SA Building Review Volume 13 - 2025 | Page 64

EDITORIAL Property trends

Rustic meets modern in the barndominium boom

A new property style has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in rural and semi-rural areas as more and more people move away from cities in search of space and a quieter lifestyle. In South Africa, which has an abundance of rural and semi-rural landscapes, the barndominium is the perfect home for country living.
Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’ s International Realty
A barndominium, derived from‘ barn’ and‘ condominium’, is a type of building that combines a barn’ s design with modern home features and, in addition to living quarters, it typically includes a large garage, workshop, or other utilitarian space.
Originally popularised in the United States, these buildings were initially constructed by converting existing barns into living spaces, maintaining the rustic charm of the original structures. Nowadays, however, many are new constructions, designed from scratch to be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
They are typically built from metal or wood, with high ceilings, open floor plans and large open spaces, making them ideal for those who appreciate airy interiors, and these structures often feature large windows, sliding doors, and loft spaces.
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