When you move into a new house, you typically call movers. But what about when you need to move the house? Former antiques dealers Ross and Theresa Halverson (@millhousemanor) admit that even their movers questioned their sanity when they set out to transport a run-down, century-old grain mill a bona fide country mile in the name of giving it a second life as a home. “Fortunately I caught them at the right time,” Theresa says. “It was in the middle of a Wisconsin winter, and the movers had nothing to do.” By the time the frame was bandaged up to survive the drive, March had rolled around and the ground had thawed out and sufficiently firmed up.The next challenge? Finding a contractor brave enough to get up on, and replace, the ramshackle roof. Once that was complete, the hardwood floors had to be redone, the entire structure needed to be insulated, and the equipment had to be cleared from the mill. “It took four years before we actually slept in the place,” Theresa says, “but all along, we saw possibilities.” So now that they’ve (finally!) seen the light at the end of the tunnel, what’s next for the couple? Says Theresa: “We just bought a railroad depot!”Love Converted Properties? Check Out These Other Homes: Before: Exteriorcourtesy of homeownerThis former grain mill was in total disrepair—it needed a new roof, solid floors, working windows, insulation, and more.After: ExteriorAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingA top-to-bottom transformation of a dilapidated, 169-year-old industrial building is certainly not your run-of-the-mill makeover. But thanks to the Halversons’ vision, a daring contractor, and open, airy design elements (not to mention hundreds of gallons of white paint), this Wisconsin labor of love is beautifully back to the grind. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowBefore: Living Room & Dining Roomcourtesy of homeownerWhen the Halversons bought the mill, the floors weren’t safe for walking. Ross and a friend removed the damaged boards, put in a subfloor, and then laid prefinished oak on top.After: Living RoomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe cream cotton-twill sofa was a no-brainer for Theresa, who says she easily tires of bolder patterned fabrics. The corresponding off-white reclining chairs were 75% off at a local going-out-of-business sale. “My husband always says if you wait long enough you can find it cheaper somewhere!” she says. The top of the coffee table is an old storm door with 10 beautifully weathered windowpanes.KEEP IT COZY: Varying shades of cream and ivory and strategic pops of texture (waffle knit, cable knit) on the pillows and throws keep the all-white room fresh, not sterile.RELATED: 21 Farmhouse Living Rooms That Are Rustic, Cozy, Modern, and MoreAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: Dining RoomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe mill’s 12-foot ceilings called for an abundance of drapery fabric, so Theresa opted for budget-friendly painters’ canvas drop cloths. The panels frame the yellow pine table that Ross made using old porch posts and parts from a flour-making machine salvaged from the mill. “We wanted to keep as much stuff as possible from the mill in the mill,” he says. Ross also crafted the light fixture out of tractor chains and an old pulley that once hoisted hay.KEEP IT COZY: Pinch-pleats on the curtains add depth but feel far from formal.RELATED: 20 Best Warm White Paint Colors For Every Room in Your HouseAfter: KitchenAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingSalvaged fixtures hang above the sink, island, and breakfast areas and enhance other neutral features like the white apron sink (a steal at $90!) and kitchen cabinets, both of which Theresa scored at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Butcher-block countertops keep things grounded.KEEP IT COZY: The iconic “schoolhouse” silhouette of the pendants reinforces the home’s nostalgic, “remember when” vibe.RELATED: Our Best White Kitchens That'll Inspire Your Next RemodelAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: PantryAnnie Schlechter for Country Living“The pantry is a very dark, small space,” Theresa says. “It would have looked like a dungeon if I had painted it dark. The white backdrop highlights my vintage Jadeite dishes that line the shelves inside.”RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Collecting JadeiteAfter: LandingAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingA pew-like bench and shelf provide an inviting seating spot on the second level.RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage OnlineAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: BedroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingBecause the first two floors of the mill have an open, atrium-like setup, the couple used a jib crane to move a large king-size bed to the second floor. The four-poster bed was “originally the color of peanut brittle,” Theresa says, so Ross painted it white and Theresa then outfitted it with a cream-colored silk coverlet, a stitched quilt, and Euro shams. “I find white linens so welcoming,” she says. KEEP IT COZY: Pleats, pintucks, and stitching add interest and texture to otherwise-understated bedding. RELATED: 35 White Bedroom Ideas for a Totally Serene Sleeping SpaceAfter: BedroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingThe bedroom area’s two-piece cupboard sat in storage for years. After getting a whitewash, it now stores quilts, blankets, and sheets. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: Sitting AreaAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingShelves nestled between pre-existing support beams make for the perfect spot to stash knickknacks and antiquing scores, including Theresa’s beloved collections of ironstone and Haeger pottery. Purely decorative, the old barn ladder gives the nook, which is adjacent to the bedroom, a library-like feel. KEEP IT COZY: Clusters or groupings of like things—books, vases, botanical prints—help a room feel layered.RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Collecting Ironstone PotteryBefore: Bathroomcourtesy of homeownerThis space felt anything but relaxing and spa-like! Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAfter: BathroomAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingRoss and Theresa wanted to stay true to the mill’s original white walls. “I wanted a white that wasn’t in your face—something with a softer tone,” Theresa says. She opted for Antique White by Conco from Menards. The semigloss can be found on all of the walls and trim throughout the home. KEEP IT COZY: The texture of the tongue-and-groove planks keeps the all-white palette from feeling too crisp or cold.RELATED: Creative Clawfoot Tub Ideas for Every Bathroom After: OfficeAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingWisconsin is the cheese state, so Theresa didn’t have to venture far to find a cow to photograph. “Cows are quite photogenic, and I knew I wanted something with creams and neutrals that could work in any room in the house,” she says. “I just loved her white face and those cream-colored ears!” KEEP IT COZY: Spray-painted in a creamy hue, the weathered wood frame adds rustic, reclaimed charm.