From Abandoned Farm Relic to Dream Home: How a Rusting Silo Became a Stunning Retreat

A peaceful drive along Highway 50 into rural Kansas gradually removes the rush of modern life. Cars become scarce, phone service fades, and vast skies take over. In West Chase County, among soybean fields and a quiet creek, an unexpected home comes into view.

What was once an abandoned farm silo has been transformed into the Owl’s Nest Silo House. The setting is deliberately calm, designed to help visitors slow down, unplug, and reconnect with a simpler pace of life.

The idea came from Gerald Wiens, who built a small log cabin on the land in 2019. His goal was simple: create a rustic retreat for occasional weekend guests seeking peace and privacy.

The response surprised him. During the pandemic especially, demand for secluded getaways grew rapidly. The Paw Print Cabin was booked over 180 nights in one year, showing how strongly people craved quiet and personal experiences.

Encouraged by this success, Gerald turned his attention to a nearby unused silo. Instead of tearing it down, he imagined giving it a new purpose as a home.

Transforming the round concrete structure was challenging. Circular walls required careful planning, detailed sketches, and multiple design revisions before the vision became reality—a four-story, 45-foot-tall, two-bedroom residence.

Inside, the silo feels warm and inviting rather than industrial. Thoughtful design, comfortable furnishings, and a focus on reuse define the space. More than a unique home, the Owl’s Nest represents creativity, preservation, and the power of reimagining what already exists.