NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Fixer Upper’ couple buys historic castle

WACO, Texas

Chip and Joanna Gaines’ latest home project is quite the fixer-upper.

The Texas couple made famous by HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” home-improvement show closed last week on the historic but rundown Cottonland Castle in Waco.

A spokesman for the Gaines’ business, Magnolia, said the couple has long admired the castle and previously made attempts to purchase it. Spokesman John Marsicano said the couple has not yet determined specific plans for the property but that they plan to complete the castle’s restoration.

Construction on the 6,700-square-foot stone castle began in 1890 and was completed in 1913. It has been vacant for about 20 years despite efforts to renovate it.

Swift helps fan surprise boyfriend with proposal

LOS ANGELES

It’s an engagement that was Taylor-made.

Alex Goldschmidt posted video on Instagram of a surprise Taylor Swift appearance as he got engaged to Ross Girard at the Sycamore Tavern in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Everyone was excited as Swift came into the room with an acoustic guitar. The singer told the crowd Alex had emailed her and said “there was a song that was very special to you two called ‘King of My Heart.’” Swift said, “This is from Alex, but sung by me.”

Goldschmidt wrote he couldn’t “thank Taylor enough for wanting to help make this day so special.”

Associated Press