Inside The Over 100-Year-Old Castle Chip and Joanna Gaines Revamped & Put Up For Auction

Jul 10, 2023

In the realm of home renovation and design, few names have captured the hearts of millions, like Chip and Joanna Gaines. With their dynamic personalities, a keen eye for design and unwavering dedication to family values, this power couple has become synonymous with the hit television series "Fixer Upper." Through their show and their numerous ventures, Chip and Joanna have left an indelible mark on the world of home improvement, inspiring and empowering homeowners everywhere to embrace the beauty of transformation. 

Chip and Joanna were born and raised in different parts of the United States, but their paths would eventually merge in Waco, the heart of the Lone Star State. Joanna, a talented designer with a passion for creativity, discovered her love for remodeling and decorating at an early age. Meanwhile, Chip, an entrepreneur at heart, was constantly envisioning business opportunities. It was their shared enthusiasm for real estate and a shared faith that brought them together.

After marrying in 2003, Chip and Joanna embarked on a journey that would transform their lives forever. Together, they established Magnolia Homes, a real estate and remodeling company that focused on renovating neglected houses and turning them into stunning homes. Their innate ability to spot potential and their meticulous attention to detail quickly earned them a reputation for excellence in the industry.

In 2013, their path took a fortuitous turn when they were approached to host a television show centered around their work. Thus, "Fixer Upper" was born. Airing on HGTV, the show captured the hearts of viewers worldwide as it showcased Chip and Joanna's knack for taking outdated properties and transforming them into stylish, functional, and personalized spaces. With their magnetic personalities and genuine love for each other, the couple became instant fan favorites.

At the core of Chip and Joanna's success lies their unwavering commitment to authenticity and family values. Their deep love for their own family – comprised of their five children – serves as a driving force behind their desire to create homes that foster love, warmth and togetherness. Their design aesthetic reflects a blend of rustic charm, farmhouse elements and modern simplicity. Their signature style encompasses shiplap walls, open floor plans, neutral color palettes and curated antique pieces that add character to every space.

In 2022, the couple completed a very special project they had been working on since 2019 – a castle! When Chip and Joanna purchased the 130-year-old property, it was in a sorry state. Bought and abandoned by two owners since 1890, the pair worked hard to renovate almost every inch of the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home in Waco, Texas, dubbed the Cottonland Castle. Their journey was documented in the six-episode mini-series, "Fixer Upper: The Castle."

Sitting on over 1.5 acres of land, the exterior of the 6,176-square-foot property bears all the features of your average castle, including stone walls, balconies and even a turret! 

"No doubt about it, this is a fixer-upper unlike any other we've ever tackled," Joanna wrote in a blog post. "Even though we haven't the slightest idea of what it will become, what Chip did know all along, deep in his bones, and what I have learned to see too, is this: If you look past the cracks in the masonry, past the rotted floorboards, past the wilderness taking over the backyard, there is a lot of beauty to be found in this old castle."

After Chip and Joanna completed work on the castle in 2022, they invited interested fans for a first look at the property for $50 a tour. Alongside Concierge Auctions, they settled on July 20 to July 27, 2023, to auction off the castle. 

According to Concierge Auctions, renovations to the castle included the use of high-end materials, such as Honduran mahogany paneling, Caen stones from France and Carrara marble from Italy. However, some elements, such as the wood floors of the master bedroom, have been retained. Chip and Joanna also redesigned some of the spaces, such as the kitchen, which was originally in the basement. Moving it up to the main floor and in the same manner across many of the home's rooms, they blended the property's original but restored rustic features with modern functionality. They also installed a second kitchen of sorts as a butler's pantry that has a fireplace and double wall ovens. 

Fireplaces abound at Cottonland Castle – there are seven altogether – including in the master bedroom. It also features oversized diamond-paned windows with built-in seating and the original floor paneling. Other spaces in the restored home include a drawing room, a dining room comfortable enough for 10, a conservatory, a library and a game room. The basement was redesigned as a family space with a guest room and additional bathroom as well as a laundry room.

The property has also been designated a historical landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. 

According to Concierge Auctions, no minimum price has been set for the auction. However, a $100,000 deposit is required by the bidder, who eventually acquires the property.

What are your thoughts on Chip and Joanna's work on revamping the castle? Which features of the home interest you the most? Let us know, then pass this along to all the fans of home renovation you know!