Just three weeks after moving into her new Los Angeles home, former HGTV star Leanne Ford revealed that the property was completely destroyed in the historic wildfires that have ravaged thousands of acres across the city.
On January 10, 2025, the star of Restored by the Fords and Home Again With the Fords took to social media to share heartbreaking photos of the charred remains of the second home she and her husband, Erik Allen Ford, had recently purchased in their beloved Rustic Canyon neighborhood, located in the severely impacted 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 our HOME yet,” Ford wrote in her post. “It was still just a house. So for us, this isn’t the same tragedy it has been for so many other families in Los Angeles.”
In 2020, the Fords made the decision to leave Los Angeles and relocate with their young daughter, Ever, to renovate and settle into a 1900-era house outside of Pittsburgh, as reported by Dwell.
“We are the lucky ones,” Ford continued in her post, emphasizing that “we had a beautiful, safe home in Pennsylvania to return to.” She shared that while she and Ever are now safe in Pittsburgh, her husband remains in LA.
“Still, to be touched by these fires is nothing short of shocking,” she reflected. “I’m in awe of the firefighters who bravely run into the flames while we have the privilege of running out. I can only say — THANK YOU.”
Ford added, “I’ve been praying hard for the ‘peace that passes understanding’ through all of this — for everyone. A peace that feels almost beyond reason.”
She concluded her heartfelt message with, “How can I help? Please 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