How in the World Did We Find This Home?
People ask us all the time: “Why this house? How did you even find it?” Buckle up, because like most of our life, it’s a mix of divine timing, stubbornness, and a little bit of crazy.
Clark knew retirement was around the corner, and we started looking at where we wanted to land. The wish list was simple:
At least an acre (because one day, senior pets will rule our world 🐾).
An old house (we’re just not “cookie-cutter neighborhood” people).
A fixer-upper (translation: Clark needs projects or he’ll drive me insane).
Bonus points if there was water nearby.
We browsed homes in Georgia (my fave), the Carolinas, and a few other spots. Nothing was clicking.
Then one day, the text arrived. Not from a friend, not from family… from Zillow. The only Zillow text we have ever received. It was a listing for a house that honestly didn’t look too clean/livable/inhabitable but was glamorous in photos. Think… tall ceilings. A fireplace. Wavy glass windows. Original wood floors. And 6.5 acres of land.
I looked at Clark and asked the million-dollar question: “Where the heck is Windsor, Illinois?”
Turns out, it’s 20 minutes from where we got married, right by his dad, and only 45 minutes from most of his family. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a house. It was a home base.
The first time we walked the property, Clark and his brother went inside to scope the “bones.” I wandered the land and had a very real, very nervous chat with God: “Please, if we’re about to ruin our lives and empty our bank accounts, give me a sign.”
Minutes later, Clark poured water on the cistern cover and guess what appeared? The words: Installed by Clark Company. I about fell over. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.
Fast forward through some tense negotiations and a whole lot of “what are we doing?” moments, the house was ours. We didn’t move in right away (probably wise, since raccoons, bats, and gravity had their own plans for the place), but eventually, we did. And here we are, nearly two years later, making this 1860 beauty shine again.
What’s Next for Pound House & Gardens
We didn’t buy this house just for us. Our vision is bigger:
Pop-up markets with local artisans and bakers.
Community events under tents on the lawn.
An elderly pet shelter where sweet gray faces can live out their golden days with love.
A Family home base where we can go to the lake, have a week long family event (Clark’s family and mine), and bring us all together.
We’re here to restore, share, and give back. We’d love your ideas too. Because this house isn’t just ours. She belongs to everyone who loves history, resilience, and a little bit of chaos mixed with heart.