Many people dream of owning their perfect home, a symbol of hard work and success. Imagine getting that dream house for free. Julie and Eddie Flores from Kansas experienced this life-changing event when they acquired an old Dutch colonial house in Lincoln at no cost.

The couple, with three children, initially had no plans to relocate. However, during a visit to Julie’s hometown in Lincoln, they discovered an abandoned Dutch colonial house that, despite its worn exterior, revealed hidden treasures inside.

The couple fell in love with the house’s potential and envisioned it as their forever home.

The catch? The house needed to be relocated within a year, or it would face demolition. The Lincoln County Hospital & Healthcare Foundation offered the house for free to a new owner who agreed to move it.

The news of a “free house” spread rapidly on social media, leading to a local committee handling the selection process.

Eddie and Julie decided to apply, meeting the criteria set by the committee, including a commitment to keep the house in Lincoln and use it as a family home.

Their bid was chosen, and they officially became the new owners, securing their dream home with no financial exchange.

The couple embraced the challenge of renovating the house. Documenting their journey on social media, they shared their progress and the surprising discoveries during the restoration process.

Their renovations included replacing the roof, removing porches, and sealing open areas to prepare for the relocation.

Gutting the home revealed interesting artifacts, including children’s handprints from 1973. Despite encountering challenges like cockroach-infested insulation, Julie and Eddie remained dedicated to preserving the house’s history.

The most significant task was relocating the house, a process entrusted to Unruh House Moving. Eddie and Julie closely followed the move, witnessing their dream home being lifted onto a truck and transported to a new plot of land just two miles away.

Now residing in a house owned by Julie’s parents, the Flores family faces the ongoing challenge of completing renovations.

With an investment of approximately $95,000, they aim to finish the renovations by Thanksgiving, making their home a community project by collaborating with local businesses.

Despite the hurdles, Julie and Eddie’s journey symbolizes the transformative power of dedication, community spirit, and the joy of turning an abandoned house into a cherished family home.

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