Getting Started with the Carriage House (or Barndominium?)

It’s happening! We’ve officially hired someone (we’ll call him a draftsman for now, though maybe architect feels fancier?) to help us start designing the first major structure on our property. This will eventually be the start of our 8-acre dream—the space we’re affectionately calling either the “carriage house” or the “barndominium.” Honestly, we can’t decide which term feels right for us, so let’s unpack both.

Carriage House vs. Barndominium: What’s the Difference?

• Carriage House: Traditionally, a carriage house was a small building meant to store carriages (and later cars). Today, the term has evolved to describe a secondary building on a property with a mix of storage and living space. Think charming, multi-use, and a bit nostalgic.
• Barndominium: A modern take, barndominiums combine the rustic vibe of a barn with the functionality of a home. They’re typically larger, open-concept structures that serve as both storage and living spaces. Practical and versatile, they’ve become a trend for rural living enthusiasts.

Both terms fit what we’re doing, but while carriage house has a more vintage and cozy connotation, barndominium feels like the practical, no-nonsense term for a 50×80’ pole shed with living quarters on top. What do you think? Should we embrace the nostalgia or lean into the practicality?

What We’re Building: The Vision

Here’s where we’re starting: a 50×80’ pole shed with living space above it. The main idea is to create a multi-purpose structure that checks a lot of boxes for our lifestyle and the property, but ultimately this will be our home while we build the house. It’s essentially a carriage house with modern features.

Why start here? We’re testing the waters—getting a sense of what this will look like, what it will cost, and what we’ll need to get approval from the township. Plus, it’s a practical way to create space for storage and start building our forever home, step by step.

The Essentials: What We Need This Space to Do

Starting with just the ground-level, we’ve brainstormed what we must have in this first phase of the build, and here’s the list so far:

1. Tall Doors: At least 12’ in height to fit Dale’s truck, trailer, and equipment like the tractor, RTV, and plows. The sheer size of this does make us Katy nervous—will it feel too massive? Time (and the draftsman’s sketches) will tell. (Dale is just fine with the size.)
2. Four Garage Stalls: Because one garage door is never enough. These stalls will hold everything from tools to the lawnmower and beyond.
3. Drains in the Floors: Lots of them. Wisconsin winters are no joke, and we want the ability to melt and drain snow without hassle.
4. Epoxy Coating: For durability and easy cleanup.
5. Windows: Enough to make the space feel light and livable without compromising the utility of it.
6. Heated Floors: We’re not about to freeze while working on projects in January.
7. Dog Wash: Because the mud out here is real, and let’s face it—our dogs deserves this.
8. Laundry Area and Bathroom: Convenience is key, especially when this doubles as a functional living space.
9. Three Entrances: To make access easy no matter the time of year or what project we’re working on.

Moving Forward: Next Steps

For now, this is just the starting point. We’re working on drafts to visualize the carriage house structure and see how it fits within our budget and long-term plans. Approvals from the township are still in the future, but this step gives us a clear direction.

As always, this process is as much about dreaming as it is about planning, and we’re excited to keep sharing every step of this adventure with you. What would you call this space—carriage house or barndominium? Let us know in the comments or send me a message!