2013 marked the end of our 10-year project to convert an historic barn into a beautiful residence and small event center. We took our time to do it 'right'.
Carl Gilbert Johnson and his father, Edward Johnson, built this barn in 1915 on the family's homestead. Until 1992, the barn was used in the family dairy business. On site you can still see the creamery with its foot- thick cement walls, a log cabin and numerous farm implements.
When we arrived in 1999 the barn was sagging a bit and leaning slightly, yet had a great feel about it. We put it up on a foundation and eventually decided to convert it into a 5-bedroom house with a wonderful hay loft. It took a long time to renovate, but now it is a place that many can enjoy.
Each bedroom has its own toilet/sink/shower and all bathrooms are ADA compliant. Each shower has grab bars and a granite seat. The large master shower has two shower heads!
The hay loft has an oak floor with two layers of soundproofing so that a basketball dribbled upstairs is hardly noticed downstairs.
The barn renovation includes a combination of original barn wood, warehouse wood, and just-milled, rough-sawn lumber.The baseboard throughout the barn is made of wood salvaged from the corrals that were on site. The bed frames and headboards are made with wood that was growing in the early 1800's.
From the antique decor to the handmade wood beds and the complete kitchen to the WiFi system, the barn is a pleasant combination of old and new. Throughout the barn you will notice the Hilton mattresses, pillows and sheets, the thick cotton towels, and a feeling of home. We have traveled a considerable amount in our lives. Now we want our guests to enjoy the little amenities that make a trip a pleasure and a place feel like home.
The barn is surrounded by 20 acres of pasture and trees that outline Hyalite Creek. From various spots on the property, you can see the seven mountain ranges that define the Gallatin Valley. Around the barn you will find a quarter-mile path that can be used for hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing or star watching.
Through the years we've had many craftsmen help us on this project. Almost to the last man they have said that there was something special about the barn and they enjoyed working on it. We believe that you too will feel the special something this barn offers.