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A timber barn tale of two halves 

When Lisa and Paul purchased 100 sprawling rural acres in the Southern Highlands, they had their dream land, but no roof over their heads.

A classic timber barn – a must-have for any rural property – kick-started their longed-for life.

And so began their tale of two halves.

Cedarspan timber barn with timber pergola over deck, full-length verandah, vertical wooden cladding, metal roof, and native hedging landscaping on rural property.
Interior of Cedarspan timber barn with handcrafted western red cedar framed windows overlooking mature trees and rural landscape, featuring black dining table with bentwood chairs, cream upholstered window seat, exposed white ceiling with track lighting, and dark timber flooring.

A timber barn of two halves that perfectly balances the rhythm of country living

Cedarspan timber barn exterior with weathered corrugated metal cladding, handcrafted cedar barn door with X-pattern detail, and gravel entrance pathway.
Full-length verandah of Cedarspan timber barn with timber pergola overhead, cream Adirondack-style seating, manicured lawn, and mature eucalyptus tree framing the rural setting.
Gable end of Cedarspan timber barn with weathered corrugated metal cladding, wooden-framed door, window opening, and climbing ivy vegetation on corner.
Interior view of Cedarspan timber barn through handcrafted western red cedar bi-fold doors, showing grey upholstered seating, cream lounge chair, exposed ceiling beams, dark timber flooring, and kitchen area beyond, with landscape views and climbing vegetation framing the open doors.

From city lights to country nights

After years of big city living around the world, Paul and Lisa found themselves craving a tranquil rural lifestyle. When they discovered their dream acreage in the Southern Highlands of NSW they were immediately plunged into country living, camping out on their newly acquired land. But as they spent nights under the stars, they realised they needed a more immediate solution for shelter – something beyond the fabric walls of their tent.

The couple considered their options. What could serve as both a stepping stone to their future dream home and play a long-term functional role in their rural lifestyle?

The answer was clear. A classic timber barn. Practical, versatile and the very essence of country living!

So, the story begins

Their current lack of shelter meant Lisa and Paul needed to act quickly, so opting for a prefabricated structure seemed to be the next logical move.

But while this timber barn was to be the couple’s temporary home, it was so much more than just a quick-fix roof over their heads.

As the cornerstone to their future long-term rural adventure, they did not want to sacrifice quality, nor did they want something ‘off the shelf’. This was the first chapter of their story after all; an essential part of their lifestyle for years to come. And it needed to be just right…for them.

This is where Greenspan stood out for the couple. “We liked the quality and the ease of working together,” Paul tells us.

It’s a simple statement but one that encapsulates what sets us apart in the prefabricated building supplier market. High-quality materials, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach that ensures customers’ individual needs are met.

Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, wooden island bench with storage, stainless steel appliances, grey upper cabinetry, exposed ceiling beams, and handcrafted timber window frames with rural views.
Open-plan living and dining area with exposed wooden beam structural element, wooden dining chairs, cream upholstered seating, dark timber flooring, and handcrafted timber-framed windows overlooking landscape.
Kitchen detail featuring handcrafted western red cedar window frame with landscape views, modern black pendant light, double sink with black tap, and grey cabinetry.

A timber barn built for dreams

Lisa and Paul wanted a versatile structure that would blend seamlessly into their landscape and enhance their country lifestyle. They wanted something unique and full of character, something they could truly make their own.

Together, we set about making that happen with extensive customisation.

A Cedarspan 40CHL100, with its generous dimensions of approximately 18m x 7.4m, served as the foundation for the couple’s vision. A series of personalised design features transformed their Cedarspan into the bespoke timber barn of their dreams.

Paul and Lisa opted to upgrade to vertical Eco-hardwood natural cladding. With battens later added by Paul, this retained the classic ‘board and batten’ aesthetic but with an enhanced woodgrain effect. A generous 2.6m wide verandah stretches the full 18m length of one side, while a 1.8m entry awning graces the other.

Special touches

But it’s the doors and windows that bring this timber barn’s exterior character to life.

Handcrafted from western red cedar, they are as practical as they are beautiful, showcasing both quality materials and impeccable style. A mix of double and single timber barn doors, combined with bi-fold and double glass doors with fixed sidelights, seamlessly blend classic rural charm with a contemporary edge. Double-hung and fixed windows to each gable end complete the timeless timber barn look.

To ensure year-round comfort, Lisa and Paul opted for double glazing throughout the barn. This thoughtful addition not only enhances the barn’s energy efficiency but also creates a toasty warm and cosy atmosphere, perfect for those chilly Southern Highlands winters. In summer, it keeps the heat out and the cool air in.

Stepping inside, the already cavernous space was made even more expansive with 3m high walls. At one end, three adjoining lofts were combined to create a single, sweeping loft space, measuring an impressive 10.8m x 7.2m.

Open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area of Cedarspan timber barn with large handcrafted western red cedar bi-fold doors opening to verandah, cream upholstered lounge seating, wooden island bench with storage, grey cabinetry with glass doors, exposed ceiling beams, timber flooring, and landscape views through multiple timber-framed windows.

Loft bedroom with white vertical shiplap wall paneling, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, handcrafted cedar-framed double-hung window with landscape view, antique gold-upholstered chairs, wooden chest, and patterned area rug.
Bed detail featuring white linens, brown and cream decorative pillows, blue blanket, wooden inlaid nightstand with three drawers, and white vertical shiplap paneling.
Loft bedroom with warm timber vaulted ceiling, handcrafted wooden-framed gable window with multiple panes, wooden bed frame with white and blue linens, patterned area rug, black woven chair, and framed artwork.

Home is where the half is

Once installed, the next phase was in Lisa and Paul’s hands – fitting out this classic timber barn into what would be their comfortable and cosy two-bedroom home for the next three years. Drawing inspiration from traditional farmhouse aesthetics, they set about creating a space that was stylish, inviting and authentic to its rural setting.

The area beneath the loft was dedicated to a roomy open-plan living space, incorporating a fully equipped kitchen with a big island bench, and defined lounge and dining areas centred around a beautiful wood stove. This area is where those beautiful, handcrafted cedar elements truly come into their own. With the bi-fold and adjacent double doors thrown open onto the verandah, the timber barn is converted into a bright and breezy space, seamlessly connected with its surrounding beauty.

A separate bathroom and a study nook sit adjacent to the stunning timber staircase that sweeps up to the versatile loft above. Internal walls have separated the loft space into two distinct areas, with sky windows flooding the space with light – the centrepiece of this area being a unique internal gable window opening over the other half of this incredible building.

The other half

While just over half of the footprint of this huge timber barn is given to accommodation, the remaining space is dedicated to what is, without doubt, a rural necessity: The ultimate workshop/garage/man cave.

Accessed by the stunning handcrafted cedar barn doors, and featuring a striking fixed gable window, this enormous, light-filled space caters to every rural purpose. Masses of storage and workshop space, a wine cupboard, even a separate laundry – it’s all here.

And it’s a place you want to spend time in. Beautifully lined from floor to ceiling in rustic ply, this half of the barn exudes its own unique charm. Complete with a designated corner for sitting around the wood burner, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a beer and a yarn after a day’s work on the property. This space truly embodies the spirit of rural living, combining practicality with comfort and community.

Cedarspan timber barn in rural landscape with two-tone exterior - light cream cladding on residential end, dark grey corrugated metal on workshop end, large gable window, timber pergola with wooden posts, handcrafted cedar doors, surrounded by mature eucalyptus trees and open lawn.

Weathered to a stunning silvery-grey patina, this beautiful barn has settled comfortably into its environment

Workshop/garage area with rustic timber plywood interior walls, metal pergola shade structure, handcrafted cedar X-pattern barn door, windows, stacked firewood storage, and native landscaping.
Interior detail of workshop showing rustic plywood wall paneling, handcrafted wooden-framed window with landscape view, and simple wooden work bench with metal legs.
Extended view of workshop/garage verandah with metal pergola overhead, handcrafted cedar X-pattern barn door, windows, metal seating inside, and native plantings in foreground.
Cedarspan timber barn in rural landscape with light-toned cladding, full-length verandah with white timber posts, metal roof with solar panels, gable design, native landscaping with shrubs around verandah, extensive green lawn, mature eucalyptus trees, and metal pergola structure visible on right side.

New chapters

Several years on, Paul and Lisa’s old home is still a barn of two halves, although they have moved on to the next chapter of their tale and into their finally complete architecturally designed homestead.

The timber barn, however, continues to play a crucial role in their rural lifestyle and the next half of its tale has unfolded.

With the cladding allowed to weather to a silky silver to match the roofing, the exterior of the timber barn is completely at home in its surroundings.

Continuing to serve its original purpose as 2-bed self-contained accommodation, it is now enjoyed by the many visiting family and friends who flock to Paul and Lisa’s little slice of NSW paradise. Meanwhile, the other half of the timber barn continues to work hard catering to the inevitable needs of rural living.

The tale continues

What started as a need for immediate shelter has become an integral part of Lisa and Paul’s rural life story. Their Greenspan timber barn, with its blend of classic charm and modern functionality, is a symbol of their transition from city dwellers to country folk.

The barn’s journey mirrors Lisa and Paul’s own. Just as they have grown and evolved in their rural lifestyle, the barn has adapted to meet their changing needs. From a full-time residence to guest accommodation and working space, it continues to be a valuable asset to their property.

In the end, this tale of two halves – living space and workshop, past and present – has merged into one beautiful, continuing story of rural life. It’s a story made possible by a classic timber barn. One that was not just a steppingstone, but a cornerstone in building a rural dream.

Interior with handcrafted cedar-framed window overlooking landscape, cream upholstered seating, dark round dining table with black chairs, and timber flooring.
Loft bedroom with white vertical shiplap paneling, vaulted ceiling, handcrafted cedar-framed window, antique gold-upholstered chair, wooden chest, and patterned area rug.
Open-plan living and dining area with white ceiling, exposed wooden beam, wooden dining table with bentwood chairs, cream upholstered seating, and handcrafted cedar-framed windows and doors.
Exterior view of Cedarspan barn with light cream cladding, full-length verandah with white timber posts, gable roof, mature eucalyptus trees, and expansive green lawn.
Exterior detail of full-length verandah with white timber posts, metal pergola shade structure, glass windows, and native landscaping in rural setting.
Entryway with bright green accent wall, coat hooks with clothing and accessories, white walls, and doorway.
Loft space with exposed wooden beam ceiling, wooden flooring, bed with storage, blue storage boxes, pendant lighting, and skylights providing natural light.
Hallway with white vertical shiplap paneling, patterned area rug, doorways, and naturally lit passage.
Interior staircase with white treads and risers, dark wooden handrail and structural posts, white ceiling with exposed beams, and natural light from above.
Open-plan kitchen and living area with wooden island bench, bar seating, handcrafted cedar-framed windows with landscape views, cream upholstered seating, and exposed ceiling beams.
Interior dining and living area with handcrafted cedar-framed doors and windows, timber flooring, wooden dining table with bentwood chairs, cream upholstered seating, and white ceiling with exposed beams.
Transition space between interior and exterior with timber pergola structure, wooden frame, glass doors and walls, and grey upholstered seating visible inside with natural light.
Aerial landscape view of barn nestled in rural property with rolling hills, native bushland, gravel driveway access, and barn structure with roof and verandah.
Aerial view of barn showing dark roof with solar panels, surrounded by green lawn, situated in landscape with native vegetation and trees.
Exterior verandah with timber pergola overhead, white timber posts, glass doors and windows, cream seating visible, manicured lawn, and native landscaping.
Exterior view of barn from side angle showing light cream cladding, metal pergola structure with timber posts, metal roof, gravel driveway, and mature eucalyptus trees.
Exterior view of barn showing full structure with metal pergola, verandah, light cladding, green lawn, and native trees surrounding the property.
Close-up detail of handcrafted wooden window frame in warm timber tones, showing architectural detail with sky and landscape visible through the opening.
Exterior view of barn positioned in rural landscape with light cladding, metal pergola, green lawn, and mature eucalyptus trees surrounding.
Interior view through handcrafted cedar-framed glass doors, showing cream upholstered seating, timber furnishings, and climbing ivy vegetation framing the glass opening.
Workshop interior with rustic plywood wall paneling, windows providing natural light, work surfaces, and various workshop equipment and storage items.
Close-up detail of rustic plywood wall paneling with framed artwork, showing the texture and finish of the interior cladding.
Workshop interior showing rustic plywood wall paneling, handcrafted wooden-framed window, storage shelving with items, colorful fabrics hung on wall, and workshop equipment.
Exterior view of workshop area with timber pergola overhead, white metal posts, handcrafted wooden X-pattern barn door, stacked firewood against wall, and green lawn.
Interior workshop space under metal pergola shade structure with white posts, handcrafted wooden barn door, metal seating visible inside, and manicured lawn in foreground.
Close-up of handcrafted wooden door and window detail with rustic plywood interior wall paneling and wooden frame construction.
Workshop exterior showing timber pergola overhead with white metal posts, stacked firewood storage, handcrafted wooden barn door, and native landscaping.
Wide landscape view of barn from front showing full structure with light cladding, verandah, metal pergola, green lawn, and mature eucalyptus trees.
Interior hallway with doorways, white paneled walls, and views through to bedroom spaces with wooden furnishings visible.
Loft bedroom detail showing wooden nightstand with drawers, bed with white linens and blue blanket, brown decorative pillow, and light-toned walls.
Loft bedroom with white vertical shiplap paneling, vaulted ceiling, handcrafted window frame, antique gold-upholstered chairs, wooden chest, and patterned area rug.
Bedroom with handcrafted gable window with multiple panes and warm timber frame, bed with white and blue linens, brown decorative pillow, patterned area rug, and light-toned walls.
Open-plan living and dining area with white ceiling, exposed wooden beam, large handcrafted cedar-framed window with landscape views, wooden dining table with bentwood chairs, and cream upholstered seating.
Living and dining area showing handcrafted cedar-framed bi-fold doors, cream upholstered seating, wooden furniture, and views to the verandah.
Open-plan space with extensive handcrafted cedar-framed glass doors and windows, white ceiling, cream upholstered seating, wooden dining table with bentwood chairs, and landscape views.
Kitchen detail showing handcrafted cedar-framed window with landscape view, black modern pendant light, modern black tap, and wooden counter surface.
Open-plan kitchen and living area with wooden island bench with storage, grey cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, handcrafted cedar-framed doors and windows, exposed ceiling beams, and timber flooring.
Open-plan living and dining area with cream upholstered seating, wooden dining table, handcrafted cedar-framed windows with landscape views, and wooden furnishings.
Exterior landscape view of barn nestled in rural property with green lawn, mature eucalyptus trees, clear blue sky, and the barn structure positioned in the distance.
Exterior detail of workshop section showing weathered corrugated metal siding, handcrafted wooden X-pattern barn door, window, and climbing ivy vegetation.
Detail of barn showing corrugated metal siding on workshop section, window opening, climbing ivy vegetation on corner, with mature trees visible above.
Full exterior view of barn with light cream cladding, timber pergola structure, white metal posts, verandah with white Adirondack seating, green lawn, and mature eucalyptus trees.
Transitional space showing handcrafted timber pergola frame with wooden posts, grey upholstered seating visible through the opening, and natural light flooding the space.
Exterior view showing timber pergola with white metal support posts, curved roof line, metal chimneys, mature trees, and native hedging, with green lawn area.
Detail of workshop end showing corrugated metal siding, handcrafted wooden X-pattern barn door, window opening, and mature eucalyptus tree beside the structure.
xterior view of barn from side angle with timber pergola, white posts, light cream cladding, native hedging in foreground, mature eucalyptus tree, and green lawn.
Full exterior view of barn showing two-tone design with light cream accommodation end and darker workshop end, timber pergola with white posts, gable roof, green lawn, and mature trees.
Interior open-plan living area with brown upholstered seating, white ceiling with exposed beams, handcrafted cedar-framed windows and doors with landscape views, timber flooring, and pendant lighting.
Landscape view of barn positioned in rural setting with extensive green lawn, mature eucalyptus trees, timber pergola structure, and light sky.
Exterior view of barn from side angle showing two-tone cladding design, timber pergola with white posts, gable roof, metal roof, green lawn, and mature trees.
Floor plan of Cedarspan timber barn (18m x 7.4m) showing accommodation half with kitchen, living, dining, bathroom, and laundry; workshop/garage half with vehicle parking; verandah and awning areas.
Buildings are supplied ready for installation to lock-up stage.
Painting, fixtures, and finishes, including the internal layout,
arranged by the customer.

This beautiful dual purpose timber barn was made possible by converting a PreCrafted Cedarspan 40CHL100 measuring 7.4m x 18m. Additional space is incorporated with an internal loft measuring 7.2m x 10.8m and a 2.6m deep verandah spanning the full 18m length to one side.

Amongst other extensive personalisations, it features an upgrade to Eco-hardwood natural cladding, handcrafted western red cedar doors and windows as well as Colorbond® roofing in “Wallaby”. These customers further personalised their design with gable windows, bi-fold doors and double glazing.

Following installation, Paul and Lisa added a pergola and a verandah to each gable end and an extensive solar panel system that provides electricity to the barn.

All measurements are approximate.

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Multi-building rural property cluster featuring grey corrugated metal barn with X-pattern doors and metal roof, adjacent brown timber building with covered verandah, mature eucalyptus tree, gravel driveway, green lawn areas, and dense native bushland backdrop.

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