Just over a year after fulfilling their 20-year dream of restoring an iconic piece of Waco, Texas, property, Chip and Joanna Gaines are putting that property up for auction.
In 2019, the Historic Waco Castle was purchased by the “Fixer Upper” stars who spent the next three years renovating the property. The entire renovation was filmed and aired in a six-episode television special in 2022. “Fixer Upper: The Castle” captured complete restoration process of the 130-year-old castle.
“We were both passionate about giving the castle the opportunity to sort of stand back up straight and present itself to the neighborhood the way it was always meant to,” Chip said at the time.
Chip and Joanna also knew when they took on the project that they would ultimately put it back up for sale. Upon completion of the renovation, the couple opened the castle up for public tours so that local residents and their fans could see the finished product first-hand.
But, now it’s time to let the historic property go to a new owner.
It was announced last week that the Historic Waco Castle will go up for auction.
The news was shared in a Facebook post by Magnolia Realty that read, “In 2019—after 20 years of dreaming about the chance to renovate this castle—Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines finally did…Now, they’re ready for someone new to write the next chapter in this historic home’s story.”
The no-reserve auction opens for bids on July 20 and ends July 27. Approved bidders are required to submit a $100,000 deposit prior to the auction, although an estimated sale price hasn’t been disclosed. According to Laura Brady of Concierge Auctions, the Gaineses likely chose to auction the property instead of list it on the real estate market due to the difficulty of determining its worth.
“The castle is historic and it also has been redesigned and renovated, and so the value of the property is very difficult to define,” she said. “It’s going to be worth what the highest bidder is willing to bid.”
The one-of-a-kind property consists of more than 6,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, a tower and “timeless charm.”
“The heart of the home boasts a formal dining room, great room, and stunning kitchen. Discover unique spaces like a moody card room, a formal library, and a distinctive conservatory. The elegant bedrooms and fully renovated spa bathrooms provide luxurious sanctuaries,” the listing reads. “The home has a formal dining room, a great room, a card room, a library and a conservatory.”
The History Of the Waco Castle
Formerly known as the Cottonland Castle, construction started around 1890. But, building was abandoned until 1913 when it was completed, according to historic documents. The estate inspired the name of the Castle Heights neighborhood where it is located and was designated a historic landmark in 1977.
Take a video tour of the Waco Castle here. See a preview of “Fixer Upper: The Castle” below.