15 Things You Didn't Know About Ben and Erin Napier From Home Town Takeover

There are a lot of big things to love about small-town living; just ask Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of HGTV Canada’s newest show Home Town Takeover, premiering Sunday, September 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In their new series, the couple set out to makeover the entire town of Wetumpka, Alabama. The two give this small town a little extra (much-needed) love and transform everything from restaurants and shops to historic homes and public spaces. No project is too big for the Napiers!

Don’t miss them on Home Town Takeover every Sunday, 10 p.m. ET/PT, also available on the Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.

Published August 2, 2017, Updated August 21, 2021

Ben and erin posing next to chevy pickup

Instagram: Ben Napier

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They Love Restoring Old Cars (and Look Cool Doing it)

This couple isn’t just about making old homes and towns look nice and new again; they also love restoring old cars to some of their former glory. Just take their gorgeous vintage Chevy pickup as proof.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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They’re College Sweethearts

These two have known each other since college! It was love at first sight after the two met in the yearbook room. Erin shared this photo on her Instagram and admitted, “I was the design editor and for two years had noticed him, always the center of attention, everyone’s best friend, my biggest crush.”

Ben and Erin Napier cutting cake at their wedding

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Love Birds

On each of their anniversaries Ben makes Erin a book consisting of all the things he loves about her. He fills it out each month and decorates it with whatever the traditional anniversary present theme is that year.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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They Have Their Own Store

In addition to renovating and restoring old houses (and entire towns), Erin and Ben have a store to look after! Laurel Mercantile Co. sells stationary and tons of pretty household items like signature and seasonal candles.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Ben Has a Very Full Past

Not only is Ben a former minister, but he also once ran for city council. Sadly that wasn’t meant to be, but it did allow him to move on and eventually do Home Town and now Home Town Takeover, so we’re not complaining.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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They Like to Escape to a Summer Spot

Erin grew up with summers on this lake near their hometown of Laurel, and the tradition continues as adults. The couple visits here at least once a summer, reminding themselves that sometimes it’s important to get away from it all.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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They Love Cottage Nights

The Home Town Takeover couple love a good cottage night. Spending time with friends and family at the cottage is great, but the two take it a step further and even turn it a movie night! Erin shared this photo on her Instagram with the caption: Jaws, in the pool. (Not shown: roasted bananas with Nutella and marshmallows, sunburn.)

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Erin is Obsessed With Fall

Okay so most of us love the cozy sweaters, the crisp air and the pumpkin everything. But after her August birthday Erin can’t seem to wait for the fall season to finally start, and we can’t exactly blame her.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Books are an Important Part of Their Life

Ben and Erin are both into reading during whatever spare time they can find — in fact back in college they used to read each other passages from books. Now whenever they’re home they still enjoy a good read, especially from the comfort of their own bed.

Daughter Helen jumping into Ben Napiers arms

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Time Flies

The last time we caught up with Ben and Erin Napier, they were welcoming their first baby girl, Helen. Now she’s all grown up and in her not-so-terrible toddler days and the couple couldn’t be happier with life as parents.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Erin is an Artist

Erin’s background isn’t in design; she’s actually a graphic designer and artist! We’d say she brings an artful eye to all of her projects, which is probably why they’re so unique.

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Another Artist in the Family

Helen takes after her mom with her artistic skills! She loves to paint and explore her creativity in different ways. Erin proudly shared this photo in an Instagram post captioned, “It’s the apple letter. I’m an artist, mama.”

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Welcome, Baby Mae!

A little one has entered the HGTV family! Erin and Ben Napier welcomed another beautiful little girl, named Mae, and we so happy for the beloved Home Town Takeover couple.

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Proud Meal

Erin was proud to share this photo on her Instagram as her first home-cooked meal since Mae was born and it’s Ben’s favourite! Pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables and basil rice. It takes time and patience (lots of patience) to settle into a new routine with a new addition to the family, but this impressive meal shows us the Napiers are doing just fine. “Step toward normal days. Onward, moms and dads!”

Check out these 15 EASY dinner recipes featuring 5 ingredients or less!

Instagram: Erin Napier

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Their New Motto

Juggling reno after reno and raising two little daughters is no easy task, so Ben and Erin have a new motto to make it through the busiest of days: Sleep when the baby sleeps.