Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: 19th-Century Family Farmhouse
An Ohio family's historic home is loved and transformed through five generations
Imagine an 1820s farmhouse that's evolved into a sprawling country estate featuring a fascinating mix of repurposed buildings, reclaimed materials, centuries-old antiques, vintage collectibles, modern accents, and an 80,000 gallon pool. That’s Green Bend Farm, a King family heirloom for five generations.
The original farmhouse got an impressive makeover in 1950 when it was moved on a truck, gutted, restored and split into two sections that were then connected by an addition and greenhouse. In the years following, Green Bend Farm, located northwest of Columbus, Ohio, transformed into the one-of-a-kind property it is today. The name Green Bend comes from the name of the town near the old farmhouse.
The home's fourth-generation owner, Joseph King, passed away in 2003. His son, John, now lives there with his wife Patricia. John and Patricia are my parents.
They enjoy hosting family and friends for the holidays, pool parties and other social gatherings. A long-standing tradition at Green Bend Farm is a festive Fourth of July party, which also features an impressive fireworks show.
The original farmhouse got an impressive makeover in 1950 when it was moved on a truck, gutted, restored and split into two sections that were then connected by an addition and greenhouse. In the years following, Green Bend Farm, located northwest of Columbus, Ohio, transformed into the one-of-a-kind property it is today. The name Green Bend comes from the name of the town near the old farmhouse.
The home's fourth-generation owner, Joseph King, passed away in 2003. His son, John, now lives there with his wife Patricia. John and Patricia are my parents.
They enjoy hosting family and friends for the holidays, pool parties and other social gatherings. A long-standing tradition at Green Bend Farm is a festive Fourth of July party, which also features an impressive fireworks show.
Joseph and John, Green Bend Farm’s fourth- and fifth-generation owners, worked closely together to transform the house and property into the country estate it is today. "I'm so proud to be able to carry on the farm's legacy and build upon its rich history," says John (pictured in the far-right photo).
The living room, part of the old farmhouse, features detailed molding reminiscent of the Georgian architectural era in which the home was built. The room now serves as both a living and dining room and is filled with antique collectibles and furniture. "Designing the room was a unique challenge," Patricia says. "I had an abundance of furniture and accessories that originally came from many different households and many different eras. But after creatively arranging everything, the room came together beautifully."
One unique piece in the living room is an antique drop-leaf desk bought at an auction many years ago. John recalls giving it the nickname "the Spanish desk" as a child because he thought the man painted on it looked like a matador.
The entryway boasts an antique library table and Victorian chairs set against a dramatic backdrop of botanical wallpaper. Unique features of the space are its front and back doors for cross ventilation.
An antique cranberry-glass pendant light adds visual interest to the small anteroom adjacent to the powder room.
A favorite gathering space for generations is the home’s den, which was originally the farmhouse’s kitchen. It features ash floors and paneling, which add warmth and coziness to the room. "Even though it's no longer the kitchen, it still seems to be the favorite room in the house. A roaring fire in the fireplace just seems to lure people in," says John.
The farmhouse grew in size with the addition of a kitchen, upstairs bedroom/bathroom and greenhouse after it was moved to its current location. This circa-1950 photo pictures Green Bend Farm's fourth-generation owner, Joseph, his uncle and a local farmer building the addition.
In the summer months, life at Green Bend Farm centers around the property’s 80,000 gallon pool, which was constructed out of steel around 1950.
Unique features in the kitchen, which was built along with the addition, include a slate floor, vintage stainless-steel countertops and backsplash and ash cupboards hand-built by John’s great uncle.
What’s now a free-standing building on the property was once the ice house at a nearby Christian camp. The building was saved from demolition, moved to Green Bend Farm in the early 1970s, and repurposed as a library. "Today you hear so much about sustainability; the materials from this building would have ended up in a landfill if Joseph hadn't moved it to the property," says Patricia. "He was very resourceful and really had a unique way of thinking for his time."
Inside the building are hundreds of old books stacked on cedar bookshelves that add a distinct scent to the space. Each step of the custom made spiral staircase includes the name and birth date of a family member.
Part of the original farm was an old granary used to store corn, wheat and oats. The building was moved along with the farmhouse and restored using reclaimed cypress from an old water tower. "Joseph's creative use of materials in the cabin is yet another example of his green spirit," says Patricia.
Today the building serves as a rustic and cozy cabin where antiques and family relics create unique decor. It also features one of the property’s four wood burning fireplaces.
The newest of spaces at Green Bend Farm is the property's pool/guest house, built in 1996. The building has a living room, two bedrooms, a full bathroom and billiards room.
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The newest of spaces at Green Bend Farm is the property's pool/guest house, built in 1996. The building has a living room, two bedrooms, a full bathroom and billiards room.
More Houzz Tours:
Mobile, Modern Farmhouse
Virginia Wine Country Cottage
Warm Country Charm
Next: Tour hundreds of inspiring homes
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John and Patricia King
Location: Northwest of Columbus, Ohio
Size: 135 total acres, Green Bend Farm rests on a 20-acre wooded lot surrounded by open fields.