Discover the historic charm and modern amenities of Brattleboro Retreat Farm's North Barn, a unique venue for concerts, weddings, and community events.
The project at Brattleboro Retreat Farm involved renovating the historic 190-year-old North Barn. This barn, located on 500 acres in Brattleboro, Vermont, was transformed into a versatile event space with a seating capacity of 250 for dinner and 600 for concerts and lectures. The main goal was to refurbish the building while preserving as much of the exterior below the eave line as possible, maintaining its historic character. The facade received upgrades, including a new roof, entrance features, windows, and doors, giving the barn a fresh look. Landscaping and pathways were also improved to enhance the property’s overall appearance. To boost energy efficiency and comfort, thermal envelope upgrades were made from inside the building, avoiding disruption to the historic finishes below the eave line. The structure was reinforced to ensure stability and safety. Inside, the barn was converted into a functional event space with new facilities, including a warming kitchen, bar, and public restrooms. Modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed for comfort and safety. A new VRF HVAC system provides efficient heating and cooling, and the fire prevention system was updated to meet current standards. The Vermont State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approved the project. The timber frame and exterior finishes were preserved, along with some refurbished original windows and barn doors. The interior design aimed to complement the barn’s structure with rough-sawn wood walls, oil-finished hemlock flooring, […]