Owning a dream home is something many of us strive for—a symbol of personal achievement, dedication, and the result of years of hard work. Now, imagine receiving that dream home for free. That’s exactly what happened to Julie and Eddie Flores, a couple from Kansas, who unexpectedly became the proud owners of a historic Dutch Colonial house in Lincoln. Their story is a heartwarming example of how opportunity, determination, and community support can turn a once-abandoned property into a beautiful family home.

Julie and Eddie, parents of three, had no plans of moving when they first traveled to Lincoln, Julie’s hometown. While visiting, they stumbled across a neglected Dutch Colonial house with a weather-beaten exterior and overgrown yard. But what looked like a decaying structure to most sparked something in them. Beneath the peeling paint and sagging roof, they saw potential—a hidden gem that could one day become their dream home.

Word soon got out on social media that a historic home was being offered for free. Local buzz quickly spread, and a small community committee began reviewing applications from interested candidates. The only catch? Whoever received the house had to restore it, preserve its character, and commit to living in it as a family home.

Julie and Eddie saw their chance and decided to apply. They met all the committee’s requirements, including their promise to maintain the home’s historical integrity and use it as their primary residence. To their delight, their application was accepted. In a world where housing prices are climbing higher every year, the Flores family had just received their dream home—for free.

Of course, getting the house was only the beginning. The real work started with the restoration. The couple documented their journey on social media, sharing their progress and the many surprises they uncovered inside the old house. From sealing open areas and removing rotted porches to rebuilding the roof, every project brought them one step closer to their goal.

During the gutting process, they discovered relics of the past that added even more meaning to their mission. One of the most touching finds was a set of children’s handprints dating back to 1973, preserved in the walls like a time capsule. While charming, not every discovery was so pleasant. They also encountered cockroach-infested insulation, a challenge that tested their patience—but not their determination.

One of the biggest hurdles was physically moving the house to its new location. The job was handled by Unruh House Moving, a company that specializes in relocating large structures. Julie and Eddie watched in awe as their future home was carefully lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported two miles down the road. The sight of their dream house inching along the street was surreal, and it marked a major milestone in their journey.

Currently, the Flores family is staying with Julie’s parents while renovations continue. It hasn’t been an easy road, but their spirits remain high. They’ve set their sights on completing the work by Thanksgiving, and they estimate the total investment will come to around $95,000. While that might seem steep, it’s a fraction of what a home of this size and history would cost on the open market.

More importantly, Julie and Eddie are making this project about more than just themselves. They’ve turned it into a community effort by working with local businesses and tradespeople. It’s become a shared mission—restoring not just a house, but a piece of local heritage.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that homeownership isn’t always about shiny new builds or move-in-ready listings. Sometimes, it’s about seeing value where others see decay, about rolling up your sleeves and breathing new life into something forgotten. Julie and Eddie’s journey shows that with hard work, vision, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

As they continue to pour their energy into this renovation, the Flores family is also creating something even more meaningful—a place filled with history, love, and hope for the future. What started as an abandoned house is now becoming a true home, one that will be cherished for generations to come.