The Historic Barns of the USA

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Barn Conversions

Barns were, initially, for farm animals, machinery, and feed. Because we do not have those same needs, the barn, which was at one time a necessity, has lost its function in some communities. The re-purposed dismantled lumber, salvaged from the old barns, is oven used in other structures that do not resemble barns. Whole barn have often been transformed into schools, houses, churches, and taverns. Fine dining venues, wedding centers, taverns, and large churches have taken the place of the barns, to continue the story of an era past. Some of these beautifully transformed buildings still look like barns. Others once renovated, are so different that it is almost impossible to tell that they once hosted the cows and chickens in that community.

Many of the new conversions have turned into useful building, like the Farmington, Massachusetts Leaning Center, for the Deaf School. Taking an existing barn, and converting it to something modern and usable, has been a trend that has spread across the country. In Massachusetts, there are many other buildings, housed in former barns now functioning, as successful businesses or homes.

There are companies that specialize, in barn conversions. They take the various types of barns and transform the interiors into living spaces that are wide and open. With the addition of period furniture, this creates unique homes which are in high demand in many communities. Some homeowners have opted to turn old barns into indoor pool houses, saunas or 'rumpus rooms' for the kids.

For the creative communities that have renovated barns into churches, it is a good use of an empty building. The barns are usually big enough to accommodate a large congregation, without adding too much to the existing building. The old barns are centrally located, and the church becomes a new dimension to the already historical barn story.

Sprinkled throughout the country, there are antique shops set up in old barns. Parts of the building can function as an auction house, and the other part of the barn holds the antiques and collectibles. Just imagine, walking into a room that is full of vintage artifacts - in a building that is also an antique. Using old barns as antique shops is a popular use for the empty buildings.

Many restaurants which were converted from barn to dining rooms dot the countryside. Some of the eateries are themed, serving up country menus, specializing in either beef, or Bar-BQ pork. However, in some parts of the country, the barns that have been renovated represent fine dining, serving meals on linen, having a wait staff in black and white, and making the diners forget that they are eating in a once-humble building!.

Wedding centers are another example of businesses which are utilizing the unoccupied barns. The facilities, once renovated, offer the brides-to-be everything they need for the weddings, including room for flowers, clothing, a place to perform the ceremony and the banquet facility for the meal and entertainment.

Other conversions have included outdoors sports stores that cater to fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiles. The shopper can find anything that has to do with the outdoors at these stores. Canoes, kayaks, and backpacking equipment abound for the person looking for outdoor sports gear. Rifles, knives, and other hunting equipment are also available for the avid hunter.

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