poplar road: The Barn Gets a New Life

October 12, 2008

The Barn Gets a New Life

Those friends and readers who’ve been following our barn renovations from the beginning may still remember the hulking mess shown at left. I’m happy to announce that the transformation from those chicken coops and rodent nests to a working shop is almost done!

Getting a heating system in soon is essential with temperatures down below freezing at night already, so he’s taking advantage of this visit from Chris and Dagny to get the gas line finished off (see June 2007 for the first part of that job, the big trench). The barn will also need ceiling insulation, new shingles and siding, a septic system and bathroom fixtures one of these days. But he won’t be out there much this winter as we’re about to continue with renos in the basement, so if we don’t get heat et cetera until spring, I think he’ll survive. There is so much other stuff to do inside while the snow flies. But his progress this fall is the kind that I love to photograph because it’s the “makeover” part of the reno. He’s even started decorating. I don’t think he’s had time to stop, take stock, and do a yippy skippy dance, but he’s a happy man. Tell us what you think!









Hanging in the old hayloft doorway is the roof from Richard’s beloved old Toyota 4x4. He's kept the roof with his signature Canadian Flag as a memento since he dismantled the truck back in 2002 to start over with “Mechano”. He polished it up and it looks like it was made for this spot. No matter what work still needs to be done in there, this makes the space officially his shop. I love it.

Posted by anita at October 12, 2008 11:50 AM

Comments

Holy cow does that ever look great! so nice , clean and well lit truly a man cave to be proud of!

Posted by: Ben , Adrie and Peanut | 23:35 12 October 2008

Thank you Ben, Adrie, & Peanut (a.k.a. Coconut)! Not bad considering he picked up a few gallons of mis-tints, mixed them together and took his chances on the colour. It's a sage green, which makes the Toyota hood and all his equipment really stand out. Definitely clean and bright.

But do you think he might be able to keep it that way? Chris ran gas lines for heat and hot water yesterday, and last night they were working on installing air lines on the walls, so at least he won't be tripping over dozens of hoses (as is the case currently in the garage). Richard built all that sturdy shelving, as you can see in the 3rd and 4th rows of photos, but I don't know if it's going to be enough! He's told me he wants one of those stainless steel tool chests from Costco for his birthday, and I'm all in favour - as long as he's a good boy and puts his toys away when he's finished using them! LOL

I know, it's a man cave, and he can make all the mess he wants. Sigh. By next summer all memory of barn as UnWedding dining hall will be banished and it will be a testosterone-only zone. And Richard will be happier & healthier for it. That's the important thing. He would say it's too small (he looked around after the tranny lift went in and said, "the truck won't fit!") but I think it's just perfect.

Posted by: Anita | 07:59 13 October 2008

********WOW*********WOW************WOW**********

Can't believe you destroyed our peacock pen for THIS!! Was hoping you would consider raising these beautiful birds since you had all the equipent. Oh well - I guess you will have more fun with this truck pen. A meeting place for the boys - yeah! Luv the decor - Unimog & roof!!! Got that from your mother! Luv ya xoxox

As long as you don't forget your priorities - cooking!! (for guests)

Looking forward to checking it out this weekend - looks awesome!!

Posted by: mommsie | 12:12 26 October 2008

Thanks, Bev - There have been even more developments since this post. He's hard at work in the yard right now... I can hear the rumble of the Bobcat doing something. Richard is really looking forward to showing off his handiwork. This is his last week at home before he starts the new job and he's making the most of it.

Posted by: anita | 13:34 26 October 2008