Children’s book author and illustrator Lane Smith lives in a charming 200-year old farmhouse in Connecticut. Behind the farmhouse is Smith’s writing studio in the barn, which I’m even more in love with. When I saw his floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, I nearly swooned. As a writer, this would be my dream work space.
The bookshelves are filled with Smith’s collection of vintage children’s books.
The bookshelves themselves were built with the wood from reclaimed antique floorboards to give them a rustic look.
This seating area by the stone fireplace looks like a cozy place to sit on a cold Connecticut night, doesn’t it?
The 200-year old farmhouse is worth looking at, too. You can see all the photos at Country Living. (Photography by David Prince.)
P.S. Need help fixing up your farmhouse or turning your old barn into a studio? CalFinder is a helpful (and free!) service that connects homeowners with prescreened home-improvement professionals.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
This is absolutely gorgeous! It really inspires me when planning our next farmhouse.
Alpaca Farmgirl´s last blog ..Fall Leaves on the Farm
i am totally in love with this house…love it!
wow! this is wonderful..some much inspiration from one place
sue@solsticehome´s last blog ..The Great Crate Caper
If I had a place like that to work, I might never go home!
Christi @ A Southern Life
Christi at A Southern Life´s last blog ..Southern Sides
This is the style of house that I dream about. The barn is just an added bonus to that dream. Time to go buy that lottery ticket again…I would love to “build” an old house like this!
Susan
black eyed susans kitchen´s last blog ..BITTERSWEET
Though I love more trailored spaces this really appeals to me, very restful, romantic and cozy, I can certainly imagine getting a lot of work done in such a space. And the fireplace, what a fabulous spot to curl up and read a great book. Did you notice how a TV is descretely placed amoungst the books on the shelf? Janell
Janell Beals´s last blog ..No Griswold Christmas Here
Gorgeous spaces. I love him because he illustrated “The Stinky Cheese Man”… one of my daughter’s (ok, mine) favorite books when she was little.
Tracy´s last blog ..Hanging Your Collection: A Quick Tip
GASP! This is breathtaking. So cozy and comfortable.
I LOVE this house!! The fireplace is gorgeous. I can just picture myself sitting there drinking hot tea on a cold evening. =)
Vicki´s last blog ..GoComics.com
Wow, that’s some studio! Love the fireplace & cozy reading area. I used to be such a big reader (damn you, internet!) and dreamed of having a big library, too.
Janell–I noticed the TV slipped in there, too.
Yes that is a beautiful writing space, and the house looks oh so cozy! I hope we get a good snow this year – it’s been a while! Hope you have a great weekend Julia!
christy´s last blog ..The Foo’s favorite ‘word’
I love his house ALMOST as much as I love his books! He’s been one of my favorite children’s author since “The Happy Hockey Family” was published. He wrote a sequel right after he moved to Connecticut about a city family who moves into an old house in the country … now that I’ve seen the pictures I can tell it was pretty much autobiographical !
We’re obsessed with barns and fireplaces lately! Really dig his stone fireplace and especially love those kilim-covered chairs! CDHQ
Celebrity Digs HQ´s last blog ..Richard Gere Sells His Hamptons Home for $5.9M
Thank you for the beautiful inspiration! I’ve been meeting with the plan man this week…we’ve been designing the “loft floor” of my “new” shop! : )
Have a lovely weekend!
Julie M.
ps Do I see shoes tucked in under the bookcase?
Julie M.´s last blog ..Liv & Little G
When I first read the title, I pictured this old webby barn, but after seen the pictures, I love it. That’s the coolest barn I have ever scene. My favorite part is the great room.
I looked at the outside of the house and didn’t think it was going to be all that great inside, but after seen the pictures, I have to say that’s one of the best farm houses I have ever seen.
Great post!
Mmm, a quiet and cosy house to curl up in. Beautiful
Jane @ Beach House´s last blog ..The big bed bust or the super kitchen table steal deal
Beautiful. I love how books turn a house into a home. As for books plus a fireplace, well, that’s practically perfect!
Looks like a wonderful, cozy place to spend a fall day just reading the day away…
pk @ Room Remix´s last blog ..Accessorizing Your Walls – DIY Art Ideas
I’m sooo glad I stopped by. Love those bookcases. I’m sketching out something now to see if my husband can construct these for me. I was just thinking the other day that i wish I had a place, and when I saw these really tall ones, I knew….! Thank you! If you have time, please stop by and check out my giveaway — and play. cheers, -susan
Love Where You Live´s last blog ..Best GiveAway Ever! Valued $275-plus….
Ohhhhhh. Swoon. I am so in love. I want to sit by the fire…read a book…while the snow gently falls outside.
linda@LimeintheCoconut´s last blog ..They came…they shot…they left. Photo shoot part II
Oh wow, the house and the barn are both beautiful!! I love all that wood — the ceiling beams, the bookcases, the trim… and the dining room table is fab!!
Yep, I could definitely envision cozying up by that fireplace on a cold winter’s night
Kelly
DesignTies´s last blog ..Another side of Belgian design
Would kill for a bookshelf like that!
(It could hold all my fluffy books…okay, and literature too) 
Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..I Never Thought I’d Say This…
That farmhouse from outside is amazing!!!
I recently received a blog award which requires me to pass on the award, I’ve chosen your blog for obvious reasons, I’m a big fan!
Check out this post and if you get time, I suggest you do it, because it was actually quite fun! Although I’m aware you’ve done a couple already – so I’d forgive you for not doing it!
http://aviewondesign.blogspot.com/2009/11/awards-etc.html
catchya on the flipside!
Annie@A View on Design´s last blog ..Awards etc
The barn is just beautiful, and just reading through the comments it looks like it is the kind of space that speaks to creative effort. There is something to this idea that warm wood, warm textiles, and a cozy fireplace will fuel the creative spark in all of us.
I for one am deeply, DEEPLY jealous of his collection of vintage kid’s books.
Kirsten´s last blog ..I Peaked Early
I love this! I just posted a barn-style vignette set in my future library at Garvinweasel. Thanks for this inspiring post.
jamesxvi´s last blog ..Country chic
Yummy. What more can I say? Thanks for sharing such great images w/ us!
anna see´s last blog ..No Garage. No Mudroom. No Problem? Small Space Ideas.
good lord that is a great find!