As many of you well know packing season is in full swing. Ed is in the saddle most days and will be until Fall. I'm Ed's daughter Anne. I'll be taking the reins on the blogging until the trail work is done. You can still reach him by phone or email, though he may not be quick to respond. In his absence I'll be getting you up to speed on their other big project...building a new barn home.
Not ones to shy away from adventure Ed and Sue undertook a new project this last year It has long been a dream of theirs to build a barn home and they finally did it!
We happen to live near one of the country’s premier barn kit companies, Uncle Howard’s Barns. It all started with meetings with the design staff and after that many a discussion at home. There are several barns in our area to see and extensive photos from other people’s projects. So many choices and Dad & Sue not being the kind to jump into the fire they took their time.
Howard Horton, the owner, personally worked with them to get the design just right. It started with their popular 32’ x 36’ Western Classic style. From there the project took on a life of it’s own and before we knew it they had added two 12’ x 36’ partially enclosed sheds, dormers and an upper deck.
Their goals:
· Open living area with character and room to write, read, watch a good movie or soak in a claw foot tub.
· Deck overlooking the pastures. A place to enjoy a good cup of home roasted coffee, a heavenly cigar and the occasional nip of fine Irish Whiskey.
· Commercial kitchen for trying out Eddie’s infamous recipes. Space to can and dry the veggies from our overly abundant “lasagna” garden.
· Spacious craft room for Sue to paint, sew, wood work or whatever strikes her fancy.
· Warm, dry shop with room to build and maintain packing gear.
· Built in tack area and room to move around
This was the start of something big. Sometimes it was an exercise in patience. Others time a chance to make the dream come true. In the end it will be a place to call home...
Future posts will include the fun and creative ways Ed and Sue are making their barn home unique.
