As Vermont finally thaws out from a long, dreary mud season, I’m getting excited here exploring old barns and finding treasures. Spring is high season for a timber framer and I am counting the hours until Tuesday. I’ll be over at our friend Sissy’s erecting the Gunstock Timber Frame that I’ve been writing about of late.

Meanwhile, I’m getting calls about lots of timber frames homes and barns around and it seems I just don’t have enough time to check them all out.

It’s remarkable how many old barns and historic properties exist just within the area where I live.

Last week, I headed down to a property in Danby, VT to check out a Gambrel Roof style home that was built in the 1800s.  Gambrel roofs originated in Europe, but the term gambrel is an American one. The older, European name was a “curb roof.” In the US, gambrel roofs are sometimes called Dutch gambrel. They can be identified by the double slope on each side of the roof. Gambrel roofs allow for more living space on the second floor than in a traditional roof slope.

Gambrel Style Roof in Danby, VT

This timber frame home measures 28×38 feet. It’s for a sure a diamond in the rough, but the gambrel lovers out there will love the gunstock posts. The house has got a hardwood frame, too, so it’s built to last.

On the same property is an old milk house, built around 1900. With some restoration, it could make a great small out building or garden shed.

Cutest little milkhouse

If you would like to visit any of these barns – or learn more about all the details (I can always talk barn) please let me know. I’m trying to help out the owner and find someone to love these old frames and all of the magical history they hold. – Dan www.greenmountaintimberframes.com