In the hamlet of Lowville, within the town of Burlington, an 1860s barn has been transformed into a distinctive residential and entertainment space that reflects both its historic roots and modern adaptations. The barn, located on Guelph Line, was partially renovated to serve as a home and multifunctional venue by Elaine and Bill Huisman, whose backgrounds in custom manufacturing and business played a critical role in the property’s evolution.

The barn caught the attention of Elaine Huisman’s brother, a Los Angeles-based music producer, who envisioned converting the space into a recording studio. Although not initially for sale, the barn’s unique structure and ample space inspired the family to pursue a conversion project. At the time of purchase, only about one-third of the interior had been converted for living purposes, while the remainder retained raw barn features, including original hayloft chains and wooden beams. Previous owners had utilized parts of the building as an art studio and wedding venue.

The Huismans engaged Toronto architects Altius, who developed modernist plans for a new home on the property, but those plans were eventually sidelined due to economic constraints. Instead, they focused on completing the barn renovation, finishing the project in 2012. Over time, the Huismans expanded their custom cable assembly business, BCH Cable Assemblies, serving sectors such as medical technology, security, robotics, and nuclear energy. The company’s specialized cabling was integral to products like MRI machines and ventilators during the pandemic. The business was sold in 2022, and the couple retired thereafter.

The barn’s exterior is clad in blue steel, concealing its 140-year-old timber frame and original shingles. The residence includes a two-car garage beneath a wraparound deck and a separate four-car insulated and heated garage, which doubled as Bill Huisman’s home workshop for prototype development and electronic project design. The barn itself spans over 5,000 square feet of living space, featuring wide-plank floors, stone accents, and extensive use of wood throughout.

Inside, the main living area includes a kitchen with dark pantry cabinets, a white stone-topped island, and built-in bookshelves, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light. The primary bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and access to a covered sun porch complete with a hot tub, while two additional bedrooms occupy the third level. The barn’s expansive great room—originally envisioned as a music studio—retains a raised stage, professional lighting rigging, and ceiling heights reaching 30 feet, elements that underline its entertainment potential.

A separate party room adjacent to the kitchen features a wet bar, dance floor, and large windows highlighting the barn’s historic timbers, making it an ideal space for social gatherings. The Huismans recall hosting community events, including holiday parties and live music performances, that capitalized on the barn’s acoustic and spatial capabilities.

With multiple properties to maintain, including a cottage in Halliburton and a winter home in Florida, the Huismans have recently prepared the barn for sale. They noted the climate-controlled garage may appeal to car collectors or hobbyists, describing it as suitable for someone with an extensive vehicle collection. The barn stands as a blend of heritage preservation and contemporary living, reflecting both personal vision and the adaptive reuse of a historic agricultural structure.