Chip and Joanna Gaines Restore Historic Cottonland Castle in Waco

The renovation royals of Waco take on their most challenging project yet: restoring a 1913 stone manor house with a storied past.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:30pm

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In their hometown of Waco, Texas, Chip and Joanna Gaines have restored the historic Cottonland Castle, a 1913 stone manor house originally modeled after a small German castle. The couple had been trying to purchase the property for years, and in 2019 their bid was finally accepted. They embarked on an extensive renovation to restore the grand property to its original glory, uncovering hidden treasures from over a century ago and incorporating many of the original materials into the final design.

Why it matters

The Cottonland Castle has long been a local landmark in Waco, with a history dating back to 1890. As Chip and Joanna Gaines have become the faces of Waco's revitalization, taking on this iconic property was both a fitting and nerve-racking endeavor, as they sought to honor the home's significance in the neighborhood and the city.

The details

The half-constructed house changed hands from 1890 to 1913, when it was finally completed as a residence. The building was designated a Texas historic landmark in 1977. In 2019, the Gaineses' bid was accepted, and they embarked on an extensive renovation to restore the property. They used reclaimed antique materials wherever possible, including original light fixtures, paneling, fireplaces, and doors. When exact matches couldn't be found, they worked with local craftsmen to create new pieces in the same style and materials as the originals.

  • The Cottonland Castle was originally constructed between 1890 and 1913.
  • The building was designated a Texas historic landmark in 1977.
  • In 2019, the Gaineses' bid to purchase the property was accepted.

The players

Chip and Joanna Gaines

The renovation royals of Waco, Texas, who have become known for their hit show Fixer Upper and their growing Magnolia empire, which includes a TV network, magazine, and destination shopping experience.

Cottonland Castle

A 1913 stone manor house in Waco, Texas, originally modeled after a small German castle along the Rhine River, with a history dating back to 1890 and a permanent place in local lore.

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What they’re saying

“If you look past the cracks in the masonry, past the rotted floorboards, past the wilderness taking over the backyard, there is a lot of beauty to be found in this old castle.”

— Joanna Gaines

“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 Gaines

What’s next

The Cottonland Castle was briefly open for tours after the completion of the renovation, but the Gaineses ultimately plan to sell the property.

The takeaway

By restoring the Cottonland Castle, Chip and Joanna Gaines have not only preserved a piece of Waco's history, but also demonstrated their commitment to honoring the significance of historic properties in their community. Their attention to detail and use of original materials have resulted in a stunning transformation that pays homage to the castle's past while also making it a modern, livable space.