Marrs return to tuscany for secret project – is hgtv losing its edge?
Dave and Jenny Marrs are back in Italy, chasing a ‘secret project’ in Tuscany – a move that follows the success of their first European renovation and raises questions about HGTV’s commitment to their signature style.
A second shot at european design
The couple, known for their transformations on ‘Fixer Upper,’ have traded their Arkansas farm for the rolling hills of Tuscany, reportedly focusing on a new Home renovation. Initial social media glimpses – marble slabs, design mockups – suggest a lavish undertaking, far removed from the rustic charm that initially captivated viewers. Jenny Marrs has teased the project, hinting at a ‘pinch-me’ experience, but has remained tight-lipped on specifics, fueling speculation and a growing sense of anticipation.
Campo sasso's legacy
Their first Italian venture, the restoration of Campo Sasso, was a significant success, spawning a six-episode HGTV spin-off series. The project, a 300-year-old villa, showcased a careful blend of Italian architecture and design elements, notably incorporating Carrara marble – a nod to the region’s rich history of marble extraction. The Marrses even embraced terra-cotta tiles and bathtubs, a clear homage to traditional Italian craftsmanship. It’s a far cry from the farmhouse aesthetic that initially defined their brand.
Forte dei marmi: a taste of the high life
Recent Instagram posts show Dave enjoying a meal in Forte dei Marmi, a notoriously exclusive coastal town famed for its luxury offerings – think Michelin-star restaurants, designer boutiques, and a vibrant weekly market. The town’s very name, Forte dei Marmi, translates to ‘Fort of the Marbles,’ a pointed reference to the region’s centuries-long tradition of producing this prized stone, a material favored by masters like Michelangelo himself. This level of indulgence feels markedly different from the Marrs’ previous projects.
A shifting strategy?
Despite the initial buzz surrounding Campo Sasso, the flagship ‘Fixer Upper’ series has been unceremoniously cancelled after seven seasons. The decision to keep this latest Tuscan project under wraps – a departure from previous transparency – suggests a strategic shift. It’s possible HGTV is attempting to reposition the Marrses, or perhaps, simply doesn’t see the same potential in this new direction. One thing is certain: the audience will have to rely on Jenny’s Instagram stories for any further updates, a decidedly less immediate route to discovering their latest obsession.
Ultimately, the Marrs' move to Italy raises a pertinent question: is HGTV willing to evolve, or is it clinging to a formula that’s starting to feel stale? The answer, it seems, is buried somewhere amongst the marble and the Tuscan sun.