The Granary

We are sure everyone is thinking, "Why would anyone want to stay in an old granary?" Webster's Dictionary defines a granary as "a building for storing threshed grain" and that was exactly how our old granary was used. The granary was already on the property, and we estimate it to be at least 70 years old. When Gail and Grant purchased the land, the granary didn't look anything like it does today. For one thing it was open in the middle so equipment could be driven through or be parked underneath. The granary was full of trash and was in its original state, except worse.

In the beginning, Grant decided he would "fix" it up a little with the help of our brother-in-law, Bill Cave. The idea was that Grant and his buddies could have a hunting cabin. This meant it would be finished, but would not have any of those cute little girl things in it. The project took at least three years, but we are thinking it was more like five years. Grant called upon two young ladies to empty it of the many loads of trash and sweep up the umpteen piles of dirt. Once this task was accomplished, the real work began. The granary was divided into different rooms consisting of a family room, a bedroom, a kitchen and dinette, and a bathroom. Walls were put up, electrical wires were run, pipes were installed for plumbing, walls were insulated, sheetrock was hung, beams were moved, the roof was raised to accommodate double doors, a small deck was added, new inside steps were installed, and then the inside doors and trim were installed. So, Grant was finally getting his little cabin!

Just a few side notes that we think our guests will find interesting . . . Grant took the inside doors out of the old Anderson house that we spoke about in our innkeepers' section. These doors are more than 150 years old and a friend sanded and planed them. Another friend ordered old time locks for them. Wow are they beautiful and what a piece of history! The floor in the family room and dinette area are the original pine boards that were put in the granary when it was built many years ago. Again, Grant finished these floors, and they are something you just don't see in today's homes.

By this time, Gail and Grant made the decision to build their country inn on the property. House plans were underway, so now the innkeepers had to figure out if they would continue to live in Winchester or move to the country . . . into the granary. Their Winchester home was put on the market, and Gail started making the nice granary look like a cozy home. The bedroom, family room and dinette were wallpapered. Grant had a gas stove installed not only for the warmth, but also for that welcoming feeling you get from looking at a burning flame. The final phase was adding steps to the little deck leading from the family room. Gail and Grant and their visitors loved looking out into the meadow and woods as the deer grazed in the field. The ice-covered pond was beautiful and definitely a sight out of one of Norman Rockwell's illustrations.

The granary is now offered to the inn's guests as a guesthouse. Future plans for enhancements include, adding a front porch and rustic siding with the objective of making it even more attractive for our guests. In addition, they invite those of you who would like to have your own private place, call and book now for your favorite season. Gail and Grant can't wait to give you a tour of their special country "home."