You've seen the shiplap. You've seen the "demo day" dust. If you followed Fixer Upper during its peak, specifically Season 3, you probably remember the big Christmas reveal of the Magnolia House Waco area property. Chip and Joanna Gaines didn't just flip a house for a client; they bought a 1880s historic gem in McGregor, Texas, to turn it into their very first official bed and breakfast.
But here is the thing. Things have changed.
📖 Related: Hurricane Weather Forecast: What Most People Get Wrong
If you're planning a trip to Waco in 2026, you might be surprised to find that the "Magnolia House" you see on TV isn't exactly the same operation it was a few years ago. Most people assume they can just hop on the Magnolia website and book a room. It’s actually a bit more complicated than that now, and honestly, the "Waco" part of the name is a bit of a misnomer—it’s actually about 20 minutes outside the city.
The Reality of Magnolia House Waco Today
In late 2023, Chip and Joanna actually sold the property. I know, it sounds wild given how much heart they put into it, but they’ve shifted their focus to their massive project in downtown Waco, Hotel 1928.
Does that mean you can’t stay there? No.
The house is now often listed under the name The McGregor House on platforms like Airbnb and Expedia. It’s still the same stunning 2,868-square-foot home with the wraparound porch and the gazebo, but the "Magnolia" branding is less official than it used to be. You're still getting the Jo-designed interior, but the check-in process might look different than the old-school B&B vibe with an on-site innkeeper.
What the stay is actually like
- Location: It is in McGregor, not Waco. If you want to be walking distance to the Silos, this isn't it.
- The Vibe: It’s quiet. McGregor is a small town. You might hear the occasional train or even the rumble of a SpaceX rocket engine test nearby (they have a facility in town).
- Layout: It’s a big house. Seven bedrooms. Four bathrooms. It’s designed for groups.
- The Design: This is the "Wild West House" from the show. It’s got that classic farmhouse-chic aesthetic that Joanna popularized.
Why McGregor Matters (It's Not Just a Suburb)
People usually just want to get to the Silos. I get it. But staying at the Magnolia House Waco area property puts you in a different headspace. McGregor is charming in that "forgotten Texas" kind of way. Joanna has talked about how she was drawn to the town’s antique shops and grassroots feel.
When they renovated the house, they didn't just slap on some paint. They restructured the staircase—which was famously "creepy" and enclosed—and opened up the living spaces to let in that natural Texas light. They even kept the small twin rooms upstairs that were historically used to house soldiers traveling through town in the early 1900s.
It's essentially a live-in museum of the Fixer Upper style.
🔗 Read more: Hotel Juana Antibes France: Why This Jazz-Era Landmark Is Better Than Its Famous Neighbor
Comparing Your Options: Magnolia House vs. Hillcrest Estate
If you're dead set on the "official" Magnolia experience, you might actually want to look at Hillcrest Estate. Unlike the McGregor property, Hillcrest is still managed directly through the Magnolia ecosystem.
| Feature | The McGregor House (Original B&B) | Hillcrest Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Location | McGregor (20 mins to Waco) | Heart of Waco |
| Ownership | Private (Previously Gaines-owned) | Managed by Magnolia |
| Max Guests | 8 - 12 (depending on listing) | Up to 12 |
| Vibe | Historic Farmhouse / Quiet | Grand Historic / Central |
| Perks | Historical Fixer Upper Fame | Table Reservations & Cupcakes |
Honestly, if you have a huge group, Hillcrest is often the smoother "luxury" experience because it comes with those little extras like premade reservations at Magnolia Table and complimentary cupcakes from Silos Baking Co. The McGregor house is for the purists. The ones who want to stand in the kitchen where Chip and Jo filmed that emotional reveal for their parents.
Booking Logistics for 2026
Booking these places is still a sport. Even though the McGregor house has changed hands, the "Fixer Upper" association keeps the calendar pretty full.
✨ Don't miss: The Mirage Las Vegas Closing: What Really Happens When a Legend Disappears
Check the major platforms. Search for "The McGregor House Featured on HGTV" rather than just "Magnolia House." This is a huge tip because the official Magnolia site might not point you there anymore.
Watch the "Carriage House" listings. Remember the small house next door? That was Season 3, Episode 18. It’s often rented separately. If you have a smaller group (3-4 people), the Carriage House is way more affordable than renting the entire 7-bedroom main house.
Mid-week is your friend. Everyone wants to be in Waco on a Saturday. If you can swing a Tuesday-Thursday stay, your chances of finding an opening go up significantly.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Confirm the Management: If you book the McGregor house through a third party, message the host to ask about current amenities. Don't assume the "Magnolia perks" (like the discount cards) are still active if it’s privately managed.
- Transportation is Non-Negotiable: You need a car. There is no easy shuttle from McGregor to the Silos district in Waco.
- Check the SpaceX Schedule: If you’re a space nerd, look up test windows. Seeing (and hearing) a rocket test while sitting on a Joanna Gaines porch is a peak Texas experience.
- Book 6 Months Out: Even in 2026, the demand for these "TV houses" hasn't died down as much as you'd think.
If you want the true Fixer Upper pilgrimage, staying in the house that started the whole "Stay" division of their empire is the way to do it. Just keep your expectations grounded: it's a historic home, not a sterile hotel. It has creaks. It has character. And it definitely has a lot of shiplap.
Ready to see what's available? Start by checking the current listings for both Hillcrest Estate in Waco and The McGregor House to see which timeline fits your group better.