Old Portland barn becomes cozy home

In Portland, Oregon, a unique property has been converted into a dwelling, showcasing the city’s variety of neighborhoods.

The property, located in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, was originally an egg farm and includes two barns and a farmhouse. Kari Ann Voegele, the owner, says her favorite thing about the neighborhood is the nearby Powell Butte Nature Park, which offers over 600 acres of mature forest and is just a one-mile walk from the property.

Voegele and her husband, Aaron, converted one of the barns, a 790-square-foot 1940s haybarn-turned chicken coop, into an additional dwelling unit. They aimed to create a guest house with a full-sized kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, along with a spacious loft bedroom.

The overall goal was to stay on budget while making the space special and true to its farm history. Kari notes that they achieved a “cottage core” aesthetic with nods toward barn architecture, which felt true to the original history of the property. They incorporated exposed beams, large format stone floors, and mostly thrifted antique furniture to honor the barn’s character.

Kari researched dozens of barn conversions around the world, prioritizing projects that held closely to the original barn aesthetic. This helped refine their vision and ensured the new space would blend seamlessly with the old.

The barn spans two floors, with the main level featuring a living room, open staircase, entry closet, full-sized kitchen, and full bathroom. Kari highlights the open staircase, which Aaron hand-selected and hand-milled from hickory wood, as a gorgeous focal point.

The kitchen features butter-yellow cabinetry and hand-painted Delft tiles above the range, which add a touch of elegance to the design. The bathroom includes a converted antique washstand with a vessel sink and wooden backsplash, as well as an antique mahogany mirror found while thrifting.

Upstairs, the loft serves as the primary bedroom, complete with exposed beams, a standalone bathtub, and custom cabinetry. Kari’s favorite feature is the standalone tub, which adds a touch of romance to the space.

Kari admits that finding the time to complete the project while raising two small children and working full-time jobs was one of the biggest challenges.

Today, the couple is expanding their collaborative approach into a business, Voegele & Co, which will offer design-build services focusing on high-end custom remodels, including cozy luxe interiors. As they begin this new venture, they hope to meet clients who appreciate thoughtful design and beautiful craftsmanship.

The property’s location, with its proximity to nature and urban amenities, makes it an attractive option for those seeking a unique living experience, similar to what a first-time home buyer might be looking for.