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Bridget Elkin photos

narrow pebble driveway bordered by mature trees shrouds the considerable dimensions of a unique property on Lighthouse Road in Southold, where a converted barn was listed in June for $1.25 million. 

Originally built around 1910 and likely used to house livestock, the barn was transformed into a three-bedroom, two-bath residence in the 1980s. In recent years, a separate freestanding music studio was added to the 1.6-acre property’s backyard.

“Everyone loves it,” said listing agent JoAnn Wind, a realtor with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenport. “There’s been a lot of interest and a lot of viewings.”

Located just two blocks from Horton Point Lighthouse and that property’s town beach, the 2,887-square-foot house has been insulated from the outside in order to preserve the interior’s original wood details. In addition to a 1,000-square-foot seasonal great room with glass garage doors that give an industrial look, the home includes an in-house art studio.

“It’s an antique barn renovated in a loft style of living,” Wind said.

While the name of the architect who transformed the barn into its current iteration isn’t known to either the agent or the current property owners, Orient architect Elizabeth Thompson said such changes require careful planning.

“An important issue to be considered in any barn-to-house renovation is how best to resolve the massing and scale changes that occur when one large open space must be divided into many smaller spaces,” Thompson said. “Also crucial is finding the right balance between the preservation of the original character of the structure and incorporation of modern amenities such as insulation, plumbing and lighting.”

This conversion appears to have accomplished just that.

Southold Barn Kitchen
Bridget Elkin photo

THE KITCHEN

Modern touches overlap antique details in the renovated kitchen, which features a vaulted ceiling and large island with marble countertop, seating for four and under-counter storage.

In addition to what Wind called a “restaurant-quality” Blue Star custom gas stove and a farm sink with brass fixtures, the kitchen includes a vintage wooden ice chest with glass doors that has been refurbished to function as an electric refrigerator.

More storage is available in the nearby walk-in pantry, which has pickled floors and floor-to-ceiling shelves. More original details abound in a hallway off the kitchen, where an original grain chute that would have been used to feed livestock is located.

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE SEASONAL GREAT ROOM

At 1,000 square feet, this unheated space is ideal for summer entertaining and can easily accommodate a large dining room table.

Used by a former owner as a woodworking shop, the room has a polished cement floor and mid-century Morso wood-burning cast iron stove. Before the space was renovated, Wind said, it had a dirt floor and was essentially cut off from the rest of the house.

“Now it kind of integrates the whole barn into one living space, which makes such a big difference,” she said.

Two remote-controlled glass garage doors at opposite ends of the room flood the space with natural light. When opened, the living space extends seamlessly into the backyard. 

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE ART STUDIO AND
GUEST BEDROOMS

Prospective buyers who are artists or business owners will appreciate the main floor’s office, which comes with a private entrance.

The room, which features pickled wood floors, a custom ceiling light fixture and original barn walls, is located near two guest bedrooms, one of which has a separate sitting area. A full bathroom is situated near all three rooms, while a walk-in closet in the hallway could be converted into a third bathroom.

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE LIVING ROOM

Located on the second floor, the living room is particularly evocative of the property’s longtime former use, with its exposed wood beams, vaulted ceiling, steel trusses and wood floor. An original hayloft door is also located at the top of the staircase.

In addition to two skylights, the airy room features glass doors that open to a cedar deck, from which a wooden staircase descends to the property’s backyard.

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE MASTER SUITE

Just off the living room is a hallway with original wide-plank wood floors that leads to the master suite, which features a walk-in closet and bathroom with claw-foot tub. In a modern twist on the home’s rustic roots, an antique wooden ladder has been propped beside a pedestal sink and now functions as a towel rack.

The master bedroom, which has French doors, a vaulted ceiling, exposed wood beams and a wall of windows overlooking the front yard, is large enough to double as a nursery or sitting room. Like the living room and hallway, its wood floor is original.

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE MUSIC STUDIO

A pebble-lined trail located toward the edge of the backyard leads to a hidden 14-by-20-foot studio that manages to feel even more secluded than the main house.

Built by NY Shed Co. in Peconic, the soundproofed space has a cedar deck, sliding doors, painted wood floors, custom lighting and a vaulted ceiling. While its insulation makes it an ideal recording space for musicians, Wind noted that the light-filled structure could also be used as an office or art studio.

“Its location inspires creativity,” she said.

Bridget Elkin photo
Bridget Elkin photo

THE BACKYARD

Bordered by an abundance of tall trees that offer ample shade, the backyard features rose bushes, perennial plantings and a small vegetable garden. The space is enclosed by deer-resistant fencing and can easily accommodate a grill and outdoor dining area. A large swath of grass that arguably functions as a hidden second backyard can be found alongside the property’s music studio.

“You could put in a pool here,” Wind said.

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