Scott’s Vacation House Rules is a Canadian home renovation show that premiered on HGTV Canada in April 2020, with its U.S. debut following on July 11, 2020, on HGTV. It shares the same real estate investment philosophy as McGillivray’s earlier long-running series Income Property. But, whereas Income Property focused on converting part of a home into a rental unit, Vacation House Rules focuses on vacation cottages and getaways.
Each episode follows McGillivray as he assesses a neglected vacation property, develops a renovation plan, and oversees the full transformation. He also coaches each client on the business side of running a short-term rental. Season 1 was filmed in Ontario locations, including Haliburton Highlands, Muskoka, and Wasaga Beach. To be eligible for the show, homeowners must own an Ontario vacation property and have at least $150,000 of their own money available for the renovation.
Scott’s Vacation House Rules also features interior designer Debra Salmoni as McGillivray’s creative partner. Together, they handle both the structural renovation and interior design of each property. Themed transformations in recent seasons have included a Nordic Spa-inspired riverfront cabin, a galactic moon-themed cottage, and a Mediterranean-accented family retreat. Each new season is filmed in a fresh set of Ontario locations, giving the show variety while staying rooted in its Canadian setting.
Season 6 premiered in Canada on April 7, 2025, and in the U.S. on April 26, 2025. McGillivray has been one of HGTV’s most recognized personalities for over 15 years. He is also the CEO of McGillivray Group and co-founder of Keyspire, a real estate investment education company. As of July 2026, the show remains an active part of HGTV’s lineup.
