HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier are on a mission to remind us what it means to live simply. They see a growing desire among many Americans for a slower pace of life, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. “It’s such a beautiful lake and a quiet town, and we want everyone to enjoy that,” Erin shared. Their new project on “Home Town Takeover” is in Sebring, Florida—a quaint town steeped in history.
Sebring was originally a resort destination before Florida’s coasts became popular. The Napiers want to bring back the charm of old Florida. Ben noted it reminds them of vacations their grandparents took. Erin recalled, “We want that feel again—where you can have a meal and really enjoy life.”
Season three, which premiered on March 9, dives deep into the lives of Sebring’s residents. The Napiers focused on a single mom who bought a historic house that once belonged to her kindergarten teacher. “This story is about how impactful our childhood experiences are, especially with our teachers,” Ben remarked.
While they share these warm, community-driven stories, they’re also addressing heavier topics. This season features a couple working with veterans facing PTSD. This element of the show showcases the importance of support and mental health, even in a feel-good format. Erin explained the difficulty in sharing these stories, saying, “We had to balance escapism with real life.”
They strive to create environments that are uplifting. “We wanted to make a dark house feel lighter, as those who live there carry heavy burdens,” Erin added.
Ben and Erin’s connection is also worth mentioning. They met in college and quickly fell in love, solidifying their bond in just six days. Their relationship is rooted in communication and shared experiences, which comes through in their work.
Historically, small-town living has often been romanticized. A recent survey indicated that 42% of Americans feel nostalgic about small towns, reflecting on the simpler lives of earlier generations.
As they continue their work, the Napiers aim to highlight the benefits of small-town life. “You can do anything in a small town,” Erin said. “We want to share what that really looks like.”
You can catch “Home Town Takeover” on HGTV, where Ben and Erin bring hope and creativity to communities looking for revival.
Source link
