From Barn to Barndominium: One Couple’s Journey to Country Living
Greg and Lynne spent most of their adult lives in northern Illinois, raising their family, building their careers and creating a life they were proud of. As their kids grew older, they began imagining what their next chapter might look like.
Both felt drawn to the idea of living in the country, surrounded by nature and open space. Greg, who grew up in rural Colorado, missed the quiet landscapes that shaped his childhood. Lynne, who went to college in Madison, had always felt a strong connection to Wisconsin.
“I always said if I was ever going to live in the country it would have to be in Wisconsin,” she said.
For years, this shared dream stayed in the back of their minds. Then everything shifted during a fishing trip to Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Greg was struck by the landscape and the peaceful energy of the hills and valleys. The winding streams and rugged ridgelines reminded him of Colorado, and he felt an immediate pull to the place. When he brought Lynne back to see it, they spent a weekend exploring the region together.
“By the time we left we knew this was where we wanted to be,” Greg said.
Not long after, they discovered a property in Crawford County with rolling hills, hardwood trees and a pole barn overlooking the open countryside. The land felt alive with possibility. The moment they stepped onto it they could both see their future here.
“This place represented an opportunity for us to define how we wanted to spend our golden years together,” Greg said. “It was an opportunity to create a legacy for future generations to enjoy and appreciate and marvel over.”
Designing the Dream
The couple dreamed of a home that reflected who they were and supported the lifestyle they envisioned. Drawn to the space and flexibility of barndominiums, they decided to build from what they already had, turning the existing pole barn into a barndominium.
“A barndominium is like a blank slate,” said Greg. “It gives you the opportunity to make your home exactly what your heart desires.”
A craftsman with a keen eye for detail, Greg began sketching ideas. He modeled the house digitally on his computer, reworking layouts and proportions until everything fit their vision.
“We built this home virtually several times over before we ever broke ground,” he said.
Together, they outlined special features that would make the home uniquely theirs, including a large kitchen for gathering, a billiards room for hosting, a wine closet near the dining room and views of the stunning countryside from every window, allowing natural light to fill their home from morning to evening.
Through every step, they dreamed of a space that balanced creativity with comfort and felt personal to both of them. A spacious home office and yoga studio for Lynne. A workspace to take on new projects for Greg.
“The home was a reflection of both of us,” Lynne said. “Every decision we made, we made together.”
Building the Dream
When it came time to bring their design to life, Greg and Lynne turned to Compeer Home, a partner they trusted. They had worked with Compeer before and knew the team understood rural properties and unique home builds.
Through the guidance of Compeer Home loan officer Jessica Held, they secured a construction loan and were approved to serve as their own general contractors, an option most lenders don’t offer, but is never required for borrowers. That flexibility gave them the freedom to manage every detail.
“Being our own general contractors let us focus on quality,” Greg said. “It helped us make sure every dollar was spent wisely and every part of the home reflected our vision.”
The process was rewarding but far from easy. They lived on-site in a small, converted section of the barn, relying on a space heater, lots of layers and a shared sense of humor to get through the cold Wisconsin winter.
“It was not glamorous,” recalled Lynne with a laugh. “But it was ours.”
And then rising costs for materials added unexpected strain. To keep the build on track, Compeer Home stepped in again. Jessica helped them secure a home equity line of credit allowing them to complete their home without compromise.
“Without Compeer Home, I think it would have been very difficult to complete this,” said Greg.
“They made it so easy,” Lynne said. “We were able to keep going and finish everything the way we wanted.”
“It was such a pleasure working with Greg and Lynne,” Jessica said. “They had a clear vision for their home build and were so thoughtful about every detail. I loved being part of their journey and was honored to guide them through financing their construction loan. Seeing their dream come together has been so rewarding.”
As members of Compeer’s cooperative, the couple also receive an annual patronage check, a portion of profits shared back with member-owners. They chose to put their patronage toward their mortgage as a way to invest it back into the home they worked so hard to create.
“We never expected to have that benefit,” Greg said. “It feels good to be part of something that gives back.”
Living the Dream
Today, Greg and Lynne wake up each morning in the home they dreamed of, now filled with light, warmth and the peaceful rhythm of country life.
Their home is filled with handcrafted character and history, from the custom light fixture Greg made using reclaimed barn wood and salvaged chains that hangs over their dining room table to the tin siding lining the walls of their billiards room sourced from an old structure. They even used repurposed wood for their fireplace mantel, adding another meaningful touch to their home.
“This home is everything we hoped it would be,” said Greg. “It feels like us.”
Greg and Lynne now spend their days the way they imagined they would, watching the sun rise over the hills, walking the trails of their property with their dogs, restoring the land they love to its natural habitat and sitting on their patio at night to gaze at the stars.
“Thankfully we had Compeer Home there to work with us and make it happen,” said Greg.
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