Why Chip and Joanna Gaines Decided Not to Sell the 'Fixer Upper' Castle
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We all followed along in 2022 as Chip and Joanna Gaines renovated their iconic and historic castle in their hometown of Waco, Texas, bringing it back to its original glory after years of disrepair. Though now that Fixer Upper: The Castle is no longer on the air, we wonder: what ever happened to the castle and do Chip and Joanna still own the property?
Of course, any fan would be lucky to own a property redesigned by the farmhouse king and queen, but a 6,000 square castle, complete with a tower and conservatory, is no small undertaking for an ordinary homeowner. Owning and renovating the castle was a dream 20 years in the making for Chip Gaines, so he's not likely to let it go to just anyone.
Chip and Joanna Put the Castle Up For Auction
However in June 2023, they decided it was time to put their labor of love up for auction.
"In 2019 — after 20 years of dreaming about the chance to renovate this castle — Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines finally did," a statement on Concierge Auctions' Facebook page read. "They aired the whole process on Magnolia Network last summer, then opened it up for guests to tour. Now, they’re ready for someone new to write the next chapter in this historic home’s story."
The listing process was unconventional, but it was difficult to estimate the exact value of the property, hence they would have to let a pool of bidders decide. "The castle is historic and it also has been redesigned and renovated, and so the value of the property is very difficult to define. It’s going to be worth what the highest bidder is willing to bid," Laura Brady of Concierge Auctions said in a statement. The castle did receive an offer, but Chip, Joanna, and the potential buyer eventually decided not to go through with the sale.
The Gaineses Decided Not to Sell
In July 2023, Chip and Joanna announced that they planned to keep the castle for at least 6 more months. "Magnolia is pleased to share that the Historic Waco Castle is staying in the Magnolia family,” a statement from Magnolia read. “A prospective buyer and Magnolia mutually agreed not to close, and the unique property will not be sold at this time. This decision is made with much enthusiasm and anticipation as the beloved Castle’s story continues with Magnolia.” As of today, nearly a year later, Chip and Joanna Gaines still own the castle.
While the Gaines family owns the property, it remains vacant, so they offer guided tours to fans. Fans can buy tickets to tour the castle, complete with all the design elements and furnishing featured in the show. Tickets to the small group tours of Cottonland Castle cost $50 per person, and must be purchased in advance, with 20 percent of net profits benefitting local nonprofits in Waco. Fans can also purchase select furnishing and decor seen in the castle from the Castle Tour section of Magnolia.com. Eventually, the Gaineses still plan to sell the castle to someone who wants to live in it, but for now it's still in the Magnolia family.
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