Congratulations to Sarita Colberg of Fort Bragg, California! She is the winner of the HGTV® Smart Home 2024 sweepstakes, a grand prize package valued at over $1 million.

When HGTV first contacted Sarita, the timing wasn’t ideal. The owner of a home-based daycare was right smack in the middle of her busiest season: summer break.

Sarita was told that she was one of three lucky finalists for the HGTV® Smart Home 2024 sweepstakes, and was offered an all-expense-paid vacation to Atlanta to tour the home. Distracted by her pint-sized charges, she virtually ignored the requests.

Too Busy for Time Off

“I don’t have time to even look into this,” Sarita remembered thinking. “As much as a free vacation sounds good, there’s no way I can do that to my families. I have too many people who count on me.”

In truth, the Golden State native was not a finalist for the innovative home. Out of over 81 million entries, Sarita had indeed won the grand prize package worth over $1 million, including keys to the 2,035 square foot, fully furnished home, an all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and $150,000 cash. And, HGTV’s longstanding tradition of surprising the winner was turning out to be a bigger challenge than expected.

Special Delivery

Although Sarita cared for many new babies during her 25 years of running a daycare, in this case she received a different kind of special delivery on her front porch. It was a certified letter relaying the good news. And after receiving an email the same day from HGTV, the truth finally dawned on Sarita and her family. In disbelief, they realized Sarita was now the owner of this unique Georgia property!

A Smart Home… in More Ways Than One

For Sarita, whose life is filled with children, the HGTV Smart Home 2024 offers the perfect setting for wee ones. The contemporary home’s soft color palette, plentiful light sources and lush plants offer a relaxing retreat with plenty of space to learn and play. An added bonus of the home’s functional design: ample storage throughout, to keep things neat and out of harm’s way.

“I always love extra storage, like the bench in the dining area with the drawers in the bottom,” said Sarita. “Everything tucked into its place and not easily accessible to little ones.”

The Perfect Fit

The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath midcentury-style property is not only easy on the eyes, it fits perfectly with Sarita’s hobbies which revolve around home and family. The seasoned childcare professional loves remodeling, home improvement, gardening and cooking.

“Being a cook, my favorite part was the butler’s pantry, with all the extra space and clutter-free room for appliances,” said Sarita. “Everything out of the way of all the little fingers!”

The True Meaning of Home

Excited to visit Atlanta for the first time, Sarita is looking forward to sharing the HGTV Smart Home 2024 with her husband, two grown children and three beloved grandchildren.

What does the word “home” mean to this winner?

Sarita already has the family, both her own and the children for whom she cares. And now, she has a second, soon-to-be-filled-with-love home.

About HGTV Smart Home 2024

For the first time since the sweepstakes began, this year’s HGTV’s Smart Home giveaway is not newly built, but instead a thoughtfully renovated, mid-century jewel located in the historic city of Marietta, Georgia. The scenic Atlanta suburb provides the idyllic setting for the home, whose decor was inspired by its tranquil southern surroundings. The 2,035 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence blends timeless architectural design with today’s cutting-edge technology. Atlanta-based Ranney Blair Weidmann Remodeling teamed with award-winning HGTV designer Tiffany Brooks to outfit the soaring spaces with innovative conveniences and cleverly concealed storage, ensuring the home represents the pinnacle of practicality combined with luxurious indoor/outdoor living.