Small Barn, Big Project

The front of the relocated/repurposed barn.

An overhead door has been ordered.

A bit of background for those who may be new to our story.

When we purchased this property in autumn 2018, it consisted of 20 acres [more or less] a trash and rubble filled site where the former owners' house had burned, [mysteriously, we were told]  a pole barn with open-ended extensions on each side. The dirt floor was packed with dried manure, both interior sides were lined with crudely built animal pens/stalls. 

On the edge of the north wooded ravine, near the site of the burned house was the small barn we took to calling the 'snake shed.'

Gaps under the eaves and under the swing-out doors gave easy access to large black snakes who found it an ideal place to retire while shedding their skins. 

{ I entered the shed only in winter when I assumed the serpents would be sluggishly hibernating elsewhere.]

Inevitably the shed became storage space for a rotation of equipment and tools, other oddments that hadn't found a permanent place.

From time to time I mentioned that it was a shame some good purpose couldn't be found for the building. We even mentioned how an ell could be added, windows and doors installed to make a studio apartment. But--we didn't want a renter and there were always other projects ongoing.

Jim put considerable effort into refurbishing the pole barn, sectioning off a large workshop area and cementing a floor, having foam insulation installed, as well as a mini-split for heat and A/C.

The side extensions housed an ever-changing succession of project tractors, garden and lawn equipment, a wood splitter. Further attachments were a lean-to greenhouse and woodshed. 

I'm not going to dwell here on the fire which took the building, three vehicles, three vintage tractors, and all of Jim's considerable inventory of carpentry and mechanical tools and supplies.

It happened.

Dealing, or trying to deal, with the insurance company has been ongoing frustration.

Weeks of laborious and dirty cleanup, the hauling away of burned out vehicles, tool chests and scarcely recognizable objects were necessary before a decision could be made about how--and how much--to rebuild.

Jim explored the option of a new metal building, decided that by the time he purchased one, had it set up and then finished the interior, the cost would be more than he wanted to invest.

I cautiously mentioned the small barn as a replacement, didn't get much feedback.

Jim likes to keep his schemes and plans to himself until just ready to implement them!

The little barn tucked at the edge of the woods.

Deer and wild turkeys often foraged around the barn. In the left of the frame is a second-hand 'skid building' that Jim bought several years ago to hold yet more overflow of tools and such.

The smaller building is now positioned behind the barn with a covered connecting 'alley.'

When Jim decided to repurpose the building, he removed the loft, saving all the lumber.

The wooden doors were dismantled and the boards added to a growing stack.

 

Weeks of labor in hot weather before the building was reduced to a roofed shell.

A new cement pad was poured sized for the small barn.

Our grandson donated a day or two of helpful labor;

Our son and grand daughter showed up early on Father's Day to facilitate the grand move. 

They were likewise here to lend their hands after the barn had been relocated.

Last minute considerations.

Of course the dogs were here for the event!

Halfway up the lane--and caught on a hummock.

Howard also had to lop some branches that were overhanging the lane.

Not sure if the videos of the actual move will post.

It was a tense but ultimately triumphant half hour! 

Blogger is protesting that the videos I wanted to include of the barn move 'exceed file limit.'

I'm working from my small laptop with the few photos and videos I've managed to load from my iphone, juggling cords and plugs to transfer some hastily taken photos from my Canon Power Shot.

My desktop PC has gone to the computer shop to have its contents [hopefully] transferred to a new unit. 

Techy stuff isn't my forte, but I hope this post can serve as a partial update for those who have asked for a progress report.