The massive medieval rural barn that's now a stunning dream home

Jim and Jennifer Wissing, residents of a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath ranch home in the North Shore area, have meticulously transformed their 1963 house into a Victorian-era abode, reflecting their shared passion for the period's aesthetics and history. The couple, who acquired the house in 1977, initially decorated it in a traditional style. However, about two decades ago, after their children moved out, they began collecting antiques, progressively upgrading their pieces over time. Their collection is not merely an assortment of old items; the Wissings specifically seek out pieces with a historical connection to Milwaukee. For instance, they own three documented artifacts from the Schandein mansion, which once stood at 24th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. These include a large wood carving of a court jester, a newel piece shaped like a lady, and two carved wood panels that extend their crown molding. These particular items were acquired from the Alpine Village restaurant when it was sold. Another notable acquisition is a wrought-iron lunette by Cyril Kolnik, originally an archway piece from the Blatz Hotel on North Water Street, also sourced from the Alpine Village sale. Their collection further includes a chandelier from the Josiah Noonan House and hand-carved wood statues from the Brumder mansion. Beyond purchasing antiques, Jim Wissing contributes significantly to the home's Victorian ambiance by crafting furniture that aligns with the era's style. He constructed the three-piece bedroom set in their master bedroom, designed by Jennifer, as well as bookcases in the office, a decorative block front chest in the living room, and wall paneling in the family room. When asked about their choice of a ranch house over a period home, Jennifer explained that while they considered Victorian homes in areas like Concordia, they ultimately prioritized their preferred neighborhood, close to their parents. They have adapted the ranch structure to better suit their Victorian decorating style by installing new six-panel oak doors with gold leaf corner blocks and adding thick molding and trim throughout the house. A primary challenge has been fitting large Victorian pieces into the ranch's smaller spaces, necessitating creative solutions such as using a smaller gaming table from the 1880s or 90s in the kitchen and shortening chandeliers to accommodate lower ceilings. The home’s interior colors are all Victorian-inspired, with Jennifer drawing inspiration for the living room from “Victorian America, Classic Romanticism Through Decorating” by Wendell Garrett. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with Jennifer designing custom cabinets with raised panels and a hutch, built by Jim. They also incorporated stained glass windows from a house on Brady and Prospect Avenue, black granite countertops with bronze flecks, and hardware chosen to match the bronze accents. The couple collects epergnes, decorative glass pieces for dining room tables. The family room features a French hunting cabinet from around 1850, two 1870s newel post figures, and a three-piece parlor set. The living room is furnished with mahogany pieces, reupholstered in teal sculpted velvet, and includes high-back chairs from an Atlanta courthouse. The guest bedroom showcases an R.J. Horner & Co. three-piece set from the 1880s, with a bedspread made from reproduction fabric from St. James Place castle in England. The dining room boasts an antique oval table that extends to 11 feet, with six chairs upholstered in sculptured velvet damask, and custom-made window treatments. Large gasoliers, typical of Victorian mansions, are present in most rooms, including a piece by Cornelius & Baker in the dining room. Their future plans include transforming the basement into an old beer hall. The exterior complements the interior with an English garden, chosen for Jennifer’s love of roses and its suitability for the light-colored brick exterior of their home. #VictorianDesign #HomeRenovation #AntiqueCollection #MilwaukeeHistory #InteriorDecorating #RanchHomeTransformation #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalSalvage #PeriodStyle

Matt Gleckler, the proprietor of Antique Beams & Boards in Delta, Ohio, has established a business dedicated to the reclamation and repurposing of wood from historic barns across the state. His enterprise transforms these rural structures, often seen as ripe for demolition, into valuable reclaimed lumber for various applications. Gleckler’s initial foray into entrepreneurship was not in reclaimed wood; after studying finance at the University of Toledo, he worked in banking investments before building and co-owning a movie theater in Wauseon with his wife. The inspiration for Antique Beams & Boards emerged when Gleckler needed to dismantle a dilapidated barn to make way for the theater. This experience led him to research demolition and the potential of reclaimed barn wood, discovering the inherent quality and enduring beauty of timbers from barns built centuries ago. The core mission of Antique Beams & Boards is to honor the past by giving these ancient wood pieces a new purpose. Gleckler emphasizes that each barn offers a unique window into history. The reclaimed barn boards are skillfully repurposed into a variety of high-end products, including elegant countertops, sturdy mantelpieces, and durable wood flooring. This process ensures that the historical materials, some dating back 200 years, continue to be appreciated in modern contexts. Since its inception, Gleckler's business has successfully harvested materials from over 1,000 barns, extending the life of their timber far beyond their original structural intent. While Gleckler's operations are rooted in Ohio, the reclaimed barn materials find their way to projects nationwide, particularly in the eastern United States. A notable example includes the complete disassembly of a full-frame barn from Northwood in 2010, which was then meticulously reconstructed as a vacation home in Stowe, Vermont. Closer to home, businesses and residences in Ohio also incorporate these historical elements. For instance, the Bass Pro Shops in Rossford utilized restored wood for their flooring and siding, while the Orchard Bar + Table in Catawba Island integrated reclaimed beams and boards into its interior decor. Gleckler has also contributed to preserving local heritage by donating reclaimed wood to Sauder Village, a living-history museum located in Archbold. Gleckler possesses the expertise to estimate the age of a barn, often within a 10-to-15-year margin, based on its architectural style. He notes that the types of wood used in construction can indicate a barn's geographical origin; for example, barns in Napoleon often feature elm, while those east of Toledo frequently contain more oak. He points out that while New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia also have barns, Ohio, particularly the northwest region, boasts a significant quantity. Gleckler highlights the sustainability of his business model, stating that every part of the old barn material is utilized, right down to the last nail. This commitment to recycling ensures that these historical structures are given an extended life and continue to contribute to new designs and constructions. #ReclaimedWood #Barns #SustainableBuilding #OhioHistory #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalSalvage #Entrepreneurship #WoodRecycling

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

This article highlights a multi-generational family farmhouse located in Ashbourne, VIC, designed to accommodate both a family and their parents in a unique mirrored-house concept. The farmhouse is home to Kate Thornell-Staig, her husband David Staig, and their daughters, Abby Maya and Lotti, as well as Kate's parents. The property, five years in the making, blends privacy with communal living, offering distinct spaces for each family unit while fostering togetherness. Kate Thornell-Staig, who recently launched her clothing and knitwear label Garçonne, has a distinct approach to interior decoration, favoring items that possess a story and character rather than pristine newness. This philosophy is evident throughout the farmhouse, where many pieces have been collected over two decades and bear the marks of time, reflecting a preference for history and personal connection over mere aesthetics. She explains that the 'marks and chips on old things tell their story,' a sentiment she tries to impart to her younger daughter. The interior design of the farmhouse showcases a blend of rustic charm and carefully curated elements. The living area, which opens onto a deck, provides expansive views of the farm. It is adorned with cushions from Matteo in California, contributing to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a central feature, designed around an antique wooden beam that serves as a display for Kate’s bread boards. Key kitchen elements include a 'Domsjo' sink from IKEA, a dining table gifted by a friend, handmade Moroccan 'Zellige' splashback tiles from Tiento Tiles, and a French-made Lacanche oven distributed by Manorhouse. An old shop counter repurposed into a kitchen bench further exemplifies the home's unique, collected style, complemented by lighting from Edison Light Globes, Melbourne. The living room features a vignette created with vintage oil paintings, sourced from Etsy and eBay, paired with a 1750s French commode, illustrating Kate’s knack for blending old-world charm with contemporary finds. In the main bedroom, Kate’s personal touch is evident through hand-stencilled paisley designs on the walls. The paintings in this room were found online, while a lamp stand was acquired at an antiques fair in Fryerstown, emphasizing the eclectic and personalized nature of the decor. Lotti’s bedroom features a bed assembled by Dave from separate antique pieces, and a handmade patchwork quilt by Kate, underscoring the family's involvement in creating their living spaces. The bathroom incorporates a 'Rodney' tub and a round concrete basin from Boyd Alternatives, alongside a chair from Found. at Hepburn. An antique vanity is paired with tapware from The English Tapware Company, creating a sophisticated yet aged look. The rear deck, overlooking the garden and paddocks, is a cherished spot where Kate enjoys evenings in her cane chair. Dave constructed the arbour for the crimson glory vine, enhancing the outdoor living space. The property also includes a kitchen garden with sheds and a beehive, integrating practical and aesthetic elements of country living. The overall design narrative is one of creating a comfortable, lived-in home that cherishes history and personal touches while accommodating the dynamics of multi-generational living. #FarmhouseDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #MacedonRanges #VintageDecor #CountryStyle #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #AntiqueFurniture #RuralLiving

This article highlights a recently renovated contemporary home in Houston, designed by Rice Design & Corbel Homes, which caters specifically to wine enthusiasts. A central feature of the residence is a 1,000-bottle refrigerated glass wine wall that serves as a striking room divider between the dining room and the great room. This unique design element is the first thing visitors encounter upon entering the home, showcasing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The property is presented as an embodiment of resort-style living within an urban setting. Beyond the distinctive wine display, the home offers a meticulously designed backyard veranda. This outdoor space is equipped with a fireplace, an outdoor television area for entertainment, and a summer kitchen, facilitating al fresco dining and gatherings. The outdoor ambiance is further enhanced by a sparkling swimming pool and Zen-style gardens, which feature Zoysia grass and Eucalyptus trees, creating a tranquil urban oasis. The overall design emphasizes a luxurious and entertainment-focused lifestyle, appealing to a family that enjoys dining, drinking, and hosting guests. The article notes the property's asking price of $3,149,000 and provides a link for further details, indicating that it is a high-end real estate offering. The renovation successfully integrates modern design with practical features for a sophisticated living experience. The description underscores the home's ability to blend contemporary aesthetics with elements conducive to both relaxation and social functions, making it a dream residence for those who appreciate fine wine and an elegant living environment. #HomeDesign #WineLover #LuxuryRealEstate #ContemporaryHome #OutdoorLiving #HoustonHomes #InteriorDesign #ResortStyleLiving