Architectural Global Network

Introducing the Barclay-Grobb 'New Old House'
The Refined Eloquence of this Wilderness Georgian house marries with the Sturdy Heft of this Hand Hewn Barn to create a dwelling of rare distinction.

These two Original Antique Buildings were meant to be together.  They compliment each other and yet contrast, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of each. Prospective floor plan drawings have been created which are sensitive to preserving the original character of both buildings while creating an inspired dwelling. 

Together the buildings create an evocative 4 BR, 3 Bath New Old House, 3950 Sq FT of real distinction. That is only one of the many possible design possibilities this original artistry inspires.

The Grobb House
A Wilderness Georgian
28’ 6” x 36’ 6”
Completed in 1819 by Swiss/German Mennonite, Alexander Grobb.
In faded paint on a basement entrance door is the date 1819 which may be the date the house was finished.

Partial sections of wattle and daub was found between the closely-spaced upright posts as one would find in walls built a century or two earlier. Wide, hand-planed pine planking was used for floors and interior walls. Beautifully chamfered pine joists of an immense size carried the second floor and attic floor. Chair rail in every room informs us of Grobb's eye for fine finish detail.

The beaded wallboards, papered over the years, can be restored to their original painted colors. There is early spring-latch hardware for the interior doors. A dentilled cornice graces the underside of the roof as does a signature by the builder tucked in at the top of a gable. 

The Barclay Barn
28’ x 40’
The Barclay barn c.1830 is an exceptional example of post and beam joinery as seen in its high, cross-braced knee wall of 7 ft. and clear span ceiling joists. Hand-hewn collarless rafters create a wonderful ceiling to the second floor. It is unusual to see this kind of craftsmanship in a barn that measures only 28' x 40'. This building offers a great opportunity for dramatic spaces with true old- world ambiance.

New Old Home

These buildings were meant to be together.  They compliment each other and at the same time the architectural contrast highlights their distinctive features.  In the house is the fine craftsmanship of the hand planed beaded wall board and chair rail; in the barn, the hefty timbers and granary boards. 

The original architectural features are splendid:  original hardware, granary boards, hand planed beaded partition boards, wide plank floors, and chair rail in every room… wonderful original detail.

These buildings blend and contrast into one evocative dwelling
Wattle and Daub	Post and Beam
1819 Grobb House Frame	1830 Barclay Barn Frame
The Height, Width and Roof Pitch of the frames dovetail beautifully (above)
Hand Planed Beaded Board	Granary Boards
Peg Rail	Axe Handle Pegs for Saddles
The Front Door	The Great Room Door
Antique Hardware	Chair Rail

These buildings are of similar vintage, with a wonderful commonality: 
great craftsmanship and originality of materials.