After a significant break from television, a familiar face in the world of home restoration is making a highly anticipated return. The host, who first gained fame for rescuing historic homes, is back with a new season of her signature series, premiering this week.
The host, now 48, stepped away from the spotlight several years ago, citing a need to recharge. “I was good for a while,” she reflects, having initially planned to focus on producing other projects. However, a personal discovery—a compelling, dilapidated property in Wyoming—reignited her passion for hands-on restoration and ultimately drew her back to the camera.
This new chapter marks a homecoming in more ways than one. The upcoming season, consisting of four episodes, will document the ambitious, simultaneous renovation of two distressed properties located over a thousand miles apart. The host describes the project as a deliberate counterpoint to trendy, quick-turnaround “flips,” aiming instead to thoughtfully “unflip” homes with care and historical respect.
A cornerstone of the series has always been its authenticity, a point the host emphasizes. She recounts early skepticism from viewers who doubted a “tiny blonde” could genuinely handle the demanding physical work. “I’d tell them to come by the address and see for themselves,” she says, stressing that her work continues whether cameras are rolling or not. “I wasn’t made for TV. I’ve always been this person.”
Her connection with her audience is something she holds dear. She describes her fan base as uniquely passionate and diverse, spanning generations. Their enthusiastic response to the show’s revival was a motivating factor. “If we hadn’t done this show, I likely would have just documented the journey on social media,” she notes. “It was important that the people who have supported me from the beginning could follow along.”
The break itself was transformative. Seeking solace from the pressures of public life, she found refuge in a small Wyoming town where she was unrecognized. “It was fantastic. Just me, working on my house, going to the hardware store and the local cafe,” she shares. “It was the break I needed.”
Now returning, she brings a renewed sense of purpose. The new season will feature longer, more in-depth episodes, allowing for a “rawer” look at the gritty reality of renovation. “We look a mess. We build these houses and don’t come out glamorous,” she explains, framing it as a return to the show’s original, unvarnished spirit.
Her journey from cleaning houses in Detroit to leading her own production company and show is a narrative she hopes inspires others. “I hope I’m an example that you can put your mind to it and do it,” she states. “It wasn’t the easiest road. Producing my own show was not an easy sell, but we did it. There’s always room to change. Just keep on moving.”
The new season premieres this Tuesday, promising a blend of familiar demolition dust, dedicated craftsmanship, and the story of a host who returned to the work she loves on her own terms.
