West Chester Couple Transforms 1830s Bank Barn: ‘Living in a Very Old Home Not for the Faint of Heart’

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stone cow in front of a barn
Image via Ed Hille, Philadelphia Inquirer.
An 1830s bank barn in West Chester is now an updated, colorful home with engaging décor like a stone cow in the yard.

In 2016, when Adam Travetti and Laura Botto first saw the 1830s bank barn in West Chester, they immediately fell in love with the home. They knew immediately it would be the ideal place to raise their son, Keating, writes Terri Akman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The structure, however, needed extensive work. The couple hired professionals to realize their quirky vision, while preserving the historical nature of the home.

Renovations included:

  • Removing interior walls to create an open floor plan
  • Preserving the original beams, posts, ceilings, and stone walls
  • Using reclaimed barn products to add historical accents
  • Mixing styles, resulting in a retro kitchen and a mid-century modern living room
  • Including whimsical elements like fun wallpaper prints and eye-catching art

“Living in a very old home is not for the faint of heart,” Botto said. “Things are quirky and weird, but when you have an old house, this is just what it is. It’s not for everyone because there’s a lot to oversee and take care of.”

Said Travetti: “You’re managing a living, breathing work of art.”

Read more about this repurposed 1830s bank barn in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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