30-Year Milestone for Homes by Avi
Homes by Avi is celebrating its 30th year of designing and building the Stampede Rotary Dream Home in partnership with Calgary Stampede Lotteries and the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park. The 2026 dream home, valued at $1.47 million, is open for tours during the 10 days of Stampede.
For many visitors to the Calgary Stampede, touring the Stampede Rotary Dream Home is as much a part of the annual tradition as enjoying the midway and watching the chuckwagon races. This year, the experience carries extra significance as it marks three decades of collaboration.
A Home Inspired by Boutique Hotels
The 2026 Dream Home is the 30th that Homes by Avi has created for the Stampede lottery, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each summer. To celebrate the milestone, the builder and design team crafted a home that feels both timeless and boldly contemporary, inspired by the glamour of boutique hotels and designed for modern living.
“Being part of the Stampede Lottery legacy for 30 years is a privilege we deeply value. This year’s home represents not only exceptional design and craftsmanship, but is also our way of giving back to the community and supporting those who need it most,” said Vered Amir, vice-president of brand leadership and community engagement at Homes by Avi.
Design Details and Features
The two-storey, Craftsman-style home spans 2,462 square feet with four bedrooms, a double car garage, a full front veranda, and beautiful touches like tapered columns and front-facing gables. After Stampede, the home will be moved to a generous corner lot in the community of Vermilion Hill in southwest Calgary, near Fish Creek Park and Kananaskis. In addition to the $1.47 million value, the prize includes a $50,000 furniture package and $50,000 in cash.
Step inside, and the journey begins with a touch of mid-century Parisian grandeur. A pair of 10-foot, floor-to-ceiling metal gates in warm gold tones frames the entrance. Above, a grand chandelier fills the two-storey foyer with light, while a dramatic staircase with marble-clad risers, metal spindles, and polished wood banisters draws the eye upward and through the home.
“It’s definitely the money shot,” said Julie Punter, show home interior design manager with Homes by Avi.
Boutique Hotel Revival Theme
The design theme, which Punter describes as a “boutique hotel revival,” blends contemporary luxury with historical influences and Art Deco-inspired details. Rich colours, curved architectural features, and luxurious finishes create spaces that feel sophisticated without sacrificing comfort. Dark stained maple cabinetry, oversized marble-look tile, engineered hardwood flooring, and gold-toned lighting appear throughout. Accent colours include deep, moody shades of soot and coffeeberry, with burgundy draperies adding warmth.
The formal dining room is one of the most striking examples. Wrapped in burgundy tones and highlighted by decorative millwork and a tray ceiling, it feels tailor-made for holiday gatherings and everyday dinners. Adjacent, the spacious kitchen is anchored by a nine-foot island with integrated JennAir appliances, a gas range, a wine fridge, wall oven, warming drawer, and a sculptural metal hood fan. Cream-coloured stone surfaces with tan and gold veining complement the dark cabinetry, while fluting details on the island add texture.
“The kitchen and great room face each other, so it’s a great space to gather,” said Punter.
Practical Luxury for Modern Living
The home balances luxury with practicality. A main floor bedroom and full bathroom provide flexibility for guests, live-in childcare, or multi-generational living. The mudroom includes extensive built-in storage, a dog wash, and kennel space, reflecting the realities of busy family life. The great room offers plenty of natural light and direct access to the dining room and covered patio extending from the back of the home.
Tickets for the Stampede Lottery are available now, with the dream home as the grand prize. The home will be on display throughout the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede, offering visitors a chance to experience the boutique hotel revival theme firsthand.
