Restoration: Jack and Doreen Simko, florists from New Jersey and newcomers to Vermont, immediately planned an ambitious restoration of the former Joslyn homestead after their 1986 purchase. The Simkos successfully applied for inclusion onto the National Register of Historic Places, a process initiated with the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation and administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. This status allows the recipient to access certain state and federal tax advantages that reduce the net cost of historic preservation.

The Simkos began their stewardship with the thesis that their new property was a community resource and therefore invited the Waitsfield community leaders to an informational breakfast at the Inn. These public relations paid dividends in the form of community support and interest. It was always supposed that the hayloft level would be available for community lectures, plays or receptions requiring room for 200-250 persons.

The strategy was to adapt “uses to the barn” instead of the barn to a particular use as they considered ways to financially support their investment. In this regard the Simkos jettisoned plans to build and rent artist studios in the stable area, as the economics didn’t “pencil out”. Instead this space is used for a shop offering products and items related to the local area and Vermont, for art exhibitions, and kitchen facilities for the catering business and conferences.

Ironically the Simkos reversed the construction priority of 19th century farmers who usually built the barn before turning attention to a dwelling. This was because unlike a 19th century farm, it was the house, not the barn that was the economic underpinnings of the bed and breakfast venture. The c.1860 house was restored over an 18-month period and converted to a 12-room country inn.

In 1988 work began on the weathered barn, now vacant for 19-years. There were two phases to the barn project: construction of a new foundation and straightening of the frame, and addition of new elements to adapt the building to the hospitality business. The first phase was begun in June 1988 and phase two was completed for the Waitsfield bi-centennial in August 1989.

A new foundation was necessary due to an underground spring in the basement that was responsible for the heaving and consequent settling of the wall. The solution here was to channel the water into ponds and these nicely serve as a reliable source of water for the fire suppression system.

Critical aspects of receiving approval for a public assembly permit are installation of a sprinkler system, adequate egress and floor systems capable of a defined carrying capacity expressed as lbs/square foot. These are the “ugly investments” that the public is unaware of but absolutely necessary for human safety and protection of the investment.

The hayloft was restored to its open appearance and is utilized for large assembly events. The highdrive continues to be the principal access to this level. Insulation was installed between the inner and outer skin of the roof and coupled with suspended heaters allows four season use of the hayloft level. The stable level and basement are also fully winterized.

New cedar shingles were installed on the roof. A circular stair inside the silo affords access to a Vermont version of a coastal New England’s widow’s walk.

A surprising addition to the basement given previous problems with active springs is an 8’ x 55’ lap pool available for the innkeepers and guests. The pool radiates from the central silo, passes under the sill beam and extends into a low glass greenhouse on the private side of the barn. Obviously new construction, it is in interesting juxtaposition to the adjoining historic barn. The greenhouse is similar in size and on the same location as a 1950s milkhouse that was removed.

The early 20th century witnessed the tedium of twice-daily, every-day-of-the-year, milking in the barn while a century later the gatherings are more celebratory—weddings, concerts, art exhibits and conferences by the local community and guests from afar.

The Historic Round Barn Inn: Co-owners of the iconic Barn, Anne Marie Simko-DeForest and Tim Piper have more than 20-years of hospitality industry experience. Their commitment to providing excellent value for their guests and support for the Waitsfield community is clearly evident.

Each of the Inn’s 12-rooms are uniquely decorated, feature original pine floors and boast rich wallpaper and decorative accents. During the winter season guests gather for hors d’oeuvres in early evening; in summer an afternoon tea is served on the outside terrace.

The Joslin Round Barn is also home to Cooking from the Heart Catering known for its style, quality and attention to detail. Inn guests are invited to attend private culinary classes. As a founding member of The Vermont Fresh Network there is an insistence on supporting local farmers and purveyors. Being a “localvore” means “very close” as the Inn has established its own five-acre organic garden. “Slow Food” isn’t only a San Francisco phenomenon!

In harmony with the concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), The Round Barn Farm Inn encourages “green” weddings with an extensive list of suggestions and practices a comprehensive recycling program.

Also located in the Barn is the Green Mountain Cultural Center, which for almost 20-years has promoted the Green Mountain Opera Festival and Art in the Round Barn. The former was created to awaken the opera soul in the Mad River Valley and the latter to present an alluring and dramatic gallery of the area’s professional and amateur artists.

The Round Barn Farm Inn is a textbook example of a successful marriage between historic building preservation and a thriving family business. The preservation of America’s past needs more of the Simkos’ community involvement and vision for the future.

Please visit www.theroundbarn.com and www.greenmountainoperafestival.com.

Own a Round Barn? Unfortunately, there are still historic round barns moving down the path to oblivion. One example is a 1904 70’ diameter, 65’ high true round barn in Iowa. This barn is in excellent condition and available for $1 [sic] but be aware that the cost of drawings, labeling the parts, dismantling and moving to a new site is estimated at $50,000. Act soon; the owner is planning on razing the barn this summer! Please note the photograph and call 703.759.9447, if you have a serious interest. This is truly a “trophy building”!

Sequel: Sadly the 1904 Iowa Round Barn described above was demolished in fall 2009. One more loss of irreplacaeble Americana! C. Leik, February 2010.

Charles Leik, June 2009