We’re enjoying following your progress. Like you, we’re moving to our home town, and renovating what will be our future home. There’s a few differences though. We’re retiring, and the home we’re renovating is under 800 square ft! 😂 🇨🇦☕️
I just found this channel and I've already watched a few videos. This is such a cool idea!! Just subscribed and can't wait to follow along on the rest of your journey!
The cost for heat all winter, late fall and early spring, terrifies my soul. Unless you let rooms as an Air B&B host. If you do open an Air B&B, I’d like to stay awhile - I lived two years in Indiana as a small child - and you could also host reunions and wedding receptions - to help pay for your heat.
I love your project and your plans. I was "shocked" with the green in your decor ideas, mostly because my Mom lives with me and she hates green. But I LOVE green. Should I be green with envy? Good luck.
Your family is doing a great job The restoration sounds amazing Are you going to have solar panels and are there any other eco friendly systems going into the home
That double height laundry area is a great opportunity to add racks for air drying that can come down for use and back up for airing up and out of the way. The mechanism is used often for wheelchair bound closets but would adapt well to this application.
@@Schoolhousehomesteadwhile thats all open add in a floor drain in that laundry room. If one of those water hoses ever pops even if its 15 years later youll be prepped for it.
This looks so fun and inspired. Thanks for bringing us along. Like everyone, I have a suggestion. Once the grading is complete and you know where your garden will be, ask local arborists or chip drop for wood chips. They will compost and improve your soil so when you actually get to put in a garden, you will have a head start.
Thank you!! Great minds- you sound just like my father in law, just put all the leaves on top of the garden in a fenced in little area. :) Didn't think about doing something like that for the whole yard!
Love it, good for you! I’m 70 years old and about 30 years ago I begged and pleaded with my wife to turn an old gas station and garage into a home. The owners only wanted enough money to cover the closing costs. At the time a house restoration guy I knew estimated the cost of construction at about $150k. That seemed too high to my wife and eventually I had to give up the dream. The buildings were razed later. I kept all of the pictures and drawings we’d done and now my wife regrets her reluctance. We recently got ahold of an old lake house and remodeled and updated it. It’s nice and I’m proud but the memories of the old gas station still haunts me. Particularly on nights when I’m having trouble sleeping. Good luck to you.
It may not many much to anyone else, but I love the fact that you’re still calling the building a “SCHOOL”. So much respect and luck to you and your family.
Hey you know what, if that building is "dual zone", since your husband is a doctor, if he ever wants to go into "private practice, you can section off a certain section of the building for the practice and even bring in others into the practice as it grows. i.e. nurses, theraperists, etc. Just a suggestion. :)
I have always wanted to buy an old school and turn it into a house; that never happened, so I live vicariously through these kinds of videos LOL. My late husband's uncle and aunt raised 8 kids in a remodeled school. They kept a lot of the original features, including a fire escape slide from the second floor. They covered it and made it a fun slide for the kids. The huge blackboards in the main room were also kept, because they homeschooled. I just fell in love with that house! One downstairs bathroom was made into the boys' bath, and the other one for the girls. The kitchen was actually on the second floor, which I thought was really unusual. But it worked for them!
I can’t wait to see it as you complete it. Building a home is such a hard but rewarding task. I love how you are taking something old and almost discarded to turn it into a beautiful place to raise your family
We had a local school rehabbed for apartments! The builder went to school there and didn't want the stone building torn down! It turned out really nice! He tore it apart and kept all of the doors etc. The apartments are huge and he made carports with walkways for the owners! In Trappe, Pa. suburb of Philadelphia!
A massive kitchen, a massive living room, a massive bedroom for the parents and then some comparatively tiny bedrooms for the kids? It never made sense to me to make the parent's bedroom large, that seems like a waste of space, it is usually used to sleep in at night and barely during the day while kids spend a lot of time in their rooms during the day, they play, do homework, learn, listen to music, hang out with friends etc. but so many houses waste a large apart of the available space for an oversized master bedroom with an en suite bathroom when the space could be used much more sensibly.
This video popped up as a 'suggestion' and the algorithms were right. I love seeing how people turn old unused historical buildings into new creations. I look forward to seeing how it progresses, it looks amazing already!
You’re so much braver than I am. This is a home that will be in your family for generations. I had my doubts when I saw the first video and how it was. Too far gone to save. I’m glad you saw what it can be.
If you have space in the basement, I'd put an apartment for each kid. Now they can be guests/grandparents or even on Airbnb. But I wish I had the space to let my kids know that our house is that--ours the whole family's, not just my husband's and mine, they will not be pressured to move out (though it's fine if they do) and if I could have an apartment for each of them, that could accommodate them with a future partner that would be great. Later, I could move into one of the apartments and their family could move into the main house. My dad was born on a farm that had two houses on it a big house and a small house. And it worked like that. When his older brother got married, my uncle and aunt lived in the small house. When their third child was born and my dad (the youngest was the only one left at home, he and his parents moved into the small house and my uncle's family moved into the big house. This had been going on for several generations, but unfortunately, the lifestyle of the 80s brought it to an end. My grandparents were the last to live in the small house. I feel like families lost their way and I'm so happy that you guys moved back to your hometown and are re-surrecting the big extended family home! Keep up the good work and thanks for putting this on RU-vid for us to enjoy too.
often as children become adults and start their own families parents downsize and don't have capacity for the children to visit with their families your suggestion is a good idea
I went to school in a Canadian prairie school house very like yours. In that town my family lived in the functioning train station, as my father was the station agent. I still think that was a pretty darn cool childhood and I wish I could have turned that building into a home for my kids to grow up in. I would love that much height in my laundry room. I'd have a huge drying rack that could be raised and lowered on pulleys. :D
So glad you are saving this place.. i watch another guys channel that purchased a Buster Brown shoe factory.. 70,000 sq ft.. i think that's how I found your channel .. Anyways, thx for bringing us along on another adventure and take care my friends and God Bless...
ok...just stumbled upon this video and I SO SUBSCRIBED immediately! What a great journey this will be but I wouldn't have bothered if the person doing the video wasn't likeable. LOL...And I immediately thought what a pleasant person with a warm, speaking voice and great common sense. Plus your graciousness towards the parents was another sign that this was a person I'd spend time with. Looking forward to meeting all the cast of characters and of course all the work that will be happening. I suspect we'll all be schooled in the weeks/months to come. Go forth and conquer.
Im from Indiana grew up on a 40 acre farm outside of Ft. Wayne (Whitley County) and although I am so appreciative of my farm life and being raised in the mid-west I am now living in the Smoky Mountains and I am never looking back!! THAT being said I love folks from Indiana... just some of the most down to Earth people and kind hearted. I love my Indiana peeps. You should have incorporated an elevator in the building so that it will very accessible for older parents if they DO move in with you!! LOVE this project!! Congratulations on your new home purchase!! Im sure you will have many years of fun and memories.
They can always add an elevator at a later time and when they have recovered from the challenges and finances poured into this. I can’t imagine! 👀. But there are other options besides full on elevators too. I’m 64 and about to sell my home in Bham, AL. Too large now with kids gone and the stairs are too much for me. I’ve had many ortho surgeries and one of my ankles is practically bionic, both feet with metal and an elbow fully reconstructed but it doesn’t bother me but the other surgical areas do and arthritis is creeping in swiftly. Just what I’ve learned and something to consider later. I am an animal rescuer. Everything but snakes and gators. Would love to know what you did for Bark.
A new build would be so much cheaper, but love that you have taken this on to preserve this school. Outstanding job of keeping the original exterior design faithfully. Best wishes to your family
I know where Franklin is. I'm about twenty minutes away. I used to work at franklin college. I was one of the chefs out there. About fifteen years ago. If I didn't have my stroke, I would still be out there. I love that job.. I do know some of the people that lives out there. And I still talk to them. I don't know where your school is. But, I know franklin, indiana is a beautiful place to raise your kids.. I'll be watching your channel to see how your home🏡 looks.(school) Good luck and god bless.#1fan from Indianapolis, Indiana USA 🇺🇸 South East side 🙏 🫶🔔❤️
Hello fellow Hoosier!! This was a dream of mine way back in the day! I’m subscribed and anticipating the videos to come!! I don’t believe you or your children will regret living close to family and out of big cities! The country life is where it’s at!! God bless you and your family!!!
YOURE GONNA HATE ME: "If I Were YeW" lol. I would out a Laundry downstairs under the bedrooms! and install a Shute for throwing dirty clothes then a dumb waiter to pull them back up UNLESS you are hiring a housekeeper! LOL! A STRONG ONE! ....ONE THAT LIKES TO WALK. ....A LOT! LOL! 😂 And make security a PRIORITY your house plans are on RU-vid that's a LOT of weird mean people POTENTIAL!
I've only recently found your RU-vid videos. I quickly run through them all. I've been looking forward to seeing the plans which you've shown here. I love the layout I think it's going to be awesome in the end.
I would like to recommend you take a look at Eco-Lawn from Wildflower Farm in Canada for your grass in the backyard. It's slow-growing and drought resistant, so less mowing and maintenance. I mow about every 3 weeks or so.
WOW that was a Nice Rec!!! Mister Line? You Get NEIGHBOR of the YEAR AWARD! ....Make That CENTURY! Mrs. Grisson, I would LOVE to se you Palladium windows on one side. I think there used to be some,....? I THINK I saw the brickwork outline. But on the other hand, doubtful. @@Schoolhousehomestead
I Love This So Much!! There are so many of these beautiful buildings scattered across Indiana. I’m currently restoring my Grandparents 1847 brick four square that I am blessed to be able to buy back. ♥️♥️♥️ Can’t wait to see your Amazing home. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
My husband’s very small (100 residents) home town has an old high school similar to yours, but it still has a gym and indoor bathrooms. The town renovated two classrooms and the bathrooms. One classroom has a kitchen and dining area now that can be rented. We use it for our large family gatherings at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, and the kids can go play in the gym.
Do you mind if I be a little rude and defiantly intrusive, and ask you to publish your first art conditioning bill on RU-vid to all your current supporters! 😂
Thank you so much for sharing your fascinating renovation of the school house! I grew up in Indiana, and my siblings and I actually started school in a building very similar to this one. The school was in North Manchester, Indiana in 1958. (That ages me! Lol) I love the plans for the apartment downstairs for parents! That used to be the accepted norm, but doesn't happen much anymore! And, just the reason you want a big house? Kudos to you and your husband to celebrate family and friends! Looking forward to your next video!
I promise you will get sick of so much green. I know first hand. Decorate with the green but I highly suggest you have base colors of beige/tan or white. Use rugs of green or highlight one wall with green. I love green but after awhile..... Y'all are doing a fantastic job.
Love the ceiling heights. Would be my dream to do a 10 ft tall collage painting. I wish I had high ceilings and hugh walls. Your green choice is spot on. Beautiful
I think it’s so cool how you are honoring the history of the building while making it your own and functional moving forward, love seeing the journey of it!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 This house is going to be so fantastic when you finally are able to get it done and move in. Who wouldn't want to live in an old 9K sq foot school??? The best part is doing your best to protect the vintage and history of the building, while also bringing it into the 21st century and making it someplace you will be able to live. It's a massive project, no question, and will take a long time to get done, but will be so worth it in the end. Continued success in making progress, and living with all those humans while to build moves forward!! When you're done with this one, I know where there's another VERY cool 1904 elementary school a couple hundred miles northwest of you in IL, that would also make an incredible house. Just sayin...
I live in Springville, Indiana, and recently came across your RU-vid page. To say I'm obsessed is an understatement. You have really kept the integrity of the school. I wait excitedly for every single new update. ❤❤
I love that you're renovating that old school into a home. My old high school in Wisconsin was torn down because no one would buy it and fix it up. Great plans! Looking forward to future updates as the build goes on.😊
Fun project and very glad that it's yours and not mine. I think it's interest how the original school windows were set high off the floor, perhaps to discourage young eyes from gazing at interesting events outside while sitting at their desks. I would love to have all that space, especially downstairs. Please continue with updates as I can hardly wait to see the completion of your new home, as I'm sure you can't either.
I'm so excited for you guys. I love people keeping the original buildings. History is so important to remember and embrace. It's funny when you say there weren't any bathrooms, my grandfather tells me outhouses were the norm....and that was in the 30's-40's. Well, thank you for the restoration videos. :)
fascinating building. Love that you are honouring the history. Im amazed at how big the windows in the basement are for it to only be used for heating and stuff. What was the arch under the window next to the back door? Odd place to have an arch
Love the "cool house" 😍 I'd like to recommend the channel "How to Renovate a Chateau" if you aren't aware of it. They make the best content I've seen while renovating a very old very large property. They're years into it so you may find it useful in a few ways. Looking forward to seeing the next video. Best wishes 🥂
So cool. I would have the family room open to the kitchen. It’s so nice to be all together. Then I would make a small morning room for those times someone might want an intimate quiet spaces to read, have a private conversation, meditate…
I just love watching your progress! Love the project, it's inspiring for sure. If I were younger I'd dig into a great project like yours. Have fun with it!
I really love this! They just don't make buildings like this anymore so I'm glad you're retaining a lot of its historical charm. Welcome back to Indiana! I live on the southWEST side of Indianapolis near Moorseville, so hey neighbor! I have a friend who lives in Franklin and she loves it there. We belong to a Conservation Club where we camp down in Nineveh, IN, just south of Franklin. Love that area!
This is going to be so interesting watching this schoolhouse become a house. There was a show on HGTV that featured old buildings become houses, soda fountains, jails, banks, fire stations, etc. I probably watched every episode.
Fantastic! What a cool idea and project, in a cool place, being done by a cool family (extended of course) and local workers in Indiana. It's really going to be something special, unique and a LARGE FAMILY HOME when it is finished. Neat!
I'm curious if you'll always refer to this as "school" or once it's finished and moved in will you start calling it "home." I think the "school" moniker is cool.
That’s going to be very nice. I went to a two room school house, we had PE and played in those big rooms downstairs when we couldn’t go outside. No cafeteria, we brought our lunch and at at our desks - hence the pail rooms where we kept our coats and boots and our lunch “pails”.
It might be a cool idea to have all the different animals reflected in paintings throughout the house. Turkey painting in the bedroom, cows in the kitchen, sheep in the office etc.
Wow!! This is the first video I’ve watched and I’m hooked. I can’t wait to see the transformation. I also love the color green, it’s going to be beautiful.
I have been "hooked" on this project from the beginning and found myself being exhausted just watching you guys working! Amazing, beautiful project. What will you do when it is totally complete and you have a lot of time on your hands?
I love the brick walls. My one suggestion is to make the broom closet bigger than you think you'll need. My late aunt had a 1920s house with a very wide broom closet, and it could fit everything. I have a small broom closet and it's a very tight squeeze to get the O Cedar bucket and a cannister vacuum cleaner in it.
