Fun & Games in the Barn

After completing multiple projects for this client over a decade, we were invited back for the grand finale; restoring a large bank barn. Occasionally a place for large gatherings, it was primarily used for storage. As the barn was showing its age, it was time for a renovation and a permanent place on the property for hosting parties and for fun and games. There were many phases of this major barn restoration project. The roof, siding, and windows were all replaced. Each window and door was carefully prepared with custom trim and custom stain or paint to match the era of the barn while also providing the benefits of insulation inherent in new materials. We kept as much of the original integrity and materials of the original barn as possible, encompassing historic details, while also bringing the renovation to 21st century standards.

The bank barn entrance has a custom-made French door unit with transoms above, and new sliding doors that appear like the original bank barn doors. For the loft, we had custom glass half walls made to maintain safety while also having an extra area above. On the low side of the barn, we wanted a functional door, while maintaining the original charm. The solution? Turn the outer door into a shutter, and then have a working door behind it. The lower level was very cold in the winter, so we installed a tankless water heater with circulator valves, running hot water into a manifold, which heats the floor and provides an even temperature, perfect for entertaining and playing games. The spiral staircases are a great connecting point for each level without taking up extra space.

Part of the charm of restoring old barns are all the special finds that can happen during the process. John calls this “construction magic”. We found the original year of 1836 carved in the wood, engravings and carvings that were done by children from generations ago, old barn boards as wide as nearly 20 inches, and ladder rungs showing wear and tear from years gone by. Additionally, the woodwork we installed around the new windows was carefully scribed around all of the nooks and crannies and stonework to make it look like it grew right out of the wall, a true story of history in the making.

Click here to see the home gym we built from an old chicken coop on the same property.