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LIFE: HOMES
Family transforms barn into all-purpose gathering spot for live music, reunions and more
Doug and Debbie Conley built this barn on their property near Proctorville, Ohio, mostly from recycled materials, to use as a venue to practice music and gather with family and friends. The couple is now renting it out to the public.
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Play a little music, talk to your friends or drink a spirit or two. All of it can be done at Twin Creeks Farms family barn, near Proctorville, Ohio, for a price.
What started as a place to do a little jamming with friends has evolved into a family business for Doug and Debbie Conley.
Both of the Conleys have a life long love for music. Debbie Conley teaches music in a local school system, and Doug Conley has played for years.
"I've played music since I was 14," he said.
One problem Doug Conley has always encountered was where to practice.
"I have a group of friends who have played together for years and we were always looking for a place to practice," he said. "We are loud and that caused problems. So, I promised myself if I ever find a place where we could play music without bothering anyone I would."
It seems the Conley farm is just the right place.
It has been a journey for Doug Conley. When they moved to their farm in 1997 it had a barn where they housed their horses. It also provided a good place to practice in the loft, but the barn burned to the ground in 2002. The horses were not harmed.
Not to be deterred Doug Conley, who is a contractor by trade, built a new barn the following year with more accommodating facilities for his band. Horses and band were happy together but it was such a neat meeting place for friends to gather, the Conleys decided to expand the party space. The horses got a new barn, and the old barn became a place for family reunions, birthday parties and more. Those that enjoyed gathering at the Conley barn encouraged the couple to open it up for others, hence they have taken the big step forward to rent the facility.
It now has a stage, lighting, a bar, a fully equipped kitchen and loads of space for everyone to gather. Besides the large open party area on the first floor, the loft has been finished to accommodate smaller gatherings such a showers and jewelry parties.
"It's been a trial and error thing," Debbie Conley said. "We have found that even though there is plenty of space inside sometimes people gather outside, so we are going to build an outdoor shelter."
Doug Conley has even bigger ideas.
"We may expand into the outdoor theater arena as well," he said.
With plenty of parking room they can accommodate several hundred people for either idea.
The Conleys and their son-in-law, Roger, have done all the work and mostly with recycled materials.
"I like the rustic look that comes from using second hand," Doug Conley said.
From kitchen cabinets to tables and chairs the Conley's have done well with their building project. The rustic barn effect has been achieved right down to a very unique bathroom. The Conleys purchased the old fashioned door to the bathroom at a sale for $5. The claw foot tub was just found in the field on their farm and Doug Conley refurbished it all into a very quaint and attractive bathroom.
"Everything we have hanging on the walls was either a family piece or a gift from friends," Debbie Conley added.
As a bonus, their space is convenient to the Tri-State.
"We are only six miles from the East End Bridge in Huntington," she said.
She has created a website for those interested in renting their barn, www.twincreeksfarms.com. The site includes photos, contact information and directions. It is advertised as a quiet, out of the way place to have a gathering. And, you sure can cook up a party to suit your taste in this built-for-fun barn.
