MW Former '19 Kids and Counting' star Jim Bob Duggar buys $1 milllion Arkansas property

By Kelsi Karruli

The 10-acre property is just a 16-minute drive from the Duggar family compound; it may be a gift for his daughter-in-law Anna.

"19 Kids and Counting" star Jim Bob Duggar has reportedly snapped up a luxury new $1 million home in Arkansas-with rumors suggesting that he plans to gift the property to his daughter-in-law Anna, whose husband, Josh Duggar, is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for child pornography.

The purchase of the home, which was first shared on the Duggar family fan account called "Duggar Family News," took place on April 16, according to property records. James R. Duggar-Jim Bob's given name-was listed as the representative for the buyer.

Located in Fayetteville, the six-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom abode is just a 16-minute drive from the Duggar family compound in Springdale-where Josh was raised alongside 18 siblings.

The property sits on a 10-acre lot and is set back from the nearest main road, ensuring plenty of privacy for its residents, which would undoubtedly be a must-have for Anna, who has avoided the public eye since her husband was sentenced to prison in May 2022.

There is also ample room at the home for Anna and Josh's seven children-Mackynzie, 15, Michael, 13, Marcus, 11, Meredith, 9, Mason, 7, Maryella, 5, and Madyson, 3-who are now being raised solely by their mother. However, reports suggest that Jim Bob and his wife, Michelle, have played a major role in their upbringing while their son is behind bars.

According to the fan account, Jim Bob used money from a recent real estate deal with Walmart $(WMT)$-which is headquartered in Bentonville, Ark.,-to fund the purchase of the property, having just sold 16 acres of land to the retail giant.

"According to a source, Anna and her kids have a new home! No more dorm living at her in-laws' compound. This house was bought just last week and is minutes from Jim Bob and [his wife], Michelle. I guess Jim Bob bought this property with some of the millions he got from the Walmart real-estate deal. A story I also broke first."

The person behind the account further alleged that Josh will not be able to reside with his children when he is released from prison. However, the poster noted there are several outbuildings on the property, suggesting that the disgraced father-of-seven might live in one.

"Josh will not be allowed to live with the kids when he is released. I wonder if they would allow him to live in the barn," the viral Facebook post read.

The home is believed to have been purchased using a chunk of the $4.7 million Jim Bob and Michelle received from Walmart for their Tontitown, Ark., land earlier this month.

In addition to its many bedrooms and bathrooms, the property also features a barn with six horse stalls and is the epitome of privacy as nothing but lush landscaping surrounds it.

Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with dark wood floors and an expansive floor plan that leads to the elegant staircase.

Adjacent to the living area is a chef's kitchen boasting plenty of cabinets and state-of-the-art appliances.

Although the main rooms were adorned in a sophisticated wood, the bedrooms were covered in white carpet.

The primary bathroom features a double vanity sink and tile flooring.

More from Realtor.com: 10 Cities With the Best Eco-Friendly Commutes-but Living There Doesn't Come Cheap

There is also a large basement area that can be used as an entertainment space.

Anna and her seven kids have been living with Jim Bob and Michelle in their Arkansas compound, which features multiple homes and spans 97 acres.

The Duggar family rose to fame after starring in the hit reality series "19 Kids and Counting."

The TLC show ran for seven years until its cancellation in 2015. The show followed the Duggar family and their ever-expanding brood. The network canceled the program following reports of sexual molestation allegations against Josh.

More from Realtor.com: 'Love It or List It' Stars Reveal the Most Shocking 'Mic Drop Moments' of their Real Estate Careers

Although Josh was set to be released on Aug. 12, 2032, his time behind bars was extended to Oct. 2, 2032 after he was discovered with a cellphone and transferred to the facility's Special Housing Unit.

According to In Touch, Anna debated relocating to Texas to be near Josh. However, a source told the outlet that Josh was fiercely against the idea because he worried that it would "influence" her to "leave him."

More from Realtor.com: Second-Home Buyers Flocked to Maine-Now, They're Fleeing

"The problem is that Josh doesn't want Anna and their kids moving away from his family. He thinks it will create too much of a disconnection for her and his kids," the source added.

Although many of the family members have turned away from their brother's crimes, Anna has stood by her husband, having been pictured donning her wedding ring as recently as last month.

More from Realtor.com: Ellen DeGeneres Shares Photo of Life in the UK With Portia de Rossi Following Clash With Neighbors

A spinoff show featuring some of the family's adult children-"Jill & Jessa: Counting On"-also included Joy Duggar and aired from 2015 to 2021.

After the show was canceled, the children began working a number of odd jobs to make money and even had a stint in the real estate world.

This story originally ran on Realtor.com.

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 30, 2025 05:03 ET (09:03 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.