Chicago residents Martha Montross and Alex Borre, both 28, are the first winners of HGTV's newest hit renovation competition series, Beach Flip. The newly engaged couple, who bested three other teams to increase the overall value of outdated beachfront properties in Gulf Shores, Alabama, won the $50,000 grand prize and a spread in HGTV Magazine. Throughout the season, the four teams completely renovated two bedroom/two bathroom beach homes with help from HGTV stars Nicole Curtis (Rehab Addict), Josh Temple (House Crashers) and David Bromstad (My Lottery Dream Home). During last night's season finale, Nicole, Josh and David, delivered the results that Martha and Alex had the highest increase in property value - making them the season one champions.
"This is the starting line for the rest of our lives - for our dreams, our careers and our relationship," said Martha. HGTV's BEACH FLIP followed four teams as they managed time and money to renovate their assigned beachfront property from top to bottom. Each team worked to win additional funds by competing in weekly challenges, including a full kitchen renovation, a complete living room redesign, a guest room makeover and the addition of a multifunctional office/den space. The final challenge focused on the unused outdoor space, as each team worked to add attractive features such as a wet bar, fire pit, outdoor seating and wooden pergola in hopes of enhancing the oceanfront value of their beach bungalows. "We had our work cut out for us, and I wasn't sure we would be able to add all the finishing touches for the final appraisal," said Alex. "But we made it - and we won!"Videos