TMS Architects have completely transformed an old barn in Stratham, New Hampshire into a warm and welcoming countryside house. The scope of this project entailed updating the main house and an old barn on the property. The main house would be used as a rental, while part of the barn would be their living quarters. Most of the interior was constructed using reclaimed materials and decorated with pieces that hold nostalgia.

The homeowners of this beautiful home and barn had resided in the area for years and were considering downsizing. Their only needs for a locale would be internet and a nearby airport. However, the more they considered leaving, the draw of staying close to family helped them to devise an ingenious alternative in lieu of leaving their family home.

Design Solution: Carving out a section of an existing barn to create an efficient and cozy new home.

Design Challenges: Integrating modern technology such as wireless lighting control and radiant flooring into the barn while maintaining the history and feel of the original structure.

Since the main house, built in 1709, was attached to a large barn that had been constructed in 1805, they decided to rent out the main house to their son and turn a portion of the barn into their living quarters. The homeowners had a concept and rough floor plan but wanted to make sure that it was (1) a sound idea and (2) that it be engineered and designed properly.

Initially, the wife sold the idea to her husband by convincing him all they really needed to do was “add a wall.” The barn restoration project was a bit more complicated than that but the result is a wonderful example of creativity, sustainability, and re-purposing.

Above: A quote, written on a blackboard near the barn kitchen, beautifully sums up the philosophy of this renovation. “Sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe

The majority of the barn’s interior is constructed from re-purposed materials and decorated with collections and memorabilia important to the homeowners. All of the wood floors are made from reclaimed wood, Victorian tin panels were salvaged from a nearby building site and the slate used on the kitchen floor was mined in Pennsylvania to match the slate used in the farmhouse.

What We Love: This barn restoration project offers a unique solution of keeping a family together, yet in separate housing. We love how this old barn has been given a new life, using re-purposed materials to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. All of the personal collections and memorabilia decorating this home adds character and charm. The countryside setting adds to the overall appeal of this stunning family home.

Tell Us: What design details in this home caught your eye? Are there any elements you would change? Please share your thoughts in the Comments, we love reading your feedback!

Note: Have look at a couple of other inspiring home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of TMS Architects: Beautiful New England cabin designed for relaxing lakeside getaways and Dreamy lake house in New Hampshire nestled on the water’s edge.

Above: The floors are reclaimed from another barn and are skip planed Bull pine. They are finished with a product called Waterlox with a final flat coat to give it the rich warm finish. The wood was sourced by Longleaf Lumber in Cambridge, Mass.

Above: In the bathroom, is a vintage sink found by the homeowners.

Above: In the home office, the closet doors are from the original barn.

The new renovation maintained the door that originally connected the barn to the house but also created a new main entry, marked by French doors, for the homeowners which is actually located inside the barn.

Photos: Rob Karosis Photography