Dear Jim:

It was a pleasure hearing from you, and we’re delighted our barn has been selected as an entry in the National Frame Builders Association’s “Building of the Year” competition.  We can say only positive things about our experience with Conestoga—from the point of sale to the day we said goodbye to our fine crew.  Although the barn’s interior finish is still a work in progress (we consider it a “labor of love”), we are as pleased as can be with the building.  Our neighbors have all stopped by with “oohs” and “ahs” and many have commented on how well the barn “blends” with our historic property – it’s as if it’s always been here.  One of the comments we hear most often is surprise that it’s “just a pole barn.”

The barn measures 30’x40’ with one 12’lean-to.  The 14’ exterior walls allowed for a full story and a-half, providing a large open area with a 10’ ceiling on the first floor for a woodworking shop/studio.  The second floor’s half-story, built with Jim’s idea of using scissor trussing, was a stroke of genius- the design provides an unobstructed, open second floor that’s large enough to be a dance hall!  We think of our barn as a fine example of collaboration.  We came up with the basic design and performance specs, and Conestoga refined and engineered he design.  We were most impressed with how detail-oriented the staff was regarding the placement of structural members and aesthetic elements, like doors and windows.

Your team worked closely with us to ensure the decorative door hardware we chose not only looked good but was “up to the task.”  When proudly showing the barn to one of our local farmers, he was impressed with the way the very heavy 9’x9’ “drive thru” doors swung open and closed with a gentle push.  As he said he “never saw a barn door close that easy.”

The exterior is all cedar board and batten, which we’ve painted a traditional barn red.  It really does look like a part of the original historic compound.

We’re absolutely delighted with all aspects of the project and would not hesitate to recommend Conestoga.

Warmest Regards

Tom & Margaret Tearman