Good Bones Star Karen E. Laine Puts Renovated Beach Cottage on the Market

Photo byInstagram; Realtor.com

In a surprising twist for fans of HGTV’s “Good Bones,” Karen E. Laine has decided to sell her recently renovated dream retirement home in Wilmington, North Carolina, just weeks after showcasing her extensive work on the property in the spinoff series “Good Bones: New Beginnings.”

A Dream Cottage Transformed

Laine, known for her keen design eye and renovation skills, purchased the quaint beach cottage for a mere $70,000, envisioning it as a serene escape from the harsh Indiana winters. After investing tens of thousands of dollars in renovations, the once ramshackle bungalow is now a charming two-bedroom, one-bath retreat with a modern twist—complete with solar panels and stunning white oak floors.

The property is now listed at $500,000, and Laine has chosen to list it “for sale by owner,” a decision that has left her fans buzzing with curiosity. Unfortunately, inquiries to the listing have gone unanswered, leaving many to wonder about her motivations.

Life Changes Prompt New Decisions

Laine's decision comes amid significant personal changes. Following her separation from her fourth husband, Roger Rominger, earlier this year, and ongoing tensions with her daughter and former co-star, Mina Starsiak Hawk, the timing of this sale feels particularly poignant. In a recent podcast, Laine shared insights into her and Rominger's differing visions for retirement—she dreams of a coastal haven while he prefers life on the water.

“I am tired of Indiana winter,” she once said about her choice to buy in Wilmington. “I went there once and I loved it. So I got on the interwebs and I found a house for sale and I bought it.”

The Renovation Journey

Throughout her renovation journey, Laine has been candid about the challenges she faced. In her social media updates, she described the dilapidated state of the cottage, with a foundation “sitting on air” and concrete steps that were barely supported. Yet, she remained optimistic: “It needs a lot of love, but we can fix anything.”

Indeed, she successfully revitalized the property, documenting the transformation from a crumbling structure to a beautifully restored home. The now spacious interior boasts an expanded layout of 1,000 square feet, complete with modern amenities that any retiree would appreciate.

What’s Next for Laine?

While Laine hasn’t publicly stated why she’s selling her lovingly restored beach home, her journey from renovation to listing raises intriguing questions about the future. Is she seeking a different kind of change, or is this simply a strategic decision for new beginnings?

The cottage—complete with low-maintenance outdoor space and even an EV car charger—stands as a testament to Laine’s hard work and vision. As she turns the page on this chapter, fans will be left eagerly awaiting what’s next for the beloved “Good Bones” star.