Whether you prefer a modern luxury home in the city or a cottage retreat steps from the lake, the spring edition of the Dream Lottery has something to tantalize all tastes.
The semi-annual sweepstakes, in support of the London Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Health Care London kicked off Thursday on the "street of dreams" at 1452 and 1456 Byron Baseline Rd. The side-by-side homes are the creation of Millstone Homes, the same builder behind last fall's dream homes.
The 4,562 sq ft home at 1456 Byron Baseline has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an in-ground pool. Its clean design is reminiscent of an art gallery, allowing furnishings and artwork to become the focal point. The open-concept kitchen boasts two sculptural islands with in-counter PITT burners. This home is valued at $1,439,150.
The second dream home at 1452 Byron Baseline is an architectural standout with marble, cantilever exterior walls, a second-floor balcony, and heated driveway. The four-bedroom, 4,702 sq ft house has wide plank oak floors, custom kitchen cabinetry, and a movie room. It is valued at $1,342,950.
"You'll notice these two are much more modern homes. They are very bright, very high ceilings, minimal furniture, beautiful artwork and colours," Lesley Cornelius, director of the St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation, said at Thursday's launch. "There is lots of open space so when a family wants to move in they have that common space together with the kitchen and family rooms. It's absolutely stunning."
The third luxury choice is billed as a Muskoka Cottage-like home in Bayfield. The three-bedroom Zero Energy Ready home at 22 Delevan St. is 2,315 sq ft and is near the shore of Lake Huron. Build by Meinen Custom Homes, it features a one-floor-with loft layout. and a large stone fireplace to give it an added country feel. The home is valued at $1,253,572 and comes with $300,000 cash.
As always, the grand prize winner of the lottery has their choice of one of the luxury homes or $1-million cash.
The 50/50 Plus draw has returned with a guaranteed minimum prize of $250,000 and no maximum. Last fall it reached a record $960,690, with the winner taking half. The chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes every day in August with the Dollars, Destination & Design Calendar is also back this spring. Every day throughout the month will see draws travel certificates and cash.
Since launching in 1996, the lottery has raised a net total of over $31.8-million in support of London’s three hospitals.
"We are doing a lot of work in breast health, probiotic care, diabetes research, eye research, very extensive research that without the help of fundraising initiatives like the Dream Lottery it wouldn't be possible," said Cornelius. "All the money that is raised stays here in the region... without the support of the local community, we wouldn't be able to provide those local services and care and do the research that is being undertaken in the hospitals."
Tickets for both the Dream Lottery and 50/50 draw are on sale now and will continue to be until July 5. The grand prize draw will be made on July 19.
For more information on the Dream Lottery and its prizes, click here.
