Cortland Barn Farmhouse

Just outside downtown Freeport Maine, sits a neighborhood abutting rich conservation land. It was here that our two inspired clients, one with an eye for landscape, saw the potential in a timber frame barn. We were tasked with undertaking a barn renovation, and creating an addition to accommodate first floor living for a couple nearing retirement. The barn, in its found state, housed a simple garage and an artist’s loft.

Upon arrival the barn was not without its challenges. It lacked any meaningful connection to the landscape in its posture on a hill. The first floor windows were too high for one to see out of, the stair too cumbersome for an aging couple, and the exposed electrical conduit and plumbing too honest for our homeowners.  The heavy timber structure, sip panel enclosure, and metal roof would all remain intact, but a complete interior overhaul plus addition were required.

As we began early programming we were held to a tight budget, though one that did not lack in aesthetic rigor. Our goal was to stick to a minimal addition that worked hard but lived big. In a modest 905 square foot addition, a large mudroom was key to the hardworking plan. Expansive sight lines, both through open interior spaces, and to the carefully curated landscape, create generous interiors flooded with natural light.

A reconsidered board and batten siding, metal roof, and red brick chimney were a nod to the agrarian approach that feels distinctively New England. The 3.8kw photovoltaic array plus a high performance envelope speak to the clients’ commitment to their property as lifetime home.

The windows in this project were our happy accident. Due to budget constraints, we opted for oversized double-hung units. Aside from hitting a budget home run, the homeowners were happy to operate the units at mid span, and obtain high and low ventilation from the units.

The interior pallet was one of careful restraint. The use of white let light and shadow play without distraction. A light touch of white softened the pine interior sashes and muted the red interior brick. Additional visual softness was introduced through the use of rustic materials including wood beams and wide plank wood flooring. Stone, including reclaimed marble, added to the natural palette. The restrained interior provides a delicate backdrop for the owners’ plentiful art collection and existing furnishings.

This project particularly embodies a simple approach to blending new with old.