In a whirlwind romance that captivated fans, Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel went from meeting on ‘Carpool Karaoke’ to house hunting in mere months, ultimately building two distinct dream homes and a blended family life that defies Hollywood norms.
The love story of Jonathan Scott, the charismatic HGTV host, and Zooey Deschanel, the beloved actress known for her roles in films like Elf and the series New Girl, has unfolded at a pace as captivating as any Hollywood script. From a chance encounter to a dual-coast real estate empire and a blended family, their journey showcases a commitment to building a shared future from the very beginning.
Their initial meeting occurred in August 2019 while filming an episode of Carpool Karaoke. What started as a friendly on-screen interaction quickly blossomed into a deep connection. Within less than four months of their first meeting, the couple embarked on a significant step: house hunting together.
A Swift Commitment: House Hunting on Both Coasts
The couple’s rapid progression from dating to actively searching for a home together within months surprised many, but it was a clear sign of their mutual intent for a long-term commitment. In 2020, they officially purchased properties in both Los Angeles and New York, solidifying their bicoastal lifestyle.
Their Los Angeles residence, a century-old property in Brentwood, California, was purchased in May 2020 for $9.5 million. This Georgian-style home, designed by renowned architect Gerard Colcord in 1938, became affectionately known as “The Park House.” The nickname was coined by Deschanel’s children, Elsie and Charlie, who saw the lush, acre-plus property with its massive California sycamores as a magical park.
The LA “Park House”: A Sustainable Sanctuary and Family Hub
Despite his initial hesitancy to move to Los Angeles, Jonathan Scott soon found himself enchanted by Zooey Deschanel’s hometown. He shared, “the more she showed me her Los Angeles—the parks she went to growing up, the neighborhoods where she made memories with her closest friends—the more I found myself in love with an Angeleno, and with L.A., too.”
The renovation of “The Park House” proved to be Jonathan’s largest residential project, involving over 500 home renovations in his career. What started as a plan for minor updates turned into a massive overhaul due to hidden issues like water damage and the challenges of a global pandemic causing significant delays in permits and materials.
Both Scott and Deschanel, devoted environmentalists, ensured the renovation was highly eco-friendly. They integrated a fossil-fuel-free heating and cooling system, a solar-paneled roof, and a greywater setup, making it one of the most energy-efficient homes in the country. This commitment to sustainability showcases their shared values beyond aesthetics.
Manhattan Maximalism: Their NYC Duplex Transformation
In addition to their sprawling Los Angeles home, the couple acquired a two-level apartment in downtown Manhattan in 2020. They first toured the property in late 2019, describing it as a “totally raw and stripped down, like an abandoned 1980s office building” in an interview with Architectural Digest. Despite its initial “sketch” appearance, they recognized the charm in its prime location, high ceilings, generous square footage, and three private terraces.
For their New York duplex, the couple collaborated with interior designer Young Huh to create a maximalist space blending French and English aesthetics. The transformation includes intricate and colorful wallpaper, custom millwork in the kitchen, a drop-down projector screen, a vintage glass chandelier, and even a 17th-century French tapestry. Zooey’s children also have their own specially designed room, which Jonathan fondly calls his “favorite room in the whole house.” The kids’ enthusiastic screams upon seeing it for the first time were a testament to its success.
The distinct styles of their two homes reflect their personalities and functional needs, providing both a family haven in LA and a vibrant, art-filled secondary residence in the heart of New York City.
Building a Blended Family: Jonathan’s Role as “Bonus Dad”
Zooey Deschanel shares her two children, Elsie, 10, and Charlie, 8, with her ex-husband Jacob Pechenik. Despite their split in 2019, they maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship. Since then, Jonathan Scott has embraced his role as a “bonus dad,” integrating actively into the children’s lives.
While the transition hasn’t always been without its moments, Jonathan has spoken openly about the journey. He shared in a June 2023 interview with People that initially the kids didn’t instinctively run up for big hugs, and would clarify, “‘That’s not my daddy, he’s my Jonathan.'” While this “would hurt a little bit,” he understood it was “not a mean thing to say — it’s how they know me.” His dedication to building genuine connections with Elsie and Charlie underscores the depth of his commitment to Zooey and their family unit.
More Than Just Homes: The Enduring Charm of Jonathan and Zooey
Beyond their impressive real estate portfolio, Jonathan and Zooey’s relationship has been marked by a series of charming milestones and shared qualities that resonate with fans. The couple officially got engaged in August 2023, further cementing their bond.
Key moments in their romance include:
- August 2019: Met while filming Carpool Karaoke.
- September 2019: Spotted holding hands shortly after Zooey’s separation from Jacob Pechenik.
- October 2019: Their first public date at Halloween Horror Nights.
- November 2019: Confirmed their relationship on Instagram.
- December 2019: Made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
- March 2020: Quarantined together during the pandemic.
- December 2020: Made their first TV appearance together on Celebrity IOU.
- August 2023: Announced their engagement.
Their compatibility extends to several shared passions. Both have been divorced, providing them with a unique understanding of each other’s past experiences. They are avid dog lovers, with Zooey having adopted sisters Dot and Zelda, and Jonathan being a proud dad to Stewie and Gracie. Both possess musical talent, with Zooey’s singing famously featured in Elf and her band She & Him, and Jonathan having released country songs with his brother Drew.
Ultimately, it’s their shared “adorkable” and goofy personalities that truly endear them to fans. Jonathan’s background as a magician and Zooey’s naturally whimsical demeanor create a delightful dynamic. As they continue to build their lives together across their beautifully designed homes, Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel remain a beacon of modern romance, proving that sometimes, the best partnerships are built swiftly, on a foundation of shared dreams and a whole lot of charm.
