In an intriguing tale that blends family life with a unique setting, Ashley Berken, a 39-year-old executive director, has found her dream home in a former funeral home located in Wisconsin. Living with her wife Beth and their four children, Berken was on a quest to secure a spacious home that could accommodate their family as well as two home offices. After perusing numerous standard properties, the couple stumbled upon a stunning 4,500-square-foot Victorian house priced at $300,000—at the upper end of their budget—with multiple bedrooms and an impressive master suite that Berken affectionately calls her "mom sanctuary."
Much to their surprise, they soon realized that their newfound home had a rather unconventional history; it was previously a functioning funeral home. The discovery was made when Berken noticed ramps in the garage meant for transporting bodies. Despite initial apprehensions that others might have about living in such a locale, Berken found excitement about the history embedded within the walls of her new home. She had long been inspired by the coming-of-age movie My Girl, which featured a similar setting, leading her to reverberate feelings of nostalgia and connection. For her, the idea of living in a space that had witnessed countless emotional moments had a profound resonance, embodying a rich narrative deserving of continuation.
Transitioning from a modest 1,000-square-foot home, Berken reflects on how the former funeral home may have offered them a unique opportunity that other properties did not. While some people might shy away from living in such a setting, for Berken and her family, it has proven to be an ideal environment. The couple has found joy in their new surroundings where they live alongside their two wiener dogs and three cats, and the family’s diverse collection of plants appears to be thriving in the home.
As they’ve settled into their new abode, Berken has taken to social media to showcase various aspects of the property, including its unique historical features. Through her TikTok account @thefuneralhomehouse, she has garnered a significant following by sharing renovation projects and highlighting the peculiarities of their home. In one viral video, she displayed the embalming room and casket showroom, describing the practical features originally designed for the funeral services. The reactions to her videos have varied widely, with viewers sharing opinions ranging from excitement about the home’s new purpose to humorous suggestions regarding potential hauntings.
Among the comments have been words of support from individuals connected to the funeral industry, praising the effusion of life Berken is infusing into the old space. Some viewers enthusiastically suggested that the embalming room could serve as a plant sanctuary, while others playfully posited ideas about spiritual cleansing. Despite skepticism from some, who expressed that living in a former funeral home felt reminiscent of a horror story, Berken reassures everyone that any presence lingering in the house is embraced positively. The family’s experience living in such a storied home has been largely joyful, although they jokingly acknowledge some quirky occurrences, like sections of furniture mysteriously vanishing.
Berken’s journey has deepened her connection to the home and its past. She uncovered stories from residents who used to live there while their family operated the funeral home, enriching her appreciation for the space. These snippets of life from the house’s previous chapter have only strengthened her commitment to nurturing its legacy. Through Berken’s engaging storytelling and the enchanting history of their home, her family transforms a place once associated with grief into a vibrant home filled with life, laughter, and the love that abounds within its walls.
