White barn houses have quickly become one of the hottest styles of homes in recent years. Reminiscent of traditional barns but designed to blend in seamlessly with suburban architecture, these stunning structures are gaining in popularity among homebuyers today.
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects of San Francisco took inspiration from traditional barns to design this contemporary dwelling in a farming valley of northern California known as Hupomone Ranch (+ slideshow). Drawing upon the natural serenity of western Petaluma, this residence embraces nature as its source.
The History of White Barns
Do you recognize these iconic white barn houses, but did you know there’s much more to them than meets the eye? Barns have long served multiple functions on farms, from housing livestock and providing lodging for farmers to being used as social gathering spaces and other tasks on farms.
Over time, as agriculture industries shifted and evolved, so too did white barn designs. Farmers began creating larger herds to sell milk and other products to customers, which required more space for keeping. To accommodate this increase in livestock numbers, farmers built large gable-front barns, which could quickly expand with them.
Historically, barns in America were painted using a combination of skimmed milk, lime, and red iron oxide (rust). This combination produced a dark hue that protected the wood from rotting; however, as paint became more readily available during the late 1800s, farmers could choose among various colors; eventually, white became the second established shade among American barns.
Barns were designed not only to protect wood but also as an effective means of temperature regulation. Their dark paint absorbed more solar rays and kept the structure warmer during winter months.
Now, many barns have been converted to serve a range of uses, from yoga studios to boutique hotels. Kennebunkport’s White Barn Inn in Maine is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and features both lodging and dining options; both its restaurant and Little Barn serve seasonal New England fare.
Executive Chef Mathew Woolf of the restaurant has long been associated with the inn, serving from 1989 until 1992 as its executive chef and contributing immensely towards making it known for delicious food and impeccable service.
The hotel also houses the White Barn brand, similar to Bath & Body Works’ PINK line. Here, products with specific branding and designs stand out from their peers within the collection.
The Color
People usually think of red barns when thinking of traditional American barns. But did you know that white is also a trendy color choice for American barns, second only to red? How did white become such an established hue for American barns? Let’s take a look back into their history for answers.
Farmers began painting their barns white for various reasons. One was that it was an inexpensive yet effective method of protecting wood structures from decay; another reason was that it made them more visible for those working in the fields; finally, it offered an economical alternative to sealants such as creosote or coal tar sealants.
White barns offer an ideal modern aesthetic. Not only can they house livestock and store equipment, but they’re also an excellent gathering space – their relaxing vibe makes for an enjoyable visit for visitors of any age!
White barns make an excellent choice because they can serve multiple functions for farming and agricultural uses, including grain storage and dairy product storage. Furthermore, their versatility promotes local agriculture while supporting business owners.
Barns are iconic parts of America’s rural landscape and often symbolize its heritage, so they make for great subjects for paintings and other artistic projects. Artist P. Buckley Moss captured this barn to represent his passion for depicting rural America through painting it.
People choose different colors for their barns for various reasons; the primary factor should be selecting the hue that will best meet their environment and needs. For instance, in areas of heavy rainfall,, yellow may not be the ideal color choice as it may fade and look less impressive over time.
The Shape
White barn houses are charming homes that combine contemporary design elements with more classic features of a house, creating a lovely harmony. These two-story structures usually feature a gambrel roof and may include an expansive porch. White barn houses make an excellent option for anyone wanting country living close to city amenities.
Barn houses are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce energy costs by opting for glass windows and doors, creating an open feel. Natural light fills the home while making its interior seem larger. As people seek ways to save money on energy costs, this type of house has grown more popular.
White barn houses are energy efficient and convenient to keep clean. Exterior walls can easily be washed down, while low-maintenance shingles make for simple upkeep. Furthermore, the white color makes decorating your home more straightforward than ever!
White barn houses are famous because of their classic look and ability to accommodate various forms of furniture. They make a great alternative to more costly modern houses while adding an elegant touch to any home. Furthermore, these properties often cost less than traditional ones, making them suitable for people buying their first home.
In 1998, The White Barn Company was created by L Brands, the owners of Bath & Body Works, in order to promote a more home fragrance branding of original Bath & Body Works stores. Many locations of B&BW stores were converted to White Barn stores for this promotion of home fragrance branding.
White Barn offers a comprehensive selection of home fragrance products, such as candles and hand soap, made from natural ingredients without dyes and with long-lasting and mild scents that don’t cause headaches or cause their noses to be sensitive. Their most popular perfumes include Frozen Lake with lavender leaves, juniper berries, and eucalyptus, as well as Cranberry Peach, which contains tart cranberries with sweet peaches and sugared musk for an unforgettable experience.
The Function
Once upon a time, there was a village where an exquisite white barn house stood among snow-capped hills. It became one of the most beloved sights of Winter Wonderland Village, inspiring joy and hope in all who saw it. Villagers would gather around this charming building, exchanging stories and laughing together, decorating its exterior with lights and wreaths, watching as soft snow gently fell upon its roofline until nightfall, when its little fairy tale house would glow with beauty in darkness.
Today, The White Barn Inn and Spa is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and provides year-round lodging in both its historic farmhouse and newer cottages. Indulge in cooking and cocktail-making classes, farm visits, and seasonal excursions from bicycling to snowshoeing! With two dining options onsite — White Barn Restaurant and Casual Little Barn — as well as an on-site spa that specializes in individual and couples treatments, visit today!
A beautiful white barn house stands alongside an inground pool and features stunning gray wash double barn doors on rails that boast modern horizontal house numbers surrounded by glass and iron carriage lantern-style sconces. Behind these double doors is an outdoor patio complete with teak-slatted dining tables accompanied by brown rope dining chairs, and its cottage-style mudroom boasts built-in benches as well as a white plank barn door on rails for additional character.
This stunning white barn house is ideal for hosting a wedding reception. With a capacity for 175 guests and featuring romantic string lighting and exposed wood decor, the barn provides the perfect romantic ambiance. Plus, it comes complete with its spacious bridal suite where brides-to-be can prepare, as well as an inviting staircase leading up to its loft where ceremonies and receptions will take place!
San Francisco studio Turnbull Griffin Haesloop found their inspiration for this contemporary dwelling in a northern California farming valley (+ slideshow). Sited to complement the undulating terrain while taking full advantage of views of coastal mountain ranges, this home features re-sawn cedar that has been stained white for an aesthetic appearance, while its gabled roof emphasizes its agricultural roots.
