A few days ago, a message appeared in my inbox about a barn being moved on US 27 south of Lexington. I don’t get south of Lexington very often these days, but happily, the one house/barn mover I know is the very same person that moved the barn!
Jonathan Judy learned the specialized craft of moving buildings long before he was old enough to legally drive, as his father began moving houses and barns in 1971. In 2003, he passed the business on to Jonathan, who now saves all sorts of buildings that may otherwise end up in the landfill. While I was delighted to realize that Jonathan was the force behind the moving of this particular barn, it took me a while longer to connect all of the other dots in my head. I felt more than slightly sheepish to realize that 10 years ago, I documented this barn as part of a road project in Jessamine County.
Ready to roll! Photograph courtesy of Jonathan Judy.
The frame, gambrel roof stock barn has stood at Sunny Slope Farm in Jessamine County since 1931, when it was built for the grand sum of $3,000. At around 100 feet long, and between 36-40 feet wide, it’s no small structure.
Seeing it hoisted up and about to move across the road is nothing short of amazing!
The barn, in situ, in October 2013.
The transverse frame barn is divided into an open central aisle, with stalls to either side. The stalls extend about halfway down the barn; the rear of the barn is open, and was used for lambing sheep or feeding livestock. An internal corncrib is located in the southeast corner, while across from it on the northeast corner is the tack room, which also contains the steps to the full loft. This layout is very common in Kentucky barns from the early twentieth century.
Interior of the loft, October 2013.
The loft has tongue and groove flooring and roof sheeting. A peaked hay hood extends from the east gable end of the barn. The metal roof has two large circular ridgetop vents, each with a weather vane.
The barn in its former location.
While I hate to hear of more farmland being developed, I am glad that this barn has been saved, and moved just across the road. And I am doubly glad that Kentucky has talented and hardworking professionals like Jonathan Judy who make it happen.
Good things happening !
Thank you for saving this beautiful barn. I had seen it next to 27 and was wondering where it was going. You did a fantastic job.
My daughter has been so thrilled with watching the relocation of this barn.
I am so thankful for the preservation of this magnificent structure.
I am upset about the destruction of the beautiful house and farmland. It hurt my heart to destroy history. What is next his own home? I will move farther away from area just for the peace. I was excited to know the barn isn’t being destroy, history is important to our furture family members.
I feel the same way Anna,
Breaks my heart that this farm will no longer be there. Oh, How I have enjoyed for 15 yrs communiting to and from work, a glimpse of the beautiful farm w Cattle grazing…
Now no longer will be, I’m so sad…😢
I am upset about the destruction of the beautiful house and farmland. It hurt my heart to destroy history. What is next his own home? I will move farther away from area just for the peace. I was excited to know the barn isn’t being destroy, history is important to our furture family. Thank you for the history of barn.
I’m mad because I wanted to watch it being moved i was on my way home and it was gone that’s a huge barn that is amazing that he was able to move that huge barn
They made videos of it being moved across the bypass. Posted on YouTube.
Wow amazing Our son lives in nearby neighborhood and took a snapshot of the movers with the barn. Now reading about the barn amazes me with additional photos of the inside with your notes of the history.
Thank you for updating and sharing for us readers
I’m happy to hear that this barn is being saved as I would drive past it on my way to visit a friend who live in the next county over it would be a sad loss to lose as a landmark of it’s kind lovely to hear it’s being saved
I’m with you about moving it instead of tearing it down its been there as long as I can remember I almost cried when the house at man o war and nicholasville rd was torn down thank you mr judy
Yeah that house/farm where The Summit is now. The older generation of Fitz refused to sell for so long, but the younger generation gave in to the millions price tag. And they were getting choked out by businesses.
I’m very happy the barn is being saved, but I’m heartbroken that this beautiful land will be covered with concrete like every other level piece of land in and around Fayette and Jessamine Co. The uniqueness of this area is close to extinction. What made it naturally aesthetic and serene is looking more and more as common as any other city. What’s wrong with not out growing ourselves….oh well, I guess there’s not enough traffic congestion in this area.
So true. It’s like Nicholasville is turning into Lexington. Our prices have raised to big city prices too. Just look at the rent on a 2 bedroom, it’s ridiculous. All because of all the extra businesses that we really didn’t need. At least Wilmore is keeping small town life alive.
I watched it live with my Mom. We thought it was so neat
What are they building there
Apparently an apartment complex.
Now I have a clue
That was amazing to see a barn next to the road one day and the next disappeared. I enjoyed reading the details of the barns history. I’m not familiar with the area like others that have commented but to witness the barn in drive by, makes me realize I witnessed history and didn’t know. Thank you for what you do!
So somewhat knowing the families that the property owners …on both sides of Rt.27 who are related. Had mentioned that the property taxes for this area, was outrageous!!! Our progress for newer, bigger and more modern are pushing the beautiful farm landscapes a thing of the past. Progress is not always a profitable investment for some!
Thank you for sharing the history of this place. At least it will be cherished as to what once was!
I’m not sure if the house will be tore down. I believe there may be laws in place that if farm land like that is turned into apartments, etc. that the house has to remain.
I live in Louisville, there are a number of places where They turn farmland into apartments or neighborhoods, and they uses the existing house as a community center pool house or even the apartment office
The house is being renovated to be used as a clubhouse for the new apartment complex.
Cool building. US 27 is beautiful drive down to the TN border.
THANK YOU FOR THIS HISTORY IN THE MAKING – HOPE IT CONTINUES.
I’m so glad Mr. Judy is saving this beautiful barn. We would drive past and wonder of its history. Thank you for sharing the pictures.
I can almost visualize the horses, hay, and the stories that could be told from earlier years.
I took a picture of the barn and posted it with a caption reading, “ Anyone need a barn?” If that happened to lead to this wonderful article, then I am thrilled! Thanks for the information!
I actually grew up on Sunny Slope farm. I sure miss the vastness of the place, lots of barns have been destroyed. But I loved seeing this article and how much influence the old place holds on our community. Thanks for the contribution and for saving a piece of history.
I remember when my friend’s large farmhouse was moved after it was sold. Her family name was Nix. It was on the far south side of Nicholasville near the old “zoo”. It was moved just north a bit. That was a sight to see. So glad they saved it. The wonder if the same family moved theirs.
I wished they would’ve saved the house too. It is so beautiful. It’s always been my dream to have a house like that.
As a visual artist, I have enjoyed those black and white cows as subject matter. My last (or most recent) was a small piece I call Baptised Beef (cows in the pond) that sold off of http://www.dailypaintworks.com. Not safe to stop for photos there, but needs must. Enter my name, De Selby, in the artist search to see it and other cow paintings. I already miss those gals.