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Sarah Off the Grid airs Sundays at 9PM on HGTV Canada. You can also stream full episodes on HGTV.ca.
Originally published August 3, 2017. Updated May 9, 2019
14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah Richardson
Sarah Richardson's show, Sarah Off the Grid, is back for a second season on HGTV. Sarah is joined by her husband Alex and her bestie Tommy Smythe to convert a historic house in the town of Creemore into a seasonal rental. Each project that Sarah works on reveals a bit more of who she is, but there is still lots about her that may surprise you. In that spirit, here are a few things about the renowned host that you may not know.
Sarah Off the Grid airs Sundays at 9PM on HGTV Canada. You can also stream full episodes on HGTV.ca.
Originally published August 3, 2017. Updated May 9, 2019
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Sarah's Favourite Fashion Designer
1/14Sarah's Favourite Fashion Designer
1/14Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
“I 100 per cent have a favourite Canadian designer!” <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/14-things-you-might-not-know-about-sarah-richardson-1904282/">says Sarah</a>. She has been wearing Smythe jackets long before the Royals (both Meghan and Kate) caught on to this fabulous design company run by two Canadian entrepreneurs. One is her best friend from junior school (Andrea Lenczner) and the other is Tommy's sister (Christie Smythe). Sounds like a perfect fit! <br><br> See exclusive photos for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/sarah-richardson-renovation-1927190/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson's off-the-grid rental home</a>.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonSarah's Favourite Fashion Designer
PHOTO 1 of 14READ LESS -“I 100 per cent have a favourite Canadian designer!” <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/14-things-you-might-not-know-about-sarah-richardson-1904282/">says Sarah</a>. She has been wearing Smythe jackets long before the Royals (both Meghan and Kate) caught on to this fabulous design company run by two Canadian entrepreneurs. One is her best friend from junior school (Andrea Lenczner) and the other is Tommy's sister (Christie Smythe). Sounds like a perfect fit! <br><br> See exclusive photos for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/sarah-richardson-renovation-1927190/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson's off-the-grid rental home</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Brotherly Love
2/14Brotherly Love
2/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
Sarah has an older brother and two younger half-brothers. “Brothers are good,” says Sarah. “Nobody was ever trying to steal my clothes.” They also have good taste in friends: Sarah married her older brother’s best friend. Her hubby Alex is also a big part of her renovation projects.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonBrotherly Love
PHOTO 2 of 14READ LESS -Sarah has an older brother and two younger half-brothers. “Brothers are good,” says Sarah. “Nobody was ever trying to steal my clothes.” They also have good taste in friends: Sarah married her older brother’s best friend. Her hubby Alex is also a big part of her renovation projects.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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Sarah Loves Potlucks
3/14Sarah Loves Potlucks
3/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
You may not automatically think “potluck” when you imagine Sarah Richardson entertaining – but think again. “When I entertain in the country, it's friends coming together and everybody brings what they do best. And if you only have to make one thing to get to a gourmet feast, how great is that?” <br><br> Watch this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/videos/an-apple-crisp-bake-off-with-tommy-smythe-1040698435853/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">apple crisp bake-off</a> with Sarah and Tommy.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonSarah Loves Potlucks
PHOTO 3 of 14READ LESS -You may not automatically think “potluck” when you imagine Sarah Richardson entertaining – but think again. “When I entertain in the country, it's friends coming together and everybody brings what they do best. And if you only have to make one thing to get to a gourmet feast, how great is that?” <br><br> Watch this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/videos/an-apple-crisp-bake-off-with-tommy-smythe-1040698435853/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">apple crisp bake-off</a> with Sarah and Tommy.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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Instagram Inspiration
4/14Instagram Inspiration
4/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
Sarah is a heavy-hitter on Instagram. She has over 230,000 followers and checks into the popular social media app even before finishing her first cup of coffee. “I love the visual world, so I absolutely feed off the inspiration that is Instagram.”Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonInstagram Inspiration
PHOTO 4 of 14READ LESS -Sarah is a heavy-hitter on Instagram. She has over 230,000 followers and checks into the popular social media app even before finishing her first cup of coffee. “I love the visual world, so I absolutely feed off the inspiration that is Instagram.”Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She Doesn't Believe in Guilty Pleasures
5/14She Doesn't Believe in Guilty Pleasures
5/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Guilty pleasure? There's no such thing for Sarah. "I’m certain my love of champagne, chocolate and chardonnay would come as no surprise to anyone," she admits. "What’s hard work without a little reward? I also don’t believe in ever feeling guilty about things that bring you pleasure." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-richardson/photos/16-of-sarah-richardsons-best-living-rooms-1901328/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson's 16 Best Living Rooms Ever</a>Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe Doesn't Believe in Guilty Pleasures
PHOTO 5 of 14READ LESS -Guilty pleasure? There's no such thing for Sarah. "I’m certain my love of champagne, chocolate and chardonnay would come as no surprise to anyone," she admits. "What’s hard work without a little reward? I also don’t believe in ever feeling guilty about things that bring you pleasure." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-richardson/photos/16-of-sarah-richardsons-best-living-rooms-1901328/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson's 16 Best Living Rooms Ever</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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She's an Explorer at Heart
6/14She's an Explorer at Heart
6/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
She may be all about making the home a little cozier, but Sarah is also a bonafide explorer at heart. In fact anything involving seeing a new place with her family is pretty much her favourite type of vacation. "The best holidays combine a variety of activities and landscapes with awesome food, gorgeous surroundings, sunshine, water and fine wine," she says. "A couple of years ago we went to Carmel Valley, CA for my brother's wedding. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway, staying in a luxury resort, hiking, horseback riding, lounging in the sun, savouring gourmet fresh cuisine and being by the ocean all in a few short days ticked every box and delivered a fabulous experience. Every holiday should be like that no matter where the destination takes you!"Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe's an Explorer at Heart
PHOTO 6 of 14READ LESS -She may be all about making the home a little cozier, but Sarah is also a bonafide explorer at heart. In fact anything involving seeing a new place with her family is pretty much her favourite type of vacation. "The best holidays combine a variety of activities and landscapes with awesome food, gorgeous surroundings, sunshine, water and fine wine," she says. "A couple of years ago we went to Carmel Valley, CA for my brother's wedding. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway, staying in a luxury resort, hiking, horseback riding, lounging in the sun, savouring gourmet fresh cuisine and being by the ocean all in a few short days ticked every box and delivered a fabulous experience. Every holiday should be like that no matter where the destination takes you!"Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She Endorses Quality Over Quantity
7/14She Endorses Quality Over Quantity
7/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
One of the biggest design mistakes that Sarah sees in homes is when people try to get more for less. In fact, she believes that less is more if you invest in quality pieces. "If you live within your means and commit to living smaller with less while celebrating quality, you get SO much more!" she says.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe Endorses Quality Over Quantity
PHOTO 7 of 14READ LESS -One of the biggest design mistakes that Sarah sees in homes is when people try to get more for less. In fact, she believes that less is more if you invest in quality pieces. "If you live within your means and commit to living smaller with less while celebrating quality, you get SO much more!" she says.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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Caffeine Gives Her Life
8/14Caffeine Gives Her Life
8/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
Some people classify themselves as either a tea or a coffee drinker. As for Sarah? She likes a little bit of column A, a little bit of column B. "It depends on the time of day," she says. "A giant latte the second I wake up and then perhaps some Earl Grey tea in the afternoon." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/20-of-sarah-richardsons-most-beautiful-bedrooms-1051651/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 of Sarah Richardson's Most Beautiful Bedrooms</a>Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonCaffeine Gives Her Life
PHOTO 8 of 14READ LESS -Some people classify themselves as either a tea or a coffee drinker. As for Sarah? She likes a little bit of column A, a little bit of column B. "It depends on the time of day," she says. "A giant latte the second I wake up and then perhaps some Earl Grey tea in the afternoon." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/sarah-off-the-grid/photos/20-of-sarah-richardsons-most-beautiful-bedrooms-1051651/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 of Sarah Richardson's Most Beautiful Bedrooms</a>Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She's in Awe of Tiffany Pratt's Hair
9/14She's in Awe of Tiffany Pratt's Hair
9/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
When asked which HGTV star has the best hair, Sarah had no hesitation. "Tiffany Pratt rocks a rainbow like no one I’ve ever met," she gushes.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe's in Awe of Tiffany Pratt's Hair
PHOTO 9 of 14READ LESS -When asked which HGTV star has the best hair, Sarah had no hesitation. "Tiffany Pratt rocks a rainbow like no one I’ve ever met," she gushes.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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Fall is a Favourite
10/14Fall is a Favourite
10/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
Who doesn't love fall and all of its pretty colours and design inspiration? That's part of why Sarah easily names it as her favourite season. "Colourful leaves, crisp walks, cozy fires (and cashmere sweaters), picking apples and baking a crisp with the girls and those harvest sunsets," she lists about all of the things she loves from the season.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonFall is a Favourite
PHOTO 10 of 14READ LESS -Who doesn't love fall and all of its pretty colours and design inspiration? That's part of why Sarah easily names it as her favourite season. "Colourful leaves, crisp walks, cozy fires (and cashmere sweaters), picking apples and baking a crisp with the girls and those harvest sunsets," she lists about all of the things she loves from the season.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She Gets Crafty at Halloween
11/14She Gets Crafty at Halloween
11/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
Sarah recently shared this picture of her daughters decked out for Halloween, but Sarah has been crafting Halloween costumes since she was a youngin' herself. "I made a paper mache Miss Piggy mask as a kid," the host reveals.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe Gets Crafty at Halloween
PHOTO 11 of 14READ LESS -Sarah recently shared this picture of her daughters decked out for Halloween, but Sarah has been crafting Halloween costumes since she was a youngin' herself. "I made a paper mache Miss Piggy mask as a kid," the host reveals.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She Loves a Cozy Fireplace
12/14She Loves a Cozy Fireplace
12/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
We've all been mesmerized by a good old fashioned fire, but sitting by those embers is one of Sarah's most favourite ways to relax. "Family, friends, fine food, good wine, lots of laughs..." she lists of all the other things that put her at ease.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe Loves a Cozy Fireplace
PHOTO 12 of 14READ LESS -We've all been mesmerized by a good old fashioned fire, but sitting by those embers is one of Sarah's most favourite ways to relax. "Family, friends, fine food, good wine, lots of laughs..." she lists of all the other things that put her at ease.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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Christmas is Her Favourite Holiday
13/14Christmas is Her Favourite Holiday
13/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
There's something magical about Christmas. Back in 2017, Sarah said that Christmas that year would be "epic because it will be the first year in our new home." She added: "after more than five years in the works planning and dreaming, I can hardly wait (and my daughter Robin is already doing the countdown)."Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonChristmas is Her Favourite Holiday
PHOTO 13 of 14READ LESS -There's something magical about Christmas. Back in 2017, Sarah said that Christmas that year would be "epic because it will be the first year in our new home." She added: "after more than five years in the works planning and dreaming, I can hardly wait (and my daughter Robin is already doing the countdown)."Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
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She Completely Loves What She Does
14/14She Completely Loves What She Does
14/14Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
So what kind of job would Sarah do if she could pick another career? It's simple: she wouldn't. "Are you kidding? If this isn’t my dream job, I’m missing something," she says. "I’m right where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and I realize how very lucky I am!" There's no arguing with that.Sarah Off The Grid14 Things You Might Not Know About Sarah RichardsonShe Completely Loves What She Does
PHOTO 14 of 14READ LESS -So what kind of job would Sarah do if she could pick another career? It's simple: she wouldn't. "Are you kidding? If this isn’t my dream job, I’m missing something," she says. "I’m right where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and I realize how very lucky I am!" There's no arguing with that.Photo Credit: Instagram/Sarah RichardsonSource: www.instagram.com
