77-Year-Old Retired Teacher Wins HGTV’s $1.3 Million 2026 Smart Home—and She Has Big Plans for the Idyllic Florida Retreat

by Kelsi Karruli

A retired substitute teacher has been named as the winner of HGTV's 2026 Smart Home, scoring not only the keys to the $1.3 million Florida property, but also $100,000 in cash.

Karen Hiers, 77, who hails form Jacksonville, FL, is now the proud new owner of the modern Orlando abode, which is newly built and fully furnished.

As first reported by People magazine, Hiers is a retired high school substitute teacher and a longtime fan of the home network as well as its designers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt.

While speaking to the outlet, the former educator revealed that when she first discovered the property would be hers, she went through several steps to confirm the shocking news, because she couldn't actually believe she had won.

She first learned of her win in an email. However, she thought that the missive "looked suspicious," so she asked her son to help her verify it.

Aerial view at dusk showing the two-story light blue coastal home, roof skylights, attached garage, and surrounding fenced lot. — A retired substitute teacher won the keys to HGTV's 2026 Smart Home, receiving the $1.3 million property and $100,000 in cash. (HGTV)

Moodily styled living room bathed in natural light from four overhead skylights, featuring slate blue walls, a curved sectional, and plush round pillows. — Karen Hiers, 77, who hails form Jacksonville, FL, has been unveiled as the winner of the modern Orlando abode, which is newly built and fully furnished. (HGTV)

Open kitchen and casual dining area featuring a large center island with wooden barstools, globe pendant lights, and a round pedestal table with striped slipcovered chairs. — As first reported by People, Hiers is a retired high school substitute teacher and a longtime fan of the home network as well as the designers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt. (HGTV)

Sunlit open-plan living room with warm wood floors, a cozy sectional sofa, a plaid area rug, and sliding glass doors opening to a back patio. — While speaking to the outlet, the former educator revealed that when she first discovered the property would be hers, she went through several steps to confirm the shocking news, because she didn't believe she had won. (HGTV)

Even after her son confirmed the news was real, she confessed that she ended up calling the network to verify her prize.

Hiers told the outlet that she will be sharing the property with her husband of 55 years, Bill, and their two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

They will also be bringing their kittens Tigger, Rags, and Jack to the home.

The property is located just two hours away from their current Jacksonville abode.

Hiers noted that she has been entering several of the network's contests multiple times a day for several years, and her dedication has finally paid off.

The former teacher was randomly selected from 75 million entries. The sweepstakes officially closed on June 19.

HGTV showcased the home in April. The modern dwelling comes complete with a charming blue facade and spans two stories.

Cozy living room focus featuring a brick fireplace flanked by built-in grey bookshelves, framed art TV mount, and a sculptural white pendant light. — Hiers initially got an email informing her that she had won the home. However, she said it "looked suspicious," and even asked her son verify it. (HGTV)

Double vanity bathroom featuring light taupe cabinets, wavy-framed mirrors, scalloped pendant lights, and marble-look flooring. — Even after her son confirmed the news was real, she confessed that she ended up calling the network to verify her winnings. (HGTV)

Earthy primary bedroom featuring a wooden spindle bed frame, sage green drapes, a cream armchair, and neutral patterned bedding. — Hiers told the outlet that she would be sharing the property with her husband of 55 years, Bill, and their two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. (HGTV)

View from the kitchen island looking into an open-concept living area with a long console table, casual dining space, and a brick fireplace. — They will also be bringing their kittens Tigger, Rags, and Jack to the home. (HGTV)

The network described the home as a "resort-inspired retreat where thoughtful tech meets bold, curated design in a home built for sunshine, style and effortless living."

The stylish three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features "breezy textures, soft neutrals, rattan accents, and airy linen.”

And, as the name suggests, it is also packed with an array of smart features, including a "viewing wall" in the lounge that boasts four screens arranged to form one giant TV. The screens can be operated independently, too.

Another unique TV is found above the fireplace in the living room. The screen is cleverly concealed within a glass picture frame and has been programmed to display art when it's not being used, creating the illusion of a dramatic painting.

"Above the fireplace, a framed mirror conceals a television behind the glass. When turned off, the piece reads as wall decor rather than technology, helping the room maintain its polished, design-forward feel," the home renovation network stated.

And, in a nod to the futuristic closet featured in the hit 1990s movie "Clueless," there is even a rotating shoe display in the primary closet, which allows multiple pairs to be stored and showcased.

"A true dream‑closet moment, the rotating automated shoe storage system elegantly displays your collection and delivers each pair front and center at the touch of a button," HGTV noted on its website.

One of the quirkiest details is a hidden Skee-Ball lane, which is concealed in a corner of the dwelling.

Exterior detail of a light blue garage section highlighting a wooden pergola trellis with dark metal brackets and lantern lights. — The property is located just two hours away from their current Jacksonville abode. (HGTV)

Cosy media space featuring a built-in wooden entertainment wall with flanking bookshelves, blue walls, and soft ambient lighting. — The property features several places to host and entertain, which will be perfect for the Hiers family. (HGTV)

Powder room featuring a hand-painted Spanish moss tree mural, a pedestal farm sink, a skirted base, and a gold bamboo frame mirror. — In their free time, Hiers and her spouse enjoy building furniture and even painting the pieces themselves. (HGTV)

"Proof that smart living can be beautifully simple, this skee‑ball lane tucks into an overlooked corner, turning a tight space into an unexpected arcade‑style feature with the help of a thoughtfully placed swing‑arm light," the property description revealed.

There is even a full sports simulator with a giant screen that occupies an entire wall, as well as a "digital command center" that allows residents to share their calendars, grocery lists, and meal plans.

Away from the tech-savvy features, the property boasts an expansive floor plan as well as a chef's kitchen with a large island and tiled backsplash.

The primary bathroom has a large soaking tub and a dual vanity with a marble countertop.

There is even a lounging space complete with a stylish skylight.

The property features several places to host and entertain, which will be perfect for the Hiers family.

Outside, there is a resort-style pool, a putting green, and a projector. Elsewhere, there is an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill. When it comes to entertaining, there is a dining table outside that can fit six people.

In their free time, Hiers and her spouse enjoy building furniture and even painting the pieces themselves.

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