We Bought A Funeral Home: Our Unexpected Journey

The old Victorian house stood on a hill overlooking the town, its silhouette stark against the twilight sky. For years, it had been the Johnson Funeral Home, a place of somber gatherings and final farewells. Now, it was ours. Yes, you read that right—we bought a funeral home.

An Unlikely Dream

It wasn't exactly a lifelong ambition. My partner and I had been searching for a unique property, something with character and history, when we stumbled upon the listing for the Johnson Funeral Home. Initially, we laughed it off. A funeral home? Surely, that was out of the question. But the more we discussed it, the more intrigued we became.

Why a Funeral Home?

• The Architecture: The building itself was stunning, a relic of a bygone era with intricate woodwork, high ceilings, and sprawling rooms. It was a fixer-upper, undoubtedly, but one with incredible potential.
• The Location: Perched on a hill, the property offered breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion, despite being just a short drive from town. It was the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
• The Challenge: We thrive on challenges. Transforming a space associated with mourning into something vibrant and life-affirming seemed like an extraordinary opportunity.

The Renovation Begins

The initial weeks were a whirlwind of planning, cleaning, and cautious exploration. The place was filled with relics of its former life—embalming tools, old registers, and an unsettling collection of mourning paraphernalia. We approached the task with respect, carefully archiving what we could and donating the rest.

Our vision was to create a space that honored the building's history while infusing it with our own modern aesthetic. We envisioned a combination of living space, studio, and perhaps even a small event venue. The possibilities seemed endless.

Challenges and Surprises

Of course, buying a funeral home wasn't without its challenges:

• The Stigma: Telling people about our purchase was always interesting. Reactions ranged from morbid curiosity to outright disbelief. Overcoming the initial awkwardness took time, but we learned to embrace the uniqueness of our situation.
• The Unexpected Finds: Every nook and cranny held a surprise, from hidden rooms to forgotten artifacts. It was like living in a real-life treasure hunt, albeit one with a slightly macabre twist.
• The Emotional Weight: There was a certain weight to the place, a sense of the countless lives that had passed through its doors. We made a conscious effort to honor that history while creating new memories.

The Future is Bright

Today, the Johnson Funeral Home is slowly transforming into our dream home. The renovation is ongoing, but with each passing day, we feel more connected to the space and its history. We're not just renovating a building; we're breathing new life into a place that once held so much sorrow.

Our journey has been unconventional, to say the least. But we wouldn't trade it for anything. Buying a funeral home was a leap of faith, but it's one that has brought us unexpected joy, fulfillment, and a truly unique place to call home.

Are you considering an unconventional property purchase? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!