Welcome to good ol’ Arkansas! Whether you were born and raised in the Natural State or are just discovering its charms, Arkansas is an exceptional place to call home.
With its low cost of living, friendly communities, mild temperatures, diverse food and entertainment options, breathtaking views, and wide range of activities, Arkansas offers the best of southern charm.
It’s completely understandable you’d want to build a home here, as it’s one of the best states for retirement. Arkansas boasts a cost of living well below the national average, with housing standing out in particular.
The median sale price of a home in Arkansas is $263,600, significantly lower than the national median of $439,716. This affordability makes Arkansas an attractive choice, especially for those seeking a rural lifestyle.
One of the most appealing and unique housing options in Arkansas is the barndominium. Combining barn-like charm with the comfort and style of a modern home, barndominiums cater to a variety of needs and aesthetic preferences. They offer spacious interiors, customizable layouts, and a distinctive look that works seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Ready for some inspiration? Our feature today takes us to a rustic way of living with an Arkansas barndominium perfect for a rural lifestyle.
Let’s get started!
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Exterior
Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Chief of Law Enforcement Billy Black’s homebuilding journey is a story of passion and creativity. Residing in Waldron, Billy wanted a property that truly felt like home – so the decision to build a barndominium was driven by his desire for something distinctive and personal.
Remarkably, Billy, along with the help of a friend, built this home without any formal design plans, adding and changing elements as they went. The result is a home that exudes character and individuality, crafted with pure passion and know-how.
The exterior of this Arkansas barndominium has the classic barn-like structure we already know and love. The architectural design includes dormer windows that project vertically from the sloping roof. These windows enhance the aesthetic appeal and allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A large gable roof sits at the center of the facade, covering the main entryway with a dramatic feel while certainly adding curb appeal.
The gable roof seamlessly connects to an end-to-end covered front porch, a classic southern feature perfect for enjoying leisurely afternoons in rocking chairs overlooking the tranquil body of water that lies just beyond the property.
The front of the home is complemented by some charming landscaping, featuring a curvy concrete path that winds around the property.
The home also has a covered breezeway, which connects the main living area to the home’s workshop. An integral part of the barndominium, the workshop offers plenty of space for tinkering and pursuing hobbies. The versatility of a barndominium means that there’s plenty of room for storage, projects, and creativity.
Adjacent to the workshop is another covered porch area, perfect for relaxation. Here, a hammock is placed, inviting anyone to take a moment to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Interior
The interior of this Arkansas barndominium masterfully blends rustic charm with stylish flair, creating a living space that rivals many contemporary homes.
Living Area
As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by a grand open space that shows off the home’s welcoming and airy ambiance.
The open-plan layout seamlessly connects the living room, kitchen, and dining areas, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. High vaulted ceilings and large windows allow natural light to flood the space. The brown stained concrete flooring works very well with the wood accents throughout the home, adding warmth to the rustic yet modern aesthetic.
The living room is centered around an electric fireplace insert, serving as the focal point of the space.
Kitchen & Dining
The open living area flows into the kitchen, which features rich dark wood cabinetry that contrasts beautifully with steel appliances. A brick backsplash adds a touch of texture and visual interest, while a kitchen island provides additional workspace and seating. Rustic mason jar lighting fixtures above the island add a playful element.
Tucked into the corner is the dining area, a cozy space with rustic decor that invites comforting family meals and cherished moments. A dining room cabinet displays knick-knacks that bring back nostalgia. The dining area is perfect for both casual family meals and more formal gatherings.
Laundry Room
Adjacent to the main living space is a compact laundry room. The space is designed for efficiency and practicality. Open shelving and cabinets provide ample storage for laundry essentials, which are neatly organized in glass jars, adding a stylish and functional touch to the space.
Bedrooms
A set of stairs leads to a large indoor balcony, enhancing the grand feel of the home. This balcony offers plenty of space that can be utilized in various ways. It could serve as a cozy reading nook, a home office, or an additional living area.
The balcony also provides access to the bedrooms, each designed with a contemporary feel and featuring brown tones in various textures and patterns.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms continue the theme of modern rustic elegance. Rich dark wood cabinetry and double sink vanities provide lots of storage and functionality.
A standout feature that we absolutely love here is the soaking bathtub, complete with a bath tray and a mounted TV. It’s perfect for relaxing soaks that can last for hours.
Around the corner is a dedicated shower room, featuring double showers and shiplap wood tiles that maintain the home’s overall aesthetic.
Wrapping Up
Billy Black reminds us that with creativity, passion, and hands-on craftsmanship, anything is possible. Built without any formal plans in mind, this unique dwelling speaks volumes about Billy and his family’s dedication to creating a space that is truly their own.
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.
Noah Edis is a passionate staff writer at Barndominium Life, a leading online resource for all things barndominium. With years of experience in the writing industry, Noah has made a name for himself as a skilled storyteller and a knowledgeable authority on the topic of barndominiums.
Noah’s interest in barndominiums began when he stumbled upon the concept while researching alternative housing options. Intrigued by the rustic charm and functionality of these converted barns, he soon became obsessed with the idea of living in one himself. He spent countless hours researching the construction, design, and decorating aspects of barndominiums, and soon became an expert on the topic.
As a staff writer at Barndominium Life, Noah enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for these unique homes with others. He has written numerous articles covering a wide range of topics, from the history of barndominiums to the best ways to decorate them. Noah’s writing is informative, engaging, and always on-trend, making him a valuable asset to the Barndominium Life team.
Noah is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in English Language and Literature. When he’s not writing about barndominiums, he can be found exploring the great outdoors, trying new restaurants, or spending time with his family and friends. Noah is dedicated to his craft and is always striving to improve his writing skills and knowledge of the barndominium lifestyle.
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