Our historic barn restoration yielded the ideal spot for anyone looking for a peaceful, rural atmosphere amidst a striking backdrop. Located at our vineyard in Lawrence, Kansas, this instantly-recognizable building is quickly becoming an iconic landmark for Kansas winelovers.
Come visit us at 24305 Loring Road Lawrence, KS and check out our Vineyard for yourself!
Our Historic Barn Restoration At A Glance
Farmhouse chic is enjoying a moment these days, thanks in part to visionaries like Chip and Joanna Gaines. The bucolic aesthetic and rustic accents are perhaps more popular than ever – and for good reason. No matter who you are or where you hail from, authenticity matters.
Even the most hardened city-dwellers like to decorate with a seasonal gourd or a bale of hay in the fall. We know why people remained so attached to agrarian motifs and traditions, even generations after they move to the city. It doesn’t get much more authentic and time-honored than working and living off of the land and its produce.
The historic barn at our Twisted Vineyard was built in the 1870s. Over the years, it’s witnessed its share of Kansas history, with the surrounding land serving primarily as a dairy farm. In the 1950s, the Kansas Turnpike Authority took 6 acres of the land to build I-70.
Right before Z&M bought the land and the barn, the previous owner was an ambassador and KU professor.
Historic Barn Types
The two predominant styles of barn from around the 1870s are Yankee Barns and Late Bank Barns.
YANKEE BARNS
As the name suggests, this barn style originated in New England, introduced there by colonists from England and continental Europe. They are typically built into hillsides, and feature multiple bays (three or more).
Yankee barns’ primary intended use was for to harvest and thresh wheat and grain. However, farmers often dedicated one bay to livestock. The heyday of these structures was between 1820 and 1870; they receded in popularity as dairy farming gained prevalence.
LATE BANK BARNS
When Yankee Barns left off, Late Bank Barns took over. These were true dairy barns, featuring multi level storage to house livestock stables as well as winter forage and grain. Farmers could store manure in the basement, and cupolas provided ventilation (as well as decoration).
With haylofts and weathervanes, Late Bank Barns are an iconic piece of Americana.
PRAIRIE BARNS
This style of barn is predominant in the American West. These large structures were often designed to accommodate cattle, with tall, cathedral-like ceilings to accommodate storage. The roofs come down very low, sometimes almost to the ground.
How To Take Care of an Old Barn
Like many historic structures, old barns need quite a bit of TLC. Taking care of an old barn requires diligent maintenance and dedication. Additionally, depending on the situation, historic barns need champions, advocates for their preservation and restoration.
Here are some good rules of thumb we recommend for historic barn restoration. Of course, every structure is different, but there are a few basics that apply to most situations.
- Typically, before you begin restoring or preserving this structure, you need to inspect it. A thorough inspection is crucial. Look for water damage, any infestations, mold, or fungi; be sure to check the foundation and basement as well! Foundations should be drained, checked for soundness, and if necessary, repaired.
- Next, you need to develop an approach to your renovation project. Research contractors, ask for quotes, and work with them to determine the order in which you will tackle the job.
- Since your old barn is steeped in history, it doesn’t hurt to look into an archaeological survey. At the very least, stress to the contractors the historic nature of the building. Advise them to proceed with care and caution.
- Roof maintenance is an essential component of barn conservation. A watertight roof is the key to preventing rot and damage.
- Inspect your barn for any structural problems, which can be a particular issue in nineteenth century wood barns. Check the timber annually for any structural problems (splits, weak spots, separated joists, damage from insects, mold or other moisture damage).
- When it comes to maintenance and conservation, don’t neglect the barn’s siding or trim. Not only is siding a barn’s defense against wind and weather, it’s often also the key to its character!
- In addition to siding and trim, a good paint job can be a nice aesthetic boost that protects against moisture infiltration.
Advocating For Historic Barns
Historic barn restoration sometimes means being your barn’s champion. The fact is, the iconic American old barn is under threat around the country. Agricultural progress, commercial and residential construction, and just the plain old difficulty of conservation and preservation can result in deterioration.
Fortunately, barn lovers like us have a few options.
Organizations like the National Barn Alliance and Kansas Barn Alliance exist to help barn enthusiasts and owners. They do this through things like collaborative grants, barn tours, and educational initiatives.
Visit Z&M Twisted Vines Vineyard to See Our Barn (and Try Some Great Wine While You’re At It)
Our renovated barn is available for private events.
Come see our updates for yourself, barn enthusiasts welcome! And while our Twisted Vineyard features our renovated historic barn, that’s not all.
We are about more than great wine at Z&M Twisted Vines Vineyard (although those are definitely important). We are also committed to bringing people together, to creating and maintaining community. The best glass of wine is the one you enjoy with the best people.
Join us Sundays from 12pm to 6pm for a tasting. We also offer relaxing lake-side views and volleyball courts for a fun time with friends and family.
Additionally, there is always something fun and interesting on the horizon at our Twisted Vineyard. From progressive dinners to volleyball games, cornhole tournaments to live outdoor music, we host an array of lively events.
If crowds aren’t your thing, we understand. Contact us for a private tasting or event for you and your friends or family!
Stay up-to-date on events and offers by visiting our website, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on social media. Can’t wait to see you!