Remember the '80s heartthrob who took the world by storm as part of New Kids on the Block? Well, that's right—Jonathan Knight, the band's original member, was just a teenager when he became an international sensation. But life after the spotlight? That’s where things got really interesting. After the group disbanded in the '90s, Jonathan found a new passion—renovating homes. He didn’t stop there; he bought a gorgeous Massachusetts farm with his partner, Harley Rodriguez, and even took on a home renovation show on HGTV called Farmhouse Fixer. Talk about reinventing yourself!

From Boyband Member to Home Renovation Enthusiast

Growing up, Jonathan wasn’t just surrounded by music; he was also around tools and blueprints. His dad was a carpenter, so he learned the ins and outs of home construction from a young age. In 1990, when the music world seemed like it was moving on, Jonathan decided to dive into the world of flipping houses. And let me tell you, he didn’t just dabble—he developed a serious passion for restoring historic homes and farmhouses. It was like he found a whole new beat to follow.

How It All Began: A New Career Path

Back in 2021, Jonathan opened up to Architectural Digest about how it all started. He was 25 years old, his music career had ended, and he was feeling a little lost. Then, the flipping craze hit, and a friend asked if he wanted to flip a house together. Jonathan said yes, and the rest is history. "It was so cool to be in Boston neighborhoods renovating houses that were falling down," he recalled. This wasn’t just about making a buck—it was about breathing new life into old spaces.

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Renovating While Still Rocking the Stage

When New Kids on the Block reunited in 2008, Jonathan didn’t let his renewed music career stop his love for renovations. Even with the band back in action, he managed to flip a few homes each year. And guess what? He fell head over heels for his mom’s farm in Massachusetts. It was a place he grew up visiting, and when the opportunity came to buy it from her, he jumped at the chance.

A Family Compound with Heart

"My mom had a two-bedroom farmhouse and couldn’t care for all the land anymore, so we snatched up her house, then bought two across the street—mom’s in one and my sister’s in another," Jonathan shared with The Amazing Race. This little family compound became the center of his world. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a hub for family gatherings. From hosting weddings (well, almost!) to planting vegetables and letting his nephews ride the lawnmowers, the farm is a true labor of love.

Bringing the Barn Back to Life

Jonathan and his family have poured their hearts into the farm, including restoring a barn from the 1700s. This isn’t just any old barn—it’s where they host get-togethers and create memories. His HGTV show, Farmhouse Fixer, premiered in 2021 and quickly became a hit with home renovation fans. The show was so popular that it got renewed for a second season. Jonathan told People, "Restoring the American farmhouse is not just a hobby for me—it’s my passion, my obsession. I give it that love, show it that respect, and bring it back to its glory."