In 1914, Woman’s Great-Great-Grandparents Purchased a Home. 112 Years Later, She Spends $380,000 to Move It to Her Property (Exclusive)

**Family Legacy Intertwined: The Journey of JaSondra and Jason Schmidt**

JaSondra Schmidt has shared with PEOPLE her remarkable story of how her family’s legacy unexpectedly converged with her husband’s when she moved into a historic house once owned by her great-great-grandfather. With aspirations of restoring an old home, JaSondra and her husband Jason spent years searching for the perfect property, a quest that began long before they even knew the right house awaited them.

Raised in Medina, North Dakota, JaSondra was deeply influenced by the agricultural traditions of her upbringing, where family legacies are often carried through generations. “In the ag industry, it’s common to pass on responsibilities and property to the next generation,” she explained. Inspired by home renovation shows, including Nicole Curtis’ *Rehab Addict*, JaSondra was determined to find a house that could become a sacred space for her family, especially for her two daughters.

While the couple initially looked at several properties—between five and seven homes over a span of a few years—they faced numerous hurdles along the way. JaSondra recounts how they were even offered old homes on farmland at no cost; however, none of them felt right. Throughout their search, they encountered delays and setbacks, including one major instance where a flood in Iowa disrupted their plans to relocate.

In 2024, when one of their daughters fell ill, life took another turn as they commuted between North Dakota and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York. This difficult period caused the couple to pause their property search, citing the chaos surrounding their family duties. It wasn’t until late 2025 that JaSondra’s journey took a fortunate turn; she discovered a conversation on Facebook about a two-storey house that piqued her interest.

The house in question was not just any property; it was the 1914 home once owned by her great-great-grandfather, Freiderich. Although she had grown up with stories about the house and had seen photographs, she had never visited. Intrigued, she reached out to her relative about the family home, recalling the sensitivity required in approaching the subject of a sale given the recent passing of the owner.

After learning that another family member had expressed interest, JaSondra offered to be a back-up option should they decline the opportunity. To her joy, the family ultimately agreed to sell the house, recognising the importance of preserving their shared legacy. This was a dream come true for JaSondra, who envisioned herself carrying on her family’s history.

However, just as the deal for the house was coming together, tragedy struck. In August 2025, Jason’s mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, passing away shortly after. In the months that followed, they faced another grim reality when Jason’s father was given a terminal diagnosis. Amidst their grief, he approached the couple about his farmstead, which they initially declined but soon reconsidered after learning they had the option to purchase it as per his will.

Following a weekend of deliberation and a visit to the land, they decided to sell their current farmstead and begin work on the new location, which would serve as a thriving homestead. Soon after, they broke ground, indicating the merging of two families across generations. JaSondra reflected on the significance of this decision, where her family’s history would stand alongside her husband’s legacy.

The logistics of moving the 112-year-old house posed another challenge. The house required careful separation from its original foundation, and movers used steel beams and jacks to elevate it. JaSondra described the process as almost surreal, stating, “It’s wild to see how easily they move such a large structure.” Despite the excitement, the timing was bittersweet as JaSondra had just lost her aunt to cancer just days before the move.

On the day of the relocation, family members gathered to witness a historical moment, reflecting both joy and sorrow as they bid farewell to a house filled with memories. Following the move, the house remained elevated on beams while contractors worked on the basement. JaSondra dealt with anxiety due to the lack of insurance on the house until it was placed on its new foundation, especially as storms swept through the area.

The financial implications of this ambitious project have been substantial, with the move alone costing approximately £40,000 and the basement work exceeding £110,000. When all is said and done, JaSondra expects the restoration to run between £340,000 to £380,000. Although the investment is considerable, she remains resolute in her mission to preserve her family’s history.

Now, as the restoration process begins, JaSondra is committed to removing modern additions to reveal the original craftsmanship of the house. She humorously recounted a light-hearted moment with Jason, who reminded her that they didn’t have to live as if it were 1914, highlighting the balance between historical preservation and modern living.

Overall, JaSondra’s story illustrates not just the renovation of a house, but the intertwining of family legacies and the importance of creating cherished memories for future generations. Looking ahead, she hopes her grandfather, who turns 91 this October, will experience the renewed home, a testament to their family’s enduring spirit and connection to the past.