11 Fun Facts About Erin and Ben Napier, the Couple Who Star on HGTV's Home Town
If you're into home renovation, chances are you've heard of Erin and Ben Napier from HGTV's Home Town. Similar to Chip and Joanna Gaines or Syd and Shea McGee, this couple are on a mission to renovate outdated homes and bring them to life — except this duo have a fun twist: they only flip homes in their hometown of Laurel, MS.
In Home Town, which can be watched on Hulu, HGTV, or Discovery+, Erin and Ben update turn-of-the-century homes while keeping each home's history intact. Erin's graphic-design knowledge, artistic abilities, and DIY skills lead to beautiful interiors, while Ben's woodworking skills help guide the renovation part. Together, the two create gorgeous homes with a design style that follows a more historic and traditional path than the farmhouse style that's seen today. But how did Erin and Ben become the famous flippers they are now? How did their unique style get recognized by HGTV? And what the heck are their personal lives like? Well, don't worry, we have the answers. Read on to learn some fun facts about Erin and Ben.
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The Pair Were First Discovered by HGTV Through an Article Published on Their Home
Erin and Ben had just finished renovating their first home in 2012 after moving in together. Erin had loved the house ever since she was a little girl, and after telling the owner they would love to buy it if they ever decided to sell, they got a call a few weeks later asking if they seriously wanted the house. They jumped at the chance, then renovated it into their dream home.
A few years later in 2014, Southern Weddings published photos of the couple's home online, and a month after that, HGTV contacted them and asked if they had ever thought about doing TV. Erin explained in a blog post on Laurel Mercantile that "it felt like an affirmation." Home Town is now airing its fifth season on HGTV.
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The Couple Had Almost No Experience in Home Renovation Before Starting Home Town
Ben was a former youth minister with a degree in history, and Erin owned a wedding stationery company with a degree in graphic design. The only experience in home renovation the pair had was on their own home in 2012.
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Ben Had Run For City Council in Laurel, MS, and Lost
After doubting his place in student ministry and before starting Home Town, Ben decided to run for city council in Laurel, MS, but lost the vote and was devastated. According to Erin's blog, Ben felt "unmoored and aimless." He continued his job at the ministry until the couple were approached by HGTV.
They Met in College
Erin and Ben met in college when she was assigned to write a feature on him for the college yearbook. Erin was excited to do this, as Ben was her biggest crush at the time. In an Instagram post, Erin recalled the week they met, writing, "December 8, we took the photos for the yearbook. December 9, we went on our first date and he met my mama. December 10, we looked at the Christmas lights in Mason Park. December 13, we decided we would get married someday. It sounds crazy to you, maybe. But it makes perfect sense to me."
The Couple Have Been Married For More Than 12 Years
Erin and Ben married on Nov. 22, 2008, and seem to fall more and more in love as the days go on. The two are constantly showing each other affection through sweet posts on Instagram.
Ben and Erin Have a 3-Year-Old Daughter Named Helen
You might not see a whole lot of her on the show, but the pair share a 3-year-old daughter together named Helen. At one point in time, Erin thought it was impossible for her to have a baby, as she was diagnosed with a perforated appendix. Helen was a pleasant surprise.
Ben Embarked on a Fitness Journey After Helen Was Born and Lost 55 Pounds
Ben has always struggled with his weight, but it wasn't until his daughter was born and his father had emergency bypass surgery that he realized it was time to get his health in check. Ben hit the gym for a year, and in 2019, he revealed to Today that he had lost a whopping 55 pounds.
Erin and Ben Have 2 Dogs, Baker and Chevy
If you scroll through Erin or Ben's Instagram accounts, you'll see the occasional photo of a dog. The pair have two Great Pyrenees, and their names are Baker and Chevy. Baker is a rescue dog, and Chevy came from a working farm. They might be old (Baker is 12!), but they still enjoy their walks!
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Ben Writes Erin a Love Note Every Morning
After 17 years together, the couple still keep their romance alive. In an interview with People, Erin revealed that Ben writes her a love note every morning. "Every day he's up before me, and he writes me a letter. It's a short one, but it's a letter," she said.
The Couple Love Vintage Cars
It's not just old homes that Ben and Erin have an affinity for, but vintage cars as well. Hence their dog's name "Chevy" and all the vintage cars you see on their Instagram pages.
They Run a Store Together Called Laurel Mercantile Co.
In addition to the show, Erin and Ben also run a store alongside two other couples called Laurel Mercantile Co. that sells heirloom wares and durable goods. Laurel Mercantile Co. first opened its doors in Laurel, MS, in 1901, and together, the three couples were able to reopen it, with the addition of a second location, which opened its doors a few years ago.