Our 3+ Year DIY Farmhouse Renovation: Restoring a 1900 Fixer-Upper to a Forever Home

Embark on an inspiring journey with us as we transform a neglected, foundation-less 1900 farmhouse into a vibrant, character-filled home designed to thrive for another century. This extensive, mostly DIY renovation project spans over three years, breathing new life into every corner of this historic property and showcasing the incredible potential of old homes. Join us as we share the challenges, discoveries, and triumphs of turning a rundown fixer-upper into our dream dwelling, filled with light, comfort, and timeless charm.

After a wonderful 12 years spent in our previous 1982 ranch, which we lovingly transformed into a charming cottage, my husband and I decided it was time for a change. As we gracefully entered the “empty nester” phase of life, our desire shifted towards a smaller residence, one that would demand less garden maintenance and allow us more freedom. We carefully planned for a simpler lifestyle, envisioning tranquil days with fewer responsibilities.

However, as the saying goes, even the best-laid plans can take an unexpected turn. For someone with a deep-seated affection for old houses, vintage treasures, and a more deliberate, grounded way of living, it might not come as a surprise what happened next. Our search for a downsized home led us to an incredible discovery: an old farmhouse nestled on three sprawling acres, perfectly framed by serene horse pastures. Such properties are a rare find in the western U.S., making this opportunity even more captivating. Faced with its undeniable charm and immense potential, I simply couldn’t resist. The prospect of restoring such a magnificent piece of history, despite its condition, was an adventure I felt compelled to undertake.

What truly sealed the deal was the breathtaking view that accompanied the property. While initially somewhat obscured, we knew with a bit of architectural re-imagining, we could open up the house to fully embrace this spectacular vista, making it an integral part of our daily living experience. This view became a driving force behind many of our design decisions, promising to flood our future home with natural light and a sense of expansive tranquility. The farmhouse itself, dating back to circa 1900, presented a significant undertaking: it was a two-story structure, stripped of its original character, and remarkably, lacked a proper foundation. Yet, these challenges only fueled our determination to bring it back to its former glory, and beyond.

Fortunately, the property offered a silver lining: a second habitable home on-site. This proved to be an invaluable asset, allowing us to live comfortably while undertaking the massive renovation of the main farmhouse. The initial phases involved critical structural work, including the vital task of adding a new, robust foundation. We also embarked on an ambitious extension of the home’s rear, a key modification to create a spacious primary bedroom on the main floor, fulfilling our desire for accessible single-story living for years to come. From there, the renovation expanded to every single square inch of the house, a testament to our commitment to a thorough and thoughtful restoration.

Three years after the renovation commenced, we were thrilled to finally move into our beloved farmhouse, with the first floor largely completed and fully functional. The journey, however, is ongoing. The second floor, including its bathroom and the main staircase, continues to be a work in progress. Yet, even in its current state, the house embodies everything I envisioned during that very first walk-through – and so much more. Discoveries like the original beadboard ceiling and walls in the kitchen, and the thick old-growth shiplap hidden beneath layers of wallboard, have been exhilarating, connecting us even deeper to the home’s rich past and adding unexpected layers of authentic character.

This page serves as a comprehensive guide to our farmhouse’s extensive renovation stages. Here, you’ll find everything from the initial “before” tours, capturing the property as it was when we first took possession, to detailed “before-and-after” showcases of the first-floor rooms, reflecting the beauty we’ve achieved after living here for several months. Our mostly DIY renovation is a labor of love, designed not only to inspire your own home improvement projects but also to demonstrate how a dedicated approach and a little tender loving care can grant an old house a vibrant new lease on life, preparing it to stand proudly for another hundred years.

Our Farmhouse Renovation Series: Chronicling a Historic Transformation

Delve into each phase of our 1900 farmhouse remodel with our detailed renovation series. From initial discovery to stunning before-and-after reveals, each post offers insights, inspiration, and practical lessons from our extensive DIY journey. Follow the links below to explore the transformation story, room by room and year by year.

What’s Next for Our Historic Farmhouse Renovation?

The journey of restoring a 1900 farmhouse is a continuous labor of love, and we’re far from finished! Our current focus involves completing the main stairway, carefully finishing the walls leading up the stairs and throughout the upper landing. We’re also eagerly anticipating the installation of more vintage doors, each one a testament to the home’s historic roots and our commitment to preserving its original character. A major upcoming project is the complete redoing of the upstairs bathroom, which promises to be another exciting before-and-after reveal.

As these next phases of our DIY farmhouse renovation unfold, we’ll be diligently documenting every step, discovery, and design choice. Each new progress update and room reveal will be added to this very page, providing a chronological account of our ongoing transformation. To ensure you don’t miss a single detail of our historic home’s journey back to glory, be sure to follow along with our newsletter! We’re excited to share the continued evolution of our beloved farmhouse, bringing it closer to its century-spanning potential as a truly timeless and cherished home.