Melissa Gilbert's Journey From Little House On The Prairie To A Serene Life In The Catskills

Starring in Little House on the Prairie for nine seasons taught Melissa Gilbert so much! In fact, the Emmy nominee used her character as the inspiration behind her real-life move to a small town in upstate New York. She purchased a beautiful cottage in the Catskills with her husband, Timothy Busfield, in 2018.

Melissa's story is a captivating one, revealing how the lessons learned from her iconic role shaped her life choices. Living in a serene 14-acre property in the Catskills, she found a place where her blended family can gather and create lasting memories. This beautiful cottage serves not only as a home but also as a refuge where Melissa can embrace her passions and the joys of family life.

As a devoted mother to her children, Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner, and stepmother to Wilson, Samuel, and Daisy Busfield, Melissa has always prioritized family. Despite her busy career, she cherishes the moments spent with her loved ones, nurturing a close-knit family dynamic that reflects her values.

Biography

Table of Contents

• Family Life in the Catskills
• Embracing Nature and Farming

Family Life in the Catskills

After marrying Tim in 2013, Melissa became a stepmom to his kids, bringing together their families in a tranquil setting. Living away from the hustle of city life, they enjoy the simple pleasures of life as grandparents and farmers. Melissa shares, “We bought this ramshackle hunting cabin, and I started going crazy: Let’s have chickens, let’s have cows, let’s have a horse!”

Their home is filled with family photos, showcasing the love and memories they have created together. Melissa’s dedication to her family is evident in how she prioritizes their time together, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels welcome.

Embracing Nature and Farming

Melissa's journey as a “DIY farmer” began when she took inspiration from her character, Laura Ingalls. She learned how to grow her own vegetables, start fires for warmth, and tend to their animals. “I aspire to be courageous in everything I do, and a lot of that is like Laura," she reflects, emphasizing how her past experiences influenced her present.

Through her 2022 book, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered, Melissa shares her journey, inviting readers to see how she has transformed her life. The couple has made significant renovations to their home, ensuring it’s filled with warmth and memories, making it a true family haven.

“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,” she told the New York Times in May 2022, showcasing the importance of memories in their lives.

Keep scrolling to tour Melissa’s home in upstate New York.