It’s been a decade since Chip and Joanna Gaines first graced our screens with their charming renovation show, Fixer Upper. Over the years, they’ve become household names, turning their humble beginnings into a thriving empire encompassing everything from home goods to restaurants. To celebrate this milestone, the couple decided to take on a project that’s anything but ordinary. In June, the Magnolia Network is premiering Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, showcasing the Gaineses’ transformation of a luxurious lakeside mansion near Waco, Texas. This isn’t just any house—it’s a sprawling estate in an upscale neighborhood, and it’s a far cry from the modest family homes they’ve traditionally worked on.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the direction Chip and Jo are heading. When the trailer for The Lakehouse hit the internet in May, it sparked controversy among their loyal fanbase. One disgruntled viewer took to social media to express their disappointment, saying, “I don’t enjoy watching HGTV stars renovating their own extravagant second or third homes. It feels like they’re flaunting their wealth.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Other fans chimed in, claiming the show had lost its charm. Comments like, “It’s not as enjoyable anymore,” and “Chip and Jo have become unbearable,” started flooding social media platforms. One former fan even admitted, “I used to adore them, but I’ve stopped watching altogether.” For a couple who’s rarely faced criticism, this was an unexpected turn. A source close to the couple described the reaction as “unusual” and noted that their fans are typically incredibly supportive. While some defenders rallied behind Chip and Joanna, arguing, “Don’t be envious—they’ve earned their success,” the source believes this backlash could signal a significant shift for the once-unstoppable duo, whose net worth is estimated at $50 million.
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Are Chip and Joanna Losing Touch With Their Roots?
There’s been speculation about what the Gaineses plan to do with the luxurious lake property once the renovation is complete. Will it serve as a vacation home, or will they sell it for profit? Either way, the criticism seems to stem from a deeper issue. “People feel that Chip and Joanna are moving away from their relatable, down-to-earth image by tackling these high-end projects,” explained the source. After all, the couple spent years helping middle-class families transform their homes on HGTV before transitioning to their own network, Magnolia, in 2022.
Expanding Their Empire
It’s not just the lake house that’s raising eyebrows. The Gaineses have also invested in several other high-profile ventures. Take Waco’s Cottonland Castle, for example—a stunning stone mansion they initially listed for nearly $3 million last year but ultimately decided to keep. Then there’s Hotel 1928, a lavish boutique hotel they co-own with a real estate firm, which reportedly cost $43 million to build and opened its doors in 2023. With 33 rooms, it’s a testament to their growing influence in the hospitality industry.
“Change is hard, especially when it involves Chip and Joanna,” the source added. “Their fans have grown accustomed to seeing them work on projects that reflect everyday life, and now they’re venturing into luxury territory.”
Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that the Gaineses are caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, they’re running a multi-million-dollar empire that requires innovation to stay relevant. On the other, their fans expect them to remain true to their humble beginnings. “They need to keep evolving to maintain their creativity and appeal,” the source pointed out. “Even though they’ve achieved incredible success, they haven’t let it change who they are.”
As Chip and Joanna continue to expand their empire—with ventures ranging from bestselling books to Target collaborations, rug and paint lines, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and their iconic Shops at the Silos—they remind us that growth isn’t always easy. But one thing’s for sure: they’ve built something remarkable, and it’s unlikely they’ll let anything derail their momentum.
