TV Show Makes Hyer Teacher’s Dream Home a Reality
Allen and Gail Holt recently had their Waco home renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the TV show “Fixer Upper.” (Courtesy Photos)
Although this will be Gail Holt’s last year as a science teacher at Hyer Elementary School, her new home in Waco is ready to welcome her and her husband, Allen, thanks to the reality show “Fixer Upper.”
(Watch the episode this Thursday at 8 p.m. on HGTV. Click here to see more air times.)
The couple, a blended family with seven children between them, decided to relocate to Waco for Allen’s job as director of development for Baylor University’s Truett Seminary.
After some of their friends moved to Waco and settled on sections of the Brazos River, the Holts decided to look for a similar location.
They found a home last summer, and their realtor, who works with the stars of “Fixer Upper,” asked them if they would be interested in doing the show.
“We said yes, although I’d never seen the show,” said Gail. “Now, I haven’t missed one since.”
“Fixer Upper” is a home-renovation show on HGTV in which Waco-based husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines take over a couple’s home for a complete makeover.
Chip focuses on the project’s construction and Joanna handles the interior design.
“You sign a contract at the beginning saying you will not peek, you won’t go over,” said Gail. “You really have to hand the reins over to them.”
Even though the Gaineses ask their clients about their personal styles and their preferences for redesigning the home, it remains a mystery until the big reveal.
“You just have to trust them,” Allen said.
The two-month renovation process from August to October turned out to be a huge success.
The Holts said the design duo was efficient with their budget, put in quality work, and added some great surprises to their new home.
One surprise was a 16-foot dinner table, which works perfectly for their big family.
“We’ve had family out at Thanksgiving, and our kids at Baylor will all be out studying on it,” Gail said.
The Holts also enjoy the space renovated specifically for the kids.
The Gaineses transformed the garage into a room with bunk beds and plenty of room to hang out and watch television.
“Our kids are coming from Houston and Dallas going, ‘Why would you move to Waco? We’ll never come visit,’” Allen said. “Now we can’t get them to leave.”
The episode first aired in January, and the Holts will move into their renovated home this spring.
