Martin’s Landing Couple, Dog, Star in HGTV's 'Married to Real Estate'

BY DEANNA SMITH

Meet your Martin’s Landing neighbors Shavon and John Gervasi, and their Norwich Terrier Oliver, who recently starred in an episode of “Married to Real Estate” on HGTV. The young couple’s home on Martin Road was transformed into a showcase by the TV show’s hosts—talented designer and real estate broker Egypt Sherrod, and her husband, Atlanta area builder Mike Jackson. Season 2, Episode 2 titled “Big Dreams from Beantown” chronicles the transformation of a dated Martin’s Landing home into the “modern earth” styled dream home, and is available to stream on HGTV.com, hulu.com and Discoveryplus.com.

Shavon and John Gervasi purchased their home in March, 2022, knowing it would need updating. A friend contacted them asking if they would be interested in applying for “Married to Real Estate,” which they did, never thinking they would end up being chosen. Coincidentally they had just finished binge-watching one full season, so they were fully aware of what Sherrod and Jackson were capable of. They had originally planned to do the work themselves, but this was an opportunity they could not pass up.

The filming of the episode and renovation process took about four months and cost around $80,000. Construction continued day and night to meet the show’s deadlines. During the process they discovered leaks and dry rot behind the fireplace, and issues in the crawlspace. “It was a lesson in trust,” says Shavon. “It was a blast,” says John.

Major projects included a complete kitchen renovation including a waterfall island, bathroom remodel, removal of the two-story stone fireplace, removal of a columned archway near the front door, and creation of a “loft-ice” office space for Shavon, who works remotely. Shavon’s new loft office is surrounded by glass and metal stair rails that give her an amazing view of the entire house. “That space was a real selling point for me when we bought the house,” she agreed.

The Gervasi’s dog Oliver starred in the episode as well, and ended up well-rewarded with his own custom doggie retreat under the staircase. “Oliver uses the space every day,” says John, and they often find him napping there. “He’s our baby, and we were grateful that they were so thoughtful in considering Oliver’s needs in this new home.”

When asked how much reality was in the reality show, Shavon confessed “There was some acting, but the reveal at the end really was a surprise.” Their favorite rooms were the kitchen and bathroom, but they also really loved the skylights that brightened up the living area. The custom fireplace was a surprise upgrade that really transformed the space.

The couple moved from the Boston area, and loved the natural feel of Martin’s Landing, which inspired the “modern earth” style that they chose for the home. “We wanted to bring the natural surroundings of the backyard inside the home in a way that would be timeless, and the designers definitely achieved that,” says Shavon. “Sherrod is really talented and resourceful.”

For more information on “Married with Real Estate” or to apply to be on your own episode of a home remodeling show, visit HGTV.com.