Above 1200 Sq/FT Garage barn build - almost done

[Rudy1818]

We moved to PA from CA in January and I have been slowly converting an old barn on the property to a two level garage with room for our current 9 cars as well as headroom for future growth.

This has been a pretty extensive project requiring a lot of engineering support work to ensure there is sufficient strength to handle up to 16 cars, removal of old stables and lots of support columns, extensive electrical and lighting work, cabinets, concrete flooring and epoxy, electric door openers, lift installation, HVAC and many other things I am forgetting.

Exterior shots of the barn:





Some 'before' pictures with horse stables on lower level and entertaining space above (with way too many columns everywhere on both levels):



And here are some current pictures - lower level can hold 5 cars and is the working(ish) part of the garage with all the tools and storage:



And the current upper level which is now space for 4+ cars as well as entertainment with a full bar, pool table, lots of games and lounge space:

 

[Rudy1818]

Still working through the finishing touches - added a 100" TV to replace the rinky-dink 65" that was there, plus a really nice sound system, security cameras and alarm and various other bits. I really need to work on the artwork and decorative elements. Struggling a bit to balance between traditional barn style stuff (much of which came with the barn), my various framed pictures of cars and planes and some old school car memorabilia type stuff.



I am also tempted to change the sign - I let my 4 year old come up with the name and he creatively came up with "The Car Barn" but my vote was for "Das Autobahrn" which I think is a bit more humorous.

 

[davidstutler]

Holy moly! What an absolutely incredible space! Now that you've teased us, I expect hundreds of photos showing all the cars.

Bravo!

 

[manwithtools]

Beautiful barn and a awesome collection of automobiles. Thanks for sharing! That's a stunning property.

 

[APEowner]

Wow! That's a beautiful place. That's a great collection of cars as well.

While I agree that Das Autobahrn is clever I think you need to stick with The Car Barn.

 

[Rudy1818]

Thanks all! I really hope we stay put in this house for a long time after all the time, energy and money invested and how much we anre enjoying the barn. Our kids (4 and 6 years old) are loving it - we end up spending an hour or two there every night playing music, watching movies, playing games and occasionally entertaining visitors and neighbors.

The concern is that this is the 4th “garage” I have built in about a decade after 3 work related moves all over the country and they seem to get bigger and more ambitious each time as additional cars follow me home and the fleet grows. This is also the first time I have ever had more space than cars and that seems like a dangerous situation for someone like me who is much better at buying than selling. That said, especially with a few older ones and especially a Ferrari, maintenance is becoming a bit of a thing - I currently have 2 cars in the shop and both are running up 5 figure bills.

 

[Jayman17]

Beautiful shop and beautiful property, cars aren't bad either!

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Beautiful barn!!

Cars are not to shabby either

Should make a great space to relax and drain a couple bourbon bottles!

 

[ericm]

Wow that is really nice.

 

[mepstein]

Beautiful space. I'm around Chadds Ford, PA and see a lot of similar properties.

 

[jcarapet]

I have no shortage of hyperbole statements to describe your space going in my head, so I will say simply "well done", and call it good.

Ignorant question and forgive forwardness. How come you chose to retrofit rather than leave (mostly) as is and build another barn alongside?

 

[Rudy1818]

I have no shortage of hyperbole statements to describe your space going in my head, so I will say simply "well done", and call it good.

Ignorant question and forgive forwardness. How come you chose to retrofit rather than leave (mostly) as is and build another barn alongside?

Thanks for the kind words. In terms of why I didn’t build a new barn, I guess it is a combination of not really needing the space as it was configured (don’t have or plan to have horses, still retained the man-cave aspect and I’m not the kind of person who likes to have big parties) + cost and trying to avoid having too many structures. There are already 5(ish) on the property as you can see below - house, carport, barn, shed and spring house.

If we are here for the long haul, I will likely build a 2-3 bedroom Guest house.

 

[DeeDubz]

Very impressive, Where in cali did you move from? Did you leave for work or to escape the high taxes...ect. Good luck with all the projects.

 

[Rudy1818]

Very impressive, Where in cali did you move from? Did you leave for work or to escape the high taxes...ect. Good luck with all the projects.

We moved primarily for a career opportunity but I also grew up in this area so that was a draw and I confess the CA nonsense and taxes were getting old...

Oh, and we moved from the Bay Area most recently (Woodside) but also spent 3 years in La Jolla prior - which was pretty awesome.

 

[LX-Markham]

That’s a lot nicer barn than I’m used to seeing!
wow!

great collection of cars! Again..wow!

 

[mwbailey]

WOW!!

 

[LXCam]

Luv it!. Congrats on the escape to a stunning location.

 

[gte718p]

That is super cool. Probably should tell who ever is cutting hay in that field to drink after running the tractor not before.

 

[Rudy1818]

That is super cool. Probably should tell who ever is cutting hay in that field to drink after running the tractor not before.

Well, I told him to make the lines straight and my wife doesn’t like it so next season we are going back to squiggly cut…

 

[DeeDubz]

We moved primarily for a career opportunity but I also grew up in this area so that was a draw and I confess the CA nonsense and taxes were getting old...

Oh, and we moved from the Bay Area most recently (Woodside) but also spent 3 years in La Jolla prior - which was pretty awesome.

Glad you escaped lol. Im stuck here for a bit. Wife has a pretty good job. I had a great time but retired early. Never really been up to the bay area. Mostly lived in so cal.

 

[ODIS]

Beautiful “Car Barn” and great collection of cars.

When we built our garages, we never dreamed of entertaining groups of any size, however, as we became more involved in our local car culture, our location was perfect for hosting and enjoying these events.

On page 42 of my thread, there are some pictures of the last large gathering we hosted for the 356 Porsche. Had a ton of fun organizing the event and garage tours.

Enjoyed seeing what you have done with your property!

 

[Rudy1818]

Beautiful “Car Barn” and great collection of cars.

When we built our garages, we never dreamed of entertaining groups of any size, however, as we became more involved in our local car culture, our location was perfect for hosting and enjoying these events.

On page 42 of my thread, there are some pictures of the last large gathering we hosted for the 356 Porsche. Had a ton of fun organizing the event and garage tours.

Enjoyed seeing what you have done with your property!

Thanks ODIS - and wow! I just poked through some of your 50+ page thread and while I will need to give it a proper read when I have more time, I am blown away - that’s amazing!

 

[ODIS]

Awesome. Thank you!

 

[dmittz]

What an increadilble space your 'barn' is, I love the two levels with drive in access on both and all the stone/wood inside. Your property looks very nice also. Thanks for sharing!

 

[eviltwin]

Some equestrian person is probably crying right now. Looks great

 

[Boostingaz]

 

[Rudy1818]

Some equestrian person is probably crying right now. Looks great

Ha! That's how I feel when I see people who use their garages for junk storage/home gym/anything-other-than-car-parking!

 

[teereqs]

Beautiful property, and cars!

 

[bugnut]

Outstanding thanks for posting!

 

[brit vet]

Stunning building, setting and of course cars

 

[Swanny1953]

Love the barn - can't imagine the engineering that went into making sure the upper floor could support the weight in the new use configuration.
I do understand the need to have additional space for fleet additions - we just completed the second expansion of our big garage.
Subscribed for future updates.

 

[Rudy1818]

I am not much of a Youtuber but tried to make a short video of my car barn now that it is basically done (minus 2 cars). Hope you all enjoy!

 

[roger440]

This is simply epic!!!

 

[davidstutler]

Holy hell!

 

[LXCam]

LUV IT!

 

[Jayman17]

That's how you do it!!

 

[tlevan03]

Thats beautiful. I really dig the rock walls in the lower garage.

 

[manwithtools]

Simply stunning! Barn and cars

 

[Swanny1953]

Absolutely gorgeous - well done!!

 

[Rudy1818]

I added a new car today - for now it will just park in front of the 4 cars on the upper level but I think I'm going to need to get another lift for a more permanent solution.