Inside the Lakeside Sanctuary of Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson: A Life Built on Reality Television Royalty

September 18, 2026 5 Min Read

The Canadian Oasis: An Exclusive Look at the Herjavec-Johnson Compound

In the serene cottage country of Muskoka—a region often referred to as the "Hamptons of Canada"—lies a sprawling, three-acre estate that serves as the private sanctuary for Shark Tank mogul Robert Herjavec and his wife, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) professional Kym Johnson. Located approximately 130 miles north of Toronto, the compound is more than just a summer home; it is a testament to the couple’s journey from dance floor partners to life partners.

The property, which the couple shares with their 8-year-old twins, Hudson and Haven, perfectly encapsulates the couple’s penchant for luxury and family-centric living. As Herjavec, 64, noted during a recent, intimate tour with Homeworthy, the area is geographically unique. "This part of the world has more lakes per capita than any other place in the world," he explained. The estate features an expansive 850 feet of shoreline, two private beaches, and a series of boat houses that allow for direct water access.

For the Herjavec-Johnson household, the lake is the center of gravity. Eschewing the traditional backyard swimming pool in favor of the natural, pristine waters of the Muskoka lake system, the couple has instead invested in an array of aquatic amenities. Their "toy" collection includes three specialized boats, jet skis, a canoe, and a rather famous—and, according to Kym, "monstrous"—inflatable water park that keeps the children entertained.

Chronology: From the Ballroom to the Altar

The story of Robert and Kym is one of the most enduring romances in reality television history. Their trajectory began in 2015 when they were paired together for the 20th season of Dancing With the Stars. At the time, Herjavec was navigating a high-profile separation from his wife of 14 years, Diane Plese.

The chemistry between the entrepreneur and the choreographer was undeniable. What began as a professional partnership quickly blossomed into a genuine connection. By February 2016, the couple confirmed their engagement, and they were married by June of that same year. Their family grew in April 2018 with the arrival of their twins. For those who follow the "DWTS effect," this union remains the gold standard for long-term commitment born out of the ballroom.

Supporting Data: A History of Ballroom Romances

The Dancing With the Stars phenomenon has created a unique social ecosystem where the physical intimacy of dance often translates into real-world romance. Examining the history of the show reveals a spectrum of relationships, ranging from short-lived "showmances" to lasting marriages.

The Real Deal: Success Stories

Peta Murgatroyd & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Perhaps the most iconic success story, the two pros began dating in 2012, married in 2017, and have since welcomed three sons: Shai, Rio, and Milan.
Britt Stewart & Daniel Durant: Following their season 31 run, the pair confirmed their romance in 2023, engaged shortly after, and tied the knot in August 2025.
Val Chmerkovskiy & Jenna Johnson: After dating in 2015, they married in 2019 and welcomed their son, Rome Valentin, in 2023.
Daniella Karagach & Pasha Pashkov: Married since 2014, the duo remains one of the show’s most stable couples, having welcomed their daughter, Nikita, in 2023.

The "Showmance" and the Complex Splits

Not every partnership survived the transition from the screen to real life.

Emma Slater & Sasha Farber: Despite marrying in 2018, the couple separated in 2022. Notably, they have maintained a supportive, professional friendship, demonstrating that a "real" relationship can evolve beyond the romantic bond.
Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev: Their path was marked by a public engagement and a child, followed by a turbulent separation in 2024. The subsequent legal and personal fallout serves as a stark reminder of the pressures inherent in high-profile reality couplings.
Short-term connections: Romances like those between Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten, or James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd, are often categorized by industry observers as "showmances"—flings fueled by the intensity of the competition that naturally fizzle out once the cameras stop rolling.

Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of Ownership

For Robert Herjavec, the opulence of his Muskoka compound is not merely about status; it is a reflection of his personal history. As the son of immigrant parents, Herjavec maintains a perspective rooted in gratitude. "I didn’t have any of that luxury when I was growing up," he remarked during the tour. "When I sold my first company, the first thing I did was buy a big house. And I don’t think I’ve ever stopped buying houses or cars or toys."

This drive for achievement and the subsequent acquisition of assets is the engine behind his Shark Tank persona. However, in Muskoka, the "shark" softens. The property features a bridge connecting the main mansion to a guesthouse, and the interior is decorated with sentimental artifacts, including four Emmy trophies and a brass kettle gifted by Johnson for their ninth anniversary.

The couple’s proximity to fellow Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary adds a layer of levity to their lifestyle. Herjavec jokes about the geographic hierarchy of the lakes: "If you look way up, down the lake in the poor section of Muskoka, that’s where Kevin lives!"

Implications: The Intersection of Fame and Privacy

The Herjavec-Johnson estate represents a broader trend among reality television stars: the creation of a "fortress of privacy." By choosing to live in an area as secluded as Muskoka, they are able to balance the public nature of their careers with the sanctity of family life.

The inclusion of high-end amenities like an on-site gym, sauna, and dedicated pickleball court allows the couple to maintain their demanding fitness regimens without ever leaving their property. The use of a specialized valet for boat parties during large gatherings highlights the logistical reality of maintaining a massive compound while balancing the social expectations of their status.

Ultimately, the Herjavec-Johnson residence serves as a mirror for their marriage. It is structured, ambitious, and yet deeply focused on the joy of the present moment. While the DWTS archives are littered with broken hearts and short-lived flings, Robert and Kym have managed to build something that transcends the episodic nature of the television industry.

As the couple continues to grow their family and expand their influence, their Muskoka retreat remains the physical anchor of their success. It is a place where the high-stakes world of venture capital and the high-energy world of professional dance collide, resulting in a tranquil, lakeside existence that, for this couple, is exactly where they want to be.

Summary of Notable DWTS Couple Statuses

Couple	Status	Outcome
Robert Herjavec & Kym Johnson	Real Deal	Married, 2 children
Peta Murgatroyd & Maks Chmerkovskiy	Real Deal	Married, 3 children
Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev	Real Deal	Divorced/Co-parenting
Emma Slater & Sasha Farber	Real Deal	Divorced/Friends
Britt Stewart & Daniel Durant	Real Deal	Married
Meryl Davis & Maks Chmerkovskiy	Showmance	Split
James Maslow & Peta Murgatroyd	Showmance	Split