A portmanteau of the words “barn” and “condominium,” a barndominium is a barn turned into a living space complete with the comforts of a home. Barns that no longer serve their original ...

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lacey Harwood, a 39-year-old "barndominium" owner based one hour outside of Houston. It has been edited for length and clarity. In 2010 ...