Historic, Rural Farmstead in Pennsylvania Restored to Elegant Event Venue
If walls could talk, the stone and mortar at Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, would tell tales from America’s earliest settlers who built the property to the 21st-century celebrations held there. Its natural charm and historic character leave no doubt as to why this sprawling estate has been consistently awarded by WeddingWire and The Knot, year after year.
Adjacent to the main house stands a newly renovated barn, originally built in 1744. It became an event venue in the early 2000s, and in 2023, B&D Builders was tasked with reimagining the space. The first floor of the two-story barn, once a stable, now features a groom’s quarters, bathroom, and cocktail area. The second floor hosts the expansive main event area and an additional bathroom.
Maintaining the Existing Stone Walls & Historic Aesthetic
When exploring the idea of expanding the barn to increase the property’s venue capacity, it was discovered that the barn’s condition was too deteriorated for the project. “It was too far gone to simply restore what was there,” said Daniel Glick, co-owner of B&D Builders. Instead, they gutted the barn while maintaining the existing stone walls. New windows and doors were placed in the original openings, and reclaimed lumber was used to retain its Old World character.
Building on top of the original 40-foot by 80-foot stone walls, which weren’t level and had shifted over time, was no easy task, according to Glick. The team was able to remedy the hazardous situation by placing a concrete bond beam on top of the existing stone walls to provide strong and true dimension points for their framework. They encapsulated the concrete beam in wood so the result presents as a contextually appropriate timber beam that is stable and will resist shifting over time.
B&D chose a standing seam roof to match other buildings on the property and to simplify the rafter system. To reclaim more of its historic aesthetic, cupolas were recreated to match a photo of the barn from 1901. They also added a granary, a building type historically used for threshing grain, as a means to house an elevator. By providing this ADA access point, the barn met building codes for a commercial venue.
Through careful restoration, B&D Builders retained the barn’s original charm while embracing modern functionality to create a unique and inviting event space. Its stone walls, rich with history, now provide a stunning backdrop for modern celebrations.
About B&D Builders
B&D Builders is a full-service custom builder with the expertise to bring new construction and remodeling projects to life. B&D Builders’ team of skilled designers and craftsmen have brought creativity and attention to detail to hundreds of projects across the U.S., including bank barns, equestrian arenas, event facilities, historic restorations, commercial properties, and luxury homes.
B&D relishes building a heritage structure that not only stands the test of time, but also brings the customer’s vision into full focus. For more than 20 years, B&D Builders projects have been "Built Right or Not at All." For more information, visit banddbuilders.com.
