Gronk & Camille Unveil Insane Backyard Transformation: Ultimate Party Paradise
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek Turn Their Backyard into the Ultimate Hangout Spot
Who Are These Two?
Imagine a superstar football player and a model/cheerleader who have been together for over a decade. That’s Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski (37) and Camille Kostek (34).
- They started dating in 2013 when Rob played for the New England Patriots and Camille cheered for the same team
- Rob is a retired NFL legend (4-time Super Bowl champ!)
- Camille was a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model
- They share a gorgeous custom-built mansion in Foxboro, Massachusetts
The Big Backyard Makeover
The Problem: "Make-Shift" Hosting
For years, when they wanted to host friends and family outside, it was a hassle:
- Ice coolers scattered everywhere
- A standing grill with no prep space
- Food and drinks set up on chairs and the ground
- No real storage or counter space
Camille’s words: "We had a lot of ice coolers outside and a standing grill, but we never had a place for everything."
This became a real problem when Rob’s nine nieces and nephews visited in summer!
The Solution: A Pro Outdoor Kitchen
They teamed up with RTA Outdoor Living to build a dream entertaining space. Here’s what they got:
| Feature | Why It’s Cool |
|---|---|
| Two 12-foot islands | Separates cooking from serving/gathering |
| Pizza oven station | Fresh pizza for the whole crew! |
| Built-in refrigeration | Cold drinks without dragging coolers out |
| Storage cabinets | Tools, plates, and supplies stay organized |
| Integrated ice chest | Ice stays put, no more melting bags |
| Built-in trash | Cleanup is a breeze |
Pro Tip: The kitchen sits right next to their bonfire area — perfect for s’mores after dinner!
Why They Picked This System
Rob Wanted: Easy & Tough
"I’m that guy when it becomes difficult, I’m like, ‘All right, I’m good with this.’ I want something easy to set up and easy to build."
Installed in just a few hours
Handles New England weather — snow, rain, sleet, no problem
Super durable — won’t need replacing every year
Camille Wanted: No Surprises
"I’m such a visual person… I loved that I could see what it looked like before it was set up. I’m not someone who loves surprises."
3D renderings let her "walk through" the design first
Matches their indoor reno — white plank finish, Thunder White granite, stainless steel
[!IMPORTANT]
Key Takeaway: They didn’t just buy a grill — they built a complete outdoor living room designed for how they actually entertain.
The Property: A Private Compound
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Main House | Custom-built, ~4,500 sq ft, 5 bed / 3 bath |
| Bonus House | Adjacent property, ~3,300 sq ft, 3 bed / 3.5 bath |
| Land | Just under 2 acres total |
| Privacy | End of cul-de-sac, bordered by large hedges |
| Extras | Pool, spa, connected driveways & walking path |
| Original Price | ~$1 million for main house (bought via LLC) |
Gronk’s Secret: He Was Super Frugal Early On
Unlike many rookies who buy mansions and Lambos, Rob lived like a college student:
- First car: Used 2008 Escalade (2 years old)
- Housing: Rented a condo with a teammate — $1,500/month each
- Food: Ate free at the team facility
- Fun: "Drinks are free… you pay for one, get 10 free in Boston"
- Savings: Banked his $4.4M rookie contract (first 4 years)
Rob’s mindset: "I truly understood that the NFL stands for ‘Not For Long.’"
He lived off marketing/endorsement money only, saving every game check. Smart!
What’s Next?
Camille says: "This is the beginning of the transformation of our backyard."
With pizza oven, fridge, s’mores station, and gathering zones ready — expect a lot more legendary parties at the Gronk compound!
Summary
- Rob & Camille upgraded their Foxboro backyard with a pro outdoor kitchen
- Gone: Coolers on chairs, makeshift grill, zero storage
- Now: Twin islands, pizza oven, built-in fridge, ice chest, trash, tons of storage
- Built in hours, survives New England winters, designed via 3D preview
- Matches their indoor style (white plank, white granite, stainless)
- Property is a 2-home compound on ~2 private acres
- Rob’s early frugality (renting, used car, saving salary) set them up for this luxury
FAQ
1. How much did the outdoor kitchen cost?
The article doesn’t share the exact price, but RTA Outdoor Living systems are modular and typically range from $15,000–$50,000+ depending on size and appliances.
2. Can regular people get a kitchen like this?
Yes! RTA Outdoor Living sells directly to homeowners. Their kits are designed for DIY or pro install and don’t require pouring concrete foundations.
3. Why did they buy two houses next to each other?
Privacy, space for family, and room to grow. Connecting them created a private compound — think of it like a mini resort for their crew.
4. Is Rob Gronkowski really that cheap?
He was strategic, not cheap. He knew NFL careers are short (avg. ~3 years), so he saved 100% of his salary and lived on endorsement income. That discipline bought him freedom later.
5. What’s the "s’mores station" all about?
With 9 nieces/nephews visiting, they needed a dedicated spot for making s’mores by the bonfire — no more balancing chocolate on paper plates! Now it’s built right into the flow of the outdoor kitchen.