What is a Bardominium? 10 great examples with photos

Photo: airbnb.com

Farmers have combined their living spaces with barns for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that it’s become a fashionable rather than purely practical choice. Property developer Karl Nilsen coined the term “barndominium” in 1989, initially to describe properties that provide a home (or land) as well as a boarding house for residents’ horses. Barndominiums today can be new construction or existing barns that have been retrofitted to make them habitable. Ahead, check out some stunning examples of the style of the house that will inspire the design of your own barndominium plans.

Timber frame Airbnb

This barndominium in upstate New York is new wood-frame construction that incorporates reclaimed wood for a warm, vintage vibe. The spacious Great Room, which features high vaulted ceilings and a stone chimneymanages to be comfortable despite its open plan layout. The home sits on 18 acres of land, so it offers privacy and scenic views, and tenants can also enjoy a hot tub and fire pit.

Connecticut charmer

Rebuilt in 2011, this home in Woodbury, Connecticut features wide plank floors and exposed beams, retaining its original charm. While barndominium homes often have open floor plans, this one includes many smaller rooms for a more traditional feel. Even so, at 3,600 square feet, it still offers plenty of room for crafts and hobbies. A large bonus room serves as a games room and is the perfect place for a game of pool. A built-in porch is ideal for year-round entertaining.

RELATED: 10 small house plans with big ideas

Silo staircase

A number of unique elements set this Wisconsin barndominium apart: a ceramic silo shelters a spiral staircase, while a large greenhouse just off the kitchen offers plenty of opportunities for growing indoor herbs and vegetables. The converted barn features hand milled oak floors, cherry woodwork, stained glass windows and a cavernous great room.

Contemporary Vintage Mix

Blending reclaimed vintage elements with modern upgrades, this Hudson River Valley barndominium interior achieves the perfect blend of comfort and contemporary. Crisp white walls are juxtaposed with wooden beams for an interesting visual effect. Old window sashes used as room dividers define the living spaces while maintaining the open aesthetic and allowing light to flood the entire space. Although the house is spacious, there are still plenty of intimate nooks to settle into.

RELATED: All you need to know about exposed ceiling beams

Interior balcony

While many barndominiums use all available square footage as living space, this property in Seminole, Texas sets aside a significant portion of the barndominium floor plan area as multi-purpose workspace. The 1,795 square foot workshop offers plenty of room for farm equipment or even running a small business. The interior of the home combines crisp white walls and cabinetry with richly colored wood accents.

Custom manufacturing

Located near Lake Corpus Christi in Texas, this bespoke barndominium is packed with custom features. The great room includes a 16 foot stone wood burning fireplace as well as knotty pine rabbet for a rustic vibe. Living space measures 1,769 square feet, while the adjacent 30-by-40-foot boutique features an upstairs loft bedroom. The exterior is just as remarkable as the interior, with a beach entrance bowl which features a waterfall and stone bubbler.

RELATED: Shiplap vs. Tongue and Groove: What’s the Difference?

New ecological construction

Building a new barndominium offers opportunities for eco-friendly upgrades, and this Airbnb in upstate New York has taken full advantage of the opportunity by incorporating locally produced and recycled organic materials as well as energy efficient appliances. The home’s aesthetic unites industrial and natural elements, and large windows bring the beautiful rural setting inside.

RELATED: 10 Innovative Materials Ready to Make Home Building More Sustainable

Single level layout

Many barndominiums are too big for couples or small families, but this one-level Tennessee version has a total area of ​​just 1,500 square feet. In this space there is room for three bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a comfortable main living area, all of which have tongue and groove ceilings. The property sits on 44 acres, surrounded by rolling hills and pastures.

Creative corrugated steel

Bardominiums can be constructed from a number of different materials, but corrugated steel is a popular choice for its durability and affordability. The steel exterior of this 2,400 square foot barn in Commerce, TX exudes rustic, old-fashioned charm, and the huge upstairs loft offers room to expand.

Industrial cement floors

While many barndominiums embrace a rural aesthetic, others lean more towards industrial design. Smooth cement floors are one way to bring an urban touch to a barn home, as seen in this 2,500 square foot property in Caldwell, Ohio. The home sits on a 5 acre mini-farm and includes a convenient 30ft by 40ft barn with five stalls and two lofts.