LIFE S T Y LE
Not just chicken feed Well-designed outbuilding does more than keep hens cooped up BY ASHLEY LODATO
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n late 2021, Jeff and Molly Patterson purchased the original homestead of Jewett Davis, a Methow Valley pioneer who arrived in a wagon train in 1888. Nestled at the base of Balky Hill and known over the years as “the Davis place, “the LaMotte place,” “the Del Prewitt place” and, now, “Davis Creek Ranch,” the farmstead itself is 200 acres of terraced
fields through which the ranch’s eponymous creek flows. Many of the ranch’s buildings require a significant amount of restoration to keep them from deteriorating and, with help from
a Heritage Barn Grant, the Pattersons have begun renovation work on the iconic red gable roof barn that was once the tallest building in the valley. The to-do list is daunting. But even though some of these centuries-old outbuildings need immediate attention, the Pattersons realized that they could not relocate from their home in the Twin Lakes area to their new ranch until they had one critical piece of infrastructure in place: a coop for their 100 Buff Orpington and Silkie chickens. “We had to get the chickens and the horses situated before we could make the final move,” Molly Patterson said. And thus the plan for the Freebird Coop was born.
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PRACTICALITY PREVAILS
Two parallel buildings separated by a wide covered walkway and topped by a steep gable roof with gently sloping wings, the Freebird Coop is a chicken-lover’s dream henhouse. For starters, it’s adorable. Were the chickens not already in residence, the Pattersons could probably rent the space out for lodging on Glamping Hub. But when Patterson discusses the design, it is with practicality in mind. “When you think of all the time we spend taking care of animals, it makes sense to make some things easier,” she said. “At our old place Jeff would have to carry water every day all the way out to the coop.
estate
Your dream, our team!
Design by Pinto Design
Design by Johnston Architects Photo by Benj Drummond
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James Salter 509-341-4326 • jlsalt@msn.com blackcapbuilders.com
www.MethowBlueSky.com Anne Eckmann & Heather Marrone, Owners ~ (509) 996-8084
Kathy Goldberg, Valerie Kardonsky, Leverett Hubbard, Crescent Rudholm, Sherry Malotte, Callie Fink
Methow Valley News
