Tag Archives: pole barn hotel

Post Frame Hotels

Post Frame Hotels

Over the years my lovely bride and I have spent many a night in one hotel or another in nearly every state in the continental United States. We’ve been in small ones and large ones, nice ones and ones which were not quite so nice. One thing which I noticed early on is the great majority of the low rise (four stories or less – as hotels require sprinklers) could have been constructed as post frame (pole) buildings.

Having been in the pole barn industry pretty much my entire adult life (and I turn 60 in November, so it has been a long time) I have yet to have had even an inquiry for a post frame hotel.

It turns out my idea, however, is far from a new one. A businessman named Dale McDonnell constructed the Crossroads Inn at the intersections of Highways 18 and 79 in Martin, South Dakota. Originally constructed in about 1990 with 24 rooms, McDonnell based his design off a basic pole barn and received a Design of the Year award for his endeavors. In 1996, McDonnell’s post frame hotel added ten more units. https://crossroads-inn.net/

Why utilize post frame design for a hotel?

Cost – the lower the initial investment, the greater possibility of being able to have reasonable rates and generate a profit. The savings in foundation costs alone can amount to tens of thousands of dollars on a hotel project. Use steel roofing and siding and save even more as compared to other cladding choices.

Speed – time is money. Post frame construction can cut weeks off the time needed to go from breaking ground to being protected from the weather. This reduces the amount of time construction lending needs to be in place, as well as getting weary travelers off the road and settled into comfortable and safe surrounds quicker – generating revenues faster for the owners.

Inexpensive to Operate – the deep insulation wall cavities allow for greater amounts of wall insulation. Combined with raised heel trusses, post frame hotels are easily insulated to levels which reduce the operating costs of heating and cooling.

Low Maintainence – the use of steel roofing and siding provides for a finished product which does not require repainting and will look bright and new for decades.
Part of a hotel chain with pre-existing plans? There is a good chance those plans can quickly be adapted to post frame.

If I was considering entering the hotel business, I would certainly look closely into following the lead of Mr. McDonnell and give post frame an opportunity.

Polebarn Hotel

The Polebarn Hotel

Looking for uniqueness in a pole building?  Located on Polebarn Road in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK, this one might be near the top of the list.

Polebarn HousePolebarn House was first occupied in 1789 by John Clark, a local mill owner, and his family. The house was designed to show off his wealth and status.

A published hymn composer, John Clark commissioned Chippendale to design and build an organ for him, around which the main hall and staircase of the house were built. Public recitals of his works were often given in the main hall with his audience gathered there and along the galleried landing.

Last used as a private house in 1920, Polebarn House was purchased by the County Council at auction for the princely sum of 1950 pounds ($3,213.46). At the time the property occupied almost three acres including a stone built temple, ornamental water feature, fernery, wooden glass house, pleasure garden, stables, coach house, walled kitchen garden, yards, store and outbuildings. On the roof was a glass observatory. The council sold off the adjoining land, for a police station (which now stands) and for development of residential areas. The council modified the building to incorporate offices for Children’s Services, and later the building was used as flats (apartments for most of us North American folks).

“Polebarn House” first became “The Polebarn Hotel” in 1978.

The latest published rates to stay at the Polebarn Hotel are from 58 pounds ($95.58) for a single to 97.50 pounds (160.67) for a twin.

For those who spend the night, evening meals are available Monday through Thursday. The restaurant and bar are located in the cellar of the building, which used to be the working kitchens of Polebarn House (pre-1920). Accessible from the outside, it has the added benefit of natural daylight. The room features some unusual exposed brick arches which add to the warm and intimate atmosphere.

For those who are interested, read more about it:

https://www.thepolebarnhotel.co.uk/