Saturday, July 9, 2011

Barn Renovation

Our barn is probably close to 100 years old and is in need of some TLC. Last year we had a new roof put on our barn and this year my husband is going to tear the exterior wood down and put up new board and batten siding. We both tend to agree that we'd like to convert the barn into living space and we sort of have an idea how we'd like to do that, but as with any huge renovation (and we've done plenty), there are so many variables to take into consideration. We've gone 'round and 'round about finishing with windows, doors, plumbing, decks and even an attached greenhouse/sunroom but some best laid plans are worked out as you go along.

Here are some before pictures I took early this morning:

South Side

West Side
 West Side 
(I spy a red orange tractor!
My husband informed me the tractor isn't red but orange.
Goes to show what I know!!!)

North Side

 East Side

East Side

If you have any links to converted barns, please pass them along. We'd love to see what others have done and perhaps they would help with some ideas or suggestions. 

Will keep you updated on our progress as we go along.

5 comments:

Kathy said...

cool looking barn.. will be interesting to see what you come up with...
xx

Pat said...

This is something Lou and I have always talked about doing...finding an old barn and turning it into a home. I do remember that years ago on This Old House there was a barn renovation. Maybe you can find it on PBS website. Can't wait to see what you do with your barn.

TheCrankyCrow said...

That barn is gorgeous....I know it needs restoration - but something about that old weathered wood just makes my heart sing....Good luck with your project....sounds like a huge and expensive undertaking....There was an article in "Living the Country Life" a few months back about some barns that have been restored and made into like bed and breakfast type things where people bring their families and stay and find out about farm life....A couple of the barns were impressively restored and they had info on that. The magazine is free - and they have a website (www.livingthecountrylife.com) and perhaps you can get a back issue....Have a great weekend! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

TheCrankyCrow said...

PS - Just found it - the article was entitled "Barn Beautiful - Tips on Restoration" and it was in the Early Spring 2011 issue (vol. 10, No. 1)....If you have problems tracking it down, let me know and I'll send you mine....Robin

TheCrankyCrow said...

uhhh duh....me again....Not to confuse you - but there are actually two separate articles - one is about the barn b&b's - and how people have converted their barns - and then there's the actual barn restoration article I referenced specifically. Can't put my finger on the b&b article at the moment - but it may be of interest also - and I believe was in an earlier volume than the restoration article....Sorry for the discombobulation!! :o) Robin