Grandpa’s House

The History of Grandpa’s House: A Family Legacy in Iowa.

Grandpa’s house is a 1000 square foot farmhouse in a charming river town in northeast Iowa. It was built in 1900 and purchased by Adam’s grandparent’s Floyd and Martha in the 1930s. Floyd and Martha created a beautiful life, family, and cherished memories here. We call it Grandpa’s house not only because it was Adam’s grandparents who originally purchased the house, but it’s also what we referred to the house as to our own children. 

As we share the heartfelt history of our family home in Iowa, we talk about how the house was home to three generations of our family, including my husband’s father Jim, who was an extraordinary single dad and beloved grandfather. When Adam was just two years old, he and his Dad (Grandpa Jim) moved back into the home after Jim’s wife left. Jim, with the help of his parents, raised Adam in the house we are now renovating. All of Adam’s childhood memories were made in this home. All of his Dad’s childhood memories were also made in this home. After Jim passed away last year, we decided to restore and move back to this meaningful house that holds so many precious memories. We reflect on Jim’s incredible character, his unwavering gratitude, and the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him—not just as a grandfather, but as a role model for kindness and love.

It wasn’t planned for us to renovate Grandpa’s House. We hadn’t even considered it until after Adam’s Dad passed last November. We considered selling it, but felt an I overwhelming pull to renovate it and keep it in the family for generations to come.  Although it’s been hard work, it’s been so rewarding. I wish Jim (Grandpa) could see what’s going on here. He’d get a kick out of the daily progress for sure.

It’s not just a house to us, it’s a legacy. It’s Grandpa’s House. Follow along as we share our journey and see how this wonderful piece of history enters into it’s next chapter.