Three weeks after receiving the keys to her new Los Angeles house, former HGTV star Leanne Ford has revealed it burned to the ground in the historic wildfires that have destroyed thousands of acres across the city.
On January 10, 2025, the “Restored by the Fords” and “Home Again With the Fords” star shared a social media post with photos of the charred remains of the second home she and husband Erik Allen Ford purchased in their “favorite part of LA,” Rustic Canyon — a neighborhood in the hard-hit Pacific Palisades.
“Three weeks ago we got keys to our new LA place in Rustic Canyon,” the Pittsburgh native captioned her heartbreaking post, where many of her HGTV colleagues have left words of sympathy. “We were excited (though me — a bit hesitant…) to start spending some time again in our favorite part of LA.”
“A beautiful historical and quirky artists’ home,” she continued. “We brought over so many of our favorite things to fill it with. It was to be a place to write, to create. Three days ago we lost it.”
Despite Losing House, Leanne Ford Considers Herself Among the ‘Lucky Ones’
“Thankfully, this wasn’t yet our HOME,” Ford wrote in her post. “It was still just a house. So for us, this is not the same tragedy that it has been for so many other families in Los Angeles.”
In 2020, the Fords left Los Angeles with their baby girl, Ever, to renovate and live in a 1900-era house outside of Pittsburgh, according to Dwell.
“We are the lucky ones,” she wrote in her post, noting that “we had a beautiful safe home in PA to escape back to.” She added that while she and daughter Ever “are safe now,” having returned to Pittsburgh while her husband remains in LA.
“Still, to be affected by fires is shocking, to say the least,” Ford continued. “I’m in awe of the firemen and women choosing to run into the flames while we get to run out. I can only say — THANK YOU.”
The designer continued, “I’ve been praying hard for ‘the peace that passes understanding’ through this — for everyone. A true peace that seems to make no sense.”
Ford concluded her message by writing, “How can I help? Send me a message.”
HGTV Stars Rally Around Leanne Ford After She Loses Los Angeles House
Ford, who found fame on HGTV conducting renovations with her brother, Steve Ford, heard from many of her network colleagues, who wrote notes of sympathy on her post — many of whom she got to know through appearing on additional shows like “Rock the Block” and “A Very Brady Renovation.”
Jasmine Roth of “Help! I Wrecked My House” wrote, “Oh Leanne 😢💔 I am so so sorry”
“Renovation Island” star Sarah Baeumler commented, “💔Sending love to you and everyone in LA”
“Oh Leanne,” wrote “Fixer to Fabulous” star Jenny Marrs. “I’m so sorry. Praying along with you. 🤍🙏”
“It’s all so sad 💔,” Ty Pennington added.
“One of a Kind” star Grace Mitchell, who last appeared on 2024’s “100 Day Hotel Challenge,” wrote, “Love you. So much. Truly hard to believe. Y’all are very loved by all of us and we are praying for you. 🤍🤍”
Taniya Nayak of “Battle on the Beach” commented, “Heart is with you ❤️”
Ford’s post was also liked by fellow HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier, Keith Bynum, Brian Patrick Flynn, and Michael J. Coyle. Many of the network’s stars have shared resources and reflections on social media since the wildfires broke out, and “Property Brothers” star Jonathan Scott — who lives in LA — wrote on January 10 that the situation has been “terrifying” for his family and community.
Comments
HGTV Stars Rally Around Leanne Ford After Her New House Burns Down in Los Angeles Wildfires