DEERFIELD TWP. — The first morning Lindsay and AJ Rowe woke up in their new home, it was her birthday; and it was a spectacular gift.
The Rowes and six of their children narrowly escaped a fire that destroyed their 1906 farmhouse in Deerfield Township near Hartland in March 2023. All were rushed to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Some had broken bones. AJ suffered burns. Their son, Gunner, was in the hospital for some time. Two dogs died.
Still, they survived.
Their harrowing story captivated the community, who showered the family with support through a GoFundMe fundraiser and donations.
Three hundred and eighteen days later, the Rowes moved into a new farmhouse on the same footprint as their old one. On the same farm, they operate Rustic Marine, a home décor, woodworking and event company that supports veteran-owned small businesses. AJ, a veteran himself, is a woodworker.
“For the first time in their lives, all of the kids have their own bedrooms,” Lindsay said.
“The big kids were, like, gone, in their rooms,” AJ said. “They still spend a lot of time in their rooms.”