Architecture Wednesday: A Connecticut Barn

Goddess, I love a barn. Rustic or new; timeworn or modern. I love the high ceilings and the mix of materials. I want a barn, dang it.

And this one, in Greenwich, Connecticut, is perfection. It was built in Albany, New York, in the 1860s, and was then transported to Connecticut to have a new life, using all of the original timber framework.

The remaining timber was used for the exterior siding and trim work, interior flooring, walls and ceiling boards. Details from the exterior of the original barn inspired the new design of the doors and windows, a chimney, cupola and the conservatory.

The conservatory is wonderful space can be enjoyed  during all four seasons, as it has both air conditioning and heat along with a radiant floor.

Inside the barn, a spacious interior allows for a great room with an open layout and plenty of space for sitting and dining areas. A grand floor-to-ceiling fireplace anchors the room, along with large arch top windows on either side. Additional windows and a cupola helps to flood the interiors with natural light and are appropriately scaled and detailed to complement the barn aesthetic.

On the other end of the great room is an open concept kitchen, which includes a custom designed wet bar composed of reclaimed wormy chestnut. The custom built-in cabinet was designed to appear like a hutch, yet functions as a wet bar and even has a refrigerator concealed in the bottom. And, most important—for me—is the basement wine cellar, outfitted with antique timber for the shelving and ceiling beams.

The barn provides 3,100 square feet of living space with a balcony sleeping loft, and a full bathroom.

Okay, yeah, 3,100 square feet is a lot of space for a one bedroom home, but perhaps I failed to mention that this is not the owner’s home. This is what they call the Entertainment Barn, for parties and such, with a guest room for those who don’t stay in the main house on the state.

Kinda makes me wanna see the main house …

One Kind Design