Knoxville, Tenn., based Home and Garden Television Network is adding a couple of new real estate related shows to its cable TV line-up, one that takes viewers to some of the most unique neighborhoods in the country and another that takes the audience through American mansions that are up for sale.

HGTV is distributed to some 65 million homes nationwide. While its typical fare includes shows that appraise antique decoy ducks and soup tureens, its also has a number of at-home do-it-yourself renovation projects and lawn and garden improvement shows.

Until now, its only venture directly into real estate was the show "Location, Location, Location" that attempts to helps home buyers and sellers work through property issues.

According to HGTV's publicists, "Dream Drives" (10 p.m. ET, Fridays) is a "fun and fascinating half-hour series of journeys to America's most unique, colorful, and elegant neighborhoods to get a sense of their history, character, and evolution.

"Each week 'Dream Drives' profiles one neighborhood in-depth - LA's Mulholland Drive, for example, and Chicago's State Street, San Francisco's Alamo Square Park, Washington D.C.'s Massachusetts Avenue, San Antonio's King William Street and New Orleans's St. Charles Avenue -- then takes viewers on intimate tours inside three homes" located in the various neighborhoods.

The show is hosted by Tia Marlier.

Following "Dream Drives" is "Fantasy Open House" (10:30 pm ET, Friday) that focuses on mansions on the block.

Says the publicists, "Spend a half-hour touring the kinds of homes that are almost never open to public sightseeing. This show opens the doors to million-dollar-plus mansions and welcomes viewers to explore inside. Enjoy the fantasy tours filled with design information, peek into closets, check out the decor and peruse the fixtures and appointments of millionaires' homes. This series of half-hour shows visits really big, pricey houses for sale across the country."

The show is hosted by Claire Berger.

Also being added to HGTV's Fall schedule is a home repair show, "Help Around the House," and "Old Homes Restored."

The announcement of the new Fall TV line up coincides with a remake of HGTV's Web site, HGTV.com, where many of the shows are supported with tips, viewer information, maps, tour information and IPIX photos of some of the subjects.

Published: October 16, 2000

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