Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” and Tim Busfield, famous for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” made a significant life change after marrying in 2013.
They traded the glamour of Los Angeles for the quiet charm of small-town Michigan, Busfield’s home state. After five years, in 2018, the couple moved to Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Gilbert, now 58, was cast in “The Dead, 1904,” an immersive theater adaptation of James Joyce’s novella, while Busfield, 64, continued his directing career and took on roles in shows like “Law & Order:
SVU.” Despite their professional success, Busfield missed the fresh air, and Gilbert recognized the need for an escape from city life. This desire for a retreat led them to Highland Lake, N.Y., in Sullivan County.
They found a small, run-down structure within their budget. The house had peeling stucco, halfhearted half-timbering, and an interior filled with the previous owner’s clutter. Mice, mold, and mildew were significant issues, but the couple saw potential.
The kitchen’s dropped ceiling concealed a cathedral ceiling, the loft was perfect for a music room, and the living room featured pine paneling and a fireplace. The property also included 14 beautiful acres.
Gilbert describes their decision to buy the house in her memoir, “Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered.” She writes about overcoming the initial shock of the dilapidated condition and envisioning the home’s potential.
They purchased the property in January 2019, named it “the cabbage” (a blend of “cabin” and “cottage”), and began planning renovations.
While finances were tight, their determination and hands-on approach drove the project. Busfield’s admiration for Gilbert’s work ethic is evident. “You see that she has overalls on,” he said, noting her readiness to get to work with a hammer in hand.
Melissa Gilbert and Tim Busfield left Hollywood to embrace a simpler life, transforming a no-heat, mouse-infested cabin into a cozy retreat. Their journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to their resilience and love for each other.
