Have you ever wondered what it takes to house one of America’s most prominent families? The Duggar family, famous for their reality TV shows like 19 Kids and Counting, has captured the public’s imagination for years. But beyond their unique lifestyle and values, one of the most fascinating aspects of their story is their home—the Duggar house.
The Duggar house, located in Tontitown, Arkansas, is no ordinary home. Custom-built to accommodate Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children, this sprawling residence is a marvel of design and functionality. With approximately 7,000 square feet of living space, it’s not just a house—it’s a hub of activity, love, and family bonding.
Background of the Duggar House
The Duggar family’s journey to their custom-built home began in the mid-2000s. With a growing family and a need for more space, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar decided to construct a house that could accommodate their unique lifestyle. Located in Tontitown, Arkansas, the home sits on a gated compound, offering both privacy and security for the family.
Where does the Duggar currently live?
The Duggar family currently lives primarily in Arkansas. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar reside in a large compound in Arkansas, which features multiple homes and has been their long-term residence. Many of their children live either on the compound or nearby in Arkansas as well. For example, Jana Duggar still lives at the family property, as do some of the siblings like Jason, James, and Jackson who have their own homes or residences on or near the compound. Several married Duggar children live scattered around Arkansas, close to the family, while a few such as Jinger Duggar live farther away in California. Jill Dillard lives near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border in a modern home she owns with her husband. The compound is located in Tontitown, Arkansas, and includes the main house and several other residences where various family members live or have remodeled houses nearby.
A Home Built for 21 People
The Duggar house spans approximately 7,000 square feet, making it one of the largest family homes in the area. It was designed with the family’s needs in mind, featuring open spaces for gatherings, functional bedrooms, and areas for recreation. The house became a central feature of the family’s reality TV shows, showcasing how they managed life with 19 children under one roof.
A Timeline of Construction
Construction of the Duggar house began in the early 2000s and was completed over several years. The family even participated in the building process, with Jim Bob and the older children contributing to tasks like painting and installing fixtures. This hands-on approach not only saved money but also made the house an actual labor of love.
A Hub of Family Life
The house isn’t just a place to live—it’s a hub of activity. From homes chooling sessions to family meals and celebrations, the Duggar house has witnessed countless memories. Its design reflects the family’s values of togetherness, with spaces that encourage bonding while still providing privacy when needed.
Overall Floor Plan and Layout
The layout of the Duggar house is both practical and unique. Despite housing such a large family, the home features only three main bedrooms: one for the parents, one for the boys, and one for the girls. This house design choice emphasizes closeness and shared responsibility among siblings.
The Heart of the Home: Common Areas
At the center of the house is a massive family room spanning approximately 2,000 square feet. With its high ceilings and open layout, this space serves as the heart of the home design, where the family gathers for meals, games, and quality time. Adjacent to the family room are the kitchen and dining areas, designed to accommodate large family meals.
Bedrooms and Supervision
The main bedroom is strategically located between the boys’ and girls’ bedrooms, allowing Jim, Bob, and Michelle to supervise their children while maintaining their privacy. This layout also ensures that the boys and girls have separate spaces, fostering a sense of independence while adhering to the family’s values.
Unique Features
One of the most interesting features of the house is the trapdoor in the boys’ bedroom, which leads to a playroom below. This creative addition provides a fun and functional space for the younger children to play and unwind.
Detailed Room-by-Room Breakdown
The Main Bedroom and Parents’ Quarters
Jim Bob and Michelle’s main suite is more than just a bedroom—it’s a sanctuary. The room is spacious, with a large bed, seating area, and an attached office. The main bathroom is equally impressive, featuring a double vanity, a soaking tub, and ample storage space.
The office, integrated into the main suite, serves as a workspace for Jim, Bob, and Michelle. It’s also a central point for managing the family’s schedules, home plans, and other responsibilities.
Boys’ Bedroom
The boys’ bedroom is a lively space filled with bunk beds to accommodate multiple children. Despite the number of occupants, the room is well-organized, with designated areas for sleeping, studying, and storage. The trapdoor leading to the playroom is a favorite feature among the boys, offering a fun escape for recreation.
As some of the older boys have moved out, the room has changed, with fewer beds and more space for the younger boys to enjoy.
Girls’ Bedroom
The girls’ bedroom is a blend of functionality and charm. Initially designed with a whimsical theme featuring horses and rainbows, the room was later updated to a more modern aesthetic. Jana Duggar, the eldest daughter, played a significant role in redesigning the outdoor space, adding personal touches that reflect the girls’ personalities.
The room fosters sisterly bonding, with shared spaces for sleeping and studying. Security is also a priority, as the room is only accessible by crossing through the parents’ suite.
Common Areas
The common areas of the Duggar house are designed for togetherness. The family room, with its cozy seating and entertainment options, is the heart of the home facts. The kitchen and dining areas are equipped with commercial-grade appliances and a large dining table to accommodate the entire family.
The playroom, situated below the boys’ bedroom, serves as a haven for the younger children. It’s filled with toys, games, and activities that keep the kids entertained for hours.
Unique Features and Design Considerations
The Duggar house is more than just a large home—it’s a carefully designed space that reflects the family’s values and lifestyle. Here are some of its unique features:
- Privacy and Safety: The separation of boys’ and girls’ quarters, with the main suite in between, ensures confidentiality and supervision.
- Space-Saving Furniture: Bunk beds and shared storage solutions maximize space in the bedrooms.
- Adaptability: As children grow and move out, the house has adapted to meet the family’s changing needs.
- Security: The gated compound provides a safe home environment for the family.
The Duggar House in Popular Culture and Media
The Duggar house has become a symbol of large family living, thanks to its prominent role in the family’s reality TV shows. From 17 Kids and Counting to Counting On, the house has been a backdrop for countless episodes, giving viewers a glimpse into the Duggars’ daily lives.
Public fascination with the house extends beyond its size and layout. Fans are intrigued by how the family manages life with 19 children, and the house plays a significant role in showcasing their values of faith, family, and frugality.
Duggar House FAQs
Based on available information about the Duggar family from their TV shows, like 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, here are some frequently asked questions about their main house and related living arrangements. Note that details may have changed over time, as some are from older sources.
Where is the main Duggar family house located?
The Duggar family’s primary house is in Springdale, Arkansas. It’s part of what fans call the “Duggar Compound,” a large property where multiple family members live or have lived.
How big is the Duggar house?
The main Duggar dream home is a massive 7,000-square-foot custom-built house that once housed their entire family of over 20 people.
What does the inside of the Duggar house look like?
The house has been featured in tours that show it’s designed for a large family, with spaces that accommodate all 19 kids and their parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. It includes practical layouts for their big household, though specific room details aren’t always public.
Who lives in the main Duggar house now?
While many of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children have moved out, several still live at or near the main house on the family compound. As of around April 2021, the property serves as a hub for the family, with some adult kids staying close.
What are some house rules in the Duggar home?
The Duggars emphasize family unity and flexibility in their daily routines, with house rules focusing on goals like welcoming new siblings (e.g., all kids have names starting with J to make everyone feel included). They practice adaptability, noting that plans can change and they don’t set rigid affections on home ideas.
What does a typical day look like in the Duggar house?
A typical day involves family activities that emphasize learning flexibility as they balance goals with real-life adjustments. It’s structured around their large family size, but specifics like meals or chores aren’t detailed in broad FAQs.
Have the Duggars lived in other homes?
Yes, the family has owned various properties, including apartments, houses, and trailers, mainly as the kids have grown and moved out. Some adult children live nearby or in separate homes on or near the compound.
Are there any fun facts or miscellaneous FAQs about the Duggar house or family routines?
One lighthearted detail is that a favorite family restaurant is Marketplace Grill, where someone always orders the “Chocolate Mess”. The house has been central to their reality TV fame, evolving from a crowded family home into a compound.
