Vermonters love their historic barns. Some are carefully restored, while others are slowly disintegrating into the ground. A few weeks ago, we visited two structures in Richmond that represent both ends of the spectrum. Conant's Riverside Farms is a six-generation dairy farm; its iconic barn along West Main Street was rebuilt in 1915 less than four months after a fire burned the original structure. While the farm building isn't currently used for much more than a cow thoroughfare, Ransom and Alison Conant are hoping to save it. A few years ago, they teamed up with Eliot Lothrop of Building Heritage to restore the cupolas and finials with the help of a historic preservation barn grant from the state.

We also stopped up the road at another outbuilding that hasn't been so lucky. This former carriage barn dates back to about the 1840s and is slowly being reclaimed by the earth. We talked to Eliot about his love of barns and why he values restoring them.

We'll be featuring other barns and covered bridges across the state in future episodes, so let us know if you have a special one in mind.

Shooting date: 7/2/19

Disclaimer: We don't encourage or condone a visit to the carriage barn, which is private property and in a state of decay, thus not safe for uninvited, casual visitors.

Music: Silent Partner, "Heartland"

Sir Cubworth, "Bittersweet Waltz"

Fill out the Stuck in Vermont survey by August 15th and enter to win $250 of gift cards to local restaurants!

This episode of Stuck in Vermont was made possible by

New England Federal Credit Union