Down a quiet, woodsy lane near the Woodstock School of Art there's a red barn. But, this isn't just any old barn. Built in 1864, the building was converted to a home in 2009. The modern-rustic renovation created a 3,000-square foot interior, awash in sunlight thanks to new windows and double French doors.
"The conversion of a barn to a residence is quite a challenge," says Judy Steinfeld, a real estate agent with Halter Associates Realty. This particular remodel took an innovative approach to reclaiming interior space to create a liveable structure. "The current owner's renovation created a chef's kitchen/dining area on the main floor from the former 30-foot hayloft." Adding the ceiling over the kitchen allowed for the creation of a large master bathroom on the top floor. The eat-in kitchen beckons the home chef with modern appliances and a generous center island.
The historic barn's original post-and-beam construction remains on display in the home's impressive great room with 13-foot ceilings and a brick fireplace. A first-floor bedroom boasts custom built-in shelving and could easily double as a den or study. The stairs are accented by a rustic-yet-delicate tree-branch banister.
On the second floor, the master bedroom sports two walk-in-closets, a loft office area, and a reading nook. The en-suite bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with handmade artisan tiles and a river rock floor, plus two handcrafted vanities. Down the hall, the third bedroom easily offers enough space to add an additional bathroom. The entire house is energy-efficient and comfortable, with two-zone central heating, on-demand hot water, and central air conditioning.
Dogs Welcome
Nature is never far away in this barn home. Just off the kitchen, a large screened-in porch features a bluestone floor and a wood-burning stove so you can snuggle up and commune with nature even on the chillier days of the year. A separate back deck offers a great vantage point to survey the changing seasons. The 3.5-acre property also includes a fenced-in area for doggies, a shed, stone walls, and mature trees. Plus it's within walking distance of Woodstock's local swimming hole, "Big Deep."
"This property will appeal to a person who wants the cachet of living in a 155-year-old barn structure," Steinfeld says. But with all the modern conveniences of a Contemporary house, completely surrounded by the beauty of the Catskills, it seems that just about anyone would feel at home here.
With the very walkable Woodstock just five minutes away, the barn's new owners will have lots of opportunities to soak up the village's signature creative spirit. Listen to live music at the Colony or the Lodge, catch a movie at the arthouse theater Upstate Films, grab meals both fancy and low-key from the many restaurants including Silvia, Cucina and the Garden Cafe, peruse local artwork at the many galleries, or shop at boutiques like Birchtree, Lotus or Clouds Gallery.
"Woodstock is truly the most famous small town in the world with a vibrant culture of artists, writers, musicians, galleries, and unique shops," says Steinfeld. "Its bucolic surroundings provide nature at her finest in the Catskill Mountains, which offer outdoor activities all year round."
Just don't ask where to find the site of the 1969 Woodstock concert, which took place about 60 miles away, lest you risk a subtle and well-deserved side-eye from locals!
In love with this barn home? See the property listing for 56 Easton Lane, Woodstock.
