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We all watched in 2022 as Chip and Joanna Gaines renovated their iconic and historic castle in their hometown of Waco, Texas, returning it to its original glory after years of disrepair. Although now that Fixer Upper: The Castle is no longer on the air, we wonder: What happened to the castle and does Chip and Joanna still own the property?

Of course, any fan would be lucky to own a property transformed by the king and queen of the farmhouse, but a 6,000-square-foot castle with a tower and sunroom is no small feat for an ordinary homeowner. Owning and renovating the castle was a dream that Chip Gaines pursued for 20 years, and he’s not likely to let just anyone have it.

Chip and Joanna auction the castle

However, in June 2023, they decided it was time to auction off their passion.

“In 2019 – after dreaming for 20 years about the chance to renovate this castle – Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines finally did it,” said a statement on Concierge Auctions’ Facebook page. “They broadcast the entire process on Magnolia Network last summer and then opened it up for guests to tour. Now they are 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, so they had to let a pool of bidders decide. “The castle is historic and has also been remodeled and renovated, so the value of the property is very difficult to determine. It will be worth as much as the highest bidder is willing to offer,” Laura Brady of Concierge Auctions said in a statement. The castle did receive an offer, but Chip, Joanna and the potential buyer ultimately decided not to go through with the sale.

The Gaineses decided not to sell

In July 2023, Chip and Joanna announced that they plan to keep the castle for at least another 6 months. “Magnolia is pleased to announce that the historic Waco Castle will remain in the Magnolia family,” a statement from Magnolia read. “A potential buyer and Magnolia have mutually agreed not to complete the purchase and the unique property will not be sold at this time. This decision was made with much enthusiasm and anticipation as the beloved castle’s story continues with Magnolia.” Today, nearly a year later, Chip and Joanna Gaines still own the castle.

Although the Gaines family owns the property, it is vacant, so they offer tours to their fans. Fans can purchase tickets for a guided tour of the castle, which includes all of the design elements and furnishings featured in the show. Tickets for the small-group tours of Cottonland Castle are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Twenty percent of net proceeds benefit local Waco nonprofits. Fans can also purchase select furniture and decor from the castle in the Castle Tour section of Magnolia.com. The Gaines plan to eventually sell the castle to someone who would like to live in it, but for now, it is still owned by the Magnolia family.

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