Property layout/barn placement

[froglander]

We are going to be using a 26x20x10 carport as a shelter/barn.

Original plan was to put it near the driveway close to a water spigot. As we have been looking at that more the last couple days we’ve realized it may end up being all you really see from the house and right now it’s a rather pretty view we think from the front porch.

There is another water spigot on the property about 150’ further from the house where we have also been considering locating it. Was hoping to get some input from people on how close their barns are to their houses and any ideas you might have for placement.

Per county codes, a shelter/barn to house animals is to be 200’ from property lines, if that is not possible it has to be centered. Our property is about 168’ wide so it has to be centered.

Also, in the pictures, the blue is the carport/barn and the red is an idea for a future lean-to/overhang that we’ve thought about adding.

Thanks!

Current view 1
Current View 2

Option A

Option B

[BuddyRoo]

I really have no advice for your sitch because I’m having a hard time visualizing even with your excellent photos–but you have a lovely property and a lovely view.

If I were building a barn (in my dreams!!) I would want to look at things like drainage, direction wind/rain usually comes from, and what would make most sense for turnout more than just where existing spigots are. It’s not that hard to put in another if needed. I would also be thinking about resale and how it would present to someone else because while I do love the idea of looking at my very own barn, others may not enjoy that as the primary view.

Also, will you be trying to trench electric fro the house to the barn? If so, having it closer may make more sense…but again…the view thing.

I dunno. I’m no help. But I’m still jealous!!

[Bluey]

I too can’t tell, the topography would determine where is best.

As for how far from the house, here the fire department told me they recommend structures are a good 100’+ apart, so they have room for their trucks if they ever have to come fight a fire.

Also, here the recommendation is any structures to be if possible 100’ from the well.

My house is 140’ from the barn and it is fine to walk over to feed and do chores.
The only time there is a problem is when we have a blizzard and several feet of snow drifts between both.
Then it is hard to climb those drifts to get to the barn.
I don’t think you will have a problem with that in FL.

I agree with BuddyRoo, that is a lovely place and oh so greeeeeen, how very nice.

[froglander]

The property has a gradual slope down to the road from the house. Both locations we are considering would require a /little/ bit of leveling, by little bit, I am pretty sure I can do it by hand with a shovel. Neither location is in a low spot. There seems to be decent breezes that run east/west (top of property in pic is north).

Option A would put it about 100’ from the front door, the other one would be about 240’ from the front door.

Doesn’t really work to put it in the back because there is a lot of clearing we need to do.

I guess, we are just trying to figure out a location where it will complement the view from the house and not be inconvenient from the house.

[Wonders12]

Assuming both spots are similar enough in every other way to make them equal quality location…

I would choose option B. Is that about as far down the hill as the car in the first photo?

Option A is going to block your view considerably, and you may have to tear it down because of that for resale. I think the farther down the hill, the better. The property isn’t huge, so it’s not like you will be trekking too far. And as others have said, if you have a better Option C without water, it’s not that hard to get it there if you’re not dealing with freezing temps.

[Bluey]

Get a golf cart/gator type vehicle to run back and forth and help carry stuff?

Then distance won’t matter.

[Pocket_Pony]

My last place the barn was about 200’ down the driveway from the house (you’d pass the barn when driving in to the property). It wasn’t so far that it was a problem and it is always good to take an opportunity to stretch the legs.

One thing to consider is the ease of deliveries and trailers getting in and out. Do you have a trailer? Will you park it by the barn? Where will hay be stored and will there be room for an easy unload/turn-around?

[ElementFarm]

I also want to know if you’re going to run electric? A dark barn is a nuisance and dark comes early Nov-Feb…
If you’re running power, a shorter distance is preferable, simply due to cost.

Another thought would be to inset the edge of the barn/shelter into the perimeter fence line. Then you can have a non-horse person throw hay/grain, check water, etc, without having to go into the field with horses (very nice in emergencies, or if you’re relying on family to house-sit). Also, if you’re using the building for storage (tack, grain, etc) you won’t have to transport all those supplies through the horses’ field, you can just put a people door in.

Personally, I like my barn to be VERY close to my house, as in attached. It’s great when it’s raining/windy/stormy. Or for night checks on a colic or about-to-foal horse.

Are you going to set the carport up as an actual barn, with stalls, grooming area, etc? Or is it just a run-in? Keep in mind, you’ll want a dry, out of the elements, and well-lit place for your vet and farrier to work in during inclement weather.

[suz]

Actually I would probably reconsider clearing and place the barn behind–it would be a shame to lose the long distance vista in the front yard, imho.

Otoh, by placing it closest to the front of the house, one could attach the house to the garage to the barn with breezeways and achieve sort of a courtyard effect., which I love.
The circular driveway would probably need tweaking, but it could be super spiffy.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=suz;8344231]
Actually I would probably reconsider clearing and place the barn behind–it would be a shame to lose the long distance vista in the front yard, imho.

Otoh, by placing it closest to the front of the house, one could attach the house to the garage to the barn with breezeways and achieve sort of a courtyard effect., which I love.
The circular driveway would probably need tweaking, but it could be super spiffy.[/QUOTE]

That last sounds like an interesting solution.

Also think if you will enjoy being able to see your horses from the house, any time you look out the windows or are outside.

That may determine where is best placed and oriented for that.

[BuddyRoo]

If there’s a possibility of putting the barn behind the house, I’d go that route for a number of reasons. Except…that it could make turnout harder if you have to create a lane to get horses out to pasture. or if you want to have run in/run out.

This is a great problem to have I guess? Ha!

[HealingHeart]

You will like having it close to the house.,ease to feed, water, check on them & in weather conditions.

[tpup]

If the further location doesn’t block the view as much that would be my vote IF it doesn’t interfere with running electric. 150’ is not far at all. Ours is about 200’ and it’s not a big deal. In bad weather we drive down (we have a driveway from the home to the barn) My first vote would be to have it behind the home but not sure if that’s even an option. Very pretty view and I would find it “blocking” to have it right in front of the home so close. You could also put in a small drive from your long driveway to the barn if it’s further down in the front vs. right by the house.

[lorilu]

B. In central Fl, another 150 feet to walk is not such a big deal. That will also permit a paddock between the house and barn, which will give a nice view of horsies out the windows.

Check codes regarding attaching the barn to the house.