Laurel Siblings Restore 1900s Victorian With HGTV's Napiers

Ben and Erin Napier help transform a dilapidated historic home into a charming family gathering place.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:55am

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After purchasing a crumbling 1900s Victorian house in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi for just $14,000, three siblings called on HGTV's Ben and Erin Napier to help them restore the 2,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom home to its former glory. The $178,000 renovation project involved fixing the home's foundation, siding, and flooring, as well as adding Victorian-inspired details like a wraparound porch with a gingerbread railing.

Why it matters

This renovation project highlights the Napiers' expertise in preserving historic homes and the growing trend of people returning to their small-town roots to put down family roots. It also showcases how a dilapidated property can be transformed into a charming, functional home through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

The details

The home, which had been neglected for years, needed major work to make it livable again. The Napiers raised the kitchen ceiling, removed seven layers of flooring to expose the original pine, and installed Shaker-style cabinetry with metal fretwork inserts. They also preserved the home's original pine trim and wainscoting, staining it a dark chocolate brown to highlight the unique grain pattern. Throughout the home, the Napiers incorporated Victorian-inspired details like a custom, expandable dining table, a framed piece of the home's original cheesecloth wallcovering, and a welcoming wraparound porch with a gingerbread railing.

  • The home was built in 1900.
  • The siblings purchased the home for $14,000.

The players

Ben and Erin Napier

The renovation wunderkinds and stars of HGTV's Home Town, who were called upon to transform the dilapidated Victorian home.

Pam Paulsen Danielson, Tom Paulsen, and Jennifer Paulsen Thornton

The three siblings who purchased the 1900s Victorian home in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi and worked with the Napiers on the renovation project.

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What they’re saying

“We honestly were thinking that someone would, one day, buy and tear it down. But that would've been a shame because Laurel doesn't have a big collection of Victorians. The whole goal of this project and the way we renovated it was to restore and return it to what it was—what we think it was.”

— Ben Napier

“Imperfection is a sign of the growth and evolution of a house in history, not something that we should cover up and be ashamed of.”

— Erin Napier

What’s next

The Napiers and the Paulsen siblings plan to host a housewarming party at the renovated Victorian home to celebrate its transformation and the family's reunion in Laurel.

The takeaway

This renovation project showcases the Napiers' talent for preserving historic homes and the growing trend of people returning to their small-town roots to build community and family connections. The restored Victorian home serves as a testament to the enduring power of place and the importance of honoring a building's history, even in the face of significant disrepair.