Melissa Gilbert's Charming Escape: Life In Upstate New York

Let me tell you, folks, there’s something magical about Melissa Gilbert’s journey from the small screen to the serene countryside. You might remember her as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, and after nine seasons of portraying that iconic character, Melissa found herself inspired to create her own little slice of prairie life. In 2018, she and her husband, Timothy Busfield, decided to make a bold move to upstate New York, where they purchased a beautiful cottage nestled in the Catskills. It’s like she brought a piece of Laura’s world into her real life!

A Home for Family and Memories

Now, let’s talk about this breathtaking property. Spanning 14 acres, it’s not just a home—it’s a haven for Melissa’s blended family. She’s a mom to Dakota Brinkman, her son with her first ex-husband, Bo Brinkman, and Michael Boxleitner, her son with her second ex-husband, Bruce Boxleitner. Even though those marriages didn’t last, Melissa remains close to Bruce’s kids, Sam Boxleitner and Lee Boxleitner. And then there’s Tim, who brought his own brood into the mix—Wilson Busfield, Samuel Busfield, and Daisy Busfield. Together, they’ve created a harmonious household filled with love and laughter.

The Journey to Farm Life

When Melissa and Tim tied the knot in 2013, they weren’t exactly planning to become farmers. But life has a way of surprising you. “We bought this ramshackle hunting cabin, and I started going crazy: Let’s have chickens, let’s have cows, let’s have a horse!” Melissa recalled in 2022 after releasing her book, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered. This wasn’t just a hobby—it was a full-on transformation. Melissa dove headfirst into the world of DIY farming, learning how to grow her own vegetables, start fires to keep the house warm, and care for their animals. It’s a far cry from her days on Dancing With the Stars, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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Finding Courage in Laura Ingalls

It’s no surprise that Melissa credits her time on Little House on the Prairie for shaping who she is today. “I aspire to be courageous in everything I do, and a lot of that is like Laura,” she said. Playing Laura Ingalls taught her resilience, determination, and the value of living a simple, meaningful life. Those lessons stayed with her long after the show ended, influencing her decision to embrace this new chapter. It’s like Laura Ingalls lives on through Melissa’s choices and passions.

Renovating with Love

When Melissa and Tim first laid eyes on their new home, they knew it needed some TLC. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work, installing floating shelves, painting the walls in fresh, inviting colors, and planting roses outside. It’s not just about aesthetics, though—it’s about creating a space that reflects their values and priorities. Family is at the heart of everything they do, which is why their home is filled with cherished photos. “We have a Polaroid camera that we keep here, and when someone comes to visit or stays over, we take pictures and add them to the wall,” Melissa told the New York Times in 2022. It’s a beautiful way to document the memories they’re making together.

So, as Melissa and Tim continue to build their life in the Catskills, they’re doing it with intention, love, and a whole lot of heart. Keep scrolling to get a closer look at their charming home and the life they’ve created in upstate New York. Trust me, you’re going to want to see it for yourself!

Ready to take a tour? Keep scrolling to explore Melissa’s cozy countryside retreat.