Hello Experts,
I have posted a few questions about our 200 yr old PA bank barn and have always gotten prompt helpful replies. Thank you!
I cannot find anyone experienced in repairing old barns in the area.

My new question revolves around choosing to repair the barn, paint the barn, put in stalls etc. OR
Renovate the barn for a family retreat/living space since there is no house on the property.

I have been advised that the cost of renovating the barn for horses would be far more expensive than building a new barn with a few stalls. I also know that bank barns are rare and beautiful. I would love to have a place to stay in the winter months when I go out daily to care for the animals.

Is it easier and cheaper to just build from the ground up?
I need some guidance. Any ideas?
Thank you. Kristan

Derek:
A "foof" ???????
Is that what you call it in Montana
Jim

That picture with the light shining through was when the Amish gentlemen were replacing the roof and repairing some beams underneath. It is all closed up now with a nice metal roof. That was our first step.

All of the windows on the lower level need replaced, new doors all around, paint? I really think the decision on function of the barn needs to be worked out. I'd hate to spend a tremendous amount of money and time fixing it up with no real purpose in mind.
A "people" living space would be great, as well as hay storage. I would also love an indoor area to groom horses in the winter or rainy season. I do not desire to keep horses inside unless it's an emergency.

Kristan:
There are many countries in Europe, and many barns in the US that have half barn half house, where the people live on one side of the center line and the animals live on the other.
This is not an uncommon thing.
It may be uncommon in your area but the guild has published articles about such barn/houses before, about the ones they toured in Europe and about ones here in the US.
If you want to do it with your barn you may need to get a variance or special permit to legally have a duel use. A permit would allow you to legally live there.
If you just want to stay over a night or two, then insulating your tack room as suggested may work, if you don't mind using an outhouse.
To get a toilet installed you may need permits. And it has to be built right so it doesn't freeze during the winter.

Good luck with your project.

Jim Rogers

Hi; That is an interesting barn. You have already done a lot for the purpose of helping the barn last another 50 years. If you are thinking "retreat" you do not need to insulate, insulation would never pay for itself. Without all of the information, it sounds like you should just do some basic maintance and occasionally camp in the barn.

Jim