Imagine a house so unique, it’s dubbed the 'Candyland House'—a pastel-colored Victorian that’s become a beloved icon in Chicago’s Rogers Park. Now, picture this whimsical home being featured on HGTV’s Ugliest House in America. Yes, you read that right. But here’s where it gets controversial: the homeowners, Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez, couldn’t disagree more with the show’s label. They adore the exterior’s charm but admit the interior? Well, that’s another story. And this is the part most people miss: the house isn’t just a quirky landmark—it’s a labor of love, originally owned by artists Jackie and Don Seiden, who painted every inch with pastel hues and even added glitter to the walls. So, is it truly America’s ugliest house, or is HGTV missing the point? Let’s dive in.
The Candyland House’s Unexpected Spotlight
In late 2024, Bergantino and Gonzalez received a call from HGTV, inviting them to feature their home on an undisclosed show. When they learned it was Ugliest House in America, they couldn’t help but laugh. ‘We don’t think the exterior is ugly at all,’ Bergantino told Block Club. ‘But the inside? Yeah, it definitely needs work.’ The couple, who bought the 1891-built home in 2022, has been documenting their restoration journey on Instagram, promising to ‘keep the funkiness’ that makes it so special.
The HGTV series, hosted by Retta, tours ‘ugly’ homes nationwide, with one lucky (or unlucky?) winner receiving a $150,000 renovation by Sin City Rehab designer Alison Victoria. The Candyland House’s episode premiered Wednesday and is now streaming on HBO Max and discovery+. But here’s the twist: even if they win, Bergantino and Gonzalez insist they’ll preserve the home’s character. ‘No chance in hell would the renovation ever be black, white, gray, or beige,’ Bergantino declared.
Behind the Scenes: A Pause on Renovations
When the couple learned their house would be on the show, they halted their ongoing renovations. Why? They figured the less they improved it, the better their chances of being selected for the $150,000 makeover. ‘We stopped everything,’ Gonzalez said. ‘We thought, if it looks too good, they won’t pick us.’ This strategic pause gave them unexpected free time, which they used to explore new hobbies like painting and 3D printing. ‘It was a nice change after spending every spare moment working on the house,’ Gonzalez added.
A Labor of Love—and Time
Without the show’s renovation, Bergantino and Gonzalez estimate it would take them a decade to complete their dream restoration. With HGTV’s help? Just six weeks. ‘Getting back to a balance where not everything is construction would be great,’ Bergantino said. But the real question remains: will the Candyland House win the title—and the makeover? And if it does, will the renovation honor its quirky soul?
The Bigger Question: What Makes a House ‘Ugly’?
The Candyland House’s story sparks a thought-provoking debate: is beauty in the eye of the beholder, or is there an objective standard for what makes a house ‘ugly’? HGTV’s show leans into the latter, but Bergantino and Gonzalez’s passion for their home challenges that narrative. What do you think? Is the Candyland House a masterpiece or a misfit? And should renovations preserve a home’s unique character, even if it’s considered ‘ugly’ by some? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
