Of all of the project at the new farm , I do n’t believe there has been one as exciting for us as converting an old , existing thin - to barn into a new indoor / outdoor party barn – complete with a broil kitchen and outdoor eat up space !
One of the reasons that prompted our move to the Modern farm was space . As in have more space to have larger garden and farm case . That , of course , include our free garden class ( which we ca n’t expect to do again ! ) , and one of our pet of all , farm to mesa dinners !
Even more exciting is the fact that we will be host one of our children ’s weddings at the farm this fall . As I write this , I chortle at the Logos exciting – because I could also put terrorise . As in terrified that everything will go as planned !
But one thing is for indisputable , to host events on a fairly regular cornerstone , and particularly a wedding , you sure as shooting call for a protected space . And that is precisely where the estimation of make a party b from an old , dilapidated skimpy - to barn on the new property come from . With that in intellect , here is a look at the project from start to destination !
One of the things we overleap most about our onetime farm and homestead was our original barn and outdoor kitchen orbit . In fact , we both knew as shortly as we determine to move we would have to revivify a similar feature at the fresh attribute .
The one-time barn had so much history and part . We build up the master copy by combine the beam and boards from two , 100 year old barns . I still think of us tearing them down and moving them piece by piece to the property . It was a long but rewarding process !
When we purchased the raw farm , one of the thing we were most excited about was the property had an existent but very old lean - to barn already on the land . It was certainly wear a snatch . And quite hard to even get to through the overgrown brush .
The unspoilt news is that it was still structurally sound . The beams were strong , and the woodwind instrument siding was in great shape minus some missing nails and screws . That alone made the project worthwhile . After all , you just ca n’t trounce or replicate an erstwhile barn smell with new wood .
So we rig about thinking of a way to salvage the b and make it work as our event space . And that all started with trying to create a visual modality for what the distance would be used for , and how we wanted it to look and feel .
How To Convert An Old Barn Into A Party Barn
Every adept project has to take up with a sight . It is something we believe in more than anything else . If you do n’t have sex what you desire to cease up with , it ’s hard to get there . It does n’t mean things ca n’t and wo n’t commute , but for us , it definitely all starts with that initial dreaming .
For us , the vision for the space was to make a across-the-board open space for entertaining . Both with some under cover outer space , and some out in the open . We knew if we could clear out the old lean - to and sum up a underwrite front and a back entertaining space , there would be plenty of room .
For the primary surface area in front , we had plenty of open distance to add a courtyard for even more entertaining region . One that could also be tented for even more covered space . Finally , more than anything else , we wanted to rebuild our out-of-door kitchen space , with a hearth , grill area and a pizza oven for feeding our friends , family line and guests .
We figured if we could condition off all of those boxes , we could shroud all types of weather . And even more , still keep the feeling of the political party barn opened and airy . Once that vision was set – the work began !
It took an intact large dumpster to hold the mental object of the honest-to-god horse b . In gain to sort out older metal , feed bags and low meth , we transfer old horse Master of Arts in Teaching , rabbit coop , and an bond hog pen in the back .
Then it was time for a little excavating . We consider the live grime storey down 12 inches to make enough way for a gravel base and concrete floor . We rent a small-scale mini excavator to do most of the work . It made it riotous , easy , and most importantly , save a lot on our spinal column !
The original barn had a 36′ x 18′ main area , and an extra side list - to that measured 10′ x 18′. To produce enough space for a expectant event , we knew we would call for to add more covered infinite , and lean - to ’s were the perfect alternative .
Not only are lean - to structures fairly simple to install , they are also extremely economical . Even better , they keep infinite connected but still opened .
For the project , we installed two more thin - to ’s off the front and back , each measuring 36′ long and 12′ deep . To make the back skimpy - to accessible , we disregard in space for two sliding b door . We did the same for the existing side lean - to , which we turned into the kitchen area & bar .
Next it was time to pour the floors . With succeeding events design , we decided to use concrete for the entire story . In our old b , we had originally put down reclaimed brick and gravel . Both were cost effective , but just too serious as tripping hazards .
I think , by far , our favorite part of the labor was creating the out-of-door kitchen , hearth and entertaining orbit in the back of the barn . We both love to grille . We both jazz to enjoy time with people . This space permit us to each of those and to also enjoy the open air while doing it .
The main grille , pizza oven and fireplace blank space all start up with a cementum block base . Using cement block yield the construction amazing strength . It also happens to be fireproof and well-to-do to spread over with stone or brick to put up up to nearly anything Mother Nature can throw at it .
The main grill in the Seth up is what is live as an Argentinian grillwork . It can be fired up with charcoal gray or wood , and has the ability to be lour or raised to adjust the heat storey . It is wonderful for cooking for big crew and can address a circle of food at once .
We finish out the cooking region with a pizza pie oven and out-of-door fireplace . We love wood fired pizzas , and they are great for feed a lot of people fast . It can make three pizza at once in about two minutes – and is so much playfulness to expend . The fireplace will also have a grate instal to be able to prepare soups as well , and will certainly be prissy to light on coolheaded nights .
In monastic order to keep the space receptive and with an outdoor feel , we wanted to add a court for folk that just desire to be out of doors and enjoy the wise air . The earth in front of the old barn was considerably lower , so to start , we brought in about 80 tons of filling dirt to level it up .
We wanted the courtyard to feel like the center space of the area . At it ’s edges are two of our born-again shed cabins that face into the court . It makes it courteous for hoi polloi who are ride out the night to simply walk to the cabin . See : How To deform A Backyard Shed Into A DIY Cabin – Simple Living At Its Best !
At one corner of the court we ramp up a homemade firing pit from the local stone we institute on the property . We then finished the quad with a limestone base and pea gravel to make it durable and yet easy to walk on .
Off of the main area , we also impart a walkway to a small privy / shower house that has two full bathrooms to cover any visitors . All of the bodily structure can be accessed via paseo and connect to the main court .
We really wanted to keep the lighting and electric arrangement simple . We brought in power from the main power rod to a pocket-size pigboat - panel , and then put everything in galvanized electrical conduit . Not only does it weather well , the galvanized look is perfect for the barn . It also keeps it all looking neat without a crew of conducting wire everywhere .
We instal multiple outlets all around the inner walls and along the back kitchen wall . These will be good for conciliate crock pots , red-hot plate and more .
For lighting , we used LED string lights . They provide good deal of light for events without being overpowering . Add in that they apply little electricity and they are a win - win for add up ambiance at little toll . We even produce a barn wood pendant from them for the centerpiece from old beams from the b . Product Link – Outdoor Heavy Duty String Lights
The new party barn will have its inaugural event this downfall with the marriage ceremony of one of our children . I ca n’t think of a better fashion to ruin it in – and hopefully it will be the first of many unbelievable memories for the new distance !
To say we are uneasy , spooky and excited for it all would be the understatement of the year ! Here is to saving old barns and giving them a new life-time ! glad Living , Jim and Mary .
Jim and Mary Competti have been spell horticulture , DIY and formula articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm . The two are frequent speaker system on all matter gardening and love to go in their bare time .
