HGTV’s Alison Victoria Reveals What She Does with Those Odd Trinkets She’s Saved from “Ugliest House in America” (Exclusive)

**Alison Victoria Teams Up with Comedian Retta for ‘Scariest House in America’ Season 3**

Alison Victoria, known for her work on HGTV, is carving out a unique niche in home renovation television. As the host of *Ugliest House in America*, Victoria has developed a penchant for keeping quirky memorabilia from each project. This habit is set to continue as she reunites with comedian Retta for the third season of the spooky spin-off, *Scariest House in America*, which premiered on September 18.

During *Ugliest House in America*, Victoria guides viewers through various homes across the country competing for the title of the nation’s most unattractive property. The winner of each season receives a substantial $150,000 renovation led by Victoria. The eighth season finale saw a 1926 Miami residence, fondly nicknamed “The Mosaic Museum of Westeros”, take the crown, prompting Victoria to share her collection of odd trinkets from past renovations.

“I keep a peculiar item from each house we’ve worked on,” Victoria stated, reflecting on her sentimental journey. As she tours each property, she notes that certain artefacts resonate with her. In the case of this season’s winner, a whimsical mosaic monkey head was among her standout treasures.

In a recent interview, the 44-year-old designer elaborated on her collecting mindset. “It started as a way to preserve memories,” she explained. “Much like when I travel, I like to bring back something that makes me smile.” Victoria recalled her very first episode of *Ugliest House*, where she encountered a house in Tennessee that had once been a brothel, dubbed “The House of No Secrets” due to its numerous hidden cameras.

“This particular home had glitter-infused drywall,” Victoria recalled, showcasing her unique sense of nostalgia. “I actually framed a piece of that sparkly drywall. And I kept the swan-shaped faucet from a bathroom tub that could hold 50 people—it’s now part of another project.”

Her collection isn’t solely for display; some items make their way into her daily life. For instance, during a renovation episode in Minnesota, she salvaged an unusual bottle opener designed to resemble human teeth, which now serves as an amusing tool for opening her Coca-Cola cans.

Alongside her work on *Ugliest House*, Victoria finds joy in the light-hearted nature of *Scariest House*. Describing the series as a break from her more serious projects such as *Windy City Rehab* and *Sin City Rehab*, she paints it as a delightful experience. “That show is just laughter and fun,” Victoria said. Although she plays a crucial role in design, the atmosphere remains relaxed and enjoyable.

Victoria shares a close bond with Retta, 56, highlighting how their friendship adds a layer of humour to the show. “What viewers will see this season is going to be incredibly entertaining,” she promised, noting that their off-screen antics bring a unique flair to the episodes. In past seasons, the duo has enjoyed trying to scare one another, with Victoria admitting, “Neither of us likes to be scared, but we’re willing to frighten each other because we genuinely enjoy our time together.”

While working on *Ugliest House*, much of the humour stems from Victoria’s attempts to tease Retta during their antique hunting excursions. “Retta is anxious whenever we negotiate prices. Even a mere dollar can fill her with dread,” Victoria joked, describing the dynamic of their relationship.

As the finale of *Scariest House in America* season 3 approaches, there’s eager anticipation among fans. The winner, set to be revealed on October 23, promises an astounding renovation. “The design has been out of this world,” Victoria remarked, confident in her creative prowess. “I walk away feeling like I’ve truly outdone myself.”

The final episode of *Scariest House in America* will air on Friday, October 23, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV, with a subsequent streaming option available the following day on HBO Max. Fans of previous seasons of *Ugliest House in America* can also catch up via the same platform, ensuring a wealth of content for those who appreciate the unconventional charm of home renovation television.