Our New Barn: A Valuable Farm Addition
This Spring we drove to Colorado and picked up three baby goats from Wings of Whimsy Ranch. These impossibly cute mini-Nubians were reserved since last October, but still made it to Tanglefoot without a completed barn to live in. Oh, we had started, but the usual constraints (time and money) kept us from completing it on time. All this to explain why we found ourselves constructing a barn in July and August, the months that any Oklahoman with a lick of sense strives to stay indoors under the AC.
In the world of farming, sometimes the most rewarding projects are the ones born from an immediate need, creativity, and a willingness to jump in with both feet and get it done. Our monitor-style barn, standing proudly as the focal point of our farm, is a testament to dogged determination and a “get ‘er done” attitude!
The “Figure it out as you go” Approach
I’d love to tell you this was a carefully planned-out endeavor with blueprints, a cut list, and all that, but I’d be lying.
From the outset, we knew we wanted a barn that echoed the traditional monitor style – a design that allowed for a central raised section running down the length of the structure, offering ample natural light and ventilation. Armed with determination, a vision, and a lot of try, we embarked on the journey of building our barn with our usual “figure it out as you go” mentality.
From the 4×4 beams to the metal trim, we put up every stick, wall, and door in this barn, adapting as we moved along until the barn on the ground matched the vision I had in my head.
A Haven for Goats and Chickens
This monitor-style barn serves as a sanctuary for our goats and chickens, providing them with a comfortable and secure space to call home. The central raised section allows for optimal airflow, ensuring our animals enjoy a well-ventilated environment year-round. The design incorporates two goat stalls and a chicken coop perfect for nesting and roosting. this plan creates a safe shelter that caters to the specific needs of our feathery and furry friends. It also includes a “milking parlor” that will soon be put to use. Finally, the loft gives us plenty of storage space for feed and supplies for our livestock.
Beyond Shelter: A Backdrop for Farm-to-Table Dining Events
Little did we know that our barn would become more than just a functional structure – it would become a focal point on the farm, and a picturesque backdrop for our Farm-to-Table Dining Events. The barn’s design lends a rustic and cozy atmosphere to these events. Guests are treated to a unique dining experience surrounded by the very essence of our farm, from the delightful sounds of contented animals to the enchanting views of the monitor barn as the sun sets behind it.
An Almost Completed Barn
It’s now November, and we still have a few things left to do on this project. Trim needs to go up on the back, windows need glass, and we are waiting on hardware for the doors. We also need to run water and electric, and finish the milking area.
In spite of it’s not-quite-finished state, I love this barn. There is a certain pride that comes from doing it yourself. From the 4×4 posts to the final piece of metal trim, we put up every stick and wall ourselves, and are thrilled with the results.
A Tranquil Oasis
This is a perfect space to just sit and soak in the peace of the farm. It has become a place where we go to enjoy the end of the day, and spend time with the many animals that make farm life so entertaining. Although our approach to construction is a bit unconventional, we’ve built more than just a structure – we’ve built a centerpiece for our farm, and a haven for moments of quiet enjoyment. In every creak of the wooden beams, our barn tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring satisfaction of a life well-lived on the farm.
