Stable Options

In yesterday's post, I asked if you would be willing to live in a barn. What do you think about living in a former artillery stable? The Illinois home once owned by interior designer Judith Nadler Ellerman and her husband John combines the openness of a loft with a garden-inspired palette. Modern art mixes with antiques. Industrial elements add energy while reclaimed wood offers warmth.

I also share pictures of three other barns. One "barn" was built for the Lovato family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts using reclaimed wood. The Lovatos needed room for extended family but wanted to respect the architecture of their historic 1817 home. In the second case, designer David Kleinberg relocated an existing barn to serve as a client's pool house in Connecticut. Lastly, I share photos of a barn built by Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, who was "inspired by the simple country buildings of Belgium." All four barns in today's posting, whether built from scratch or remodeled and repurposed, are examples of unique spaces that support modern lifestyles while respecting historical architecture. 

The home of Judith Nadler Ellerman and her husband John Ellerman was built in 1892 as an artillery stable for Fort Sheridan near Lake Forest, Illinois.
Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).

The 10-foot-tall doors let in light and cool breezes. "A modern steel staircase introduces a loft-like feel to the traditionally furnished living room.'
Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).



 Three sculptures by Bruce Gueswel.

Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).



"I love the interplay of antiques and objects from all cultures with clean-lined architecture and modern details," says homeowner and designer Judith Nadler Ellerman. 

Reclaimed hickory wood.

Kirk Deffebach painting. A French chest.
Photography by Werner Straube.
Traditional Home (October 2010).



White marble counter tops. Antique copper items.

Vintage French railroad clock.

Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).



The home features sixteen original brick archways that provide plenty of light.
Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).

Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).


The master bedroom.
Interior design by Judith Nadler Ellerman.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (October 2010).



The Lovato family needed to add space to their Cape Cod, Massachusetts summer house, which was built in 1817. A barn-like addition provided the necessary square-footage while respecting the original home's architecture and its history as part of a cranberry farm.

Interior design by Maureen Footer.

Renovation architect: Reed A. Morrison.
Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (June 2011).

"Plaster ceilings were removed in the original rooms of the 1817 Cape Cod house, exposing upper-level floor joists."

Interior design by Maureen Footer.

Renovation architect: Reed A. Morrison.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (June 2011).

1880s country house in Connecticut.

Interior designer David Kleinberg "razed the 1970s pool house, making room for an old barn that was trucked to the site from a nearby location in the Connecticut countryside. Now sheathed in dark clapboard, the barn is an architectural soulmate to the main house."

Renovation and interior design by David Kleinberg.

Landscape design by Renny Reynolds.

Photography by Pieter Estersohn.

Written by Linda O'Keeffe.

Veranda (November-December 2011).

Juxtapositions in a barn-turned-pool house: 19th-century lanterns with modern furnishings.

 Log cabin interior with steel doors.

Renovation and interior design by David Kleinberg.

Landscape design by Renny Reynolds.

Photography by Pieter Estersohn.

Written by Linda O'Keeffe.

Veranda (November-December 2011).

 "On a shady side street of East Hampton, New York, Ina Garten built her 'barn', inspired by the simple country buildings of Belgium and designed by architect Frank Greenwald."

Photography by Simon Upton.

Article by Frances Schultz.

House Beautiful.

"Rough-hewn salvaged beams lend dimension and warmth

to [Ina Garten's] kitchen-dining area."

18-foot-long counter.

Cabinet by Axel Vervoordt. 

Photography by Simon Upton.

Article by Frances Schultz.

House Beautiful.

"A covered porch leads to the [barn] entrance. The caramel-colored cedar will age over time to a silvery gray."

Bluestone terrace. 

Photography by Simon Upton.

Article by Frances Schultz.

House Beautiful.

  This covered porch of Ina Garten's East Hampton home reminds me of the beautiful multiple arches of Judith Nadler Ellerman's converted stable.

1920s rattan chairs.
Photography by Simon Upton.

Article by Frances Schultz.

House Beautiful.