Stacie Grissom and Sean Wilson embarked on an extraordinary journey when they purchased a 111-year-old schoolhouse in Indiana, paying $175,000 without ever seeing it in person. This ambitious project, which began in August 2021, involved transforming a historic educational institution into a family home. The couple's dedication to this endeavor is evident in their meticulous renovations and the love they have poured into restoring the building's original charm.
The schoolhouse, originally built to educate local children in the early 1900s, has a storied past. Once a bustling center of learning, it was later converted into a residence and divided into two apartments. The couple's new home spans an impressive 9,000 square feet, offering ample space for family gatherings and future plans.
Grissom and Wilson's decision to buy the property sight unseen raised eyebrows, but it was Grissom’s parents who ultimately gave their approval after touring the schoolhouse. "We wouldn’t have bought it if my parents hadn’t agreed because we knew with this kind of project we were going to need the entire village," stated Grissom. This support was crucial as they navigated the challenges of renovation.
The initial renovation process took three years—significantly longer than the couple's original estimate of two years. They invested approximately $26,000 into the project, focusing on preserving as much of the schoolhouse's history as possible. The couple successfully salvaged the floors from one of the original classrooms and refinished several old doors, maintaining a connection to the building's past.
One of the most notable features of the schoolhouse is a vintage water fountain that they are still trying to restore. This piece serves as a reminder of the building’s educational roots. Additionally, they plan to utilize the basement as a gathering space for their extended family, further cementing their vision of creating a warm, inviting home.
Despite the significant renovation costs, Grissom and Wilson manage their expenses efficiently. The couple pays around $4,200 annually for property taxes and propane tank refills. Their monthly utility bill, which includes electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, totals approximately $340. Grissom financed the purchase using funds from Barkbox's public offering in 2021, allowing them to buy the schoolhouse outright.
Reflecting on their journey, Grissom expressed her amazement at how their lives have changed. "Never in my wildest dreams would I think that someday it could be our house," she said. She added, "I still wake up some days and I'm like 'I can't believe we get to live here.'"
The couple's motivation for returning to their hometown was deeply personal. "We had a reevaluation that it's the people who matter the most," Grissom noted. "So we wanted to move back to our hometown to be by our families."
As they settled into their new life in September 2024, Grissom acknowledged the ongoing nature of their project. "The project will never end and the problems will constantly pop up," she remarked. "That is daunting and also like it was part of the appeal, weirdly." They embraced the idea that homeownership comes with continuous challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Grissom's father humorously added, "It's crazy, but I think you can figure it out,” encapsulating the spirit of determination that drives the family forward.