Liv and Sam Barnsley, a husband-and-wife duo, have turned their dream of raising a family in Northern Michigan into a thriving business while staying connected to their roots abroad. Their journey has been marked by their shared passion for architecture, interior design, and European antiques, as well as a bold leap into flower farming.
A Shared Dream: Building a Business and Family Across Borders
Liv and Sam Barnsley first crossed paths at college—Liv at the University of Southern Mississippi studying advertising, and Sam at William Carey College, where he was playing soccer and studying finance. Their mutual love for architecture and design would later fuel their entrepreneurial journey together.
After finishing their studies, the couple moved back to Liv’s hometown in Northern Michigan. There, they launched their business, House on Horizon, which specializes in interior design and the sale of antiques. The couple frequently travels to England, Sam’s homeland, to source European antiques, which they sell from a 11,000-square-foot warehouse in Elk Rapids.
“Our dream for the business was to have more flexibility in where we spend our time,” says Liv. “After having children, we wanted them to be close to their grandparents, so we launched the antiques side of our business to allow us to travel back and forth between the U.S. and England more frequently. We also love the challenge of finding quality European antiques, which is difficult in the States.”
Living the Dream: A Flower Farm and New Adventures
While they had no prior experience, the Barnsleys also bought a flower farm, further pursuing their vision for a well-rounded lifestyle. Their journey with the farm has been an exciting and fulfilling part of their dream, blending their love of family, nature, and creative pursuits.
The House Hunt: A Home Found from Abroad
In 2018, the Barnsleys bought their first home, selling it in 2020. During a 12-week stay in England with Sam’s family, they found their current home on Old Mission Peninsula—by FaceTime. The couple’s dedication to making each home their own with renovations that enhance its value is a constant in their lives.
“We always looked for homes where we could make cosmetic upgrades,” says Liv. “In both homes, we installed hardwood floors throughout, gutted bathrooms, and removed dated textures from ceilings, adding our personality with wallpaper and trim.”
Their Current Home: A Fixer-Upper with Promise
Their current home on Old Mission Peninsula is a four-bedroom property in need of some TLC, including the universal plea to eliminate carpet from bathrooms. Sam and Liv took on many of the renovation projects themselves, embracing mistakes and experimentation, all while learning new skills along the way. Their efforts have made their house a reflection of their tastes and their vision for a dream home.
Their story is a testament to the power of pursuing passions, maintaining connections across borders, and creating a home where family can thrive.
