Couple turns century old structure into private sanctuary

Tony and Linda Culver recently purchased the century old barn at 335 Jackson Street with plans to renovate the former horse stable and use the facility as their own personal hideaway to escape from the pressures of everyday life, they said. Photo by Brian S. Orban

Live in a barn instead of a home?

For Tony and Linda Culver, it's not only a great idea but a dream come true.

Just a couple of months ago, the couple sold their home in California, packed up their belongings and came to Mountain Home to enjoy their retirement. For Linda, a 1965 graduate of Mountain Home High School, it was also a long-overdue homecoming and a chance to spend more time with her mother and her two siblings.

"I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my family that is still here," Linda said. "It's my turn to help my mom."

Staying with her mother put a roof over their heads for the time being, but they needed some space to store their lifetime of keepsakes, mementoes and other belongings. They found all the space they ever wanted -- and more -- on a lonely block in a century old structure at 335 Jackson Street.

Although time has robbed the aging wooden structure of its youthful appearance, the place simply known as the Red Barn remains a source of fond, youthful memories for Linda. Her father, a former military member, owned a small business that sold wood burning stoves inside the former horse stable. She spent many of her childhood days in the building and even today remains fascinated by the vintage structure.

"I always loved this barn," she said.

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