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Bridport Gunstock Barn

30 X 42 feet | Circa 1800 | Bridport, Vermont

This frame is a beautiful gunstock structure that dates from the late 1700s or very early 1800s.  Gunstock means that the posts flare out at the top in order to accommodate tenons that support and hold fast both the top plates on the eaves of the building and the large tie beams that span the width of the building. This style of construction is incredibly strong because all the forces at play from the roof load are held in check right at the eave. It also creates a gorgeous aesthetic as you look up into the rafter system. 

 

Details:

  • 1,260 square feet of footprint with great potential for more space on the second floor.

  • The braces for this structure are made out of sawn oak. The posts and horizontal ties consist primarily of Ash wood, while the long 42 foot beams, the tie beams, and the rafters are soft wood.

  • Quintessential gunstock profile, with perpendicular tenons.

  • Restored frame, erected on your foundation, with original roof boards installed

 

Possibilities:

This barn would make a wonderful home, great room addition, or garage. 

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

This structure is a very early example of Vermont craftsmanship. We believe it was crafted around 1800 or earlier based on the early style of construction and on the hand forged nails that were used to hold the roof and siding boards in place.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

This style of construction is incredibly strong because all the forces at play from the roof load are held in check right at the eave.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

This construction style creates a gorgeous aesthetic as you look up into the rafter system.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

The braces for this structure are made out of sawn oak. The posts and horizontal ties consist primarily of Ash wood, while the long 42 foot beams, the tie beams, and the rafters are soft wood.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Each beam was labeled with roman numerals, also called “marriage marks.”

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

The rafters are exceptional hewn timbers with gorgeous labeling.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

The posts have the quintessential gunstock profile, with perpendicular tenons at the top that accept and hold fast the long top plates and the horizontal tie beams that span the width of the building.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

The gable tie beams and top plates use a brilliant construction method where they protrude out beyond the posts and have a groove chiseled into the underside.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

The tie beams have dovetail joinery that helps to hold the eave walls together.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

This photo shows the groove for siding as well as a half-dovetail joint on the underside of a tie beam.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

This barn has incredible roof boards, some of which have markings on them. Each board has been labeled so that it can go right back onto the same rafter location when we re-erect this barn.

Bridport Gunstock

Bridport Gunstock

Drawings and Dimensions

Drawings and Dimensions

For more drawings click on the image and then 'Go to link'

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