Originally published in Premiere Magazine and republished with permission.
Rural 1st® customers Kenny and Samantha didn’t initially plan on a farm for their retirement. After their granddaughter discovered a passion for horses, their vision shifted toward creating a multi-generational landing spot in northeast Arkansas.
A Grandchild’s Influence
After years of moving around the world during Kenny’s military service, the couple settled in Arkansas in 2020. What started as a fourth birthday pony party for their granddaughter quickly evolved into a lifestyle change.
“We got her lessons to see if she liked it. She loved it,” Samantha said. Within a year, one pony became three horses and the couple decided soon after to build a farm centered around family. “Our forever farm in Arkansas all started because of a grandbaby.”
Building for the Future
For Kenny and Samantha, the design process was about prioritizing long-term needs over short-term trends. They worked closely with their contractor to customize a southern ranch-style home that emphasizes traditional design and durability.
“I grew up on a farm. I want my grandkids to be able to come out here and catch tadpoles in the creek, hunt, fish and ride horses.”
“I don’t want it to be trendy,” Samantha shared. “This is our forever home.” Key features include a focus on outdoor living with large porches for morning coffee and grilling. The couple also prioritized purposeful layouts and functional details like a primary suite connected to their laundry room and extra garage storage with attic access.
For Kenny, the move is a return to his roots. “I grew up on a farm,” he said. “I want my grandkids to be able to come out here and catch tadpoles in the creek and hunt and fish and ride horses.”
A Simplified Journey
Building a custom home for the first time can be intimidating, but Samantha found the one-time close* process with the construction-to-permanent loan with Rural 1st seamless and straightforward.
“At the end of our build, the construction loan converts to a mortgage,” Samantha said. “Rural 1st just makes it so simple and easy.”
They also utilized digital tools offered by Rural 1st to manage their budget. A digital draw management app requires both the owner and contractor to approve draws, providing a double check on expenses. “It’s my first time doing something like this, but everything was so easy and straightforward,” Samantha added.
Family at the Core
Samantha and Kenny’s ultimate goal is to provide their grandchildren with the same rural memories they cherished as children; memories their own children missed out on due to the nomadic nature of military life.
“Our goal was to build this, and our grandkids come out here and not be on video games, but go to the barn, ride four-wheelers and play in the dirt.”
“Our goal was to build this, and our grandkids come out here and not be on video games, but go to the barn, ride four-wheelers and play in the dirt,” Samantha said. With five grandchildren now ready to enjoy the property, the forever farm is ready to serve as a cornerstone for the family’s next chapter.
Interested in financing a rural home build of your own? Connect with a Rural 1st loan officer today to learn more.
*Loans subject to credit approval and eligibility. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Farm Credit Mid-America is an Equal Housing Lender.
