Welcome to Front Royal, Virginia! This charming town in the Shenandoah Mountains has a lot to offer. With its friendly people, quality schools, and a variety of shops and local attractions, it’s the kind of place that feels like home right away.

You get the best of both worlds here – peaceful mountain living with easy access to larger cities. And because it’s located just at the northern entrance to Skyline Drive, Front Royal is the ideal spot to settle down and enjoy the beauty of the countryside.

What better way to embrace this idyllic setting than building a barndominium? It’s a modern, stylish home with a rustic touch, offering open spaces, durability, and a cozy, country-style charm. 

So, if you’re curious about what a barndo is capable of, Joe and Kailey Darr’s Virginia barndominium is sure to impress.

Overview

Joe and Kailey Darr chose to design a barndominium on their own, and their decision paid off quite nicely. Their Virginia barndominium, which they lovingly call the “Darrdominium,” is a perfect example of why this style of home is gaining popularity.

Set on a spacious five-acre property, the home offers 2,750 square feet of living space. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for family and guests. The 1,600-square-foot garage/shop is a big bonus for anyone who needs extra space for projects, hobbies, or storage.

Building a barndominium in Virginia is particularly appealing because of the state’s stunning landscapes. The Darrs’ choice of a black exterior for their home is both bold and beautiful. The dark color creates a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery and mountain views. It makes the home stand out while still fitting in seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Getting to Know the Owners

Find out more about Joe and Kailey Darr, the heart and soul behind this lovely Virginia barndominium. They’re a couple who took their dream of a unique home and made it a reality with determination and hands-on effort. 

Let’s take a closer look at how they brought this home to life.

What inspired you to build a barndominium?

Joe and Kailey were drawn to the barndominium concept right from the start. “We loved the idea of an open floor plan, a large garage, and the low-maintenance lifestyle these homes offer.”

The design was perfect for their needs, offering the space and simplicity they were looking for. It allowed them to create a home that’s not just functional but also a reflection of their style.

Did you build your barndominium yourself or hire a builder? Any tips for finding a builder?

The Darrs decided to take on the challenge themselves. “We acted as our own general contractors and did a lot of the work ourselves.” This approach gave them complete control over every aspect of the build. They’re even in the process of obtaining their Class-A construction license, so they definitely know what they’re doing.

For those thinking about doing the same, their advice is simple: be prepared for a big commitment. 

What is the one thing you wish you would have known before building?

Looking back, they’ve learned a few things along the way. “Large doors are better. Put them wherever you can.” The Darrs also realized just how demanding building your own home can be. It’s a lot of effort, but seeing their vision come to life made all the hard work worth it.

What is your favorite part of your barndominium?

When it comes to their favorite part of the home, “What isn’t?” they say with confidence. “We love our home. We got to hand-pick every single detail.” From the layout to the finishes, every inch of the Darrdominium shows their dedication to it.

Anything you wish you could change?

Even with all the care they’ve put into their home, there are a few things they might tweak. “We do wish we had placed our kids’ closets differently. We could have made their bathroom smaller and their rooms bigger. But overall, we’re so happy with how it turned out.”

Joe and Kailey’s Virginia barndominium journey shows what’s possible with a clear vision, hard work, and a little creativity. A home, when done well, can be a space filled with love, personality, and hard work.

Let’s Tour this Barndominium!

Now that we know how awesome the Darrs are, let’s get into it. Without further ado, let’s explore what makes this place truly special.

Exterior

Set on five acres of beautiful land, Joe and Kailey’s barndominium is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. The exterior features a bold black metal roof and matching black siding. This gives the home a sleek, modern look. Instead of using a standard barndominium kit, they brought in a pole barn company to build the shell, making sure every detail met their vision.

The two large ash wood garage doors, each measuring 14×14, add a warm, rustic touch to the otherwise modern exterior. The property itself is a playground for outdoor activities. 

Whether it’s hunting, dirt biking, or riding four-wheelers, there’s plenty of room to roam. And in a fun twist, Joe and Kailey even built a matching mini barndo for their dogs!

The wrap-around stamped concrete patio is one of their favorite features. It’s a great spot for soaking up the fresh air and taking in the scenery. They also added a balcony that walks out to the garage, making it a cozy spot to relax after a busy day.

Interior

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by 2,750 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. It has a wide open layout with a large indoor balcony. The windows let in plenty of natural light.

The downstairs floors are sealed concrete, chosen for their durability and clean look. In the bathroom, they opted for luxury vinyl tile in a white marble finish, adding a touch of elegance to the industrial vibe. Upstairs, the dark wood flooring brings warmth and character to the living spaces.

The paint colors throughout the home are just as carefully selected. The tall walls are painted in a rich olive green, adding depth and coziness. The laundry room is brightened up with Sherwin-Williams’ Outrigger, while the kids’ rooms are done in Dove Wing, a soft, neutral shade that feels calming and timeless.

The main bedroom stands out with a DIY faux limewash technique, blending Dove Wing and Tavern Taupe. This technique adds a textured, aged look that brings a unique charm to the space.

The interior is filled with personal touches that make this barndominium truly one-of-a-kind. Kailey added a custom-built dog wash station in the washroom. Meanwhile, Joe has his own gun room. 

The home is also kept warm with in-floor heating, powered by a wood boiler, ensuring it’s cozy year-round. And the huge garage? It’s a dream for anyone who loves outdoor gear and projects.

Great Room

The great room in this barndominium is a spacious, open-plan area that truly feels grand. The large interior balcony adds a sense of scale. Olive green walls provide a sophisticated contrast to the crisp white walls and ceilings. Plush white seating enhances the cozy yet elegant vibe. 

Kitchen

Joe and Kailey hit the jackpot with their kitchen’s sleek black cabinetry. They scored brand-new black shaker-style cabinets at an auction for just $2,600 – an incredible deal for exactly what they wanted. These soft-close cabinets from SilverCreek Cabinets bring both style and functionality to the kitchen.

The mix of wood and black creates a modern yet warm atmosphere. A gold stainless steel sink and metal light fixtures add sophistication, while the large kitchen island serves both as a divider and gathering spot.

Master Suite

The master suite is a serene retreat with faux limewash walls that give the space a rich, textured look. The sleek design includes a soft platform bed and leather seating.

There’s a connected en-suite bath. With its blend of black and gold accents, featuring a luxurious sunken bathtub, it’s like being at the spa.

Additional Bedrooms

Each of the additional bedrooms reflects the owner’s own personality. One is bright and airy with white decor, while another embraces a bolder, more dramatic look with black accents.

Other Rooms in this Barndominium

The garage is impressive in size, so there’s plenty of room for hobbies and storing vehicles to enjoy the great outdoors. Meanwhile, the interior balcony leads to an upstairs living area, complete with a plush L-shaped couch.

All the bathrooms in the home follow a consistent design theme, with olive green walls and textured limewash accents. You can clearly see a cohesive and polished look in every corner of this Virginia barndominium.

Wrapping Up

Joe and Kailey Darr’s Virginia barndominium is a perfect blend of their vision and hard work. With their thoughtful design, it’s become a home that’s able to combine modern comforts with the charm of country living.

And what’s great about a barndo is that it can really be whatever you want it to be. Whether you prefer a classic barn look or a more modern design, the possibilities are endless. If Joe and Kailey’s home has inspired you, visit Barndominium Life for more ideas.

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.