Johnson County, KS July 2023

Letter from the Editor

Every summer our family creates a list of activities that we want to do over the break. Invariably, a visit to cousins that live out of state always makes the list. I love that they still place high priority on visiting their extended family and that they have created bonds with cousins that will be lifelong friends.

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve spending summer weekends with cousins at our family lake house. Our lake weekends were filled with swimming, boating, playing volleyball and croquet, sitting around a campfire sharing stories and playing charades. Those summers spent at the lake are some of my most cherished memories.

Still to this day, when I see my cousins we reminisce about those long summer days that we spent at the lake during our childhood. I am so thankful for those times, and it is a good reminder for me that sometimes the simplest moments that hold the most meaning.

For our summer issue, we wanted to share some of our favorite local activities to do around Kansas City. Mindy from @KansasCityBucketlist has you covered for the perfect curated list of fun for adults or family-friendly summer fun. Don’t forget to hit up the Overland Park Farmer’s Market this summer. They were recently voted one of the best farmers markets in the country, and after a visit to the market, you won’t be surprised they have earned that ranking.

I hope your summer is filled with moments of relaxation, fun and quality time that creates cherished memories.

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Mindy Hargesheimer, Allison Swan, Lisa Moyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mindy Hargesheimer, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

MVP for Kids Nationally Ranked - Again!

We’re proud U.S. News & World Report named Children’s Mercy Kansas City one of the top children’s hospitals in the country with 9 of our specialties ranked in the top 50 nationally. But we’re most proud of the kids who make every day into a victory. This one’s for them!

Learn more at childrensmercy.org/rankings.

Let’s Make This Your Perfect Summer Home

2343 N 600TH ROAD, EDGERTON, KS 66021

5 Beds | 7 Baths | 6,491 Sq Ft | 26 Acres | $2,500,000

Beautiful gated European villa estate on 26 scenic acres in a totally private setting with private decks out every door. Just minutes from Lawrence and Overland Park. Warm family home or country retreat. A quiet spot in nature that lives like a resort. Spacious and comfortable with spectacular views of the pond, wildlife, and sunsets. Car lovers dream with a 1,200 sq ft four-bay garage with Epoxy coated floor. Perfect for a magnificent primary residence, vacation investment or resort property, vineyard, or bed and breakfast – the options are endless.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @JohnsonCountyCityLifestyle

EAT FRESH, SHOP LOCAL

The Overland Park Farmer’s Market

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market in Downtown Overland Park is a beloved destination that has been fostering community pride for over four decades. Known for its farm-to-table food, fresh produce, and diverse vendors, it has earned its reputation as one of the best farmers’ markets in the nation.

Kristina Stanley, the farmers’ market manager, has played a pivotal role in transforming the market into a nationally-recognized success.

“I am an Overland Park native proud to live in and work for the City of Overland Park,” says Stanley. “In 2011, I was honored to take on the responsibility of operations oversight of this long-standing community gathering place where people seek all things local—fresh produce, artisan products, events and entertainment. It has been a privilege to serve my community and the City of Overland Park while making a difference in people’s lives.”

Under Stanley’s leadership, the market has implemented innovative marketing strategies and launched successful campaigns including “Eat A Rainbow Everyday,” “Buy Ugly Produce,” “Savor the Season,” and “BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag and Bottle.” The market has also formed community-based partnerships and expanded its presence on social media.

“The Farmers’ Market began 41 years ago in 1982. A group of local Downtown OP merchants wanted to bring more people to Downtown OP. The city took over the operation in 2011 from a management group, and I have overseen the operations since then. Our innovative marketing strategies set us apart from other markets and elevated the local farmers’ market industry. We were among the very first markets in the country to require transparency in product labeling. My team and I have worked to foster and cultivate nearly a dozen community-based partnerships. We expanded the social media platforms, which was a huge reason for our win.”

The market’s commitment to inclusivity and belonging has created a culture where vendors and staff see each other as family, not competition. This sense of community has contributed to the market’s success and attracts vendors who want to be a part of this unique environment.

“Once the market culture improved, weekly attendance and interest from patrons visiting the Downtown Overland Park area blossomed. Many of Kansas City’s top chefs shop at this market to aid in the creation of seasonal dishes throughout the KC metropolitan area. Community, conservation and a healthy lifestyle begin here, and this market has forever shaped a new Downtown Overland Park.”

With over 100 vendors speaking 28 different languages, the market celebrates remarkable diversity. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, including flowers, home goods, composting, skincare products, artisanal items and foods catering to various dietary needs.

“Bringing more awareness to all of the goods you can get at the OPFM is so important as most people think of it as just fruits and veggies, yet we offer so much more. Many also think of farmers’ markets as a summer activity versus a lifestyle of supporting local. Many don’t realize we open mid April and don’t close until early December, or that some vendors sell yearround. Market days are work days for vendors—this is their livelihood. Teaching people to eat seasonally takes time and effort.”

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market enters the prestigious American Farmland Trust Contest each year, which highlights the important role farmer’s markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff and volunteers that make it happen. They received the highest number of votes among the 7,000 participating markets nationwide, winning first place.

“It is an honor and privilege to win America’s Favorite Market. It is an award that I’m proud to say is truly a community award. Market staff and more than 100 vendors serve this community making a difference in people’s lives every week. People love this market and recognize the value we offer this community. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the focal point and heart of this vibrant and diverse neighborhood where all are welcome—it has an exceptional reputation with a commitment to its mission, vision and core values.”

Welcoming 200,000 visitors annually, the 2023 season brings exciting improvements, including an expanded layout, additional space between stalls, ample parking, and nearby restrooms, all aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is located at 7950 Marty Street and is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BY

KC heart tee during our KC --> NYC virtual meet-and-greet, Taylor and I talked about how “Coasties” generally perceive residents from the twelve states designated as “The Midwest,” honing in on our respective home states that boast the now nationally renowned Chiefs, Kansas City-style barbeque, and the infamous KC heart that has people asking more and more about this soon-no-longer-to-be hidden metropolitan gem.

An Emmy-award winning writer and comedian now living in NYC and writing for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO, Taylor was a competitive basketball player and graduate of The Barstow School, a member of The Coterie Theater and Young Playwrights’ Roundtable, and is a Harvard University graduate who hasn’t come close to forgetting her Midwest roots.

She has taken her incredible context on how the non-Midwestern folk view us Midwesterners and funneled her comedic creativity into the perfect gift and home decor accessory that will have you cackling. It will also have you asking yourself what classic Midwestern sentiments you are operating on, whether you realize it being a part of your everyday routine or not.

“The Midwest is amping itself up.”

“One of the biggest reactions I have gotten which I think is really sweet is people clinging to their Midwestern cred in some way. Even if the person is from New York, they’ll say ‘oh my aunt lives in Indiana, or my wife is from Kansas, and that kind of stuff is new for me as a Midwestern, to have people wanting to claim a connection to the Midwest, and it’s something that feels really good to have people wanting to identify with it. The Midwest is amping itself up.”

“Get Outta Town!”

Within, you’ll find A Guide to Midwestern Cursing that will have you either outwardly expressing or inwardly blushing: “Oh, for crying out loud.” (see page 16 for the real asterisk-sporting translation!)

“That kid is special.”

The infatuation with the competitive nature of our Midwestern Youth Athlete is enough to drain your bank account at Dick’s Sporting Goods and making it difficult to remember that for most, it’s just a game.

“It’s not so bad without the wind.”

We love our four seasons just as much as we hate the central tenet of their existence that makes each season what they are. But, what it really boils down to is…are you watching the tornado from the front window or the basement window?

“Well, I won’t keep ya.”  Good luck gettin’ out the door amongst The Midwestern Goodbye.

Looking for a great and local gift idea? This book! Find the Kansas and Missouri state profiles boasting fun facts and claims to fame. And as for the rest of the landlocked hilarity? Welp, you’ll just have to snag your own copy for your next family get together, book club, and clever house-warming gift idea!

Shop Taylor’s book locally with Made in KC in partnership with Rainy Day Books in Fairway as well as Monarch Books & Gifts in Overland Park, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Interested in where Taylor “used to” and “will now’ hang out around town? These are her favorite throwback + modern-day KC experiences she recommends:

• Starlight Theatre

• Blue Chip Cookies & Ice Cream

• Jack Stack Barbecue in Martin City

• Thou Mayest River Quay

• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

• The Bird Comedy Theater

• John’s Big Deck

• Percheron Rooftop Bar at Crossroads Hotel

• Cafe Ca Phe

Wild Child

Next door to Drastic Measures is Wild Child, the newest wine bar concept created by Jay Sanders in downtown Shawnee. Guests can expect a completely new and different experience with a selection of lower alcoholic cocktails and a full non-alcoholic drink menu.

“The location inspired the business, and not having anything else like this in the neighborhood made it a great opportunity,” says Sanders. “We like to build our businesses to suit the neighborhood and what would make sense. Unlike Drastic Measures, we will take reservations and have a phone. The space has much more natural light and much more thought put into the finish. It’ll be a lot brighter and less moody—I want the space to feel small but fun and electric. Expect lots of plants, wood tones and marble. We are going to be doing a lot in such a small space.

“The social media presence will be a lot different and more defined as well. We have to make these two businesses that share a wall as creatively different as possible to give people a reason to come to both. Wild Child is going to have a pretty dynamic mix of what we serve from natural wines, to low/no alcohol cocktails, pre-bottled cocktails, shaved ice cocktails and full-strength cocktails.”

This bright and quirky bar will perfectly complement the drinks.

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“My favorite drink is probably one of the carbonated, labeled and bottled cocktails that we are making to be around the potency of wine, and to be enjoyed like sparkling wine but created from my specific skill set, which is making cocktails. I commissioned local artists to design labels based on the words vegetal, terroir, exotic, vibrant and nostalgic—then, I built flavors around those word prompts. My favorite is probably the Exotic which has Haitian rum, clarified carrot, mango, pickled apple, Szechuan peppercorn and lime acids.”

New to the lineup is a small plates food menu that’s not only tasty, but sustainable as well.

“My favorite chef in Kansas City, Jeff Workman, has designed our menu to be a beautiful complement to the space using ingredients that we also process into drinks so we can eliminate a lot of possible food waste and keep costs in line. He’s a real talent and I can’t wait to show off all that he has created for us. It’ll be fast, simple and able to be assembled by our staff.”

Sanders is a James Beard Foundation finalist for outstanding bar for Drastic Measures, his first cocktail experience serving only nonalcoholic beverages. The prestigious James Beard organization is like the Oscars of the food industry—it celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry. As a finalist with four other bars across the country, the entire Drastic Measures staff will attend the awards ceremony in Chicago in June.

The much anticipated sister bar Wild Child opens this summer and is located at 11022 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. For more information, visit wildchildkc.com

The Royal Merchant

The Royal Merchant believes everyone deserves to live graciously. This quaint and interesting antique furniture shop located at Glenwood Antique Mall, 9030 Metcalf, in Overland Park also offers new home décor items to enhance your home with simple elegance.

Marilyn Ferguson, proprietor, says that at The Royal Merchant, customers can expect a warm and comfortable experience.

“At the Royal Merchant, not only will you find quality antiques and home decor, but you’ll also find someone who cares about her customers and wants to be here for the

long run,” she says. “It brings me joy to find special pieces at good prices that add charm, comfort and joy to my customer’s home. I’m always happy to look for special pieces at no charge or obligation for my customers. I want to give people more than they expect, be happy customers and tell their friends. We all win that way.”

As a person of deep faith, Marilyn chose the name for her business based on the Bible passage that describes King Solomon’s chief purchaser as The Royal Merchant. She focuses on great pricing, selection and personal service.

ENHANCE YOUR HOME WITH SIMPLE ELEGANCE

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Antique merchandise includes traditional oak, walnut and cherry furniture, including library tables, bookcases, desks, chest of drawers and other interesting, unusual pieces. Also popular are flameless LED candles, Michel Design Works soaps and lotions, linens, and an extensive line of seasonal decor, wreaths, swags and tasteful florals.

“Mark your calendars now for the Fall Harvest Sale on Saturday, September 9,” Marilyn adds. “We’ll have weathered pumpkins, cute witches and pumpkin-head people, spice candles and adorable light-up Meadowbrooke gourd creatures.”

Marilyn’s husband, Chuck Ferguson, COO, KCATA, is a huge support to the business. He accompanies her to market in Las Vegas and on frequent road trips for furniture pickups. She says that her love for antiques and “all things beautiful for the home” go back to childhood and the influence of her best friend’s mother, Rosie Wilson. “Rosie maintained a beautiful home with antiques and traditional upscale furnishings which I always

appreciated and admired. She was also a gracious host and prepared wonderful meals and had such a nice way of making everyone feel welcome. I aspired to have these traits as an adult.”

Originally from Sedalia, Mo., Marilyn opened her first antiques business there in 1995. In 2012, she moved to the Kansas City area and opened booths at Mission Road Antique Mall, the West Bottoms in Bella Patina, Serendipity, and her “final home” at her Glenwood Mall location.

“Not all antique dealers are the same,” Marilyn adds. “I’m the girl next door, not some cold, sterile shop owner just trying to make a buck. I sell antiques because I truly love them, truly love people, and truly believe everyone should have an opportunity to own nice things and live graciously.”

Open Daily: Sun through Wed 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thurs. through Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more info, visit FB: the Royal Merchant II and look for the website coming soon.

Your SUMMER BUCKET List

Experience Kansas City inside and out this summer with some local favorites and hidden gems. Whether it’s kid-friendly you’re seeking or an adults-night out, here are my recommendations for making this your best summer yet!

Family-Friendly Summer Bucket List Activities

KANSAS CITY CURRENT SOCCER MATCH kansascitycurrent.com

Children’s Mercy Park, KCK

Cheer on Kansas City’s Professional Women’s Soccer Club.

LAKE JACOMO

makeyourdayhere.com/Parks-Lakes/Lake-Jacomo Fleming Park, Blue Springs

970-acre lake located in one of Jackson County Parks + Rec’s premier recreational areas with sailboat regattas, pontoon boats, and additional watercraft rentals.

CRAFTPUTT INDOOR MINIATURE GOLF craftputt.com

135th and Quivira, Overland Park

10 hole indoor miniature golf serving 24 local KC craft beers, handcrafted cocktails and golf-themed games.

POWELL GARDENS powellgardens.org

1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville

Botanical Garden filled with themed display gardens, a threemile nature trail, seasonal festivals, rotating exhibitions, and exceptional architecture.

FAMILY FUNDAY SUNDAY AT KAUFFMAN STADIUM mlb.com/royals/tickets/specials/funday-sunday

1 Royal Way, KCMO

On Sundays, get 4 tickets, 4 hotdogs, 4 sodas, and a parking pass, choosing either View Reserved for $50 or Field Plaza seating for $100,  plus take advantage of all kids’ stadium activities as well as kids 14 and under can run the bases for FREE after the game.

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LAKE OLATHE PARK

olatheks.gov/government/parks-recreation/ parks-trails-bike-lanes/parks/lake-olathe-park

191 N. Ward Cliff Dr., Olathe

170-acre lake surrounded by a 258-acre community park, swim beach, and a floating obstacle course.

THE CITY MARKET  thecitymarketkc.org/farmers-market

20 E. 5th Street, KCMO

KC’s original marketplace connecting local businesses and regional growers to the community with an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques and flavors from around the world.

YAYA’S ALPACA FARM yayasalpacafarm.com

30200 E. 275th St, Garden City

Family farm raising adorable alpacas for sale, show, and for the gorgeous fleece that they produce.

BERKLEY RIVERFRONT berkleyriverfront.com

1298 Riverfront Rd KCMO

17-acre park is located on the riverfront near downtown KC featuring biking paths, sand volleyball courts, and scenic landscapes.

KC STARLIGHT THEATER kcstarlight.com

4600 Starlight Road, KCMO

KC’s oldest outdoor performing arts organization and home for the best Broadway musicals, concerts and unique theatrical shows.

SHATTO MILK COMPANY shattomilk.com/events-tours

9406 N. HWY. 33 Osborn

Farm tours showing how the milk gets from farm to table, the bottling process, meet adorable calves, see where the cows eat, sleep and how they’re milked.

BOULEVARD DRIVE-IN  boulevarddrivein.com/wordpress

1051 Merriam Ln , KCK 4k Drive-in Cinema Theater ZIP KC zipkc.com

12829 Loring Springs, Bonner Springs

Zip Line Tours: Hike & Zip, Tower Tour, Ultimate Adventure Tour, Date Night Sunset Tour & Glow in the Dark Night Zipping.

WESTON ORCHARD westonorchard.com

18545 Co Rd H, Weston

U-pick fresh, seasonal fruit including peaches and blackberries in July & August.

NATIONAL WW1 MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL theworldwar.org

2 Memorial Drive , KCMO

The only museum in America dedicated to sharing the stories of those who served during the Great War: The Liberty Memorial was designated a National Historic Landmark on Sept. 20, 2006, recognizing the monument as a nationally significant historic property.

Adult-Friendly Summer Bucket List Activities

HORSEFEATHER SOCIAL  horsefeathersocial.com

Loews Hotel, 1515 Wyandotte St, KCMO

Downtown rooftop bar overlooking The Kauffman Performing Arts Center and Bartle Hall Sky Stations while celebrating local distillers in your craft cocktails and the spirit of the early 1900s.

KC WINE CO  kcwineco.com

13875 S. Gardner Road , Olathe

21+ boutique winery with no shortage of both wine slushies and winery events, including ongoing live music, bingo, trivia, and special events every weekend.

MARINA 27 STEAK & SEAFOOD marina27.com

22 A Street, Lake Lotawana

Lakeside dining on the shore of beautiful Lake Lotawana. FIRST FRIDAYS IN THE WEST BOTTOMS westbottoms.com

1401 W. 13th St., KCMO

Approximately 600 vendors and more than 30 stores and restaurants make up the West Bottoms destination for interior decorators, designers, collectors, and consumers making unique finds for home, décor, style, and gift options.

ELECTRIC GARDEN BAR AT J. RIEGER & CO  jriegerco.com/epgb

2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO

Outdoor bar experience on the grounds of a historic distillery complete with fire pits, a swing set table, and lounge seating for an unparalleled outdoor patio bar experience. Enjoy playful menus inspired by nostalgic theme parks and soda parlors, including frozen cocktails and delectable food.

THE M80S BAND m80skc.com

Rotating Venues

Midwest’s hottest 80s cover band with all your favorite dance hits from pop, rock, funk and new wave.

THE ELMS HOTEL AND SPA elmshotelandspa.com

401 Regent Street, Excelsior Springs

Luxury hotel near Kansas City with unparalleled service, luxurious accommodations, genuine hospitality, and an idyllic setting that are the hallmarks of the resort and spa

PERCHERON ROOFTOP BAR

crossroadshotelkc.com/food-anddrink/percheron-rooftop-bar

2101 Central St, KCMO

Seasonal rooftop bar at Crossroads Hotel.

URBAN HIKES

urbanhikeskc.com

Multiple Locations

3-6 mile guided urban hiking experiences in Downtown KCK and KCMO.

OLD WORLD BALLOONERY

oldworldballoonery.com

12600 West 142nd Street, Overland Park

Champagne balloon rides in the Kansas City Metro Area - giving you some of the most beautiful views in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

GREEN DIRT FARM greendirtfarm.com/events

1099 Welt St, Weston

Farm to Table 5-course Dinners with wine pairings and curated Cheese Tasting Event THE FONTAINE SUMMER CABANAS thefontainehotel.com/the-hotel/ services-and-amenities

901 W. 48Tth Place, KCMO

Summer fun in the sun on the rooftop pool deck of The Fontaine with private cabanas. ART COURSE 2023 AT THE NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART nelson-atkins.org/art-course

4525 Oak St, KCMO

Nine-hole mini golf course experience located in the exquisite Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.

SALTWELL FARM KITCHEN saltwellfarmkitchen.com

214 North 800 Road, Overbook

Three-hour farm-to-table tasting menu featuring eight courses inspired by local ingredients, neighboring farmers and foraged foods, nestled in a shady walnut tree grover surrounded by farm animals.

PRAIRIEFIRE SUMMER MUSIC SERIES visitprairiefire.com/eventcalendar

5661 W. 135th St. , Overland Park

Free live music concerts throughout the summer every Thursday from 7-10 pm.

Creating Lifelong memories on the water

ST. CHARLES BOAT & MOTOR BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER THROUGH BOATING

With summer in full swing, a long-standing St Charles boat dealer wants you to keep family top of mind. For more than 50 years, St. Charles Boat & Motor has made family an integral part of their long-standing business. Its mindset plays a major role in their business longevity.

“It’s very family-oriented. We believe highly in family,” said proud owner, Zeke David, “I just want to keep providing families the opportunity to get outside and enjoy themselves.”

For David and his staff, it all boils down to treating customers and employees like family. So just like you would want the best for your family, David explained it’s all about giving your customers the very best.

The shop offers a variety of high-performance upgrades, a diverse parts department, and an impressive showroom featuring Yamaha, Crest, and Mercury boats.  Customers can also schedule a test drive, browse through pre-owned inventory or go in fiberglass repair and other specialized work.

“We do a lot of training with our customers as far as when they buy a new or pre-owned unit,” said David. “We do a pretty extensive pre-delivery process, so they’re comfortable with what they buy, how to operate it safely and with as least expense as possible.”

It’s a one-stop-shop with an experienced staff ready to meet customer needs.  St Charles Boat & Motor team members are trained by the original equipment manufacturer, technicians and mechanics are on stand-by to answer and fix all boating concerns, and detailers are ready to clean and detail boats for storage.

“Sales is a bit of a roller coaster, and it depends on what the economy is doing, but service is always there, so if you care for your customers after the sale, that’s what keeps you going,” said David.

Boating has been a life-long passion for David and his family. His grandfather and father both owned boats and even worked at a boat dealership while in high school. It’s a passion that he eventually was able to share with his children who have either worked or currently worked at St Charles Boat and Motor.

“Once you get boating in your blood, it stays in your blood. Usually once you get an introduction to boating, it’s a lifetime activity,” said David.

While families come from all backgrounds. To David, boating is a universal pastime with the ability to create lifelong memories. .

“I’m a big advocate of family time, and I think you know boating is a great way to offer that,” said David.

As the shop gears up for another year in the books, David hopes the next 50 years of his business continues to deliver on customer service and bring families together.

“We’ve got, you know, three and four generations of family that have purchased from us over the years and obviously we want to continue to offer that,” said Zeke. “I don’t see this dealership going anywhere in the next 40 to 45 years other than to keep, continue to grow.”

Custom Homes

Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.