Barns of the Dungeness Valley

This is a rather famous farm, and now quite recognizable by everyone who drives our freeway on a regular basis. The complex was constructed between 1917 and 1925. It includes a 30-foot-tall red wood barn, a clapboard Craftsman style bungalow, an 18-foot-tall water tower, and a utility building.

The original 80-acre parcel was homesteaded by Benjamin Potter in 1892. It was bought by Frank Swanson in 1913, then sold to John Hyer in 1923. By the time the Hyer family sold the property to the state Department of Transportation in 1997, the size of the farm had been cut down to just over three acres.

The site became the center of controversy, and the proposed freeway route went right through the property. After numerous hearings, petitions, and court festivities the historic buildings were saved. There was an auction of the property and lots of press about the proposed new uses for the old buildings, but I really don’t see much being done there since the freeway went in. There are people living on the property (in a newer house) and I do see that the barn doors are sometimes open and sometimes closed. The state of repair seems marginal (at least to this casual observer), and I have noticed that one of the original two cupolas on the barn has fallen off. Still, the barn is safe “for now” and there is still hope of a long and useful future down the road.

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From Freeway level	Back view (sorry for trees)
Water tower	Front of barn (Click here to enlarge picture)
(Click here to enlarge picture)

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This barn has been painted, and the art is available for you to own. Click on a picture for more information.

"Hilltop Refuge"	"Brooding"

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Do you know something about this barn? If so I would love to hear about it.
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