Farmhouses and barns frequently end up in the pages of The Modest Mansion, because they appeal to us on some deeper, heartfelt, family level, and because they’re often the very definition of “unpretentious”.
This barn and farmhouse “compound” in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Reed Axelrod Architects does both very well. According to the Architects, the project includes a main residence, and a few smaller buildings.
The outside of all the buildings were left unfinished, to weather naturally. We think these buildings will age well, and we hope to see how they look ten years from now!
Of course when we find a farmhouse we want to explore, we go right to the kitchen! Farmhouse kitchens mix charm and livability with a certain “making grub for the farmhands” feel. This kitchen is meant for some serious cooking – the 24 pots and pans aren’t just for show, and neither are the commercial-grade appliances. Our favorite detail is the tile flooring set into the wood floor, in the work areas.
The dining room is almost like time-travel. The painted board walls and ceiling, the lovely antiques, the stone fireplace…this could be 1840. The subtle light fixtures and dark green windows brings the house up to date.
The foyer is decorated with a collection of green glass vases and books.
This bedroom has all the details just right, from the exposed trusses to the wide-plank flooring. The contemporary fireplace, sitting on an inset slate tile hearth, is surprisingly appropriate!
The gym, in another building on the site, takes the Pennsylvania Farmhouse details up an notch, adding curved brackets. If you have to work out, this is the place to do it!
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