Ashley Cordray: Biography, Career, Achievements & Interesting Facts

Ashley Cordray

Ashley Cordray, born on February 21, 1987, in Texas, USA, is a celebrated home renovator and reality TV star known for her hit show Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network. With a flair for transforming neglected historic homes into stunning, functional spaces, Ashley has become a prominent figure in historic home restoration and real estate renovation. Her creative vision and hands-on expertise have captured the attention of homeowners, TV audiences, and renovation enthusiasts alike.

Beyond television, Ashley co-founded the renovation company SAVE 1900 with her husband Michael Cordray, specializing in preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage. Through her innovative projects and social media presence, she continues to inspire a new generation of renovators and preservationists, proving that blending history with modern design can breathe new life into cherished homes.

Key Fact

Key FactDetails
Full NameAshley Cordray
Birth DateFebruary 21, 1987
Birth PlaceSpring, Texas, United States
Age38 years (as of 2025)
Height5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
WeightApproximately 121 pounds (55 kg)
FamilyMarried to Michael Cordray; three daughters: Elle, Emma, and Emory James
NationalityAmerican

Early Life & Background of Ashley Cordray

Ashley Cordray was born on February 21, 1987, in Spring, Texas, and grew up with a strong curiosity for marine life and design. Initially pursuing marine biology, Ashley discovered a passion for historic homes and architecture while studying at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG), where she earned a degree in Maritime Administration. Her exposure to Galveston’s charming historic homes during her college years sparked the foundation for her future career in home renovation and preservation.

After graduating in 2006, Ashley worked at Kirby Inland Marine, where she met her future husband Michael Cordray, a skilled construction professional. Together, they began restoring neglected Galveston historic properties, combining their talents in construction and design. Ashley’s early experiences in education, marine studies, and local culture laid the groundwork for her to become a leading figure in historic home restoration and reality TV renovation.

Full name/Real name: 

Ashley Cordray

Birth date/Birth place: 

Born February 21, 1987, in Spring, Texas, United States

Family background:

Daughter of Cindy and Charles Youngblood; married to Michael Cordray since April 4, 2014; they have three daughters.

School/University:  

Attended a Houston-area community college for two years

Graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a degree in Maritime Administration around 2008, after switching from marine biology due to workload concerns.

Career Journey of Ashley Cordray

Ashley Cordray began her professional journey in the marine industry after graduating from Texas A&M University at Galveston, working at Kirby Inland Marine. However, her true passion emerged in historic home renovation, inspired by Galveston’s unique architecture. In 2015, Ashley and her husband Michael Cordray co-founded SAVE 1900, a company dedicated to restoring neglected historic homes, blending modern functionality with timeless charm.

Her breakthrough came with the launch of the reality TV show “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network (formerly DIY Network), which showcased their expertise in historic home restoration. Over the years, Ashley reached her peak years, starring in seven successful seasons of the show and gaining recognition for her meticulous attention to detail. Her notable work includes the restoration of multiple Galveston landmark properties, earning awards like the GHF Sally B Wallace Historic Preservation Awards in 2016 and 2017, and establishing her as a prominent figure in home renovation and historic preservation.

Ashley Cordray

Physical Appearance of Ashley Cordray

Age: 

38 years (as of 2025)

Height: 

5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)

Weight: 

Approximately 121 pounds (55 kg)

Physical attributes: 

Brown hair

Dark brown eyes

Major Achievements of Ashley Cordray

Ashley Cordray has made a significant mark in the world of historic home restoration. Her biggest achievement is co-founding SAVE 1900 with her husband, a company dedicated to preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage. Through meticulous renovations, she has restored numerous neglected historic properties, blending modern amenities with historical authenticity, earning respect and recognition in the renovation community.

Another major milestone is her role as a reality TV personality on “Restoring Galveston”, which brought her expertise to a nationwide audience. Ashley, alongside Michael, won the GHF Sally B Wallace Historic Preservation Awards in 2016 and 2017, highlighting their contribution to preserving Galveston’s historic homes. These accomplishments solidify her reputation as a leading figure in home renovation, historic preservation, and television media.

Personal Life of Ashley Cordray

Family:

Ashley Cordray is married to Michael Cordray, her partner in both business and life. They have three daughters named Elle, Emma, and Emory James. Ashley’s parents are Cindy and Charles Youngblood.

Nationality:

American

Religion:

Christianity

Ethnicity:

White

Marital status/Relationship:

Married to Michael Cordray since April 4, 2014

Net worth:

Estimated $3 million and $5 million as of 2025

Social media presence:  

Ashley Cordray and Michael Cordray are active on Instagram with the account @save1900, where they share their renovation projects, family life updates, and behind-the-scenes of their historic home restoration work.

PlatformAccount Name / HandleDescription
Instagram@save1900Main account for Michael & Ashley Cordray, sharing restoration projects, family life, and business updates (90K+ followers).
Instagram@save1900propertiesVacation rental properties managed by Save 1900 in Galveston (2.2K+ followers).
X (Twitter)@save1900Hosts of “Restoring Galveston” and serial house flippers sharing real estate content.
Websitesave1900.comOfficial website showcasing their restoration projects and vacation rentals.

Interesting Facts About Ashley Cordray

  • Ashley co-founded SAVE 1900 with her husband to restore historic Galveston homes.
  • She stars on the hit TV show “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network.
  • Ashley originally pursued marine biology before switching to Maritime Administration at Texas A&M University Galveston.
  • She and Michael won the GHF Sally B Wallace Historic Preservation Awards in 2016 and 2017.
  • Ashley balances her family life with three daughters while running a successful renovation business and TV career.

Conclusion of Ashley Cordray

Ashley Cordray has firmly established herself as a leading home renovator and reality TV personality, inspiring audiences with her dedication to preserving Galveston’s historic architecture. Through her company SAVE 1900 and the hit show “Restoring Galveston”, she has combined passion, expertise, and creativity to breathe new life into neglected homes, making historic preservation both accessible and exciting for viewers.

Beyond her professional success, Ashley balances her thriving renovation career with family life, raising three daughters alongside her husband and business partner, Michael. Her journey showcases how hard work, vision, and love for history can transform not only homes but entire communities, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the home renovation and preservation industry.

FAQs About Ashley Cordray

Q1: Who is Ashley Cordray?
Ashley Cordray is an American home renovator and reality TV personality, best known for the show “Restoring Galveston”.

Q2: When and where was Ashley Cordray born?
She was born in 1987 in Spring, Texas, USA.

Q3: What is Ashley Cordray famous for?
She is famous for restoring historic Galveston homes and co-hosting “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network.

Q4: Is Ashley Cordray married and does she have children?
Yes, she is married to Michael Cordray, and they have three daughters together.

Q5: What is Ashley Cordray’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, earned through renovation projects and her TV career.

 
 


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