Choosing the Country: A Family’s Move to Rural Arkansas
Inside the Mourot’s rural Arkansas home designed for family, togetherness, and enjoying the simple things.
Anyone who has lived in the country knows it’s often the little things that make rural life special.
It might be the sound of birds in the morning, the freedom to roam, or being able to step onto your back porch in pajamas without an audience. Sometimes, it’s something as simple as watching a squirrel gather nuts.
For Melanie Mourot, that unexpected moment became a reminder that life had finally slowed down.
Last summer, Charlie and Melanie Mourot were busy building their forever home on family land near Morrilton. Construction crews came and went, decisions needed to be made, and their plans were slowly turning into reality.
Now, the family is settled in and enjoying the slower pace of life they had dreamed about for years.
The home sits on property that has been part of Melanie’s family story for generations. It’s the same land where her grandfather spent his childhood, making the project about much more than walls and windows.
“It’s fulfilling knowing we’re raising our family in the exact same place my grandpa grew up,” she said. “Keeping this land in the family brings us so much pride.”
The Mourots previously lived in a subdivision, but country living has brought a new appreciation for simple things.
“Being close to family and slowing down has been the best part,” Melanie said. “I’ve spent time just looking around at God’s creation—the trees, wildflowers, animals, and the lake. I actually got to watch a squirrel gather nuts for the first time in my life.”
When designing the house, one of Melanie’s biggest wishes was to have a sunroom with a view of the water. Almost a year later, she says it’s everything she hoped for.
“We drink coffee there on weekends, listen to my grandparents’ old records and enjoy the view,” she said. “I prayed it would be what I dreamed of, and it turned out even better.”
The kitchen and living room are the family’s favorite places to gather, and all three of them often end up spending time there together.
For Charlie, some of the best moments happen right outside their back door.
“Being so close to the lake is hard to beat,” he said. “Sometimes after dinner we’ll put the boat in and just ride around for a few minutes and watch the sunset.”
Perhaps the most meaningful part of settling in has been watching their son, Jonah, enjoy life surrounded by open spaces, family land, and outdoor adventures.
One favorite memory came during January’s snowstorm when the family spent an entire week snowed in together. Another comes almost daily as they watch Jonah explore the property on his four-wheeler.
“Seeing him truly enjoy this land and the lake makes all of it worth it,” Melanie said.
For Farm Credit loan officer Shelby Bradley, helping families build homes is about much more than financing. “Knowing these homes will impact a family for years and the memories they’ll make inside them is the most rewarding part,” she said.
Bradley worked with the Mourots from construction financing through permanent financing, allowing the family to work with the same lender throughout the process.
“When you’re building a home, trust and communication are everything,” Bradley said. “Our goal is to make sure families know exactly who to call and that we’re here to help every step of the way.”
Looking to the future, the Mourots hope their property will always be a place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy life’s simple blessings.
“I hope our grandkids visit us here one day,” Melanie said. “I hope they love the freedom this place gives them and the chance to enjoy nature and simple living.”
For now, the plans have become reality, the construction is finished, and the family is exactly where they hoped they would be.
Home.
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