The stone silo holds a winding stairwell that connects the basement with the main and upper floors. A wood half-door at the main level is reminiscent of one that could have been retrieved from a real farm. It has a purpose, however: to keep young grandchildren and unsuspecting guests from tripping down the stairs.

In the countryside northwest of Milwaukee, endless rows of corn are interrupted only by stands of mature trees and the occasional barn. One of these "barns," however, is different from the rest. It is a recently constructed home equipped with all the modern conveniences. Authentic barnyard touches extend the farm feeling throughout the uniquely designed and furnished home.

When the home was being constructed in 2003, it actually fooled a few folks. "People would stop by the construction site and ask us where we got the barn," says the homeowner. "They were sure we were re-erecting the barn from another location," she says. "They were astonished to learn that we were building it all from scratch."

It’s easy to understand the confusion, since authenticity was one of the project’s main goals. The last thing the homeowners wanted was a "designer look." That particularly applies to the masonry. When masons began installing the extensive stonework that is evident both outside and inside the home, the homeowner was initially dismayed at the results. She says the masons were making the stones’ pattern "look too nice." She advised the masons to "think like farmers." In her mind, that meant arranging the stones in a random pattern. "A farmer would just grab the nearest stone that fit the gap," she says.

The home’s exterior was built to actual barn dimensions, and the framework replicates many of the barns seen on surrounding properties. The home’s gracious stone and wood exterior is dominated by a half silo that’s topped by a conical roof. The covered entryway is also completely encased in stone. The front door’s knocker is a brass acorn.

The homeowner says her decision to make the home look like a barn was an easy one. "Anything else would look so out of place." Although the area now has homes scattered among the farms, it didn’t when the couple originally purchased the property. They purchased a 50-acre plot of farmland, which promises to surround them with an element of solitude. The wrap-around porch offers a breathtaking view of corn rows punctuated by trees.

Not only did the wife seek a quiet, relaxing spot for the couple, she wanted to evoke some of her husband’s past. He grew up on a large dairy farm near West Bend. In addition to cows, "they also had pigs, chickens, barn cats — the whole nine yards," she says.

The 5,500-square-foot "barn" home is the site of family, church and charity gatherings. Dominating the home’s main floor is an enormous great room. It has a soaring 30-foot ceiling. Thick wood timbers form rafters above and across the space. Lighting is provided by a pair of 6-foot-tall brass chandeliers. They are held in place by a patented rope and pulley system. The long, thick ropes extend down from the chandeliers and are tethered to handmade wood cleats on the walls. Although the chandeliers aren’t exactly what one would find in a typical barn, they add a subdued note of elegance.

The home has a master suite on the main floor, with additional bedrooms located on the second story. The silo, so prominent in the home’s exterior, actually serves a useful purpose — it holds a winding staircase. Stone steps from the basement to the main level give way to wood steps with carpeted treads that lead up to the second level.

The wife, who was responsible for decorating the space, kept a simple color scheme. Nearly all the interior walls are painted in a shade she calls "Dusseldorf mustard." Similarly, the same floor tiles are used throughout the home. She says this lends the home a sense of unity and serenity.

The home has so many noticeable features that one might miss the intriguing mix of textures. Prominent among them is alder (which is used for the ceiling beams) to tile, oak (for the floor), stainless steel and granite. The stucco-textured walls also add a note of texture, as do the burnished brass lighting fixtures. Interestingly, there is no wallpaper to be found anywhere in the home.

All in all, the home has proven to be an ideal location for the couple. Despite its down-home theme, the space is bright, roomy and luxurious. It may look similar to the barns on the surrounding properties, but it offers much more in terms of luxury and comfort. 

	Built for relaxation, the study offers a wealth of options. At one end, a flat panel TV hangs above a fireplace. Cushy leather chairs are positioned for TV watching, reading or looking at the backyard. At the opposite end is a pool table and a locked display cabinet for the husband’s gun collection. Reigning over it all is a 100-year-old moose head (named Roscoe) that was given to the couple by friends.
A blend of white "crackled" woodwork, tile and mirrors comprise the master bath. The metal lights above the vanity evoke a barnyard appeal. Elsewhere, a favorite feature is the large, tiled walk-in shower area. The elimination of a glass door minimizes maintenance.
	The exterior of the 5,500-square-foot home is purposely designed to mimic a barn.