New Life Beneath Old Timbers

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

In 1777, Anthony Nichols set out to build himself and his family a hand hewn log house and a timber frame corn crib. This crib frame is a rare six bent style, which the family likely used as a storehouse for food for both the family and their cattle.

A resident of our brand new American country, Nichols felled some of the tall American Chestnut near his homestead in Danby, Vermont to use for these beautifully carved timbers.

Working carefully with simple tools, Nichols carved this stunning timber frame to store the harvest from his small plot of corn.

Restored Timberframe in Vermont makes a Custom Barn Home

1777 Era Restored Corn Crib from Vermont

Below is a picture of the house that Nichols built around the same time. The corn crib stood in the yard of the property, behind the main house.

Nichols Timber Frame Log Home in Vermont

Nichols Timber Frame Log Home from Danby, Vermont

A true craftsman, Nichols built this structure to last. We had acquired the frame awhile back and been storing it at the Green Mountain Timber Frames workshop in Middletown Springs, VT. While awaiting just the right owner, we carefully restored the timber frame, keeping the intricate joinery intact. This frame needed detailed restoration on each post bottom — 12 posts on such a small frame!

Recently, someone acquired this gem from our inventory and is envisioning a beautiful new studio beneath its timbers in Cambridge, Vermont.

The Raised Timber Frame with New Roof Boards.

It took us about 200 hours to dismantle, ship and re-erect this old barn frame and the frame restoration took an additional 240 hours. We are glad to know this post and beam studio will be filled with life for the next 235+ years.

We have reconstructed the frame so it can be used temporarily as a “gazebo” for a few months. Once a foundation is built in the new location, the frame will be closed in. The new owners of this historic frame plan to use it as a studio – another barn style structure we are happy to help restore.

Each time someone purchases one of the frames for sale at our shop, we feel fortunate to do this work. I am so grateful to be a small part of preserving New England’s rich and unique history and enjoy working together with clients who share our passion for preserving these kinds of historic structures.

Reconstructed Corn Crib, at our Workshop

We would be glad to hear from you! If you are interested in a barn style home or one of the old barns for sale at Green Mountain Timber Frames, please contact us!

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The Ultimate (Corn) Crib

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

Tucked away in the woods of Vermont is a beautiful hardwood timber frame, refinished from an original post and beam corn crib that was built in Ira, VT around 1800.

Corn Crib turned Hunting Camp!

To get up to the original old barn, we had to drive up the side of a very steep hill. We couldn’t have easily hauled these old beams out without the help of modern ingenuity.

Dan McKeen Moving the Timber Frame Beams

Transporting the Timber Frame

With its secluded setting and cozy living quarters, I like to call it the “corn crib honeymoon shack.” We built it for a newly married couple.

All hard wood, predominantly beech, I had the pleasure of raising these timbers anew about five years ago. Working side by side with Luke and Nathan – two young fellas who’ve got a knack for timber framing – we completed the project in about two months.

Green Mountain Timber Frames restoring a historic corn crib

Assembling the timber frame

What is this restored timber frame used for today?

Today, the restored frame stands tall, alongside another building called “Shotgun Pappy’s Shack. This spot is now a hunting camp, where men and women come out to shoot skeet.

Vermont Hunting Camp

Far away from large population centers, the restored frame and Pappy’s Shack are located in a spot perfect for shooting practice. And the addition of the restored corn crib allows the owners and their friends to stay overnight during bird hunting expeditions.

We built the restored corn crib in this spot to allow for overnights at the camp – a secluded getaway where the owners can enjoy the view. And I was thrilled when just last week, the folks called just to say they were up there and enjoying it. All these years later, and this fine frame is still hosting many a lively evening!.

Corn Cribs – for more than just corn!

In the early 19th Century, these early timber frame corn cribs had second floors which, to the best of my knowledge, were used as sleeping quarters. From clues found during the dismantling process, this particular frame, from Ira, VT, was definitely used to house the hired man.

Building the Timberframe Old Barn in Vermont

During construction

Later on, in New England and in the Midwest, these types of corn cribs were designed solely for storing corn. Where I grew up in the mid-west, my grandfather had a corn crib out in Wisconsin that was quite big compared to the early Vermont ones. But despite the larger size, those mid-western structures were used only for storage rather than housing.

While this frame is not for sale, I do have other beautiful timber frames for sale at my shop.

Please feel free to check out my old barns for sale! I’d love to give you the grand ol’ tour! You can see them on my website or in person!

Vermont Moose Near Corn Crib Post and Beam Property

EVERYONE is invited to see the frames!

The Gazebo Gets a Cedar Roof

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

Last week, we finished putting the roof on the Timber Frame Gazebo. Despite the 95+ degree heat, to which we timber frame builders in Vermont are not accustomed, we sweated it through and completed the framing project in a few days. It really was fantastic heat for a couple of ole timers, so we started and ended early each day and headed to the pond or pool for an afternoon dip!

We are satisfied with the results and I think even the Greene brothers would be pleased! In this picture, you can see how we laid the roof boards. Because cedar shakes need to breathe, we left 3/4 inch spaces between each of the boards.

Cedar Roof Slats

To complete the gazebo, a stone mason will be adding stone work around the edge of each masonry pillar anchoring the post and beam frame. In the photo below, you can see a mock-up to offer a sense of how the stone pillars will look when finished.

Mock Up of Stone Masonry

These turkeys seem to think it might be a fine place to roost!

“We’ve found the perfect roost!”

While this isn’t a timber frame for sale, we have plenty of available frames in stock at Green Mountain Timber Frames. And we are always having fun with new and exciting projects – from reclaimed timber frames and custom barn homes to timber frame restoration and green barn homes here in Vermont and throughout New England.

We would love to hear from you – or show you around our shop during a visit to Middletown Springs, VT.

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An Evening of History, Music & Timbers

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

After working for so many months to restore this Vermont timberframe, I was looking for an excuse to invite friends to come on over to Sissy’s Kitchen and see the restored frame.

This gunstock barn was originally from Pawlet, Vermont, so I wanted some of the people from the town to come and see the restored frame.

My second passion aside from timber framing is music, so when a former client of mine told me that 3 Penny Acre, a very fine band from Arkansas, was traveling through Vermont and staying at their own barn style home, I saw an immediate opportunity.

Historic Restoration_Celebration of New England Heritage

Invitation to a night of music at Sissy’s

The band was looking to add another gig to their tour, and I thought the frame would make an ideal spot for a night of mellow music, delectable food and starry skies.

I checked in with Sissy about having a concert and she was game – offering to provide the crowds with tasty picnic style meals.

The Vermont summer cooperated with us and it was a beautiful evening. It was a grand event with over 100 folks showing from Middletown Springs and Pawlet, Vermont.

Partying and Music at Historic Timber Frame, Vermont

The crowds enjoy the music at Sissy’s

The band played on into the evening and captured our hearts. It was such a success, that they will be coming back again this summer to record with local musician,Jim Gilmour.

Evening under the Reclaimed Timber Frame

Meanwhile, the antique timber frame is still for sale and looking for a new owner…

If you would like to see this Vermont timberframe or some of the other frames we have in stock, please do contact me. Green Mountain Timber Frames is working to find someone to love these old frames and all of the magical history they hold.www.greenmountaintimberframes.com

Celebration at Sissy’s – in the barn frame!

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

For folks who have been following the Gunstock story, this past weekend Sissy had her first round of parties under the restored timber frame! In the photo, you can see tables set for a family reunion of 25. The two 12 foot tables, created out of vintage barn planks and timbers especially for this space, easily accommodated the large and happy gathering.

During this event, I stopped by for my first view of the frame under lights. It was lovely to see the old barn frame full of new life. Several family members mentioned there was a magical feeling to the whole evening and we hope to be hosting many more such evenings under the timbers!

If you would like to see some of the frames we have in stock or find out more about our current projects, please do reach out. We are working to find someone to love these old frames and all of the magical history they hold.www.greenmountaintimberframes.com

Renovated Horse Barn – Middletown Springs, VT

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

Restored Timber Frame Barn

Built in the 1840s, this timber frame barn was formerly a summer kitchen and wood shed attached to a two-story colonial style house in Wells, Vermont.

I renovated it in 2003 for a horse farmer in our town and the barn is now home to several rescue horses.

I was so glad to be able to bring back life to this old wood shed and see that it is being used so well now.

One reason this project was special was that we did the barn raising with people – the old-fashioned way. We didn’t use a crane. 15 ladies and gentlemen helped to raise it all the way up to the roof boards in one day.

Old Fashioned Barn Raising

Too bad it’s so tasty, though! The horses love the old barn so much, they started chewing those beautiful timbers! The owner had to treat the timbers with a hot pepper product so the horses would stay clear.

Yummy Timbers!

Green Mountain Timber Frames Restored Barn

Interior of Horse Barn

If you would like to see some of the frames I have in stock or find out more about my current projects, please do reach out. I’m working to to find someone to love these old frames and all of the magical history they hold.

www.greenmountaintimberframes.com

The Katrina Project – Rebuilding After the Hurricane

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

After the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a Vermont friend with Mississippi roots, asked if I would build a house for friends of her family whose home had been destroyed by the storm. A collaborative project developed within our New England network to raise funds and then travel down to Pass Christian, MS to construct a timber frame house for the Conway family. The post and beam structure, seen below, is designed to withstand 100 mile an hour winds.

Green Mountain Timber Frames Katrina Recovert

Rebuilding after Katrina

The project was one of my favorites! While I usually build old timber frame homes and restore old barns, this project was a brand new timber frame home and I had to take into consideration the particular needs of a home that would – unfortunately – have to withstand future storms.

We over-built the house and soon enough FEMA was coming by to visit our site and use it as an example. They would talk in FEMA workshops about the building techniques we were using and encouraging other builders to use the same techniques.

Interior timber framing

The house is a timber frame structure with plywood interior walls covered with sheet rock. It was built according to the new codes, seventeen feet above sea level and ten feet above ground. We fastened everything down so it could withstand hurricane winds of up to 100 miles an hour.

Timber frame house - above ground for hurricanes

House is lifted above ground

The work itself was incredibly intense and fun. Each week, I had a brand new crew of dedicated volunteer workers beside me. We worked for six weeks, and family and friends came from across the country to help in the building.

Plans for the timber frame home - katrina

In Vermont – Planning the new home

Ground level porch – Finished!

It was truly a wonderful experience – one of my favorite lifetime memories – and the Conway’s daily provision of delicious lunches and dinners was appreciated by all! I am proud that the house stands strong and tall and hope it will not have to weather too many storms. It passed the test of Hurricane Gustav in 2008. Despite the five feet of water that flooded the yard, the house was unharmed.

Rebuilding after Katrina

Another Vermont Barn Worth Saving

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

Can you help me save this old barn from Ira Vermont?

Ira, Vermont Barn for Sale

In 1959, a Vermont farmer hung up the horse harnesses for the last time. One last time, he must have closed this barn door, never to go back in.

In 2013, his son decided it was time for the old barn to find a new owner – and a new beginning. And he contacted me.

Where is Ira, Vermont?

The town of Ira, Vermont is named after Ira Allen, brother of the famous Ethan Allen, who captured Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, with the Green Mountain Boys. Ira is located just north of my hometown Middletown Springs, Vermont. And this old post and beam barn was built back when the Allen brothers were roaming our area. Further additions were added in the late 1800’s to increase the size of this old timber frame barn to 32 feet wide by 87 feet long.

I’ve driven past this barn for 40 years and never knew its story. It is an honor when I get the opportunity to learn about a barn that is right here in my proverbial backyard.

I checked out this big, beautiful barn last month. It’s a special frame and I would love to help out the family and find it a new owner as quickly as possible. I’ve reached out to some former clients and am asking for your help too.

The original barn is a 32’x40’ hand hewn, modified gunstock frame with hardwood timbers and lovely wide plank siding and roof boards. With the modifications done to this historic property in the 19^th century, it’s much larger.

The original slate roof alone is worth 10 grand and is in great condition.

A real historic gold mine.

What is interesting about this barn is that it is still full of treasures from the past. Below are some pictures of what I found inside. When the seasoned farmer walked out in 1959, he left so much behind and much of it is well preserved.

There are several horse drawn equipment pieces. Planters, cultivators, harness equipment, hay conveyor, etc. The pieces may fit well with local museums showcasing the horse powered era.

Horse Tack

And check out this adorable corn crib that’s right out back of this barn!

There is even a little stairway inside the corncrib:

Folks can contact me if they are interested. I’m trying to sell for the owner. I can’t buy it at this time but want to help the son find a new owner.

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. www.greenmountaintimberframes.com

Photo Recap of Restoring the Gunstock Timber Frame

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Green Mountain Timber Frames

(Or Sissy’s Frame as she now is known)

One great bonus of restoring this most recent frame has been the proximity to my house and “office.” In this panorama, you can see the restored gunstock frame in the center and behind the trees towards the right hand side is a view of a barn I have restored in my workshop – right next door!