HGTV's 2021 Smart Home is in Naples

Neapolitans won't have to look far to find HGTV's Smart Home for 2021. 

That's because it's in Naples — or at least close to it.

HGTV officially announced the location of the home to the media Thursday.

The ranch-style home is in a private-cul-de-sac next to the Eagle Lakes Golf Club, which sits out east where U.S. 41 turns into a two-lane road, minutes from Marco Island. 

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Ahead of the announcement, the home's interior designer Tiffany Brooks had already revealed the coastal locale as "Naples" on the home improvement channel's website, stealing some of the thunder.

The fully furnished, technologically advanced home will go to the lucky winner of a sweepstakes that begins April 21 and ends June 11.

Along with the home, the winner will get a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and $100,000 from LendingTree, a prize package valued at more than $1.1 million.

Including the latest Smart Home, Brooks has designed six of them for HGTV, which is part of Discovery, Inc.'s family of brands.

The Naples area seemed like a top choice for such a home for several reasons, Brooks said.

"When we saw that Naples was named the #1 Happiest and Healthiest City in the U.S. by Gallup for the fourth straight year, it was an easy decision to call it home to this year’s HGTV Smart Home," she said via email.

Naples fit with the overarching goal of choosing a place where the winner could "enjoy all aspects of life year-round and truly live well," she added. 

"Naples is known for its stunning natural beauty with one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and world-class beaches. It offers tons of outdoor activities, outstanding golf courses and shopping and dining all right on the coast," Brooks said.

As for the home's design, she said it's meant to "capture the essence of Naples." She describes it as a "true smart oasis."

"I really honed in on Naples and its link to wildlife and its casual luxury vibe. I captured all of this primarily through the use of color, pattern and texture," Brooks said. 

The one-story luxury home stretches about 2,600 square feet, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-car garage.

Here's a partial description of the home from HGTV: "Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a gorgeous palm tree-lined patio with seating for guests, leading into an entry way that opens into a grand living room with a study to the left. Off of the living room, is a full-service smart kitchen, a breakfast area, as well as a hydroponic garden in the pantry."

Each bedroom has its own unique design, all with their own attached bathrooms. 

In one room, the walls and ceiling are bathed in a rich marigold tone, inspired by the beach, with "natural punches," from an animal print bed pillow to a pair of rattan wall mirrors.

Another room has  a bunk bed and Mid-Century modern work space, and includes beach- and nature-inspired accents, including an animal print rug and a beaded chandelier. 

The master suite has what Brooks describes as an "amped up" design, leaving a lot to the imagination.

In keeping with the home's overall design, some of its more prominent smart home features are centered around healthy living.

"Right as you enter the home via the garage, you have your first high-tech convenience with a touchless door and germ scanner. Other high-tech features include the four seasons room with a retractable vinyl screen and hydroponic pool out back," Brooks said.

Every year, she said, she challenges herself to do something new and different.

"Designing the HGTV Smart Home every year definitely keeps me on my toes," she said. "You have to be more innovative and stylish every year."

The local builders, Mayor Construction, got involved "from the beginning of the process," to ensure success, said May Mayor, the company's general manager.

The company has been in the construction business for 30 years and has built residential and commercial projects throughout Southwest Florida, as well as doing countless renovations.

"HGTV Smart Home 2021 has been a new challenge and everyone from plumbers to electricians have learned new systems," Mayor said.

It's the first house the company has built with so many high-tech features.

"Moving forward after this project, Mayor Construction is prepared for all future clients who want to have this type of comfort in their new homes," Mayor said.

The project took three months to build, she said, which required much organization and constant supervision, as well as consistent punctuality and great suppliers.

"This construction, of course, takes more attention and details that others do not require," Mayor said.

A one-hour special on the home will air on HGTV on April 21 at 7 p.m. Or you can catch it a day earlier on the HGTV GO app.