Every fan of My Lottery Dream Home series knows Rick and Lorie; after all, they’re the show’s wealthiest couple so far.
The show has helped several lottery winners get their dream homes within their budget. But none were as memorable as the Knudsens who were working with a huge budget. They were the first guests who helped kick off the HGTV series.
The couple ended up purchasing one of the most expensive mansions in the show.
Plus, they had fun visiting the mansion with David. The humble couple even contributed a part of their winnings to charity, which is why folks have been wondering where they are right now.
Where Are Rick and Lorie Right Now?
We all dream of winning the jackpot and changing our lives for the better; therefore, most of us play the lottery or gamble every week.
Well, this happened to Rick Knudsen back in 2014 when he won $180 million.
Rick purchased his $5 quick pick ticket at the 7-eleven store in his home county and won the mega jackpot. After winning $180 million, the family purchased their dream home in California.
Despite becoming a multi-millionaire, the Knudsens have managed to keep their life private.
Currently, they’re still living in Climesa at a lower altitude, in a one-story home Rick planned on developing in 2019.
Rick decided to purchase a new home after the doctor confirmed that their son is being affected by the high altitude.
Rick told People that the difference of 2,000ft can make a huge difference in their son’s health. The couple lives with their son who has Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart disease.
Ricky, their son, has undergone 2 closed heart and 3 open heart surgeries; therefore a reduction in pressure can help him live longer. After all, he had already reached twice the age his doctors expected him to reach.
Rick and Lorie Purchased The Eagle Crest Estate
Unlike most couples in the My Lottery Dream Home, Rick already knew the house he wanted to purchase.
He had seen the estate from his previous home and wanted to know how it would feel like to live there. The privacy of the estate on the elevated mountain made it a great option, but it was quite costly.
After winning the jackpot, he was convinced by his previous boss while on a fishing trip to get a bigger property.
Luckily, the Eagle Crest Estate was on the market and the Knudsen went for it. The family lived in the house for a few years before they decided to sell it.
The property has a saloon, steakhouse and buffalo ranch and sits on an 845-acre land near Oak Glen.
Other than the mansion, he also purchased the Buffalo ranch and a huge piece of land to make up the 845 acres he needed.
Currently, it has a 4,000 sq. ft. garage, 3-storey elevator, a seventeen-seat movie theater, and a 16,000 sq. ft. house.
Are the Knudsens Still Living in The Eagle Crest Estate?
No, the family placed the house on the market in 2018 after their doctor confirmed that the altitude wasn’t ideal for their son.
The family had lived in the house for less than 5 years and Rick felt like it was a blessing for his family to live there.
On top of that, Rick’s son insisted on using the stairs instead of the elevator which wasn’t a good idea. But he was too stubborn and after being warned by the doctor, the family decided to sell the house.
Rick considers the mansion a project and after upgrading it he felt that he had done too much and needed a new project.
So he planned on purchasing a 100-acre ranch and start developing his new home. Rick believed that his family would still love the new ranch as they did the Mountain mansion.
Also Check: My Lottery Dream Home Bankruptcies: Facts You Need to Know About
