Believe it or not, Before they became the Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott grew up on a 160-acre ranch in Colorado. In a way, the American West made them who they are. “We grew up on a horse farm in Maple Ridge (British Columbia),” says Drew.
Now, they want to share their passion for country living, along with their well-honed real estate expertise, with a growing movement of people who are yearning to try an alternative to big-city life with their new series, “Chasing the West,” which premieres this week on HGTV. “Imagine waking up to the biggest sky you’ve ever seen in a place where your dreams can take flight,” says Jonathan. “This is it.”
When the boys were 14, the Scott family moved from Canada to Colorado, where they recreated their Alberta family ranch at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. “We absolutely loved growing up there. It taught us about hard work and determination. We didn’t have a bunch of expensive toys or fancy things, but we had each other, and I think that’s why we’re such a close-knit family today.”
Ranch living is, in large part, about possessing, cultivating and celebrating a profound appreciation for the natural world. “Life on the ranch was all about getting outside and enjoying nature,” recalls Jonathan. “Drew and I loved riding horses, hiking, fishing, camping and fixing things around the house with our parents and brother JD. And we obviously got into plenty of mischief along the way.”
“We grew up on a ranch in some of the most beautiful country around, and now we’re helping a new generation of people achieve that dream,” said Drew.
“The lessons we’ve learned and our passion for the ways of the West made us who we are, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world,” added Jonathan.
In the new HGTV series, Jonathan and Drew will help families who wish to escape hectic city life discover the incredible attributes and unique challenges of ranch living — including adapting to a slower pace, tending livestock and growing produce. The eight-episode series will highlight sprawling landscapes in Arizona, California and Texas. We’ll also get to watch our favorite duo revisit some ranch-inspired activities like horseback riding, off-roading in ATVs and the art of lassoing (!). With the Scott’s help, each set of buyers will feel more prepared to live out their Wild West fantasy lives.
Authentic ranch living may mean you have to give up some of the conveniences in urban or city settings like, say, Manhattan, Chicago or Los Angeles. While many welcome the quieter, more remote lifestyle, proximity to a city may be key for some. “There are plenty of places in the US where you can have a bit of both worlds,” says Jonathan. “We toured some properties on Chasing the west that had great schools and stores nearby. You may have to trade things like a coffee shop down the block or a store around the corner for a breath of fresh air, but it won’t feel like a sacrifice if that’s your dream.”
In the series premiere, married Texas business owners will turn to Drew and Jonathan to find a large home with a significant plot of land where they can enjoy the spoils from their years of hard work. Also, a couple leaving the Hollywood film industry will search for their first home and quickly realize country living is not for the faint of heart.
“If you’re considering moving to a ranch, you need to research everything,” says Jonathan. “It depends on where you’re located, but there’s a chance you’ll have to get used to something new – whether it’s well water, solar energy, or even spotty internet. You should ask about water and septic systems, soil quality if you’re growing crops, grid stability and even land restrictions that may affect what you want to do on the property.”
“If you’re a creature of comfort and you like to have everything you need at the touch of a button, then you might have a difficult time adjusting to ranch life,” says Jonathan. “It’s a slower pace, and you can’t necessarily get something delivered in 20 minutes.” There are those who thrive on the sounds, excitement and never-ending activity of big-city living, but if a slower pace, scenic views, open spaces, solitude and quiet are more your speed, ranch life may be for you.
“The hardest thing is also the best thing: it’s hard work,” adds Drew. “You have to know what you’re getting into, but it’s totally worth it.”
The new series “Chasing the West” premieres Thursday, July 30 on HGTV at 9|8c, and will stream the next day on HBOMax.
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