You won’t believe what this $28k barn looks like now: stay for $733 a night

Take a tour of this Fixer Upper triumph

With the help of the renovation legends and Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, this barn was converted into an amazing 2,700-square-foot home, which became known as the 'Barndominium'. From a drab and dreary outbuilding to a bright and beautiful space, let's take a peek inside and see how they did it. Click or scroll for more...

The original owners

The Meeks (pictured with Chip and Joanna) paid $28,000 (£20k) for the original barn building. Their renovation budget was set at $180,000 (£131k), with a large portion of it going towards infrastructure and utility upgrades, such as plumbing and electrics for the downstairs portion of the house. 

Exterior: before

Featured on season 3 of HGTV's original Fixer Upper series, the barn is located in the Gaines' hometown of Waco, Texas. To turn this agricultural gem into a family home, the horse stalls and hay storage areas were transformed into five bedrooms, a living area, a grand dining hall that seats 16 and a contemporary kitchen.

Exterior: after

The original exterior was updated by adding large black mullioned windows, sliding barn doors and white shiplap walls. These work seamlessly alongside the modern-day design inside.

Dining room: before

Joanna's recommendations for the first-floor space included replacing the existing garage door with a new entrance, adding hardwood flooring and new walls. 

Entryway: after

The use of dark flooring in the entryway, which leads to the main dining area, helps to give the space a classic look that provides a warm balance with the white walls. Crittal-style glazing and a beautiful old bureau complete this gorgeous space.

Dining room: after

The dining room is filled with a 17-foot custom design farm table. Built by furniture artisan, Clint Harp, it can sit up to 16 people in a banquet-worthy setting.

Dining room: after

Other key elements in the dining space include new French doors, huge lantern-style pendant lights, a custom-designed wall feature and a rustic coat rack. Mix-and-match wooden chairs and farmhouse-style accessories help provide the space with a welcoming, casual vibe. 

Downstairs den: after

The sliding barn doors incorporate the building's original use and were put in as a practical option to separate the dining room from the den, when and if needed. 

Downstairs den: after

The informal den, adjacent to the main dining room, blends modern style chairs and sofas with traditional elements such as the classic overhead ceiling fans. 

Downstairs den: after

White painted wooden cladding provides a clean but homely backdrop, while geometric shapes in the rug and artwork continue to bring this family room bang up to date. The barn also comes with a huge amount of farmland; beyond these French doors sits 16 acres, which is covered in oak trees and even has its own private lake. 

Stairs: after

The newly configured stairs wrap around to create a handy work space at the back. The house is full of small details, including this wrought iron door handle. 

Office space: after

The home office space, positioned in a clever nook, includes a custom-made floating desk and built-in bookshelves, with a pair of rustic artworks made from different textures of wood.

Kitchen: before

The existing kitchen was old fashioned and required a complete overhaul. The old popcorn ceiling was removed and shiplap walls, baseboards and moulding, as well as new recessed lighting and chandeliers, were added. 

Kitchen: after

The new contemporary kitchen combines warm wooden finishes, clean white cabinetry and stark concrete countertops, all executed with the finest craftsmanship. Located on the first floor, it marries contemporary elements with more rustic utilitarian basics. 

Kitchen: after

The magnificent space is punctuated by striking, delicate chandeliers that can be found hanging throughout the home. 

Kitchen: after

It also has a traditional Belfast sink through a large scale window that looks out to expansive views of the Waco countryside. The overall budget for the kitchen was $30,000 (£22k). 

Dining table: after

Separating the kitchen from the living room is a smaller dining table, perfect for your morning coffee or a hearty breakfast with the family.

Living area: after

Walls were removed on the first floor to create a mixed-used space that incorporates a kitchen, dining and living area. 

Living area: after

Contemporary and rustic elements are once again integrated to create a relaxed and comfortable setting in the upstairs living space. Joanna's famous sense of style, which uses elements of upcycling such as this framed feature on the wall and always lots of planting and greenery, has really come through.

And the price?

Fancy staying in this beautiful barndominium? Well, now you can! It is listed on the vacation website VRBO for an average of $733 (£597) per night with a minimum two-night stay.

Reference links to original sources may not appear in this version – to view the piece in full, please see www.loveproperty.com