A Dreamy Black & White Barn for a Lifelong Equestrian

This is a guest post and barn project written and shared by Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders.

Michael Williams and Sisi Gallagher both dreamed of having a magnificent barn filled with strong, healthy horses, a full-size outdoor riding ring, and a view like none other. Most lifelong equestrians would agree—there are only a few better dreams than commissioning a custom barn to be built on the perfect property.

Finding the Right Place to Call Home

Sisi, an amateur eventer and foxhunter, began riding as a child in New England and competed in the equitation, junior hunter, and jumper divisions. After a long hiatus she began riding again when she moved to Washington, D.C. and met her husband Michael, an enthusiastic foxhunter.

While this couple has a house in DC, they both agreed that they’d like to shift the majority of their time to a county home. The couple found their dream property in the town of Millwood, deep within the heart of the nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital, Clarke County, Virginia.

Clarke County, located near the Piedmont region of Virginia, shares a rich history of horse riding, fox hunting, and steeplechasing. This area is well known to horse-lovers, lifelong owners & breeders, endurance riders, and equestrian Olympians.

The sight of a red fox streaking across pastures where Thoroughbred horses graze is an everyday occurrence. It’s where the love of the land and the legacy of the horses are so indelibly entwined.

It’s that same love of horses and sport that still draws so many riders, stable tour visitors, and new residents to this part of the state. Its equestrian roots run deep. Farms and barns have and always will spot this beautiful countryside.

It was both the county and the history that appealed to this couple. That’s why this particular nook in Virginia was the perfect location. When they found a gorgeous 1830’s home for sale, they knew this was home. Rolling hills, thick-trunked trees, and greenery as far as the eye could see. The property was stunning, but so equally was its surrounding.

Altogether, in one perfect package, they found rich history, rustic charm, beautiful countryside, and exquisite space for their horses—everything they’ve been searching to find.

A Dream Home Needs a Dream Barn

While they moved into their new house and made it their dream nest, they also worked to create a beautiful yet practical place for Sisi’s horses. Behind the barn she wanted an outdoor arena. Having a barn and arena on her property would eliminate the need to travel and would provide a space that they could grow into and be easily accessible by others.

To match with the home and property, a barn would need to be commissioned—one that was strong and beautiful but blended in effortless. Who was capable of tackling such a task? Who was well-known for creating custom barn designs? Where would they find quality craftsmen they could trust? They needed a team of people who could manifest Sisi’s vision while respecting the history of the land.

The Right Team of Custom Barn Builders

Sisi and Michael learned about the highly sought after architect, Elvin Engel, of Engel Architects in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When the design was complete, Elvin recommended they contact Jane DelBianco who worked for Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders because she had a background in historic preservation and understood the importance of the county’s history and culture.

They wanted to get their dream barn right the first time, so it was imperative that they find the right builders. After only days of hearing about Jane and the SSB building team, they made the call.

At the beginning of the construction process, the couple shared their ideas with Jane and the SSB team. Sisi’s love of riding meant a ring large enough for full dressage patterns, a cozy but beautiful caretaker’s apartment, and wide-open spaces, but yet a unmistakable warm and welcoming feel. From there, the heavy lifting was left in the capable hands of the building crew.

The partnership between the couple, Jane, and SSB was life-changing. From this partnership came the couple’s dream barn—a perfect home for Sisi’s horses and a practical layout for a dedicated equestrian—but also a kindred friendship.

After several months of building, the 36×90-foot barn with an airy and open 10-foot high and 12-foot wide aisles, substantial loft, impressive 12-foot walls, and six 12×12 stalls with dutch doors was complete.

The barn boasted many impressive features. It had custom aluminum stall fronts with a yolk for the horses to poke out their curious heads, feed room, wash stall, tack room, laundry area, and restroom. The large center aisle had custom arch doors and 12-inch concrete borders with rubber pavers.

Here are the details of the barn’s interior:

12×12 horse stalls (6)
12×12 storage stall
12×12 feed room
12×12 laundry/tack room
12×12 office
3×9 restroom
3×3 closet storage area (4)
3 x 12 open storage area
3’ wide stairs to loft area
Loft over all stalls, wash stall, and aisle-ways
114 feet of 12-foot wide aisle-ways

The outside was as impressive as the inside. It had reverse board and batten siding, a full-size outdoor riding ring (yes, large enough for full dressage patterns!), and large doors that opened up to the breathtaking hills of Virginia.

And as requested, a 1,300 square foot caretaker’s apartment was constructed within the barn. It was move-in ready with painted walls, inviting but durable flooring, beautiful hardwood cabinetry, complete heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing as well as every other necessity and many other luxuries.

When the project was complete, it was undeniable: the land, home, and barn felt like a cohesive estate. The couple couldn’t have been happier. All Sisi’s barn hopes and dreams were materialized to perfection.

Sisi and Michael’s property barn has come to be known as Spout Run Stables and has morphed into a full-service boarding and training facility run by Sisi and Linden Wiesman Ryan, an Olympic medalist.

Custom Barn Building in Virginia and Beyond

This couple’s barn was built in Virginia, but the Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders team reaches beyond Old Dominion. Since 1999, this dream building team has constructed, converted, and renovated hundreds of barns, carriage house garages, and horse stables & riding facilities in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders is a family-owned and operated business located in the beautiful farming landscape of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where hardworking Amish craftsmen and barn builders are renowned.

Are you ready to build your dream barn? Start by telling us what you want—what you hope for—what you can only imagine. From there, our experienced team will collaborate to create an architectural drawing and floor plan sketchup. Make as many tweaks as you like—this is your dream barn after all. Once you’re comfortable with the plan, we’ll get to work taking care of every detail—from top to bottom, inside and outside.

Considering partnering with Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders for your next unique project. We’d love to welcome you to the SSB Family!

See more of our custom structures in Our Work gallery and on Houzz.