With love and hard work, old forgotten things can be made new again and brought back to life. That's how the Valley Pike Farm Market's owner David Gardner felt when he discovered the barn we now call home.
Barn facts:
Once owned by the Sellers Family, this classic bank barn features an oak barn frame that is believed to date back over 125 years. The oak framed structure features mortise and tenon joints with 2 inch tongue and groove heart pine floors. This beautiful barn is highlighted by a standing seam galvanized roof with three large cupolas. At one time the lower level of the barn was used for dairy cattle and later a horse stable. The upper level of the barn was used for hay storage.
Saving the history:
David passed by the“Sellers Barn” for over 30 years and watched as it sat idle for a majority of that time. Over the past 10 years the farm on which the barn resided had changed hands twice and he feared the barn was destined to be destroyed. "I have always been interested in agriculture and have a real love for the great heritage we have in the Shenandoah Valley. I have concerns that we have been losing much of our farm land and majestic old barns and historic homes." stated Dr. Gardner. So David and his wife Ann, procured the barn and had it dismantled by Mike Hart of Heartland Construction from the Philadelphia Pa area. The barn was dismantled, numbered, and bundled for transport. Then the Gardner's thought to themselves, "Now, what do we do with this barn since we have saved it?"
“I am like so many people who have an infatuation with neat old repurposed buildings, especially the ones that go to the basic human needs... FOOD , FUN, and FELLOWSHIP. I have always had a fleeting thought of a coffee shop and a farm market and well… now we have the structure, we have the location, and we own a farm that would be deserving of such a notable piece of valley history, The Sellers Barn.”
the start of something new:
Excavation started March 2015 for the “new life” of an old barn. The “bones” are authentic and are reassembled with pegs just as it came apart. The floors are original heart pine. Several liberties were taken in the design of the “new old barn”. The main structure is enhanced with a beautiful addition on the north end which is the home of The Rumor Mill Coffee Company. The space has a beautiful view overlooking the tree lined drive and flowing fields of Maple Lane Farm. The walls are adorned with the original wood from the two large granaries from the original barn. There are two lofts preserved from the barn on the North and South ends, one to serve as a reading nook or cozy meeting space and the other as beautiful dressing rooms for bride and groom. The cupolas do their job well as they ventilate the main barn. We have made a few modifications though. We added some glass to let the light in and added motorized window openers in the cupola to get full use of that ventilation in those months where its just the right weather to let the “fresh air” in. You are not to worry when natural ventilation won’t cut it, turn on the AC! The barn is completely air conditioned and heated for the comfort of our patrons and the quality of our products. The lower level is spacious and will serve as an event venue, The Granary. The barn was raised to create a 12 foot ceiling with exposed original beams. Roll the barn door open and let the good times begin at the full stone bar in The Taproom adjacent to the large event area.
Vision:
A stone fireplace warms you as your signature coffee is being prepared. The covered deck spans 100’ across the back of the barn to entice the patrons to slow down, unplug, sit and enjoy the serenity of how life is meant to be… peaceful. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and fresh pastry or signature ice cream sundae made with old fashioned hand dipped ice cream. Perhaps a glass of your favorite Virginia wine or craft beer is your preference as you wind down after a busy day.
The north loft welcomes you and your co-workers for an afternoon brainstorming session on the couches, where you can enjoy endless amounts of coffee and grab a deli sandwich when a break is needed. Or, you may need a place to sit and enjoy a quiet space to read a book, or simply eat drink and be merry! The south end loft is filled with excitement and joy as a bride prepares to marry the love of her life. And have her photos taken with her friends in the french country inspired dressing rooms.
Walk out onto the patio where a beautiful fireplace awaits your leisure. Watch as the sun sets in the west overlooking the rolling fields of Maple Lane Farm. As the seasons change and the air chills the infrared heaters will warm you while you enjoy your time at the Valley Pike Farm Market.