Now that we’re all working from home … mostly … most of us? Yeah, most of us. There’s a movement going on. Instead of heading toward the city, families and couples and singles are now heading for the country.
Oliver Bell of Our Barndominium Life said the flow is city to suburbs and suburbs to country. His wife, Stacee Lynn, AKA The Barndominium Lady, chimed in that it’s called The Elbow Room Movement. People are seeking more space. A place to stretch their arms and legs and maybe — just maybe — even slow down a bit.
Well, most people are looking to slow down a bit. Oliver and Stacee Lynn? Not so much.
One and a half years ago they launched their barndominium design company. They were set to launch in June, but Instagram fans had another idea.
But first, the backstory…
Building a Barndominium Business From The Ground Up
Oliver and Stacee Lynn were looking to build their own barndominium and were having a hard time finding a builder, so Oliver said, “Stacee Lynn, why don’t you be the general contractor?” It was a wild idea, but why not? She certainly knew what she was looking for and she was incredibly on top of it, so they started with a garage “barndo” to test a few things out. It went so well, they moved on to their primary home.
As they were building, Stacee Lynn was diligently posting the process on social media and people were into it. In a big way. They started receiving calls asking if they design for other people, would you design mine, SOS calls and more. So they launched early.
They’re not a one-stop shop, as Oliver explains, but more of a one-stop service. And it’s quite a service. They’re currently the largest independent residential barndominium floorplan designer in the country. Right now, they have projects going in 40 of the 50 states — they’re even in Hawaii.
Stacee Lynn’s designs are in demand, y’all. While they say most of their requests are for single-family residences, they’ve also had people reach out for wedding venues, daycares, day schools, and even commercial designs.
Once you select a plan, they can help you find lenders, contractors, subcontractors, and even help with interior design. That’s part of the one-stop service Oliver mentioned.
The primary advantage of a barndominium is that it goes up quickly. It’s steel construction, energy-efficient, and Stacee Lynn said about 95 percent of their plans include an outdoor kitchen with massive islands, sinks, refrigerators, grills, and even a pizza oven.
They do a lot of legacy properties, too — land that will stay in the family for generations to come. They’ve created some legacy property designs that include bowling alleys, golf simulators, and dance halls. You name it, they can add it. Another frequent request for legacy properties is for multi-generational homes. Ones with several buildings so the family can be together, yet maintain their own separate space.
Even though barndominiums gained popularity in 2016 with a little show called Fixer Upper, they really date back to the 1980s. Oliver said they come from up north. They were equestrian properties where the stable was out back and the living quarters were in the front. Hence the name that led to the construction that led us to today.
A Truly Dynamic Duo
If their intimate knowledge of barndominiums, their growing list of accolades, or their ever-increasing client list don’t sell you on this duo, Oliver and Stacee Lynn themselves will win you over.
They’ve been together for more than 30 years and they’re just about as charming as they come. Together they’ve built an incredible business and they’re an exceptional team. Oliver gives all the credit to Stacee Lynn and says he’s just here for logistics. I’m sure that’s not entirely true, but either way, they’re both fantastic. They have an awesome team, too, and they’re growing every day. Oliver said they started with a handful of employees and now they’re up to double digits.
As far as price point, Oliver said it varies, obviously, but, “in Texas, $150 per square foot will often get you a nice, modest barndo. At $200 per square foot, you can get a nicely appointed barndo with higher-end appliances. Except, of course, in high-cost areas like the Texas Hill Country. There, the average is about $250 per square foot.”
I’ll leave you with one final sell for country living. Stacee Lynn said the keyword is “relaxed.” In the city, dust on any surface would stress her out. Out in the country, with sweeping views of wide-open spaces, it’s a little bit less of a priority.
