What Do You Think?

Last summer, after much prodding, my husband hauled this old milk house over to our side yard, from our elderly neighbors farm. My neighbor kept asking me what I wanted with the old thing. In his words, "it isn't good for anything". Well I beg to differ!

I've got great plans for this little building. To me it is a piece of history. Take a look inside...

The walls are lined with beautiful old boards, picture wood flooring. Back in the day, it was used to keep milk cold after the farmer had milked the cows. That's why they lined the walls with the boards. The extra layer helped to insulate it.

This old building needs a lot of sweat equity, some carpentry skills (which I lack) and a bit of hard cash. The windows are falling out and I have taken to begging my father-in-law for help and suggestions. I'm not sure how to remedy the window problem yet, but I'm just going to be patient and see what comes up. Also my husband had to brace the inside of the building with 2x4's because it was leaning backwards. He informed me they would have to stay as braces or it would topple over. So, I have to figure out a way to work with them, maybe a coat of paint?

Last year, my husband and Brother-in-law put a new roof on it. Step one! Next step is exterior paint. I really wanted to paint it white with green trim, but I need to keep the cost down (interpret, no money will be spent on this old building!). So, I will be using some left over red barn paint, from a previous project. I also have some leftover white trim paint. I am hoping to get it painted this summer. What do you think? Can you picture this little building painted red with white trim? What about a beautiful white hollyhock growing next to one of the corners and a big grapevine wreath tacked to the front of it?

What my real dilemma is what should I use it for. I have two options in mind I can use it for a potting shed or a hen house. I need your help! Cast your vote. Which one should I use this old milk house for?