Let me tell you, folks, home improvement enthusiasts were absolutely floored when Cottonland Castle underwent a jaw-dropping transformation on the hit show Fixer Upper: The Castle in 2022. Chip and Joanna Gaines, the power couple behind Magnolia, took on the massive task of refurbishing this 6,700-square-foot property, leaving fans in awe. But here's the question everyone was asking: Why didn't the Gaines family sell the castle after all the buzz? Let's dive into the full story.
Chip and Joanna's Dream Project: Bringing Cottonland Castle Back to Life
Back in 2019, Chip and Joanna Gaines purchased Cottonland Castle, a dream come true for Chip. This historic residence had always been on his radar, and he couldn't wait to restore it to its former glory. "We'd drive by often, and Chip never ceased dreaming aloud about how fun it would be to restore the house to its former glory," Joanna reminisced in the winter 2019 issue of Magnolia Journal. The entire renovation process was meticulously documented on Fixer Upper: The Castle, giving fans a front-row seat to the magic happening inside those walls.
After the series aired, Chip and Joanna hinted that they were considering selling the property. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in October 2022, Chip opened up about the decision. "I don't think Jo and I want to live here literally," he admitted. "This is a project that I was pursuing for 20 years. The reality is we need to sell it and we should sell it." But as it turns out, things didn't go as planned.
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Cottonland Castle Hits the Auction Block
In June 2023, Magnolia Realty made the announcement that Cottonland Castle, a stunning piece of history over 120 years old, was going up for auction in partnership with Concierge Auctions. The Gaines family had poured their hearts into this project, and now it was time for someone new to take the reins. "In 2019 — after 20 years of dreaming about the chance to renovate this castle — Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines finally did," a statement on the company’s Facebook page revealed. "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 auction was opened to the public, creating excitement and anticipation. Laura Brady of Concierge Auctions explained the unique situation: "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."
Why the Gaines Family Ultimately Decided to Keep Cottonland Castle
Surprise! Just as the auction opened in July 2023, Chip and Joanna Gaines made the surprising decision not to sell Cottonland Castle after all. Instead, Magnolia announced plans to keep the castle for at least six more months as a house museum. Fans were thrilled to hear the news.
"Magnolia is pleased to share that the Historic Waco Castle is staying in the Magnolia family," a statement from Magnolia revealed, per KCEN-TV. "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." Cottonland Castle is currently open for guided walking tours, giving fans a chance to experience the magic firsthand.
