A Georgia grandmother who spent years entering HGTV's Dream Home sweepstakes was left speechless after learning she had won a fully furnished waterfront estate worth more than $2.4 million.
Eileen Reimer, a retired accountant from Atlanta, was named the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2026, beating odds of more than 108 million entries.
The prize includes a newly built three-bedroom home on Lake Wylie just outside Charlotte, along with a $100,000 check to help cover moving expenses and taxes.
Reimer became emotional when she realized the win would allow her to move closer to her son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren - a two-year-old granddaughter and a five-month-old grandson - who live in the Charlotte area.
'Oh my God. I'm going to be closer to my family!' she exclaimed after learning she had won.
The surprise was orchestrated by HGTV designer Brian Patrick Flynn, who enlisted Reimer's sister-in-law Margaret to help lure the family to a restaurant for lunch. Hidden cameras were placed throughout the restaurant to capture the moment.
Flynn approached Reimer pretending he had found a set of keys. 'Is there somebody here named Eileen? I believe I have your keys,' he said. When Reimer looked at the keychain, it read: 'Eileen's lake house.' She immediately asked hopefully: 'Is this in Charlotte?'
Moments later, Flynn revealed she was the official winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2026. Reimer covered her mouth in disbelief and joked: 'It's a good thing I had a couple of beers.' 'Yeah, I am shaking. This just hasn't sunk in yet,' she added.
Her husband of more than 45 years, Charles, had entered the contest even more times than she had. The reveal ended with Flynn presenting Reimer with an oversized $100,000 check. 'Unbelievable. How do you cash this?' she quipped.
Reimer said the home's location felt like fate because it will put the couple four hours closer to their son's family. 'Lake Wylie gets us four hours closer to them,' she said. 'This was meant to be; it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't supposed to.'
The lakeside retreat spans more than 3,000 square feet and sits on a secluded peninsula overlooking Lake Wylie. The home features three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, panoramic water views and a two-story boat dock designed for sunrise coffees and sunset watching. 'I have always wanted to live on the water. I am going to live on that dock,' Reimer said.
A multi-level outdoor deck includes a fire pit, dining area and lounge space. The garage has been transformed into a recreation room complete with games, storage and a pet wash station. According to HGTV, the home is located just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, offering easy access to the city while maintaining the feel of a peaceful waterfront getaway.
The sweepstakes opened in December 2025 and closed in February 2026. Reimer was selected at random from more than 108 million entries submitted by hopeful contestants across the country. However, many past HGTV winners have chosen to sell their dream homes or accept a cash alternative because of the steep tax burden.
