So, we convinced you to keep your barn!
Now, what are you going to use it for? Here are some ideas to give your old barn a new life. We hope these suggestions ignite your creativity for repurposing your old barn into something unique!
Barn Restoration for Agriculture Uses:
There is nothing wrong with reusing the barn for agricultural uses. A barn conversion doesn't need to be fancy! With a few structural or ventilation upgrades, the barn can return to doing what it does best: support your farm operation!
Barn that has been reinforced and modified to house cars on the upper level
Barn Restoration for Agriculture Uses:
1. Shed
2. Storage
3. Man Cave
4. Workshop
5. Garage
6. Horse stables
7. Animal housing (with modern updates to the building)
8. Hay and Straw storage (with modern updates to the building)
9. Worker's housing
10. CSA pick-up, packing and storage
Barn Conversion to Agritourism Uses:
Using your barn for Agritourism will require the most upgrading, but they do have a WOW factor you can't buy! Upgrades may include zoning, structure, fire safety, barrier-free, septic, insulation, energy, etc. Let your imagination roam on how you can share and enjoy the magnificent space inside these barn cathedrals!
Veld architect project: Huron Estates Winery. Night-time rendering of their future processing and tasting room.
Barn Conversion to Agritourism Uses:
11. Airbnb
12. Event Space
13. Farm market
14. Pavilion
15. Gift shop
16. Restaurant
17. Workshop space
18. Bakery/commercial kitchen/cooking & food classes
19. Gallery
20. Antique store
21. Petting zoo
22. Play gym
23. Theatre/performance space
24. Hotel/farm stay/farm vacation
25. Winery/cidery (not distillery for fire reasons)
26. Vet/dog boarding
27. Maple Syrup shack
28. Trail shelter for bikes, hikers, snowmobilers (location dependent)
29. Indoor play attraction (hay maze, hay bale tower, zip line)
30. Farm store
31. Washroom building
32. Ticket booth
33. Concession stand
34. Spa
35. Backdrop to weddings
36. Instagram photos
The Wanderer Resort offers cabins and hot tub luxuries in a rural setting. Location: Prince Edward County
Other Barn Conversion Ideas:
Here are some random ideas that may be suited to your property or more urban barns. These would be great in urban settings where the farm property is being developed. Saving a moment of history is a value-add for any city or commercial space! Barn conversions are not as complicated as you think and can even help you sell the ambiance of a housing development!
37. Personal Services (massage, yoga, physio, wellness)
38. Business Offices / commercial / Professional services
39. Education/research centre
40. Community space/youth centre/classrooms / not-for-profit space
41. Bowling alley
42. Dance hall
43. Remote working space
44. Childcare/forest school
45. museum
46. Photography studio
Barn Conversion to Residential Uses:
Of course, there is the classic barn conversion to a house. But there are also other residential conversions you could consider.
Pool house out of barn conversion (Credit: John Cullen Lighting)
Barn Conversion to Residential Uses:
47. Apartments
48. Pool House
49. Garden shed
50. Conservatory
51. Craft or project space
52. Recreation/entertainment/movie/games space
53. Basketball court/gym
So, we aimed for 50 and got to 53! Did we miss any barn conversion types? Let us know. We'd love to add it to our list!
Veld architect project: Barn House 2, A barn onversion to House with low-energy and high-performance qualities
Closing remarks on our Barn Conversion Ideas
The options include fixing and maintaining it or doing nothing! Let the barn stand majestically in the rural landscape. You may have a use in the future, but at least it will be there for someone else to use!
Only some of these conversions will be easy. Review our "Myths of Barn Conversions" video to learn about some hurdles you may face in the transformation process. That is why we always start with Project Scouting Service, to check the feasibility and your commitment to that challenge.