Swapping LA Glitz for Country Grit, Melissa Gilbert & Her Husband Moved to a Rural Home Filled with Mold, Mice, and Detritus – Inside Their Farm Life

The couple’s first glimpse of their modest home was anything but reassuring, and the overwhelming scent only made it worse. They coined the name “the cabbage,” blending the words “cabin” and “cottage” into a fitting moniker for their unusual dwelling.

Melissa Gilbert and Tim Busfield married in 2013, each for the third time. They left behind the fast-paced life of Los Angeles to settle in a quiet Michigan town where Busfield has deep ties.

Melissa Gilbert and Tim Busfield’s Journey to a Simple Life

For Gilbert, moving to Michigan wasn’t just about leaving Hollywood — it was the fulfillment of a childhood wish. Growing up in Los Angeles, she had always imagined life on a farm.

“I experienced the Hollywood version while working on ‘Little House on the Prairie,'” she explained. From 1974 to 1983, Gilbert portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder, affectionately called “Half-Pint” on the beloved series. “There were chickens, cows — I even had my own horse named Peanuts. I loved playing Laura because I wanted to be like her.”

Although the actress embraced country living, five years felt like the right amount of time. In 2018, she and Busfield traded their quiet Michigan town for Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Gilbert quickly stepped back into theater, taking on a role in “The Dead, 1904,” a stage adaptation of James Joyce’s novella. Busfield kept busy directing and acting in television, with appearances on “Law & Order: SVU.”

Despite their professional success, something was missing — especially for Busfield. As Gilbert shared in her memoir, “Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered,” “It became important for us to have a place where we could escape.”

The need for a retreat from city life led Gilbert and Busfield to an online search, which pointed them to Highland Lake, New York — a quiet spot in Sullivan County.

Buying a home there was no conventional choice. “This is one of those places that most people would say, ‘Are you nuts?’ if you expressed interest in buying it,” Gilbert admitted. “But Tim and I are the best kind of nuts. We’re hopeful visionaries. We knew this house would shelter us well and serve us well.”

What they could afford was far from picture-perfect — a small, neglected structure with peeling stucco, questionable half-timbering, and a cluttered interior left behind by the previous owner. Mice, mold, and mildew only added to the challenge, but beneath it all, they saw potential.

Renovating With Creativity and Determination

By January 2019, Gilbert and Busfield officially owned their new home, affectionately naming it “the cabbage” as a blend of “cabin” and “cottage.”

With a clear vision for renovation, they set to work, balancing creativity with a tight budget. Due to financial constraints, the Hollywood couple took a hands-on approach to their renovations.

Their resourcefulness guided every design decision. When they found a well-sized but drab gray sofa, Gilbert refreshed it with burgundy slipcovers, cushions, and fabric. She applied the same creativity to a loveseat, using a floral pattern and checkered dust ruffle. Her DIY efforts extended to assembling a windmill ceiling fan and a table saw.

Some tasks, like kitchen demolition, plumbing, and wiring, required professionals. But the couple brought the personal touches to the space, crafting a retro diner-inspired look.

Repurposed bowling alley wood became red-painted floating shelves, while standard cabinets decoupaged with vintage recipes provided character to their kitchen. In a similarly homely style, a corrugated tin panel, aged with vinegar, served as a backdrop for cast-iron cookware.

A farm table with chrome-and-red-vinyl chairs completed the aesthetic, alongside nostalgic décor, including Donald Duck and Olive Oyl figurines, Lincoln Logs, and a vintage Coca-Cola syrup bottle.

Unlike in past homes and marriages, where Gilbert handled everything alone, this time was a true partnership. She admitted her usual approach was to take charge and present a finished space, but with Busfield, the process became collaborative.

The transformation of their home continued over time. Gilbert and Busfield later replaced the windows and painted the exterior a warm shade of yellow. That spring, they added shutters and planted climbing roses, with plans to build window boxes in the summer.

While the house met most of their needs, an extra bathroom remained on their wish list. In the meantime, they relied on a functioning outhouse and additional bathrooms in the RV they purchased for guests. “In my opinion, a house is never finished. It’s always a work in progress,” Gilbert said.

As their home took shape, so did their connection to the outdoors. During the COVID lockdown in 2020, Gilbert and Busfield introduced raised garden beds for herbs and vegetables and built a chicken coop. Now, seven hens roam the property.

For Gilbert, the experience unlocked a long-held desire for this way of life. Settling into their land and discovering its possibilities brought a sense of fulfillment she hadn’t expected. The shift felt almost surreal, and she described it as “heaven,” grateful for the life they have created.

As Gilbert embraced a simpler way of living, she also let go of past beauty standards. Once dependent on Botox, fillers, and cosmetic procedures, she eventually reevaluated those choices.

She recalled looking in the mirror while living in Los Angeles and not recognizing herself. Her face appeared overfilled, her lips unnaturally plumped, and her forehead motionless.

She still dyed her hair red, drove a Mustang convertible, and maintained a size two figure in a way that wasn’t healthy. What she saw was a version of her younger self that no longer felt authentic. Realizing she was resisting the natural aging process, she made a choice to embrace it. But to fully do so, she knew she had to leave — not just Hollywood, but Los Angeles itself.

Letting Go of Hollywood Beauty Standards

Gilbert fully embraced a more natural lifestyle, letting go of beauty enhancements and societal pressures. She stopped dyeing her hair, had her breast implants removed, and focused on feeling her best rather than chasing a certain look. The decision brought unexpected rewards.

With a stronger sense of self, she felt more confident and secure in her own achievements. Life became simpler, and she appreciated the extra time no longer spent in salons or doctor’s offices. She also credits Busfield for his encouragement in an interview, calling him her “sweet husband.” Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, which she views as a priceless gift.

Finding Strength in Love

She believes that feeling truly comfortable in her own skin, especially after menopause, has deepened their connection. “I love that we are together now at this point in our lives,” the veteran star said, grateful for the journey they have shared.

Gilbert and Busfield’s love story began at a time when neither was actively seeking romance. After two previous marriages each, they found something unexpected in one another. Their paths first crossed at an event in 1991, but they truly reconnected in 2012. Just ten days after accepting Gilbert’s Facebook friend request, fate brought them together at a bar.

That night, she was waiting for her friend to return when Busfield walked in, holding a pizza. They struck up a conversation, and by the end of the evening, they were so engrossed in each other that they hardly noticed anyone else.

Busfield had originally gone out for a meal, a beer, and to watch a game. Arriving at his usual spot, he was surprised to find someone sitting in his chair — Gilbert. He briefly stepped back outside, later describing the moment as something out of a movie. Comparing it to “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” he recalled thinking, “Why does it have to be snakes?”

At that point, he hadn’t been on a date in six months. But when Gilbert smiled, everything changed. Captivated, he asked her to brunch the next morning, and from that day forward, they were inseparable.

When asked about the key to their lasting marriage, Gilbert credited their deep mutual respect and partnership. More than anything, she emphasized the joy they bring each other. “We make each other laugh all the time,” she said, calling Busfield her comfort and the person who makes her feel safest.

Gilbert often shares her love and appreciation for Busfield, and their anniversary was no exception. In April 2024, she celebrated the occasion with an Instagram post, featuring a throwback photo from their wedding day.

“Eleven years ago today. I am the luckiest girl in the world,” she wrote, tagging Busfield and adding, “I love you!” She included hashtags like #anniversary and #luckygirl, expressing her gratitude for the life they share.

Melissa Gilbert and Busfield have embraced a lifestyle centered on independence, hard work, and personal fulfillment. Trading Hollywood for a quieter existence, they turned a neglected house into a place of comfort and character, proving that vision and determination can transform any space.

Their relationship has grown stronger through teamwork, mutual respect, and a shared appreciation for life’s simple joys. With each new project and chapter, they continue to build a future that reflects their priorities — one defined by creativity, purpose, and unwavering support for each other.