We Bought Our Dream Homestead BUT It's Not For Us

We bought a 40-acre homestead but it’s not for us!
That may sound strange, but we’ve had a dream to host large events and teach real-life homesteading classes for a long time now, and this property, just ½ mile from our current home, became available and we bought it!
You’ll have to watch the tour to hear more of our vision for the property, but I’m so excited to finally be able to share this news with you!
If you'd like to follow along on our journey with the homestead renovation and restoring the land with regenerative farming practices then sign up for my newsletter at melissaknorris.com
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Listen in to the top #10 rated Pioneering Today Podcast for Home & Garden for Simple Modern Homesteading Tips melissaknorris.com/podcast-2/
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My Books:
Everything Worth Preserving melissaknorris.com/preserving...
The Family Garden Planner melissaknorris.com/planner
The Family Garden Plan melissaknorris.com/family-gar...
Hand Made 100+ From Scratch Recipes melissaknorris.com/handmade-book
The Made-from-Scratch Life melissaknorris.com/made-from-...
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Howdy! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Melissa from Pioneering Today and a 5th generation homesteader where I'm doing my best to hold onto the old traditions in a modern world and share them with others.
Click any of the below links for FREE resources and training to help you on your homestead!
Homemade Sourdough Starter Series melissaknorris.com/learnsourd...
How to Pressure Can Series melissaknorris.com/pressureca...
Beginners Home Canning Safety melissaknorris.com/canningclass
For raising, cooking, and preserving your own food come hang out with on Instagram / melissaknorris
and Facebook / melissaknorris

[@JenB.188]

Someone asked me not long ago what my dream would be if I could do anything and I said I'd own a working homestead with buildings for guests and we could offer classes and opportunities to work on the homestead. I love that you were able to buy this amazing ranch and that you'll be able to have this dream.

[@kayekaye251]

That would be wonderful!

[@kchelley]

Awesome-sauce and congratulations on your purchase! Just a suggestion, a sleeper sofa or Murphy bed in the living room so families with more than two kids or older kids of different sexes can have a place to sleep. We always find it hard to find a place with three beds for our family and think it gets overlooked at times by landlords, property management and the like.

[@dn744]

I am not fully religious, or none religious. But, when stuff like this happens, it's sure gets you thinking. So happy for you 💓

[@marilyngodfrey868]

Congratulations! You are blessed! And how much do you know about the Hornbecks? That is a Native American name. When we were young we knew a young man whose last name was Hornbeck. So imagine our surprise when our 20 year old grand daughter introduced us to her "boyfriend", whose last name was Hornbeck. But the fact that we knew his grandfather, pretty much blew both of the youngsters away.

[@susanthomaspamperedchefcon2568]

I'm sure the Hornbeck family is thrilled that their family's heritage will be preserved and the farm brought back to life. I love every inch of what you showed and would love to visit your farm as an Airbnb. Excited for you and your family!

[@kingdommomlife4441]

I absolutely took a moment to appreciate those doors and original hardware too!! May God continue to bless y'all and shine His light on y'all! ❤️

[@lynnealong2070]

I'm an event/wedding planner and this would make a beautiful setting for small weddings. Have the wedding in the pasture and the reception in the "barn". Love it!!

[@miscelany2]

I actually love the cabinets just as they are. I think paint would take away the charm. Maybe you can use the ola bathroom window as an announcement board? Build a box around it and put cork board inside to announce upcoming events.

[@charlottescott2903]

Congratulations!! Maybe you could add a tin ceiling in the living room? And speaking as someone who own an historic farmhouse I would definitely refinish those original wood floors!! There may be original wood floors under the linoleum as well.

[@codedesigns9284]

The potential for your new farm/BnB definately warrants high enthusiasm! Even in its retro-state, it is gorgeous! Of course we love the mix of new and old - your vision of the future for this property holds great potential. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly this came into being without Gods help! So we say Amen to that, Congratulations, and wishing you all the best in your endeavours! 😇

[@loufeather8326]

Please, please. Don't paint the cherry cupboard. I love wood.

[@MelissaKNorris]

@@loufeather8326 there are a lot of scratches you don't see on the lighting from this video and the inside of the cupboard is just ply-wood.

[@ajalicea1091]

all you would have to do is sand it and revarnish

[@ajalicea1091]

Code Designs - I disagree with you concerning that they were able to do this without God's help. He helped them because He made sure that they were able to get the pre-approval for the loan. HE (GOD) also gave them the A-OK via the contractor that they had come in and look at it. If it wasn't for God they would not have been able to get it that quickly.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Love the cherry cupboard/closet. Don't paint out the interesting bits. Maybe paint just the interior for visibility- better option is a battery operated closet light that only turns on when the door is opened.

[@ericeverson5956]

Love the wood paneling in the living room. AirBNB to hold 40 acres of land, priceless:)

[@kearstonH]

I so love the way you walk with God. I was born and raised in North Idaho. Just relocated to Southern Idaho with my husband and toddlers. We live with the inlaws on their 6 acres. Our form of rent is to make their pasture a working gem. You have been a life saver in all the things for our little family. I'm so excited to keep watch your family grow. Thanks for being a kingdom role model 😘

[@monstermcboo7282]

Your May Day story just gave me serious allergies or I got dust in my eyes or something. ❤️ That little house is so charming, even in its present state. Your plans to update it will make it such a wonderful place for people to stay and it will be nice for the little house to meet so many new people. Your plans for the new farm are very similar to what my husband and I have wanted to do for years. Your ministry is such a blessing and expanding will reach so many more souls! 🙏🏻

[@tristaperkins7112]

That story got my allergies going too!

[@MelissaKNorris]

Ahh thank you ❤️

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Being a Washingtonian and knowing What Land is going for, and the rarity of quality land... I can imagine How Much that was... So a Huge Congratulations!!

[@kolafoltin]

I bet it was a fortune. I don’t know how people afford these extra places or even a primary farm. We are on two acres and would love a larger property but there is no way we can afford it. My kids have the dream too but with prices the way they are, they won’t be living that dream either. I am glad you were in the position to get things moving so quickly.

[@haleybuntothehills]

So excited for you...and the doors. Every old door needs someone to love it. ;)

[@dianemeshke1416]

The Hornbecks were the nicest couple, I'm sure they would be thrilled that you bought it! So happy for you! Congratulations..🙏💖

[@jennybroussard1383]

So happy for you guys! God's timing is always perfect!

[@cargold7597]

What a blessing that someone has bought this beautiful farm with a history in the area. Your enthusiasm and love of history is exciting. Many prayers and blessings for you.

[@aunttiasbackyard5028]

For the smaller room, consider a bed frame that includes dresser drawers underneath the bed. You get the storage and conserve the space!

[@ashleyharrison4560]

Sooo incredibly happy for you. Defo something in the air, God seems to be answering prayers within the homestead community. Love your vision for this place, cannot wait to see everything come into fruition! 🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@juliabrown5948]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@smokinjoe2539]

Change and stepping out in faith is always a bit scary, but can also be an exciting adventure. Embrace the journey that God has put before you! I'm happy for y'all!

[@mamagrotgrows]

Congratulations!! I'm so excited to see where you take this property! Thank you for faithfully following where God leads, and sharing this wonderful journey with the world x

[@LLAMA-LLAMA]

Sometimes ceilings are lowered to run ductwork, lighting, etcetera. Sometimes it’s just to meet up with the top of the upper cabinets. I love all the built in shelves throughout the house. Congratulations!

[@gmunden82]

So exciting! Can't wait to see what y'all do!!

[@ellenmillere7988]

I am excited for you. God has definitely blessed you. This is just a great place with so many possibilities. I agree about not painting the kitchen cabinets, they are beautiful!❤️ I love the old farms too. We lived out, rented, years ago when our kids were young. We had a couple of horses, ponies for the kids, chickens, raised a couple of Holstein bull calves for the freezer, dogs and cats. It was great. Living the farm life is a great experience and a blessing from God. My kids have told me many times that they are thankful for the experience of living in the country.. May this be the dream God planned for you! 🙏

[@janetsholer8683]

So excited for y’all. Thanks for sharing. Such a beautiful blessing.

[@crestaogle]

Congratulations! That is so exciting! Looking forward to seeing what you do with all of that wonderful space!

[@TheRealKimBaker]

I'm so excited for you! I'd be just as excited as you. I love all things old and see the beauty in all of it as well. Congratulations!

[@debbiehuckins8739]

Wonderful news! Thanks for sharing you new place. How exciting! Really happy for you 😃

[@halliceola2630]

Congratulations!! So excited and happy for you guys! I can't wait to watch the transformation happen.

[@mmhuezo06]

I'm so excited for you guys! Can't wait to watch it all unfold!

[@digsindirt4490]

What a gorgeous, historical home. For the windows… you could have them cut down in half and use them as transom windows above the inside doors. That would look really cool, would let more light into the various rooms, and honor the historical feel of the house.

[@michelledowning5106]

Congratulations! Love hearing the enthusiasm in your voice! Best wishes on your new chapter!

[@keirayoung4210]

That is so exciting! Such a blessing. Can't wait to see the progress and finished product.

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Wow! Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing the renovations! Very exciting .

[@prinses999tube]

Hey Melissa, I am so excited for you!! Good luck with the renovations and please keep us updated, we love to see your video's!

[@trigelrice7291]

So exited for you and your family on your new adventures in making your dreams come true!

[@belovedbiblebellecreations4012]

How wonderful!! And oh so beautiful!! I'm so excited for you and to see what comes of this new adventure!

[@theidealspot]

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you and it's so fun to see you giddy! Can't wait to watch the changes as you share.

[@bcvahsfam]

WOW!!! Congratulations! I am so excited for you. Love hearing your vision for your new property.

[@Growing_Unapologetically]

I'm so excited for you guys!

[@llswink]

What a blessing! I will be excited to follow along with your progress.

[@ptaylor6951]

Love your enthusiasm and can’t wait to witness the journey with you.

[@yonnabstudio3]

Super excited for you guys!!! Can't wait to see how this progresses--congratulations!!

[@dlgrilli]

Congratulations. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm! It’s contagious😊

[@tillyralston4826]

Your enthusiasm for this is absolutely warranted and so contagious! I just watched this and was smiling so much the whole time! So happy for you!

[@Isabel_fit]

This is so exciting!!! I’m happy for you guys and what you’ll be able to do ♥️

[@lindamickel8545]

Congratulations Melissa!! I just love those doors and original hardware. So beautiful. Continued Blessings.

[@Frank-sq1th]

Loved this video and your enthusiasm !!! Can't wait to see it progress !! God bless !!

[@louannnewsom1918]

Wow! So excited for you and can’t wait to watch the progress of this adventure

[@jackiebarnes6241]

Oh Melissa, I am so happy for you! Congratulations!

[@shaeurpb]

So happy for you guys. Can't wait to see what you are able to do with this property😎😎

[@jennyheuermann120]

Excited for you all. So refreshing to see and hear positive news. God bless you😍

[@erin9710]

Congratulations! This place has so much potential! Thank you for sharing your journey! I will be following closely! I have been dreaming of having my own homestead and I am currently reading books, and gardening as well as dozens of how to videos to prepare so I'm exited to watch this process I could learn a ton! Will be praying for you in this journey! God bless!

[@ggfarmgirl8350]

So excited for you guys! This is definitely going to be fun and interesting to watch how you transform and regenerate your beautiful new farm. Congratulations!

[@belieftransformation]

Wow, that’s an exciting journey that you’re on! Many blessings for your family & progress with the new property 🤗❤️🇨🇦

[@crystalwaldrep5775]

Oh that is so exciting for you guys👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️hood luck in your new adventure👏🏼🙌🏼

[@pamelalaiosa6638]

Congratulations!! I’m looking forward to your journey! Love your KZbins

[@vickiejones4594]

Love it! You are truly a woman after my own heart. Can't wait to see the house when finished or the farm. Congratulations!

[@Carol32547]

Your excitement just so blesses my heart. Your joy is our joy! Blessings!!!!

[@dbishop7802]

So happy for you! I know it will be amazing and such a blessing to all that can visit your Airbnb and/or your events, classes and so forth!!! Congratulations! 💗

[@lindalagarce8996]

Congrats! I love it! What a great vision y’all have for it! Hugs and love from Texas!

[@loricassata5259]

I just love your excitement!!! Can’t wait to see what you do with this blessing!!!

[@jrtagranger]

Congratulations! So excited for you and this new journey!

[@kristiecox7350]

How exciting! Congratulations! So much fun potential!! 🙏🏻❤️

[@frontierfishingwithryanmac1981]

Great property purchase! It's a labour of love getting things fixed up and repaired to your liking! I look forward to following your progress and journey!

[@libbyolinger4731]

I'm so excited for you. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all do with the property ♥️

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

That is the sweetest story about you pranking with flowers! This is so exciting, such a lovely place, wow! Congratulations!!

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

Built-ins!! Yaaay!!

[@shelley_quilts]

Your JOY is overflowing!! I am excited to see where all of this will go!! God Bless Your New Endeavor!!

[@InexperiencedHomesteaders]

I am so excited for you!! Thank you for your dedication to teaching! You have inspired me. I live up in the mountains and I believe I can do this too!

[@brownthumbnursery]

Wow!! We’re so excited for you!! Glad to see you appreciate the patina. This is so exciting!!

[@suemagyari2992]

So exciting! congrats! I can see the potential. So much fun!

[@shortermama8099]

So, so happy for you!! Very exciting!! I've been reading The Family Garden Plan this week. Thanks for using your gifts to teach and bless others. Very excited for you and your family!

[@denesemaxie7930]

How exciting 🥰 can’t wait to see this come full circle

[@karinjudge7277]

Your excitement is so great to see. Happy for your plans lady !! :) God bless.

[@healthcoachtoranchlife-mov859]

Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 So excited for you and your families new journey!!!

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

Congratulations! Can't wait to see what you will do with it!

[@yvettebrinkley8245]

Congratulations 👏 I am so happy for you! It is such a beautiful place! 😀

[@wendycash54]

So excited for you and for all your plans!

[@HomesteadWild]

I am so excited for you! I don’t even have words! I can’t wait to see where this journey leads and I am just so excited that there will be learning opportunities and homestead community here in Washington!!!

[@shirleyfoshee6656]

So happy for and with you❣️❣️❣️God bless you and looking forward to each step of your journey!

[@HoneyAppleFarm]

This is SO COOL! Looking forward to the journey of how you grow and expand this property. :D

[@leeannandrews932]

Oh that's awesome congrats look forward to see all you do!

[@Grannie7420]

Congratulations! It’s great how it is, it will be amazing when you get it done.

[@mariettagernandt4575]

I am so happy and excited for you!! Congratulations!

[@Carol-lm4jd]

Congratulations on your new property Melissa! I’m so happy for you! 🥳

[@dusttodusthomestead]

Congrats! Thats awesome! So many new possibilities, best of luck with new property. 👍

[@dotsouthard2980]

Congratulations! So happy for you and look forward to all the transformations you have planned👏👏

[@kdconover]

I love your dream farm! Congratulations! I am praying about selling my house and four acres in Dickson, Tennessee. My late husband bought my grandparents farm a few years ago, when my dad passed away. It has 80 acres with a spring, three creeks that come together, a garden area, and a small barn. (This is where I grew up.) We sold my daughter the house, so I’ll have to build. My dream is to have a root cellar. After going to Rory Feek’s farm, I know how I’m going to design the cellar. I was afraid of water getting in. Danny from Deep South talks about his cabin. I want to design the house along those lines. My mother has agreed to move in with me and rent out or sell her house and 10 acres. I just have to find peace from the Lord before I make the move. I think I’ll contact the Allbert’s and see how soon he could cut the timber from the area I want to build on and see if it brings enough to start on an out door canning kitchen like Doug and Stacy have. On another note, as a retired mixer operator and concrete plant manager, I have to tell you cement is like flour, concrete is the biscuits. Therefore your floors would be concrete. I am very excited for you on finding the farm. I’m bummed you didn’t move to Tennessee. I do understand being close to family. God bless you Melissa.

[@janetazthehomesteader1966]

Your story is so amazing!!! God bless your husband for buying your grandparents farm that you up on. I’ve been wanting to sell my small homestead here in AZ and move to Tennessee or somewhere in that area.. I need green in my life lol. God bless to you and your family!

[@mysticmeadow9116]

Karen, isn't it lovely that we can glean so many ideas from our online homesteaders community! I wish you joy and strength in your new endeavor. Blessings to you.

[@kolafoltin]

Thanks for the clear explanation regarding cement and concrete!

[@theresa4960]

Please explain why an outdoor canning kitchen is preferred to indoor?

[@christineciesielski5018]

Congratulations! I love your excitement and enthusiasm!

[@teresahuskins8132]

I just found you and so glad I did. I just love your enthusiasm. Will be watching

[@vickiebonano2092]

Congrats on the purchase. Can't wait to see the transformation.

[@mariannagarcia5150]

Congratulations! You guys are very blessed to have a such beautiful place like that one. It's huge!

[@barbaracarbone4658]

Wow this is an amazing place!! I'm so happy 4u. Bring us along on your remodeling journey! All the best and congratulations!! 💖

[@faithfulfrugalfarmgirl]

Oh Melissa I’m so excited for you!! I know you have the heart of a teacher and this extra space to host is PERFECT for you! What a blessing!

[@judydiedrich9937]

That is so exciting. I was all smiles the more you talked and showed us your place. I'll be watching as you teach and grow your new place.

[@midwestribeye7820]

This video brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you!

[@augustagootee6254]

I am so excited for you !!! Am thrilled about the doors and fireplace and those shelves. How cool of a house. And farm space that barn so beautiful

[@tatumsfarm]

I can't wait to see the transformation. I want to come and stay and do workshops. 🤗 Congrats!

[@josephinehowe4063]

How absolutely fantastic for you and for all the people you will help learn. The property is beautiful and I love the setting with the hills and clouds and mist in the background. So very very Western Washington. Love the barns/outbuildings and all the potential. If I were not approaching 75 years of age we would be looking for something like that. I think it was meant to be and with your drive and spirit it will become something even more special. Congratulations!