Mon, December 22, 2025
Sun, December 21, 2025
Sat, December 20, 2025
Fri, December 19, 2025

Chip & Joanna Gaines Transform 1910 Colorado Mountain Home into a $2.3 M Luxury Retreat

How Much Did Chip & Joanna Gaines’s Colorado Mountain House Cost? – A Complete Summary

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the charismatic couple who turned an overnight television sensation into a household brand, recently turned their sights to the Rocky Mountains. Their latest venture, a fixer‑up Colorado mountain house, has become a talking point for fans, real‑estate aficionados, and DIY enthusiasts alike. The article from KTBS dives into the origins of the property, the extensive renovation plans, the final cost of the house, and the unique challenges that come with restoring a historic Colorado residence. Below is a detailed, yet concise, summary of the key points and additional context provided by the article and its embedded links.


1. Who are Chip & Joanna Gaines?

Before exploring the mountain home, the piece reminds readers why the Gaines duo is so beloved. The couple first gained nationwide fame through their hit HGTV series, Fixer Upper, which debuted in 2013. The show showcased their signature “fix‑and‑flip” approach: taking distressed properties, revamping them with a blend of modern flair and rustic charm, and selling them for a significant profit. Their aesthetic—clean lines, warm woods, and a “farmhouse meets contemporary” vibe—has since been turned into a lifestyle brand that includes home décor, kitchen accessories, and even a home‑building company, Magnolia.

The article also notes that the Gaineses have been active in the real‑estate market beyond the show, often investing in properties that fit their design ethos. They have owned and restored a farmhouse in Waco, Texas, and a 16‑room loft in Dallas, all of which now showcase their signature style.


2. Why Colorado?

The piece highlights why the couple chose Colorado as their next project. They’re drawn to the state’s natural beauty, the sense of community, and the potential for creating a “lifestyle home” that blends indoor luxury with outdoor adventure. Additionally, the article references a Colorado State University news release (linked within the article) that explains how the Gaineses wanted to help preserve historic properties in the region.

The mountain house, located just outside the town of Vail, sits on a 5‑acre parcel overlooking the valley and the Continental Divide. The original property, built in 1910, had been abandoned for years, which gave the Gaineses an almost clean‑slate canvas to work with.


3. The Property at a Glance

  • Location: Near Vail, Colorado, overlooking the Alpine Lake.
  • Original Size: 4,500 sq. ft. (including a 1,200‑sq. ft. living area and a 200‑sq. ft. kitchen).
  • Condition: The house had been in decline for over a decade; many structural elements were compromised, the roof had been leaking, and the original stonework had eroded.

The article’s photos (linked to a Getty Images gallery within the post) show the “pre‑renovation” state: sagging ceilings, cracked stone walls, and a dilapidated wooden staircase. In contrast, a recent image of the finished space showcases a soaring loft with exposed beams, a fireplace with a modern stone mantel, and a large glass wall that offers panoramic mountain views.


4. Renovation Overview

The Gaineses collaborated with a design team that included a structural engineer from the American Society of Civil Engineers (another link in the article) and a historic preservation specialist. Key points from the renovation plan:

PhaseDescriptionChallenges
StructuralReinforced foundation, new roof, and seismic upgrades to meet Colorado building codes.Integrating new supports while preserving original stonework.
ExteriorRestoration of stone façade, addition of a wrap‑around deck, new timber framing.Weather‑resistant treatments for historic stone.
InteriorOpen‑concept living area, kitchen remodel, addition of a 50‑ft walk‑through conservatory.Upgrading electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems to meet modern standards.
OutdoorLandscaping with native shrubs, installation of a stone fire pit, creation of a private garden.Minimizing environmental impact while providing functional outdoor spaces.

The article explains that the renovation took roughly 18 months, from demolition of the interior walls to the final paint touch‑ups.


5. The Cost Breakdown

One of the main questions the article addresses is how much the whole project cost. The Gaineses disclosed a figure of $2.3 million, a number that includes both the purchase price of the property and the full renovation budget. A side‑by‑side breakdown is provided:

CategoryCost
Purchase Price$550,000
Demolition & Prep$250,000
Structural & Seismic$300,000
Exterior Restoration$200,000
Interior (Finishes, Kitchen, Bathroom)$650,000
Landscaping & Outdoor$200,000
Contingency (10%)$150,000
Total$2.3M

The article notes that the Gaineses’ investment is partly driven by the fact that the property’s location is a prime real‑estate spot, with home values in the area rising by an average of 7% per year. They also mention that the renovation cost was on the higher end for a property of this size and historical significance.


6. The Final Product

The article goes into detail about the finished home’s features:

  • Living Space: A 3,000‑sq. ft. loft with a vaulted ceiling, reclaimed timber beams, and a modern stone fireplace.
  • Kitchen: A large island with quartz countertops, a built‑in wine fridge, and a custom cabinetry line from the Gaineses’ Magnolia brand.
  • Bedrooms: Two master suites, each with walk‑in closets, walk‑through showers, and a private balcony overlooking the mountains.
  • Outdoor Living: A 1,200‑sq. ft. deck with a pergola, a stone fire pit, and a built‑in hot tub that’s visible from the interior through floor‑to‑ceiling glass panels.

The article quotes Joanna, who says the house “captures the spirit of Colorado while keeping the Gaineses’ signature aesthetic,” and Chip, who highlights the “balance of functionality and design” that they wanted to achieve.


7. Community Impact and Legacy

The article points out that the Gaineses worked closely with the local community to source materials, employing several local craftsmen and using stone from a nearby quarry. In doing so, they aim to set an example of sustainable renovation. Moreover, the article references a Colorado Historical Society article (linked within the post) that explains how the Gaineses’ project has helped bring attention to historic preservation efforts in the state.


8. Takeaway

For fans of the Gaineses, the Colorado mountain house is more than a new home; it’s a case study in how to blend modern luxury with historic integrity. The KTBS article effectively captures the entire journey—from acquisition, through the challenges of seismic and structural upgrades, to the final stunning reveal. For anyone interested in large‑scale renovations, historic homes, or the business acumen behind the Gaineses’ brand, the article provides a thorough, well‑documented look at the project.


Word Count: ~ 1,060 words


Read the Full KTBS Article at:
[ https://www.ktbs.com/lifestyles/entertainment/how-much-did-chip-joanna-gaines-fixer-upper-colorado-mountain-house-home-cost/article_1a0279bf-03a3-528f-8596-6a74423b182c.html ]