva along with a 5-year supply of Viva paper towels.
The dedicated teacher was randomly selected from over 118 million entries in the sweepstakes that ran from December 2024 through February 2025.
Smith, who originally hails from Antigua, discovered the sweepstakes through a TV commercial and made sure to sign up for reminder emails so she wouldn’t miss a chance to enter.
According to HGTV, Smith has entered numerous sweepstakes over the years, showing her dedication to these contests.
She was so committed to entering contests that she had already submitted an entry for the HGTV Smart Home 2025 before learning she had won the Dream Home prize.
Southern luxury meets modern sophistication
The spectacular prize home spans over 3,000 square feet with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, designed as a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication.
But what truly makes this home special is its location – situated along the fairway of Berkeley Hall, a premiere private golf community in Bluffton, South Carolina.
The home features a golf simulator and comes with a private golf cart, perfect for anyone who loves hitting the links.
When asked about her favorite features of her new prize home, Smith couldn’t help but praise the backyard pool and its scenic location on the golf course.
The new homeowner had trouble picking a favorite room – it’s a tie between the indoor and outdoor kitchens, making it clear she appreciates spaces for entertaining and gathering.
A home designed for luxury living
This isn’t your average dream home. Built by Shoreline Construction and designed by Court Atkins Group with interior design by Brian Patrick Flynn, the residence redefines luxurious living.
The great room captivates with high ceilings and an open-concept design, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, dining, and living spaces for an entertainers’ paradise.
The master bedroom is located on the first floor, bathed in natural light and serves as a tranquil escape from the bustle of daily life.
Two guest bedrooms are located upstairs with a cozy loft lounge offering an additional retreat – perfect for when Smith’s family and friends come to visit.
The backyard serves as an entertainer’s haven, featuring a sparkling pool, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, a pergola, and stunning views of the golf course.
The home even includes a dedicated pet washing station – a thoughtful touch showing the designers considered every detail of modern living.
From teacher to millionaire overnight
Smith, who lives with her mother and sister, had no idea her life was about to change so dramatically when her best friend Rob orchestrated the surprise reveal of her big win.
The special education teacher now has some major decisions to make about her future – continue teaching in the Bronx or relocate to South Carolina to enjoy her dream home.
HGTV Dream Home winners have three options: accept the prize package, take a cash option, or choose the home without the additional prizes.
Between taxes and the potential costs of maintaining such a luxury property, some winners opt for the cash option rather than keeping the home.
But with such spectacular features and amenities, Smith might find it hard to walk away from her dream property in Bluffton.
Your chance to win could be next
If Smith’s story has you dreaming of your own prize home, there’s still time to enter HGTV’s current contest.
The network is now running its HGTV Smart Home 2025 sweepstakes for a home in San Antonio, Texas.
Contestants can enter twice daily – once on HGTV.com and once on FoodNetwork.com – through Friday, May 23 at 5 p.m. ET.
Like Smith, who entered faithfully for years before her big win, persistence could pay off with a life-changing prize.
The HGTV Dream Home 2025 was sponsored by Belgard, Delta Faucet, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, James Hardie Building Products Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA, SimpliSafe Home Security, Sleep Number, Trex Company LLC, VELUX Skylights, Wayfair, and Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
