Chip and Joanna Gaines are stepping far outside their design comfort zone for their latest television venture, taking on a colossal, 15,000-square-foot estate in their hometown of Waco, Texas. The beloved HGTV and Magnolia Network stars are set to return to television screens with a brand-new, six-episode series titled “Fixer Upper: Chip Bought a Mansion,” which is scheduled to premiere later this year in December.
The upcoming show chronicles a high-stakes, three-month renovation project born from a surprising real-life purchase. Three years ago, Chip Gaines decided to buy a sprawling, palatial brick estate overlooking Lake Waco. True to form for the dynamic duo’s dynamic, the impulse buy quickly snowballed into an epic construction challenge that tested both their creative limits and their patience.
Reflecting on the massive undertaking, Joanna Gaines shared her perspective in a statement provided to Realtor.com, noting that the purchase caught even her by surprise. Chip has always embraced his role as a dreamer and a risk-taker, she observed, but buying a massive mansion marked a particularly bold chapter even for him. What initially began as an unexpected surprise rapidly evolved into one of the most ambitious and unique home renovations the couple has ever tackled in their storied careers.
The mother of five admitted that the sprawling scale of the property brought a new tier of difficulty to their work. Budget constraints, intricate structural challenges, and the sheer volume of space forced the designers to navigate hurdles they had never encountered on standard residential projects. Despite the stress, Joanna pointed out a deeply rewarding aspect of the chaotic process: the opportunity to work side by side with Chip every single day to push the colossal house across the finish line and finally prepare it for the real estate market.
The playful dynamic between the couple takes center stage in the promotional trailer for the series. True to his signature style, Chip can be seen wearing a cowboy hat and hamming it up between two flailing inflatable tube people. In classic comedic fashion, he addresses viewers by asking if they have ever thought about wanting a house with "more house," before proudly announcing that he bought a mansion. Joanna quickly jumps in to correct him, clarifying that the transaction was entirely his solo decision—a choice that Chip humorously admits he soon came to regret.
The property at the center of the frenzy is the Hakesdene Estate, a grand brick palace situated on a generous 5.7-acre lot boasting sweeping, picturesque views of Lake Waco. According to the official property listing held by Amanda Nesbitt of Magnolia Realty, the massive dwelling features six bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. Rather than gutting its historical character, the upcoming renovations are designed to thoughtfully reimagine the space while introducing a timeless, more neutral-leaning palette intended to appeal to a future buyer.
Upon entering the residence, visitors are greeted by a brilliantly lit two-story foyer that establishes a tone of grand elegance, flowing seamlessly into an expansive living room defined by architectural elements such as classical columns, glittering chandeliers, and intricate wrought-iron details. The sheer breadth of amenities packed into the floor plan meant Chip and Joanna had their hands full from day one. The estate includes a private den, a dedicated study, a billiard room, a home gym equipped with a steam shower, a media room, a functional butler’s pantry, a wet bar, and a fully appointed wine cellar.
Privacy and luxury were clearly top priorities in the original construction of the palace. The primary suite is comfortably situated on the ground level and features not just one, but two separate bathrooms, multiple expansive closets, and direct access to the central courtyard. Additionally, the property includes a fully functional guest suite complete with a private entrance, its own bathroom, a distinct living area, and a private kitchenette, ensuring that visitors enjoy ample independence.
The outdoor spaces match the grandeur of the interior. Multiple covered porches provide serene vantage points for taking in the waterfront views, while an outdoor kitchen makes the grounds ideal for hosting large gatherings. For recreation and relaxation, the property features a sparkling infinity-edge pool and an idyllic, tranquil pond. Vehicle owners are also well accommodated, with ample parking provided by four separate garage bays and a sprawling motor court.
While the current listing photos maintain a veil of secrecy around the exact finished look of the renovations by showcasing the home’s opulent yet outdated pre-renovation decor, the property description offers clear hints regarding the direction of the redesign. The architectural details, including intricate trim work, classic moldings, and heavy millwork, are slated to be carefully preserved and elevated to let the original craftsmanship shine. Furthermore, the kitchen is scheduled for a complete reconfiguration to serve as the functional heart of the home, designed to encourage gathering and daily ease while establishing a renewed visual identity for the estate.
Fans of the long-running franchise will not have to wait much longer to witness how the massive overhaul turned out. “Fixer Upper: Chip Bought a Mansion” is set to premiere with back-to-back episodes on both Magnolia Network and HGTV on December 27.
Allison Page, president of Magnolia Network, emphasized the unique entertainment value of the upcoming series, noting that the project originates from a grand vision that only Chip Gaines could conjure. As the renovation unfolds on screen, viewers will get to experience every unexpected twist and turn right alongside the couple, watching them conquer hurdles far beyond anything they have tackled in the past. Page described the journey as unpredictable, highly entertaining, and a compelling continuation of the ongoing "Fixer Upper" story.
