Thursday, August 7, 2014

Barn Life

Back in the 70's when we were looking around for a house, a big barn was one of the lures for me. I think one of the reasons was that most of the country capes had some sort of barn attached. Knowing Elenka and I, there was a lot we could do with a barn. Really, the possibilities were endless. In retrospect, with some 30+ years in the rearview mirror, I'm happy we went in another direction and settled for a home without the barn. Thanks to the former owners, we did get a terrific old photo that showed that there once was one on the property. Yes, I'm happy. Well, happy untill I drive by a classic New England farmhouse with one, or I end up at a retirement party given by my friend Kevin and get to enjoy most of the evening listening to the live band and spending time with good ol' friends in one of these. The upkeep on an old house has kept us busy over the years. I can't even imagine a big barn. Ok, yes I can, and I'm shuddering as I type this. 
How would our lives be different?
What would we have done with it?
Knowing us probably something pretty creative.
One thing I do know.
We would have plenty of crap to fill it!
Isn't that running horse weathervane atop it pretty cool?

18 comments:

  1. What an idyllic scene you've pictured today! I love the weathervane and the whole setting. If I was driving down the road I'd have to stop for a photo.

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  2. I'd also love a house with a barn. Or a house at all really. We will be moving into a 2-BR apartment once renovations are finished. It's going to be hard after 7 years abroad in 3+ BR houses.

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  3. it's really beautiful! i think i see an artist's studio for elenka!

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  4. More space definitely equates to more stuff to fill it! A studio would have been great though. I put THE SILVER PONY on reserve. I love Lynd Ward's work but have never 'read' this one. Thanks.

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  5. I've milked cows in several barns and I've hauled manure in several barns, and I don't think I'd want to live in unless the renovation was extensive. Plus, so many had those sliding doors - sheesh, that would be too much to worry about.

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  6. Love the weather-vane Birdman.. I wonder if the American barn is equivalent to the Aussie shed.. or as we call the man-shed :) I think your barn is way better looking!

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  7. Who knew that dream homes can also require a lot of work? A friend of mine just had her bard torn down because it was so old & beyond repair...If I had a barn & land I'd want that horse from my childhood dreams...

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  8. I have an old building too and it is a constant chore keeping things in shape! Love that weathervane.

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  9. Yeah. Barn envy. I know it well. We suffered it for many years. Then we built our retirement home. And a year later up went our "shop building." Not a barn but it has lots of creative space for both of us and no airy, barn-like walls. Best of both worlds. And some of our friends and neighbors now have shop envy. Life is good. (I think I'll post a pretty cool weathervane tomorrow.)

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  10. Barns or outbuildings -- I feel any one of the bunch would make for a great place to live. -- barbara

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  11. Yes, it is pretty cool. I'm probably too old for a barn now too but it has always appealed to me!

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  12. Thought many a time about renovating a barn as a home. Still think about it!!

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  13. Eventually I'd like to get my hands on a place out in the countryside, with plenty of land.

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  14. So many houses here in Maine have old barns attached --great big spacious things. Elenka would have a studio on one floor and you'd have a tinkering/putzing/collecting/music space on another. Lots of music. Parties. Oh, yeah, I can see it.

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  15. In England any old barn seems to get turned into a house. I find this quite sad. I love barns.

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  16. You probably would have turned it into a place to rent for parties, which seems to be a growing trend these days. A business opportunity missed, Birdman!!

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