Readers of the blog A Country Farmhouse followed Trina and Mike’s adventures in fixing up this old farmhouse that sits on 7 acres in Oregon.
We oohed and ahhed over every update and room tour. So I think they heard a collective gasp of shock from their followers when they announced that they’re selling the farmhouse and moving on.
After all the work they put into it, here’s how it looks now:
They raised the house higher off the ground and added dormers and a wraparound porch.
The white picket fence and gardens add even more charm.
Here’s another before photo that shows the side of the house:
She explains, “It was built in 1923. It’s a simple one and a half story farmhouse that endured a little neglect, some quirky additions, and a very 1970’s style ‘remodel.'”
They wanted to give it a more classic farmhouse look.
Here’s how that side of the house looks now:
“The serene country setting offers everything we were looking for in a country home…privacy, peace and quiet, oodles of opportunities for long walks just outside our font door and spectacular views of rolling farmland with Mt. Adams as a backdrop.”
If it looks familiar, it may be because it’s been featured in Country Living, and I wrote a post about how it was decorated for Christmas last year (A White Christmas in a Country Farmhouse).
The previous owner was known for feeding any wildlife that came knocking at her door: “This included deer, skunk, raccoon, opossum and BEAR. That’s right, she fed bear. Right off that back deck.”
“Although we hadn’t set out to necessarily buy a fixer upper, this house had so much potential and offered such a lovely spot in the country, that we decided that it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Upon taking ownership of the property in June of 2006, we immediately began working on our vision for the house.”
The Kitchen has Wood Countertops:
The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.
The Dining Room was a New Addition:
They have gorgeous panoramic views of Mt. Adams and the Hood River Valley:
Country Living recently featured the guest house makeover:
“Between them, Trina and Mike Burke claim six siblings, 12 nieces and nephews, and countless friends—aka a whole lot of houseguests. Good thing, then, that the couple’s barn contains a 400-square-foot loft. Not so great? The space, last remodeled in the ’70s, bore all the telltale signs of the era.”
“The Burkes considered a gut renovation…until their contractor issued an $80,000 estimate. Instead, the two took matters into their own hands, hiding the fiberboard ceiling beneath inexpensive beadboard panels and giving the dated kitchenette a fast facelift with new hardware and butcher-block counters.”
Cost for the DIY guest house makeover? Fifteen grand.
Trina told the mag, “Now the loft is so cozy, Mike and I like to escape there ourselves!”
You can read more about the guest house remodel on her blog.
Thanks to Trina for sharing it with us. Her country farmhouse is on the market for $739,000.
For more information, check the listing and Trina’s blog A Country Farmhouse.
Country Living photos by James Baigrie, styled by Heather Bullard.
laney says
…this house…like joan and dan’s house of “for the love of a house” fame…has always taken my breath away…precious precious people…blessings wherever they may land….laney
chania says
I have always loved this house. It is proof that simple is beautiful. It’s truly an “Un-decorated house” with only the minimum to make it charming and comfy.
I’m guessing this house will last about 5 minutes on the market. I do hope Mike and Trina blog their new house.
Lisa says
My favorite place was the porch with amazing view. I would like to see houses like this less styled and more personal.
Cindy says
LOVE this house! So beautiful!
Little Bit says
this is gorgeous! What a transformation, and I love the still humbleness of it. I’m pinning. Little Bit
Rebecca C. says
So beautiful and serene. I remember that guest house from Country Living too. On to the next project!
Corinne says
Her house is pure perfection. The people that buy it are lucky indeed. If I didn’t live on the other side of the country ( and didn’t have so many kids) I would buy it! I can’t wait to see there new home. Hope she continues blogging.
Gabrielle says
Their house in Country Living was one of my favorites ever featured….love all the white and wood and the simplicity of the home. I also wanted butcher block in my kitchen when I saw theirs…I can’t wait to see the next home they redo….
Kay says
Hola
Gabrielle, IKEA has nice, chunky butcher block countertops that aren’t that expensive. Now I’m thinking about it, too . . . .
KAY
Maribeth says
I also fell in love with these countertops after first reading about their beautiful home. I have now had the Ikea oak countertops (sealed with several coats of Waterlox) in my kitchen for a year and I still love them as much as on the day we installed them! With three little kids, I was a bit nervous about how they would hold up, but they still look brand new and give an amazing warmth to offset our white cabinets that I just love. Plus they were SUPER reasonable! Good luck, ladies!!
Tracie says
Absolutely gorgeous home! I love the home itself, the clean palette and the use of antiques throughout….definitely my style! …and the views, wow! I wish I could pick my family up and head to Oregon right now!
Laura says
Wow! That’s a gorgeous house. I adore the exterior, and those views! As for the interior, if I were buying it I’d want them to leave everything, then I’d just add some oriental rugs, oil paintings, and wall color here and there. One of the best houses I’ve seen.
Kristin S says
I still can’t believe they are moving. LOVE that blog.
Jen says
what beautiful inside and out i adore the wraparound porch. & The white picket fence its to cute
Alie B says
They have put so much work into this place! It’s sort of a shame that they’re moving, but I’m sure their next home will be gorgeous as well! 🙂
Tania says
This has made me rethink my whole decorating style for my own house. I love it so much I could cry. I want to buy it – pity I live on the other side of the world!
Jake's a Girl says
Love M&T’s house. The blog too.
The view from the porch is breathtaking.
I’ll miss seeing it in all it’s blooming glory.
Can’t wait to see where they land.
Allioop says
Not big on white walls but this house is charming….The view is well worth it…
Kae says
There is not one thing I would change about this home. This is seriously one of the best homes I have ever seen!! It is absolutely perfect!!
nanne says
one of my favorite blogs! love her style, both decorating and writing. i was so sad when she posted that they were selling the house. hoping she will continue to blog and share her new life in whatever home they find.
ss says
Eh, these photos depress me. My house couldn’t stay that clean for five seconds.
Angela says
Oh this is heaven! I’m originally from Oregon and miss it sooooo much! I did not see the town where it is located. Do you know? Thank you so much for sharing a bit of home for me today!!~~Angela
Kelly - Talk of the House says
Breathtakingly beautiful. I would love to live there…that view!!! It would be awful hard for me to give that up. Must be something REALLY great out there to move away from that. I would be thrilled with just the guesthouse. 🙂
stef says
I agree that the kitchen counters are beautiful as are the wooden floors.
What views…lovely, lovely home.
Esther George says
Hi Julia this home is beautiful… I’m with you on the kitchen counter tops they look great. You know with all that effort in the renovation and with a view like that there is no way I could let it go (you know the scene in Ghost where Woopie can’t let go of the cheque) that would be me not letting go of this home. Thank you for sharing. Till next time Regards Esther from Sydney. PS watched Ghost for the hundredth time still has the same effect on me. It’s that time of the year on TV (repeats).
Marc says
I am sad to see the house sold, but am going to enjoy the next one as well. Their taste in interiors, the beauty of white on white and the simple furnishings left me speechless many times. It was inspirational.
Linzy says
You’re killin’ it this week! Another one of my favorites.
missgulfsouth says
I’m with Laney. Joan and Dan’s house (FTLOAH) and this house have a very similar feel and sensibility. I can’t believe they are selling! I would buy it just for the hydrangeas (and it’s probably the only part of the house I could afford! LOL!!)
Best wishes with their next endeavor….I, like you Julia, will be waiting with baited breath! 😉
Chiara says
When I read that they would have left I couldn’t believe it… I would be totally unable to leave a house like that!
Carolyn says
I, too, couldn’t believe it when I read they were selling and moving on. I’m sure they have their reasons, but STILL . . . They are a lovely family. I’m hoping there will be pictures and stories of the next house. Love their style, though I somehow can’t live with an all white and neutral palette, as much as I admire it.
Amanda says
Always loved this house. And I want those countertops, too!
Kim says
I love this home! It’s very peaceful and nice. I also love the property. It’s my dream to own acres someday and this would be a perfect place to live.
Destiny says
This house had me a view…
Destiny says
Opps! It had me at view…
Silvina from Tazas y Cuentos says
I have always loved this house, it’s wonderful!
I’m waiting for their next one.
Besos!
Lisa says
I love their simple style. I can’t even believe it is the same house in these photos! Anyone know where they have moved to? Can’t wait to see what they do.
mishelle says
Lovely home. That picket fence sealed the deal! 🙂
Candice in Georgetown ON Canada says
Just amazing! I wouldn’t change a thing . . . except move it to Georgetown.
Karen says
What a gorgeous view and the Hood River Valley is sublime and with such a view a porch makes perfect sense. This is impressive and I really love what they’ve done to the place, especially the wraparound porch. I’d say that they’ve succeeded in giving it the classic farmhouse look. Love the gardens and the picket fence and I agree that it adds a lot of charm. I like the bedding in what looks like the master bedroom and wonder where she scored that. I also adore the guest house. I always wonder when people put so much time and energy into a place if it is hard to move on. I know that it would be for me as it seems like the type of place where one would want to put down some roots.
Robb7 says
Fabulous home!! You can see a lot of thought and good decisions went into its creation.