Driving into the countryside might lead you to stumble upon a charming farmhouse nestled amid woodlands and fields, where a loyal dog eagerly welcomes you, creating a handcrafted sense of home.

Prepare to slow down as you step onto the porch and enjoy a few rays of sun on the perfectly weathered rocking chair. If a bright red door greets you and the vintage doorknob beckons, you're about to step into a slice of handmade and time-crafted haven.

Looking out the kitchen window awaits the most beautiful view of endless fields where wildlife roams and the wind dances. The heart of the home exudes a timeless feeling, drawing you in, having witnessed hours of home-cooked meals. The original hardwood floors hold memories of lengthy conversations.

It's all grounding and imperfectly wonderful. The blend of light cabinets, granite countertops, wood floors, handmade creations, wood, copper treasures, and well-loved antiques is more beautiful than a photograph can describe.

The stovetop potpourri and crackling of the wood-burning stove embrace you warmly. Don’t move; take it all in, for your senses are telling you that you're home. As we pull ourselves from the warmth of the crackling wood-burning stove...

We're greeted with a beautiful piano adorned by curated finds. Around the corner sits a living room patiently waiting for the night, ready to embrace this family for hours of reading adventure books together.

As we make our way upstairs, we're greeted by three bedrooms. The darling girl’s bedroom is painted in a creative and earthy whimsy of its own. The boys' room is a dream with plenty of space for play and exploration or to slow down and cozy up with a good book.

Leaving the home through the mudroom, you see a tiled floor lined with rubber boots of all sizes, revealing the love for the outdoors. Outside, take in the beautiful trees and notice the roosters and hens free-ranging and foraging in this season’s garden.

Catch a glimpse of wild barn kittens enjoying the last sun-rays of fall. To fully enjoy and capture this moment, it will require intentional dedication to be and take in the silence. For as you sit in the silence, the louder it becomes.

The distant crackling of the wood-burning fireplace, the pitter-patter of bare little feet, the crowing of roosters, distant barking, a family sitting together to read a book, the symphony of the woodlands, the dancing of the wind... all are the heartbeat of a handmade home. Listen, it grows louder and louder, welcoming you to stay.

By: Ariela Bakken