Bob Vila Struggles to Sell His Florida Mansion: A Look Inside the Home Improvement Pioneer’s Property
Bob Vila, the iconic host of home improvement shows like “This Old House,” is facing a challenge in selling his own historic Florida mansion. The 78-year-old TV personality and his wife, Diana Barrett, listed their 1940s-era Palm Beach home for a staggering $52.9 million in late 2023, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The 6,296-square-foot waterfront property boasts seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, and numerous home improvement projects that Vila is ready to part ways with. Despite the luxurious features and prime location, finding a buyer at such a high price has proven difficult. As a result, Vila and Barrett have been forced to reduce the asking price multiple times, with the latest drop bringing it down to $42.9 million.
Even with the significant price reductions, the couple stands to make a substantial profit from the sale. They purchased the house in 2005 for $6.1 million, a far cry from the current listing price. Over the years, Vila and Barrett meticulously renovated the property, preserving its Old Florida charm while updating key features.
In a surprising turn of events, Vila and Barrett recently purchased a new property in Palm Beach—a 4,300-square-foot Georgian Revival house—for $12.5 million. Despite initial reports suggesting they intended to make it their new home, the house is already back on the market after just six months, listed for $15.9 million.
Known as the “granddaddy of home improvement,” Vila has been a trailblazer in the industry long before the rise of HGTV. His passion for preserving historic homes and sharing his expertise with viewers has earned him accolades, including a Daytime Emmy lifetime achievement award in 2022.
While Vila may be ready to simplify his living situation, his enduring love for home improvement projects is evident in his latest real estate endeavors. As he continues to explore new opportunities in the industry, fans can expect to see more of the legendary TV host’s signature craftsmanship in the years to come.