Architecture
Rustic Roundup: 5 Barn or Barn-Inspired Homes
Homeowners are hitting the hay in spaces that recall a farm — and the interpretations range from literal to far afield
The shape of a barn is so classic and familiar that it's only natural that we are drawn to them. They dot the rural landscape with color and iconic shapes. Inside, soaring spaces and rough-hewn timbers are pleasing as well. So pleasing that it makes us want to kick the animals out and move in ourselves. Check out five converted barn or barn-inspired homes to see if life in a barn is for you.
Looking at it after the renovation, it's hard to believe that it still had dirt floors and mud walls when they began.
Open space and rough-hewn beams ensure that they'll never forget their home's humble yet charming roots.
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2. New Jersey
This unique home, designed by Sandvold Blanda Architecture and Interiors, sits on a former farm, and the property next door is still farmed, so a barnlike style was a fitting choice.
This unique home, designed by Sandvold Blanda Architecture and Interiors, sits on a former farm, and the property next door is still farmed, so a barnlike style was a fitting choice.
The main portion of the house (left side) was originally a barn structure from Vermont and was purchased as an unfinished shell.
While the exterior of the home fits right into its semirural landscape, the interior has an unexpected contemporary loft look. The designers took full advantage of all the open space the barn shell provides.
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3. California
I would swear that this home used to be a barn, but I'd be wrong. It was simply a dull house that architect Mark English gave barnlike appeal. Elements like stones, board and battan siding and rough-hewn timbers transformed the home's facade.
I would swear that this home used to be a barn, but I'd be wrong. It was simply a dull house that architect Mark English gave barnlike appeal. Elements like stones, board and battan siding and rough-hewn timbers transformed the home's facade.
English made the house look like an assemblage of pieces that had been added on over time. This stone entry looks like that of an old farmhouse in Tuscany or in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The barn inspiration gave this bedroom a wonderful structure of rustic beams for sleepers to gaze up at from bed.
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4. Georgia
This is my favorite house in my neighborhood (Virginia-Highland in Atlanta). The original house is a former dairy barn, and the addition to the left was designed by Samuel Mockbee, aka Sambo, the late founder of Rural Studio. I blogged about the house years ago, and the lovely owner saw the post and invited me over for a ginger beer and a tour.
This is my favorite house in my neighborhood (Virginia-Highland in Atlanta). The original house is a former dairy barn, and the addition to the left was designed by Samuel Mockbee, aka Sambo, the late founder of Rural Studio. I blogged about the house years ago, and the lovely owner saw the post and invited me over for a ginger beer and a tour.
Though the neighborhood is now full of small lots and bungalows, the beautiful gardens on the property maintain the spirit of the original rural surroundings.
Fun fact: An editor at Metropolis was originally in touch with the homeowner regarding a story on Emma Gardner rugs (one is shown here), but when he found out the home had a Sambo-designed addition, the focus of his story changed abruptly.
5. Minnesota
Viewed through its vineyard's vines, it's obvious from afar that this home designed by Bill Costello of Murphy & Co. Design is something unique.
Viewed through its vineyard's vines, it's obvious from afar that this home designed by Bill Costello of Murphy & Co. Design is something unique.
Inside, spacious volumes are flooded with light and have expansive views, which connect the large building to its beautiful agricultural surroundings.
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More:
10 Wonderful Farmhouses
On an Architect's Bucket List: To Live in a Barn
See the rest of this home
More:
10 Wonderful Farmhouses
On an Architect's Bucket List: To Live in a Barn
When the owners of a + b kasha designs came across this barn/gardener's residence in Normandy, they knew they had found a project that would challenge and reward them.