Family Bought a 1920 Farmhouse for $12,000 and Moved It 4 Miles to Their Dream Property (Exclusive)

**Couple Transforms 1920s Farmhouse into Family Home Through Renovation Journey**

A couple in northwest Iowa has successfully transformed a century-old farmhouse into a family home after overcoming the challenges of renovation and relocation. Sha’rel Moore and her husband, Brandon, originally purchased three acres of abandoned land in 2024, only to discover that the property’s existing farmhouse required extensive and costly repairs. Rather than abandoning their vision, the pair sought a more viable alternative that would allow them to retain the charm of an older house.

Their search led them to a 1920 farmhouse located just four miles away. The previous owners had constructed a new home and were keen to sell the original structure for a mere £12,000. Sha’rel, 30, expressed a sense of destiny about the acquisition. “It truly felt meant to be,” she shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, reflecting on the decision to move the farmhouse onto their property.

Documenting their renovation journey on social media, the Moore family has garnered an impressive following of hundreds of thousands of users from around the globe. Sha’rel originally intended the updates for her husband’s family, who live in Washington state, particularly for his 90-year-old grandfather. What started as a way to keep relatives informed quickly evolved into a source of inspiration and empowerment for many others interested in home renovations.

In making their journey public, the Moores aimed to provide a raw and realistic portrayal of home renovation. Unlike many social media channels that showcase affluent budgets and flawlessly designed interiors, Sha’rel wanted to highlight the creativity and hard work that DIY projects demand. She emphasised the importance of showing that a significant transformation can be achieved without limitless financial resources.

Despite some critical feedback on social media regarding their choice to renovate an old farmhouse, the overwhelmingly positive response from viewers has provided significant encouragement. During their renovation, Sha’rel was pregnant with the couple’s third child, and many followers expressed their support by checking in on both the health of the baby and the progress of the home.

While the project has garnered ample support, it has not been devoid of challenges. As the Moores delved deeper into the renovation, they uncovered structural issues that had not been visible during the initial assessment. “The biggest challenge was discovering more structural damage than we originally anticipated,” Sha’rel shared. The realities of renovating an antique property inevitably brought surprises that added both time and expenses to the project.

The couple estimates they have invested around £80,000 in the renovation, yet each milestone has made the trials rewarding. “Every finished room and completed project feels like a tremendous accomplishment because we’ve poured so much of ourselves into this home,” Sha’rel remarked. Instead of chasing design trends, the couple prioritised creating a warm and welcoming environment that felt homely.

Having moved into the completed spaces, the family is now shifting their focus to smaller details that will enhance the home’s personal touch. With the major construction behind them, they plan to slow down and become more intentional about each project. “We’re able to slow down and be more intentional about the spaces we’re creating,” Sha’rel explained, indicating a desire to continue enhancing their environment.

Throughout the renovation, the Moores have made a concerted effort to preserve the farmhouse’s original character, preserving features such as the original woodwork. Sha’rel highlighted that maintaining these historical elements was crucial to upholding the craftsmanship of a home built in 1920.

Reflecting on the trials faced during the renovation, Sha’rel shared valuable lessons learned, stating that patience is perhaps the most important asset for any renovation journey. “Everything takes longer than you think, and usually costs more than you plan for,” she advised. She also expressed gratitude to the family, friends, and neighbours who offered assistance, noting that their support was integral to the completion of the project.

Ultimately, the Moores’ journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and community in accomplishing a dream home. As they continue to create lasting memories in their restored farmhouse, Sha’rel remains optimistic about the future, excited by the possibilities that lie ahead for their family’s new abode.