From NYC to Indiana Cornfields: A Couple’s Epic Schoolhouse Renovation
Stacie Grissom and Sean Wilson, after nearly a decade in bustling New York City, traded skyscrapers for cornfields, embarking on a three-year journey to transform a dilapidated 1914 schoolhouse into their dream home. Their story, filled with unexpected challenges, heartwarming family moments, and the power of community, showcases the rewards – and the immense effort – of pursuing a unique vision.
Key Takeaways: A Schoolhouse Makeover
- A New York City couple, facing the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, relocated to their Indiana hometown for family reasons.
- They purchased a derelict former schoolhouse sight unseen, relying on their parents’ assessment, embracing a significant fixer-upper project.
- The ambitious three-year renovation saw them transform the 9,000-square-foot building, juggling long-distance management and a full-time content creation career.
- The project resulted in a unique family home, blending modern amenities with preserved historical elements, documented on social media.
- Their experience highlights the rewards and challenges of large-scale home renovation, balancing personal vision with the hard realities of construction.
A Pandemic-Fueled Return to Roots
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a pivotal moment for Stacie Grissom and Sean Wilson. With Grissom pregnant and Wilson working long hours as an orthopedic surgeon in NYC hospitals, the couple began to re-evaluate their priorities. “We had a reevaluation that it’s the people who matter the most, so we wanted to move back to our hometown to be by our families,” Grissom explains. This decision led them to Franklin, Indiana, a 30-mile drive from Indianapolis, and a world away from the fast-paced life they knew in New York.
The Quirky Search Begins
A few months after the birth of their son, the search for a home began. Grissom, a marketing professional with BarkBox, instructed their realtor friend to find something unconventional: “I told him the quirkier, the better, and to send us a fixer-upper,” she recalls. This request led to an incredibly unique discovery – a former schoolhouse. Grissom’s parents, acting as their eyes and ears, gave the property their enthusiastic approval.
The Union Joint Graded School No. 9
The building, originally the Union Joint Graded School No. 9, served local children from 1914 to 1934. In the following years the building transitioned into a barn — a testament to its enduring structure. This historical context added a new layer to the couple’s ambitious undertaking. “It’s like a Midwestern castle in the middle of some cornfields of Indiana,” Grissom enthusiastically describes the property. The sight of the brick building’s potential, despite its dilapidated state, excited the couple.
A Bold Decision: Sight Unseen Purchase
Having never visited the schoolhouse in person, Grissom and Wilson made an offer – and it was accepted within 24 hours. This bold move underscores their confidence in their parents’ assessment and their desire to embrace a significant challenge. “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,” Grissom reflects on their decision.
Three Years of Sweat, Tears, and Transformation
The renovation proved to be a far more arduous task than anticipated. What they initially estimated to be a two-year project stretched into a grueling three years, further complicated by the couple’s continued residence in New York City during the early stages. “Things were a little slow to get going,” Grissom acknowledges, “but then the new roof started going in February 2022 and things started to move.” This prolonged endeavor transformed their lives, revealing unexpected challenges and offering valuable lessons in perseverance.
Preserving History, Embracing the Modern
The renovation was an exercise in restoring and revitalizing. While almost every aspect of the interior needed reconstruction, the team worked diligently to save and reuse what they could. “Though the couple had to almost start from scratch with the schoolhouse, they were able to keep the floors in one classroom, all of the brick, the original doors and a water fountain that they are trying to restore,” explains the article. This act of preservation is a testament to their commitment to honoring the building’s past. The project revealed many surprises along the way; amongst the finds were old remnants of the school’s past uses, reminding them of the rich history within the walls.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Journey Documented
The couple gracefully addresses the immense cost of the renovation without providing concrete figures, suggesting the financial investment was as considerable as the time commitment. The challenges, however, were not limited to budget constraints. “The time it took was definitely a big challenge and having to renovate from afar was tough,” Grissom admits. “I don’t think we were naïve going into it, but now I know we’re not renovating anything again after this.” Despite the hurdles, they found a creative outlet for sharing their journey;
A Social Media Story
The couple transformed their renovation process into a compelling story, gaining a substantial audience on social media. “It has been fun to document this process and find this old home renovation community online. I never thought my house could be a job,” Grissom shares. This online presence not only connected them to a supportive community but also provided an unexpected source of income. Thus, the renovation became a multifaceted endeavor, combining their personal vision with business acumen.
Home at Last: A New Chapter Begins
In September 2024, after years of dedicated effort, Grissom, Wilson, and their two children finally moved into their renovated schoolhouse. “Moving into the schoolhouse was easier than moving into any New York City apartment we ever had,” Grissom exclaims, highlighting the stark contrast between their past and present living situations. The completed home features four bedrooms and two and a half baths, all nestled on the 4,000-square-foot upper level. A substantial 4,000-square-foot lower level remains a work-in-progress, opening up the possibility of future additions or modifications.
A Legacy for the Family
For Grissom and Wilson, the most significant aspect of completing the renovation is the opportunity to raise their family in their hometown, surrounded by their loved ones. “After living through the pandemic and all of the stress and anxiety, we all had a confrontation with our mortality at a much earlier age than most generations do and that totally shifted stuff in my brain. It’s beautiful to see my parents are healthy, our kids are happy and just appreciate the small things,” she shares, illustrating the powerful impact this project has had on their family dynamic and their perspective on life. The transformation of this schoolhouse into a family home is a testament to their resilience and a beacon of hope for future generations. Their journey has shown the world that family, a shared vision, and perhaps a little bit of naivete can help create an extraordinary outcome.