Chip and Joanna Gaines returned to television with a massive six-episode renovation challenge near Lake Waco, Texas, titled Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse. Marking a decade since their original hit series debuted, the famous home renovation experts took on a sprawling, severely outdated 1960s property with the explicit goal of flipping it. The project combined midcentury modern architecture with Spanish revival design, sparking massive fan engagement, a room-by-room design overhaul, and an eventual sale to a local family.
Viewers followed every structural shift, material choice, and dramatic staging decision across platforms like Magnolia Network and Max. Here is a look at how Chip and Joanna tackled the Lake Waco estate, the design choices that defined the build, and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
Reviving a 1960s Estate Near Lake Waco
The property presented an entirely different scale compared to typical residential homes featured on the original series. Built in the mid-1960s, the house featured sweeping cliffside views of Lake Waco but suffered from dated layouts, heavy structural wear, and awkward room divisions.
Chip handled the heavy structural alterations, which included shifting major room placements, restoring original hardwood flooring, and rebuilding damaged areas. Meanwhile, Joanna blended midcentury architecture with Spanish revival elements—a mix that required careful coordination between custom plaster textures, warm wood tones, and specialized tile work.
Key architectural updates included:
- Restoring the original backyard swimming pool to honor the home's 1960s origins instead of replacing it entirely.
- Installing a custom cherry wood floating staircase with green carpet treads and brass rod accents in the foyer.
- Relocating the kitchen back to its original footprint and removing interior walls to maximize natural light and lake views.
- Constructing a hidden walk-in pantry tucked inside the kitchen's main working wall.
Standout Design Elements and Material Choices
Joanna utilized several materials she had never tried before, creating distinct visual accents throughout the sprawling estate. In the recreation area, the couple installed pressed volcanic-ash floor tiles that offered both durability and a unique texture. Bathrooms and utility spaces featured custom metal partitions, powder-coated steel elements, and Spanish-style terracotta tiles.
The kitchen featured a custom metal island finished in a muted midcentury green tone, paired with double bullnose edge marble countertops. In the library and main living areas, gridded accent walls paired with brass hardware and built-in plaster shelving maintained a clean, minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing function.
The 10th Anniversary Finale and Famous Guest Surprises
The final episode of the series marked the 10th anniversary of the original Fixer Upper premiere. To celebrate the milestone, Joanna planned a major surprise for Chip on reveal day by inviting former athletes and prominent public figures Tim Tebow and Robert Griffin III to join the celebration.
The reveal showcased the fully staged home, complete with custom furnishings, restored architectural lines, and thoughtful interior styling designed to fit the surrounding wooded landscape.
Who Bought the Lake House?
Although the couple purchased the property with the intention of flipping it, finding the right buyer took some time. About a month after the final episode aired and the home officially hit the market, a local family purchased the Lake Waco property. Joanna noted that the sale felt serendipitous, matching the estate with buyers who fit the neighborhood and appreciated the extensive historical restoration.
Fans looking to rewatch the renovation process can stream all six episodes through Max or explore room breakdowns on the official Magnolia website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Fixer Upper lake house located?
The property sits on a wooded cliffside overlooking Lake Waco in Waco, Texas.
Did Chip and Joanna keep the lake house?
No. While they bought the home to flip and renovate it, they officially sold the property to a local family roughly a month after the final reveal.
How many episodes are in Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse?
The limited series consists of six episodes detailing the complete gut renovation, design choices, and final staging.
What design styles were used in the lake house?
Joanna combined midcentury modern architecture with Spanish revival elements, utilizing natural wood, plaster textures, and custom tile work.
