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Dream Home Lottery kicks off its 42nd year with $1.29M Erin Ridge home

Through the lottery, BGCBigs hopes to raise $1 million to support vulnerable children and youth challenged by the impacts of poverty.
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The Dream Home's great room, kitchen dining area, and work stations create a relaxing, luxurious vibe. CLK PHOTOGRAPHY/Photo

For the past seven years, Veneto Homes in St. Albert has put its imagination and design talents into building an elegant house as a grand prize for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Dream Home Lottery. 

Since there’s an early-bird ticket deadline quickly approaching March 24 for a $50,000 cash prize, now is the time for those interested to buy tickets and boost their chances of winning while helping children grow and succeed. 

In its 42nd year, this heart-warming cause supports the Boys and Girls Big Brothers Big Sisters (BGCBigs). Committed to the healthy development of children, youth, and their families, BGCBigs supports nine mentoring programs and 11 clubs that range from providing meals and digital literacy to summer programs and youth employment. 

“We had to cancel some of our other fundraising efforts this year, so the funds from this lottery are super important to do this great work,” said Gloria Lawrence, Dream Home co-ordinator for BGCBigs Edmonton and area. 

The lottery offers two early-bird prizes as well as 50/50 tickets that could bring $1 million to a lucky winner. But of course, the big prize is a $1.29-million custom-built house located in Erin Ridge. The open concept, three-bedroom home boasts 3,515 square feet of living space. 

Fully furnished, it features a chef’s dream kitchen with a secret pantry, home office, main floor laundry, rec room, media room, wet bar, wine storage, exercise room, sauna, and three-car garage. Perhaps its most desirable green feature are five environmentally-friendly solar panels located on the roof. 

“We did solar panels last year for the first time and people really loved that. As we know, electricity bills keep going up and up and up. If you can save a little bit of money — well, who doesn’t want to save money,” said Lawrence. 

The home’s interior is designed around a neutral palette of creams, whites, beiges, and greys with subtle pops of black. The effect is relaxed sophistication, a luxurious cocoon where families can easily de-stress and unwind from outside pressures. 

“We’re trying to stay on trend. With COVID, home trends changed to be more comfortable, more inviting, more relaxing. People are using their homes more and there’s more of a trend to come back to neutral colours,” said Adrianna Chiumento, Veneto Homes owner-builder. 

“Homes were getting sterile for a while in terms of colours and angles. So, we really wanted to bring back some softness. Arches are a huge trend right now, so we incorporated the soft curves.” 

One of the house’s most striking features are the massive main floor windows that allow warm natural light to brighten rooms, but also bring nature closer to people. Rounded arches, custom work in every room, and strategically placed built-ins and benches unify the look. 

The kitchen’s detailed quartz kitchen counters are interspersed with high-end appliances, including a high-end Fischer Paykel gas stove. Secretly hidden behind wall-to-wall cupboards creating a slim, clean look is a walk-in pantry with rows of built-in wood shelves. 

Directly in view of the kitchen island is a large workstation that easily fits four computers. Fronted with glass doors framed in black iron, it captures plenty of natural light. The workstation is one of three in the house. 

“This is great if you are working from home or have kids who need a special private place, but still need to be close to the kitchen in case you are cooking dinner,” noted Lawrence. 

The home was built supporting numerous one-of-a-kind structural details that bring artistry into the home. It includes custom-built iron stairway railings and an electric fireplace with colour-changing options. Surrounding the fireplace is a semi-round white mantel limestone cast made exclusively for Veneto. 

“These are tradesmen artists we haven’t seen in years. The home market was once very commercialized in terms of trades. There were limited options for home buyers. Now we’re seeing a lot of young guys coming into the market doing iron works and limestone casting. The trend now is to support these young guys doing this amazing work. They love to do it, and it’s more of a passion — to show something unique that gives a home a signature mark,” Chiumento explained.  

Chiumento raises the bar in the master bedroom by creating wall designs that extend onto the ceiling. And the owner’s ensuite also features a soaker tub, glass enclosed shower, and double sinks. Oh, yes and there’s a walk-in closet the size of small bedroom. 

The carpeted stairs lead to a downstairs entertaining area that showcases a wet bar, wine storage, a massive sectional sofa, and television. Next to it is an exercise room and spa complete with a cedar sauna. 

“More and more people are into mediation and yoga, so we wanted to show a space for that instead of showcasing a gym. The basement has a Zen feel because we included a spa down here. You can do yoga and then have a steam. People are bringing that spa-like feel to their homes,” she said. 

Additionally, two beautiful Jack and Jill bedrooms are in the basement. Each one fits a Queen-sized bed comfortably and boasts a walk-in closet. 

Through the lottery, BGCBigs hopes to raise $1 million to support vulnerable children and youth challenged by the impacts of poverty. Last year 3,400 children and youth received educational mentoring, meals, and the opportunity to participate in activities across 19 clubs. 

The 2022 Dream House is at 21 Easton Close but is not open to the public due to COVID. However, floor plans are on the website at www.bigbrothersshowhomelottery.org.

Supporters have the option of purchasing Win50 tickets or show home tickets. The grand prize includes the show home plus $25,000 for additional expenses. A second grand prize of $75,000 is also provided. Tickets must be purchased by April 27. Draw Date is May 11. 


Anna Borowiecki

About the Author: Anna Borowiecki

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