After a cold and snowy December morning of deer hunting, Daniel Krug joins his wife Jennifer to enjoy a cup of coffee by the warmth of their fireplace in their newly-built barndominium-style home.
It’s the kind of peace and quiet you can only get on the backroads of Holly, Michigan. Although originally hesitant to move to such a large plot of land, coming from living in the suburbs, Jennifer now appreciates this newfound serenity.
“It was during COVID and the lockdowns when we decided we didn’t want to be in the suburban areas anymore,” Jennifer explained. “I wanted to downsize our home now that we are empty nesters, but I knew Dan’s dream was 40 acres.”
That 40-acre dream turned into a 65-acre reality after Daniel and Jennifer toured the plot of land they now call home.
“When I first heard 65 acres, I was wondering who needed that much. Now, I realize I like it. There’s nice trails to walk through the woods. I feel like I’ve visited all corners of the properties,” said Jennifer.
The two worked with GreenStone Financial Services Officer Miranda Kelle to secure a land loan and buy the property. Soon after, they called up Miranda again to finance a home construction.
“Everybody was awesome at GreenStone. We were happy to work with a local lender who understands exactly what we want,” said Jennifer. “Our builders loved working with GreenStone, too. It was a natural choice to go with GreenStone.”
“With it being a unique type of build and the size of the property, we knew it was up our alley to finance it,” explained Miranda.
By August 2022, their two builders broke ground on the home while Daniel and Jennifer lived in a temporary building on the property they refer to as the “glamping tent.”
Construction on Daniel and Jennifer's home took about a year
After a cozy full year in the small structure, Daniel and Jennifer, along with their two dogs Ziva and Ellie, were finally able to move into their new, state-of-the-art barndominium – even hosting a large Thanksgiving for family this past November.
“Daniel told me that Thanksgiving in the new house was amazing,” said Miranda. “That meant a lot to me because it’s a great example of the meaning of our job. We get to help make those big moments happen.”
“It’s nice to have the kids and grandkids here,” Daniel explained. “Everyone felt at home by the end of the day Thanksgiving.”
It’s difficult not to feel a sense of home in their cozy rural setting. The home is equipped with a large kitchen, 2540-square-foot garage, and plenty of living space for their seven grandchildren to enjoy.
“I like the open design and the big fireplace,” Daniel pointed out.
The open concept and large kitchen make the home a perfect place for hosting family
“The vaulted ceiling and the beams in the ceiling were things I always wanted,” Jennifer reflected. “The big island and large pantry are also very cool for me.”
There are even some personal touches that remind Daniel and Jennifer of friendships they have developed along the way.
“We had a friend that had a milking barn that unfortunately was flattened in a storm,” Daniel said. “We bought the wood and used it for a beam in the kitchen, the fireplace mantle and two vanities.”
The barn wood used on this fireplace mantle is a personal touch for Daniel and Jennifer
Daniel and Jennifer say it didn’t take long to adjust to the lifestyle change from the city to the country.
“I used to have a suit and a BMW, and now I have a cowboy hat and a truck,” Daniel joked.
“I would just tell anyone that if they are looking for a switch in lifestyle, it’s a lot of work but it’s very rewarding,” said Jennifer.
The home build may be complete, but they are just getting started on this property. Next on their agenda: raise some horses.
“We have an equestrian barn to put together,” said Daniel.
If anyone knows how to take a big idea and turn it into reality, it’s certainly Daniel and Jennifer, and the team at GreenStone will be there every step of the way.
“It’s exciting to see what else they can do, especially with this size of property,” said Miranda. “We keep the relationship open and wherever their ideas go, we know we are a resource for them.”
In the meantime, they will continue enjoying fresh coffee, the fireside ambiance, and the endless possibilities of this new home and lifestyle.
“One of my favorite parts of the job is being able to see people’s dreams come to life and being able to help them do that,” said Miranda. “This isn’t just about financials, it’s about getting people in their dream home.”
“I do believe that God led us here, and I know God is going to continue to provide as long as we follow Him,” said Jennifer.
To view the winter 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
