Renovated Victorian Barn

A mix of French and Gustavian styles throughout this renovated mid-Victorian barn, which was a working farm building until it was converted in the 1980s. Recently, new owners Christina and Nigel Dickinson gave it a complete internal makeover.



















All images from Period Living.

Ina Garten's Barn

I'm sure you've heard of delightful cook Ina Garten also known as the Barefoot Contessa. Today we are going to visit her new -what she calls- barn, constructed behind her main house. She says there was so much going on in the main house with all the cooking, and filming, and writing cookbooks, that she needed another place to go.

Architect Frank Greenwald was in charge of making Belgian country style barn, and Robert Stilin decorated the interiors.

Come with me?


Ina's barn was built on a shady side street of East Hampton, New York.


On the bluestone terrace, Ina prepares to set the table.


In the entry, there is a 19th-century muslin-covered settee and a 17th-century Venetian mirror.


Rough-hewn salvaged beams lend dimension and warmth to kitchen-dining area. Axel Vervoordt cabinet anchors one wall and a huge Vervoordt basket at the end of the 18-foot-long counter holds all Ina's bakeware. Countertop is Peitit Fossil Belgian Stone; lamps are custom. White armchairs from Robert Stilin. Wall color is Farrow & Ball Light Gray.


The dining room.
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The kitchen and dining room share a fireplace.


Simple asymmetrical mantel display.


Open shelves are stocked with a collection of cake stands and hotel silver.


In the pantry, simple wire Metro shelving holds plates, props, and supplies.


In the bedroom, a 17th-century French oak table holds eggshaped ceramics.


Morning coffee in the cozy comfort of a bedroom armchair covered in gingham


French doors open to the gardens outside from the bedroom


Ina's office space in an alcove outside the bedroom. Photo of Luxembourg Gardens by Jean-Michel Berts. Walls are Farrow & Ball White Tie.


This bubbles-up-to-your-chin bathtub overlooks a walled garden. Wood blinds.


Looking out from the barn you can see the main house in the distance.


A covered porch leads to the entrance. The caramel-colored cedar will age over time to a silvery gray.


A covered porch becomes an outdoor living room in summer; 1920s rattan chairs.


The stone-topped trestle table and sitting wall on the bluestone terrace.

Ina was interviewed about her barn by Frances Schultz. If you'd like to read it just click here. At the end of the interview she names 5 things that make her comfortable:

1. Cashmere blankets and Loro Piana slippers everywhere.

2. Great dance music when I'm cooking.

3. Flower arrangements from the garden.

4. Mariage Frères tea with homemade cookies.

5. Surrounding myself with people who make me happy.

Hope you enjoyed Ina's barn!

All images and information from House Beautiful.

Historic Barn Restoration

What do you do with an old, dilapidated barn? The rear of this barn had actually collapsed and had to be rebuilt. Here is the before picture.

The wonderful people at Landmark Services, who are well versed in restoring and renovating, really brought this barn back to life. The barn had significant work done including new insulation, plumbing, siding and trim. The doors were replaced to add to the "carriage house" style. The original stone walls were kept. As if the this outdoor renovation wasn't thoughtful enough the owners added a wonderful gem...
A fabulous spa like lap pool. Notice the skylights and spectacular wall of decorative stone work!
I also love the french doors. The gliding barn door adds such charm.
Wouldn't you love to escape here?

See other transformations on Between Naps on the Porch -Metamorphosis Monday!

(all photos landmark services)

An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!

No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.

Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.

This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.

For more information on the iron work and railings click here.