Darou barn being dismantled

Darou-McPherson farm house

This is a property that has quite the history. Perth Town Council has been discussing the Darou Farm Property, and its buildings, for years. Finally, they decided to take the barn apart and rebuild it elsewhere. Our local college, Algonquin, is using the project with their students. Algonquin does a lot of restoration work, like stone masonry. Very practical job skills.

Barn board is valuable, some businesses actually buy it up and sell it elsewhere. Many local people make products, arts and crafts, out of it. The town bought the 50 acre property back in 2004 as a buffer to the landfill site, to protect the water table, and in 2009 a consultant said the house and barn had heritage merit. The farm house is pretty uninspiring, to my mind. There is a building behind it, an addition to the house, but it is a common style around here.

farmhouse in spring

We have many fine examples of barns across the province, and the country. I wrote a post about those who recover barn materials , but many are not worth the trouble. There was a wonderful meme, Barn Charm, and falling apart barns are quite common. Now, we have Rubbish by Roan #37 , where you can see lots of old stuff!

Volunteer firefighters used the house it for practice

This building is a place where teens gather behind it, in the dark, on weekends. Without enough OPP staff to patrol, it's been a neglected source of conflict. It is quiet, south of town, and trouble can ensue. Neighbours complain.

before

after

down to the stone, lots of rotting hay

gone!