Let me tell you a story about one of the most heartwarming episodes of Fixer Upper. Season 4 ended with Chip and Joanna Gaines transforming a run-down shack into a dream home for one very deserving family—the Matsumotos. Michael Matsumoto, a producer on the show, and his family got the ultimate surprise when they were chosen as the lucky recipients of this incredible renovation. Keep reading to find out what happened to them after the cameras stopped rolling.
The Matsumoto Family’s Journey on ‘Fixer Upper’
Michael and his wife, Jessie Matsumoto, made a bold move from bustling Los Angeles to the peaceful prairies of Texas. They were searching for the perfect place to raise their two children, Rowan and Finley. In March 2017, they stumbled upon a small, dilapidated house in Crawford, Texas, sitting on a beautiful stretch of land. For just $12,500, it seemed like a steal. But it wasn’t exactly move-in ready. Enter Chip and Joanna Gaines, who took on the challenge of turning this old shack into a stunning farmhouse. The Matsumotos were ecstatic, and the Gaineses were ready to work their magic.
When Chip and Joanna first saw the property, they were floored by its condition. The house was in dire need of help, with crumbling walls, rotting floors, and ceilings that were practically collapsing. But the Matsumotos had a vision, and the Gaineses were determined to bring it to life. With their trademark creativity and hard work, they completely transformed the space into a modern, industrial farmhouse. The design duo even brought in their favorite metal artist, Jimmy Don, to create custom pieces that added a unique touch to the home. Joanna herself admitted in a blog post, “We couldn’t believe it when the Matsumotos chose this old shack to be their home. Their style is industrial farmhouse, so every detail of the home is a twist on traditional.”
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Where Are the Matsumotos Now?
Fast forward to today, and the Matsumoto family has grown even more since their appearance on Fixer Upper. In 2018, Michael and Jessie welcomed twins, Oliver and Olivia, adding to their already bustling household. But life had other plans for the family. In November 2018, they decided to rent out their dream home on Airbnb. By the summer of 2019, they put the house up for sale, listing it at $400,000. Their decision to move wasn’t because they didn’t love the home—it was practical. They needed to be closer to Waco, Texas, where most of their work was based. Michael explained to Today.com in July 2019, “We just like the idea of a family being in it.”
Interestingly, the home is still available on Airbnb under the name Matsumoto Farm. It’s marketed as the “perfect retreat” for those looking to relax and reconnect with loved ones. The property boasts an open floor plan, an outdoor dining area, and all the custom touches that made it so special. If you’re ever in the area, it might be worth checking out!
