Thursday, October 18, 2007

Do You Live in a Barn?





When I was little, I would sometimes leave the door open when I came in from outside. My father would always say, "Close the door. Do you live in a barn?"






Now, the thought of living in a barn always intrigued me. We had horses when I was young, and occasionally a friend and I would have a sleepover in the barn. I always loved the sounds and even the smells.






These days, of course, I would probably wake up really stiff if I spent the night in the barn, but the thought of living in a barn still intrigues me. I have seen some wonderful barn conversions in books and magazines, and I'd love to see one in real life.






This is my neighbor's barn, which is for sale along with their house. The house is not anything out of the ordinary, but can you imagine what the barn could be if it were converted?






So, anybody want to come and be my new neighbor?

20 comments:

  1. That idea has always intrigued me, as well. I grew up on a farm and always loved the old barn on the farm where we lived. When the machinery was out, it was such a large soaring place..... a bit dark.....but with a skylight here .....and some clear-story windows there. Well, you succeeded in making my mind wander today.....hehehe

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  2. I love barn conversions and just barns in general! There is a beautiful one across the road from me that is for sale.

    Annie

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  3. Oh I would love to be your neighbor and convert this barn! That is such a cute building! I have seen many barn conversions too and they look wonderful. The amount of height and space is amazing. In Holland, the old style farms are all in one. There is a doorway that leads into the barn side of the farm where the animals are. Nowadays, the barn is being built seperate from the house but I still love the old ones.

    ~~ Heidi ~~

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  4. I was told the same thing when I was young and left a door open! And I think it would be neat to live in a barn, I've thought about it too and some of the makeovers are gorgeous!
    Donna :)

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  5. Hi Mary,
    We looked at a converted barn B-4 we settled on our house. They are very neat but immensely expensive to cool and heat. Sorry to be so pragmatic. You are just too funny--spying my plate rack behind my son! I actually built it myself during a woodworking class I took about ten years ago. Sure I'll take a picture--stay tuned!
    Cheers,
    Ann

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  6. I will!! I saw something on TV one time where the whole barn was converted into a house. They had to move it. Imagine seeing a huge barn traveling down the road! Anyway the finished home was stunning and from then on - I knew I needed to change from Victorian to country-style decorating since I didn't think I would ever get that barn.

    Love,
    Julie

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  7. Mary, barns are sure pretty, aren't they? We have some neat ones in my area too & they always catch my eye. THe red ones are the best.

    Rhoda

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  8. Oh how I would love to be your neighbor!! And the idea of living where you do, and in such a place, charms me to no end!!

    *sigh*

    Love,
    Sue

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  9. Our neighbors converted their barn and I loved it!! To this day I still want to live in a barn!

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  10. I think that would be a wonderful home. I lived near a beautiful white church that was converted into a home and I thought that would be fantastic! I think I am drawn to the uniqueness of a structure, rather than the usual fare. Barns and churches certainly would be unique and filled with ambience!

    Melissa

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  11. I have in fact seen one barn conversion. It was gorgeous!

    I have also thought an old barn would be an excellent place for a studio of some sort, like maybe sewing.....Hmmmm, yes that would be great...Hmmmm.... Oh! sorry, I was dreaming:)

    My Daddy like to say a similar quote to me:"Close the door, were you raised in a barn?" I always wondered, is that a rhetorical question? LOL!

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  12. We built a barn on our property after just saying we would...it only took 20 years :). Because it has some living space, we call it our carriage house & a soap kitchen.

    What beautiful pictures you have, actually everything on your blog is beautiful!

    It's something "old" again "new" again so rewarding! Such history in each board.

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  13. Years ago out in South Hampton New York there was an architect who was literally moving wood beams from barns in England and shipping them to the U.S. He incorporated them into his new house designs, which were open concept and truly resembled a barn...only worth millions of course. This one looks like it would make a fabulous art studio. Karen

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  14. My dad used to ask was I raised in a barn. no sir, but I sure hungout there alot. I have always loved and took photos of old barns. I would love to live in one.

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  15. ME!! I would love that barn....and house I am sure. I hope someday to move just one more time, into an old farmhouse again.....
    Penny

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  16. Oh yes! My mom used to say the same thing too!I think it would be so much fun to convert a barn into a home!!!
    ~Des

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  17. I love it! My parents always used the "do you think you live in a barn?" question, too. I love the smell of livestock as well- I guess they planted seeds!

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  18. I would love to but my life is in another part of the world ..I would love to live in a red barn

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  19. Charming!
    Barns intrigue me too.
    Holly

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!