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The house is hidden from the road and sits on a hilltop clearing that overlooks the rolling farmland of the Mississippi River bluffs in Western Wisconsin. From this vantage point, there is a 270-degree view, with dramatic sunsets over the distant hills.

The home is a study in how to receive light throughout the day—from sunrise to sunset. The master bedroom’s windows frame the sunrise and welcome in morning light.

The courtyard at the center of the home is a meditative space that reconnects the residents with the landscape and sky.

Pared back to the basics, Litibú allows the landscape to guide its narrative.

“The parapet makes the building look quite a bit bigger than it is and it creates an idea of mystery – or discovery” says Ben.

The renovation honors the grand, cathedral-like proportions of the original barn. In addition to the

The clients worked with Nossiter to preserve as many historical features as possible. The barn's cruciform plan arose from the model farm movement championed by original owner John Gurdon Esquire, who brought different farming functions under one roof. Here, what was once the old milking parlor now serves as bike and scooter storage.

Rear garden

The couple did most of the build themselves, turning to friends for help with particularly challenging elements. “We did it on a budget – but it was paid for in other ways,” says architect-owner, Chris Stanley. “It took away most of our weekends throughout our 20s—most of our hangovers were spent building rather than watching movies!”