Farm House Flip  

August 9th, 2018

A remarkable transformation of a 1900's abandoned farm house 

 Foley, Minnesota 

Owners+Flippers

 Aaron Novak & Heather Strand Pekarek 

But first let me tell you how I got here.....

Let me begin

About 6 or 7 months ago I read a post written by Abby Jimenez on Facebook for International Women's Day. Abby is the founder, and owner of Nadia's Cupcakes here in Minnesota. I read what she had written, and felt inspired. I mean really inspired. I read that she started Nadia's right in her own kitchen. She was filling orders, raising a family and running a business right out of her home. Numerous times she had the Food & health Dept. called on her. A slew of personal ups and downs, pain, loss, and heartache. Despite it all, she kept going. I went on to read so many other stories that day. They were all just as inspiring, but for some reason Abby's story really spoke to me. Thirsty for change in my own life this year, it had my mind racing. It had me thinking of all the women in my everyday life that inspire me, women right here in my own community. I, of course thought of my Mom, and Cyle's Mom, FYI Cyle is my husband, my sister, and even my sister in-laws. I got my little notepad out that morning, read Abby's story and wrote down names of women who inspire me, and why. Heather's name was one of those names! Heather and Aaron's recent home renovation had me in awe. Heather is from Foley, and so is my husband Cyle. Heather is one of the first faces I remember meeting when I ventured out with my husband into Foley to visit his family & friends. She was always just really nice. I grew up in the neighboring town to Heather in Becker, Minnesota. There was a magnetic connection to her, a neighborly feel, and I sensed her thirst for exceeding the limits so, I sent her a message. I explained my vision, and what I hoped to accomplished by even letting me inside their home; a very personal & private place for most people. I like people who get me, and she seemed just as excited as I was. 

       The Meet-Up  

Heather sent me a message saying she spotted an open Sunday evening in her calendar so I jumped at the opportunity. I went as far as cancelling a girl’s trip to Moondance Jam here in Minnesota, so I didn't miss out on connecting. I also scheduled three other collaborations that weekend. It was well worth it. If I haven't mentioned yet, the thirst is real, and this year my mind is on my work. The fire is lit. Sunday evening came, and I headed over to Aaron & Heather's house! Our mutual girlfriend Ashley (Foss) Ranweiler was there doing Heather's hair & makeup. I was able to take a peek around the outside, and inside while they finished up. I was totally blown away. Aaron greeted me right away and their dog Goose playfully kept me company

outside!

                                                                  The House

I was blown away as I pulled up into the big long driveway; my heart began to skip a beat. I had followed along with Heather's posts on social media & couldn't believe the images I was seeing. But seeing it with my owns eyes made me stop in my tracks! I kept thinking to myself “how did these two, how did this family pull this off?” I knew I wanted to feature Heather in her own realm, in her own space, doing what she does best. However, I didn't know it would blow my mind! As I walked into the house the entry way had a red brick floor, tall locker cabinets, with a sliding barn door into a half bath. I instantly saw this white & extra gorgeous kitchen staring back at me. My mind was filled with excitement! I helped Heather pick out an outfit and we chatted like old friends. I spoke more with Aaron, and Heather, after a while my face hurt from laughing! We talked about life, family and basically everything in between. I asked them, “what made you decide to take on such a project?” I know most people would have said “No.” Like a big fat NO. They were both so strong in their response, “why not,” they said! They were both seemingly on the exact same page of, ‘life is short, and why not do something that challenges you to the core?’ Why not do all the things instead of talking about them? Exactly why I wanted to be standing in their kitchen. These are the type of people I want to know, the company I want to be in. I asked them both how did you even find the house? Heather said her brother Dillon Strand is a realtor with Premier Real Estate Services, and he helped them with the property. The setting could not be more divine. It is a stunning piece of property, and the house is almost an unreal transformation. I tried picturing myself in the 1900's era while standing in the home. I found it remarkable what the two of them had been able to salvage, and keep as apart of the original home. Aaron, I learned from my time at the house is a contractor, and craftsman himself. Which was evident through the entire home.  

Before pictures courtesy of Aaron & Heather 

What Inspires you?  

My parents inspire me to never take things for granted; to live simple and love the life you have been given. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and God is my saving grace. Family is everything, and forgiveness is a must. In the decor world/flipping houses Chip and Jo have shown me that things with good bones can be made beautiful again with hard work, and a vision. I’m a very visual person and have been given the gift of being able to see beyond the garbage, the junk, the feces, the color, and all the imperfections whatever it may be. I couldn't have met a better man when it comes to carrying my visions out, Aaron is the man that brings my ideas to life, he shares my passions, and without him the house we are in now would still be a vision. –Heather 

Why does this inspire me?

I am completely in love with the thought of people making things with their own hands. I think somewhere along the lines we have lost that. Just like in the 1900's, where people would have been doing most of this work with grit and sweat. Aaron & Heather have breathed life back into this home with their own two hands. I heard they had some help along the way too! 

-Jayme 

“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”

― Louis Nizer 

           Makeup & Hair provided by Ashley Ranweiler