Outbuilding Bliss

At one time, not so long ago, it was very common to adorn our secondary or outbuildings with the same sensible proportions, style and occasionally even a bit of architectural whimsy or folly of our principal residences. Here are a few notable local examples:

A garage in London Ontario, from a time when carriage houses were handing over the reins to the horseless carriage - nice proportions, interesting gable end detailing over the garage door - and obviously well built as its stood the test of time. 

A barn just down the road from my own house sports a pair of interesting ventilators that also double as lightening protection. The form and visual appeal seem almost as important as their function - good design at it's very best.

This unique carriage house is tucked away behind an equally impressive house in the village of Ayr. There's a good bit of whimsy here, the turret and the large arched brick opening being definite "form not following function" details. I always wonder who commissioned such wonderful little buildings, and imagine they enjoyed looking at them every day. 

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.