When the clients purchased their circa 1900 home and barn in 2012, the home was in need of renovation and the barn was in poor condition. Additionally, the barn was situated very close to the rear of the house, rendering the back third of this long, narrow property virtually useless. After renovating the residence, the clients decided it was time to tackle the barn restoration. The goal of the barn restoration was to relocate it to the back of the property, renovate it to accommodate summer entertaining and dining, and to showcase the old barn with outdoor living areas that would tie the home and barn together harmoniously.
Joyce was hired to do the landscape design and provide landscape project supervision. The restored barn now fits seamlessly into its new and lushly planted garden location. The garden is complete with patio and fire pit, providing the homeowners with a large and varied atmosphere for entertaining family and friends.
Elevation differences between the house and barn drove the hardscape design, and the stone walls and steps were designed to accommodate these differences. The stone walls, crafted of locally sourced granite, became the backdrop for informal cottage gardens appropriate for framing a New England barn.
The plantings abutting the patio and curved walkway heighten the experience when approaching the barn from the house or entrance drive, revealing more and more delights of plant and stone at every turn. These informal plantings also create an easy transition from the more formal and modern bluestone patio near the house, to the rustic, informal level of the restored barn.
This project won a 2017 Chatham Preservation Award presented by the Chatham Historical Commission, Town of Chatham Historic Business District Commission, and The Chatham Historical Society, Inc.
Project Associates
Landscape Masonry: