19th Century Cow and Hay Barn Transformed Into Spectacular Bed & Breakfast in Ilion

A 19th century cow and hay barn has been transformed into a spectacular bed and breakfast in Ilion you have to see to believe.

A traveling band of English barn builders built the barn in the late nineteenth century. Cows called it home until it was purchased in 1990 and redesigned by architect, Frank Falino. The 4 year, $550,000 renovation turned the old barn into a 3-story architectural masterpiece, re-using timber and plank floors, 40 ft. long tree trunks from the hayloft and wood from the cow stalls throughout the house.

The hand-hewn woodwork, knotty pine, stone walls and columns, exposed steel joists and architectural details landed the Cristmas Barn in featured articles in Old Barns-New Homes Book and the November 2003 issue of House Magazine article, "Architect Falino Creates a Barnful of Pleasures."

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The bed and breakfast has over 10,000 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 7.5 baths and is situated on 32 acres with numerous trails, and three spring-fed ponds that two geese call home. (Be careful of the goose poop in the year). "Italian glass-block pavers that punch through the soaring 25 foot high timber and glass atrium ceiling will take your breath away with the extraordinary light passing through all levels of the home," say owners of the Cristams Barn.

The barn was put on the market in 2011 for $1.6 million. It finally sold in 2020 for $535,600. The new owners have turned it into a premiere event center that is popular for weddings.

At Cristman Barn, we aim to provide a location, lodging and event space where you don’t feel rushed. We want you to be able to have a memorable time for your wedding, with enough time to prepare and enough time after the wedding to enjoy yourself.

If you book your stay during the peak wedding season of May through October, you get the entire property from Thursday afternoon until Monday late morning. "We want you to feel like our place is your place. We want you and your closest friends or family to be able to stay on property with you during the duration of your special occasion."

The three story barn has has a spacious kitchen, a large dining area to seat 70+ people for your rehearsal dinner, a living room, seating area and fireplace nook on the first floor. It also includes a bar area for cocktail service.

There are 6 main bedrooms on the second floor with room for 12 guests. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. The 3rd floor features a rec room, bathroom, and more beds.

The rustic home is 550 a night on Airbnb and has limited availability. For more information, visit Cristmanbarn.com or email cristmanbarninfo@gmail.com.