Chip and Joanna Gaines bought Cottonland Castle, a historic Waco, Texas, home, in 2019 and restored it for Fixer Upper: The Castle. The renovation was completed in summer 2022, and Magnolia now offers tours of the property. Current ownership and occupancy are not established by the available public-facing sources, so the castle’s television debut and tours should not be taken as proof that the Gaineses still live there.
What happened to the Gaineses’ castle?
The property is Cottonland Castle, at 161 S 33rd St in Waco, Texas. Chip and Joanna Gaines bought it in 2019 after Chip had pursued it for nearly two decades, according to Magnolia’s account. They then undertook a restoration documented in the television project Fixer Upper: The Castle. The City of Waco records the renovation as finished in summer 2022; Magnolia shared the completed transformation that November.
Today, Magnolia promotes tours that give visitors an inside look at the historic home. That confirms it is presented as a visitor attraction, but does not establish who owns or occupies it now.
Why is Cottonland Castle historic?
Cottonland Castle predates the Gaineses’ renovation by more than a century. The Texas Historical Commission says stone contractor John Tennant began building it in 1890. Tennant sold the unfinished structure to cotton broker Ripley Hanrick in 1906. With plans drawn by architect Roy Lane, the house was completed in 1913 as a residence for businessman Alfred Abeel.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- The first LEGO brick model of the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) – Recreate the most iconic location with this buildable LEGO Harry Potter display set
- Scale model – Build and display Hogwarts Castle and its surrounding area, including the Main Tower, Astronomy Tower, Great Hall, courtyards, bridges, greenhouses, Boathouse and the Black Lake
- Revel in details – Check out the Chamber of Secrets, The Winged Key room, Potions Classroom and Chessboard Chamber, plus the Durmstrang Ship, Beauxbatons Carriage, Whomping Willow and Ford Anglia
- Gift idea – Treat yourself or give this 2,660-piece buildable display model to adult Harry Potter fans and collectors as a holiday gift, birthday present or special surprise
- Collectible Harry Potter building set for adults – This LEGO Harry Potter model kit is part of a large assortment of LEGO Sets for Adults who enjoy hands-on, mindful activities to relax and unwind
The state historical marker describes a sandstone exterior with limestone detailing and interior marble and mahogany. The home became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1977. Its history helps explain why the project involved repairing and retaining original materials rather than simply replacing the interior with a contemporary design.
What did the renovation change?
Magnolia describes the work as a balance: preserve the castle’s character while making it function as a family home. The account includes cleaning the stone and repairing or replicating original windows, doors, plaster, hardwood floors, paneling, millwork, and trim. The project also updated essential systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Rank #2
- 【Fantasy Steam Castle Display】Step into a whimsical steampunk world with this steam castle puzzle. Inspired by baroque romance and futuristic retro style, the Fantasy Steam Castle transforms your desk into a dreamy skyline, perfect for collectors and fantasy lovers.
- 【Creative Lighting and Ornamental Details】Featuring a hidden LED lighting system, every window and tower glows warmly, creating a magical night-time ambiance. Specialty textured paper with metallic accents highlights the rooftops, while intricate carvings and balconies enhance its decorative charm.
- 【Mechanical Gear Interaction】More than just a model – the castle features an intricate gear-driven mechanism. Propellers and structural details move in unison, creating dynamic motion and showcasing the essence of true steampunk style.
- 【Premium Craftsmanship for Build】Crafted with precision laser-cut wood and luxurious specialty paper, this 863-piece puzzle offers a rewarding 12-16 hours assembly experience. Each piece fits smoothly, ensuring durability and a sense of achievement upon completion.
- 【Creative Gift and Home Decor Masterpiece】More than a puzzle, this collectible 3D model is a display-ready artwork. It’s an unforgettable gift for DIY hobbyists, steampunk enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys hands-on creativity. With FUNPOLA's commitment to your shopping satisfaction, we offer full support for any product issues.
Interior changes included new lighting, a reworked library and bathroom, a conservatory, and a basement family room. Magnolia’s design account names Castle Cream among the interior paint colors and describes a ten-hue palette. Those colors offer one way to explore the project’s look, but paint alone cannot reproduce the castle’s historic materials and finishes.
Can you tour Cottonland Castle?
Yes. Magnolia’s visit page describes tours of the historic home featured on Fixer Upper: The Castle. Check Magnolia’s live booking calendar for current dates, ticket terms, and availability; these can change. Destination Waco lists the address as 161 S 33rd St, Waco, TX 76710, and describes a one-hour small-group tour that involves climbing three sets of stairs. Confirm accessibility and logistics with the current tour provider before booking.
Rank #3
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs
- HIMEJI CASTLE – 3 Sheet Model with a challenging difficulty level. Assembled Size: 2.81 x 2.69 x 2.34 inches
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all
Magnolia’s help information says Chip and Joanna are not planned to be onsite for tours after filming. A tour is therefore a chance to see the home, not a scheduled meet-and-greet with the couple.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do Chip and Joanna Gaines still own or live in the castle?
That is not confirmed by the sources cited here. Magnolia’s purchase and renovation accounts establish that the Gaineses bought the castle and completed the restoration; Magnolia’s current tour information establishes that the property is presented for visits. None of those facts settles its present ownership or who lives there. Without a current property record or confirmation from the owners, it would be inaccurate to say the Gaineses still own or occupy it—or that they have sold it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILD A FAIRY-TALE CASTLE – Adult builders 18 years old and up construct Bavaria's legendary architectural wonder
- CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS – Customize your castle display all year long with seasonal LEGO summer and autumn foliage
- ROOM-BY-ROOM CONSTRUCTION – Build imposing throne rooms, turreted towers, ornate gates, and vast courtyards with authentic medieval architectural details
- MINDFUL BUILDING JOURNEY – Advanced techniques and premium pieces create an immersive escape for architecture enthusiasts
- GIFT FOR BIRTHDAYS – Ideal for Europhiles, history buffs, and model kit enthusiasts
Rank #4
- THE CASTLE SET COMES WITH UNIQUE DESIGN YOU WILL LOVE - Be proud to display your assembled Castle set model on any tabletop as you share the skills of your kid for model building and puzzles with all your friends and family. This instructive miniature Castle kit will surely bring a smile to the face of any kid with a passion for wooden puzzles and building kits. Our Medieval collection is ideal to get children started with model building and developing their motor skills in a safe and fun way.
- THE CASTLE SET DIY 3D PUZZLE IS FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES PUZZLES - The Castle 3 dimensional craft kit is a model to build for kids who love using their brain and creating something new using their own hands. Puzzles lovers at any age or gender will enjoy building this amazing 182 pieces wood toy kit and paint the 3d wood puzzle to make it their own. It is a great father and son 3d puzzles for boys school project as well as puzzle for girls get together and craft play time with their loved ones.
- INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 3D CASTLE WOOD PUZZLE KIT - Includes 1 Castle 3D Puzzle Wood Craft Construction Kit with 182 interlocking puzzle pieces, an instruction manual and 1 paper for sanding edges. 3D Puzzles never looked so good and the unfinished natural wood can be painted or colored for a more personalized look. In most parts no glue is needed and the pieces are interlocking together. The wooden puzzle approximate assembly size is: 8.5"Lx7.1"Wx8.6"H. Paint and glue are not included.
- HIGH-QUALITY CASTLE WOODEN PUZZLE 3D KIT - The miniature Castle 3D puzzle is made of high-grade 3mm natural wood. All puzzle pieces are laser cut & sanded thoroughly to ensure smoothness of all edges. Adorned with realistic details like barbican, footbridge, and tower that result in an authentic-looking model kit. All surfaces can be customized making it an ideal hobby paint DIY wood toy project. Once assembled, the Castle kit model stands on its own, ready to exhibit and for display anywhere.
- IDEAL USE FOR THE CASTLE WOOD KIT 3D MODEL PUZZLE - Challenge yourself and your loved ones to build this DIY cut 3-D puzzle, display your achievement as artwork or play with your new model toy. 3D puzzles woodcraft construction kits help develop skills like eye coordination, problem-solving and shape recognition, while encouraging creativity. Customize your Castle diy toy and paint it for school projects or make it a game that friends and family can enjoy while spending quality time together.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
