American Dream Home – Gone Country

It’s been a year since our episode of American Dream Home – Gone Country aired. So, I thought I’d share some behind the scenes.

We filmed the episode over the course of three days in January of 2022. It was cold and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

The production crew chose three homes, including ours, in areas we wanted to live, that they considered comparable.

First thing in the morning on Day 1, we started filming at our home. The scenes where we are having fun playing cards at our dining table and then outside sliding were filmed first.

We were mic’ed up at all times during the filming process. No conversation was private. Tom took it upon himself to tell dad jokes in hopes to make the crew laugh.

There were GoPros in our truck to capture video of our conversations as we drove to the other two homes.

We spent the afternoon of Day 1 at the first comp home. Even though we were told we would not be acting, we did a lot of “takes.”

I was finding it difficult to get excited about the possibility of us purchasing one of the comp homes. It showed in my face, verbal expression, and body language.

Tom did a much better job than me of acting excited about what each of the homes offered.

The producers of the show did the best they could to find two properties that were currently on the market that fit our criteria.

And if I’m being honest, I don’t think either of the homes would have been on our short list when we were looking for a home in the country.

Also, I am very decisive. I would have said no to both when I stepped foot inside. Without even needing to look around.

Hence all the takes.

We spent much of Day 2 filming at the comp home with the wooded entry. Day 3 we were back at our home filming our first impressions.

The real estate agent showing us our home was not an actress. She was the listing agent and we loved her so much we asked if she could be part of the show.

It’s fascinating how the production crew was able to take the hours upon hours upon hours of filming and condense it down into twenty minutes.

Both Tom and I feel they captured the essence of our story of living in the city to now living in the country.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story on American Dream Home – Gone Country and hope it inspires others to trust God’s plan for your future.

Post-production interview with host Cheryl Casone

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6