Potts Barn
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Potts Barn faced imminent destruction at the hands of a disinterested owner. A decision was made to save it based on the rarity and refinement of the framing design, and after several years in storage, the Potts Barn found its way to the Novaks.

When Laura and Rich Novak purchased 37 acres outside Chapel Hill in 1997, they were determined to build a home befitting the peaceful countryside. "We didn't want an urban structure in this environment," said Laura.

A barn was the obvious choice as the anchor of the complex of structures that became their new home.

While the remarkable frame was painstakingly restored inside, the exterior of the barn is detailed to reflect the vernacular characteristics of the adopted landscape.