The Barnsion – A Barn That Became A Mansion
Posted July 7, 2016
When I first heard the name of this new event center a few miles east of Harlowton I wasn’t sure I understood it. The Barnsion?
Well, it was explained to me that it started out as a barn, then a few additions and updates later and locals began calling it a Barnsion because it was slowly becoming a mansion. And a mansion it is!
I was lucky to go to a meeting at The Barnsion. The drive off US Hwy 12 was beautiful – a gravel road over the Musselshell River, cottonwood trees swaying in the gentle breeze and a sky that definitely said this was Big Sky Country!
Once you turn off the highway you can see the red metal roof of the barn. After about a mile and a half I saw the cutest sign that said “Slow, Drive As If Your Kids Were Playing On This Street”. We all agreed that seeing that sign was better than just saying “slow”.
The scenery at The Barnsion is rolling with plenty of vegetation and the Crazy Mountains form the backdrop. Combine that with a bright blue sky and puffy clouds and we were in heaven. During our meeting we could hear sheep nearby as they grazed in the fields and we sat under a covered patio. All in all, a nice place for a meeting!
The Barnsion has lodging, almost like apartments. Two of them combine for a total of 1,700 square feet, all beautifully decorated in upscale western decor. Custom built rustic pine kitchen cabinets with stainless steel appliances, a massive fir staircase, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, gazebo and patio…and the list goes on! The third apartment is called The Shed and is located on the main floor of The Barnsion. It has a full kitchen, full bath, Dish TV and sitting area.
Of course, The Barnsion has “barn” features too! A stable and arena are next to a full tack room. Stalls in the stable are filled with fresh shavings from the wood shop next door.
Probably the most popular event at The Barnsion is weddings followed by family reunions, retreats and conventions. This place can accommodate a lot of people in a variety of styles. Some could camp (with full hookups), some could bunk in restored sheepwagons and use the shower house or some could stay in the three apartments.
A popular wedding feature is to arrive in a white horse drawn carriage provided by The Barnsion owners.
The Barnsion is definitely “a barn and above”.
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