Kindelberger Stone Barn: An Amazing Lodging Experience

A visit to the Frederick Kindelberger stone barn and home will be an experience like no other. History, family ties and hard work run deep on this farm. My aunt and I were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to visit the farm, learn about its history and stay overnight in the family’s newly built cabin.

Many families have heirlooms that have been passed down for generations, but not many have an actual farm that has been passed down, maintained and lived in for five generations and going strong. Frederick Kindleberger, a stone mason, arrived from Switzerland and bought the land in 1846. He began farming the land and raising livestock right away. Sandstone was plentiful in the area, so by 1883, a large, three-story stone barn was being erected. 24’ posts were set in the middle of the barn with pulleys attached. Strong bodies, livestock and primitive tools worked together to put up a barn like no other in the area.

Gary and Marjorie Baumberger

It was Marjorie’s great-great grandfather that built the stone barn and house which she and her husband, Gary, now call home. They enjoy the quiet evenings sitting out in the yard being entertained by the goats that pop up over the stone wall just to check in before milking time. No longer raising dairy cows, their chickens, goats and garden keep them busy along with everything else that 80 acres of land requires.

The love and pride in their family history is apparent as stories, photographs and old farm tools come spilling out, creating a legacy that shines with amazement. One picture in particular shows Marjorie’s grandmother driving the loaded hay wagon. It depicts farm life and the ‘all hands on deck’ mantra that was needed to get everything accomplished. Hard work and perseverance has been a staple in this family for generation after generation.

Although there is an abundance of family stories, there are still a few unknowns. One being just how and why the scythe got stuck and was left behind in the tree. It is now there permanently, as the tree has grown all around it. Another mystery is the large grooved stone that sits in the front yard. It has been on the farm for as long as Marjorie can remember, yet no one seems to know what its original use was for.

Tools to Make the Stone Barn and House

Tools from the 1880s, if not earlier, have been passed down from generation to generation. It’s almost unfathomable to look at these primitive items and conjure up in my mind how this massive structure was created. The craftmanship, ingenuity and precision can be so easily noticed, even 137 years later.

By getting up close to the sandstone, you’ll notice a small divot in each block. That is where the iron tongs would have been inserted, giving them a better grasp. The blocks also have a textured look. This was created by the ‘comb’, technically called a crandel.

Stone Barn and Home

There were definitely no computer engineering programs during the 1800s, so after studying the barn’s design and seeing how the builders compensated for the subtle slope of the land by making some stones a bit smaller on the initial courses than others, it is even more fascinating. The builders cut the block so that each course sloped in ever so slightly. You don’t notice it that much until you stand at the corner and look straight up. Additionally, the stones are set a few inches apart to allow for ventilation.

Most of the stones used for the house are 13” thick; the stones used for the barn run about 24” deep and some as long as 7’. Convert those measurements into weight and you’re talking about a two ton solid mass, individually.

The bottom floor of the barn is set up for cattle whereas the second story is used for farm machinery and a haymow. All of the thick beams and floorboards are in great condition for their age and you have to think that the protection and ventilation have a lot to do with that.

My favorite part of the barn is the side that has the 1883 keystone over the arched doorway. The arch and keystone in and of themselves are spectacular to see how meticulous they were in their craftmanship. What really gets me is the grandeur and scale of that side of the barn showcasing all three stories in one clean sweep.

Cabin

Standing by the house and looking out over the gorgeous rolling landscape, you will see a cabin tucked in near the edge of the woods. A dream that Marjorie has had for years is now a reality. This adorable cabin is located near the hill where the sandstone for the barn and home was cut. If you can pull yourself away from the amazing view and cozy outdoor patio, inside you will be welcomed with log themed décor and all the amenities you’ll need for an enjoyable stay. A gas fireplace and ample seating coax you to kick your feet up and relax. There is a bedroom and bath on the first floor and a loft area that houses a queen bed and a bunk bed.

The cabin can be rented for a single night or for an entire week. The farm is a great place to stay if you are going to explore the Appalachian Byway of Ohio. Route 78 is only a 5-10 minute drive to the starting point in Clarington by the Ohio River. Hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking opportunities are plentiful in this area making the cabin a great accommodation for those activities.

Log cabin

Next to the lodging cabin is a log cabin that has its own unique history. Made from the logs of the two-story home that Gary grew up in, this one-room log cabin serves as a historical museum of artifacts that were found throughout Gary’s childhood homestead. All of the items have been cleaned, organized and are now on display. The items for not just the Baumberger family, but for everyone who visits to enjoy.

Fortunately for most visitors, Gary and his family know what each item is used for because many of the contraptions date back from before the 20^th century. You can literally spend hours looking at all the pieces and hearing the family stories. It’s one of the best family heirloom collections I’ve ever seen.

If you would like to visit the Kindleberger Stone Barn and Home, tours and overnight accommodations can be made by contacting Marjorie at tasteofalsace@gmail.com . The farm is located at 50037 German Ridge Rd., Beallsville, OH 43716

Additional reading can be found through this previously published article here.

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Other unique Ohio experiences you might enjoy reading about include visiting Belmont County, visiting Ohio lavender farms and a day at Buckeye Lake.