Vermont Car Barns

Originally patented and used for freight car doors, the "roller door" was introduced in the 1840's. The door slides across from a track above and makes opening and closing a simple task while preventing sagging common in large hinged doors.

Dorset This two-car barn qualifies as a "Vermont Barn" due to the 12' side wall height. Opening 6 lite barn sashes flank the side and a single transom is uniquely centered under the "X" trimmed loft door. Detail More storage area is obtained by creating a shed to the rear where the ground slopes off. At a later date Lee and Susan added a shed section to the right, and have found many ways to fill this incredible new space.

South Londonderry Needing a workshop to craft his incredible rustic willow furniture, Dan chose a customized 3-car barn with doors placed on the eave side and taller garage doors to accommodate his truck's ladder rack. The 9 lite double doors and multiple picture windows offer daylight while tall ceiling heights offer ample room to maneuver the long branches into shape. All this and room for Kay's car too!

Windham Taking it one step further, Brian increased the standard 24' x 32' dimensions to 26' x 34' allowing generous room for swinging doors, housing tractors, firewood or building a workbench; what a difference a few feet make! When building, there are always leftover wood scraps and young Matt put them to good use. Photo. Take a look at this barn in progress. Siding

Chester These homeowners had a garage-but not like this! After uncovering ledge at the site, a decision was made to erect a 24' x 36' 3-car barn on a floating slab. A sliding third door creates access for lawn equipment while open rear stairs lead to a spacious storage loft. Fluorescent strips were installed to supplement the standard lighting and brighten up the workbench area. Rick and Anne upgraded the second floor system to beamed joists and pine sheathing for more authenticity. Deluxe Floor

Stratton Ross oversized his car barn the same as the Windham barn, though reversing the sliding door and interior stairs to better fit his site. To avoid upright supports that interfere with vehicle doors opening, a steel carrier beam was set. It seemed a shame to modernize the frame with the steel so the steel was enclosed with pine thereby preserving the visual impact of the post-and-beam framing. Rafters

Cavendish Stalls were installed in one half of this Vermont Barn addition and were designed to be removable if two car bays were preferred. A picture window sits to the right of the overhead doors, which are topped with lanterns. Attaching the structure to the house offers obvious advantages to the homeowner, especially in winter. Thanks to our young friends who supplied the workers with brownies and lemonade. Another View | Under Construction

Weston This barn is big, bold and beautiful and offers loads of extra storage space. The walls were insulated and sheathed with plywood; now the barn serves as an insulated workshop with 3 garage bays. Upstairs, in addition to a knee wall, there's a vast area created by the 28' width. Bill kept a close eye on us from his nearby chair and seemed to like what he saw. Final touches include enclosing the unsightly meter box and building a mini-roof to shelter the side door.

Manchester Something for everyone! Triple windows on the front gable in the loft of this barn brightens Anharad's painting studio. Downstairs the 8' high overhead doors and tall ceiling enable Chip, of Wooden Rooster Signs, to work on vehicle lettering in inclement weather. Interior view

East Dorset With plans to revive a popular Vermont Apple Orchard, Tom & Sylvia chose the 3 Bay Vermont Barn. Requiring a 3rd door for the tractor and needing much storage upstairs, the Vermont Barn style was the obvious choice. Prestained barn red siding effected the perfect complement to the older cape home. Another view