The Hayloft Barn
With its tall, narrow frame and peaked roofline, this design recalls the wooden barns of rural Ontario. A small piece of weathered tin at its base hints at sliding barn doors; a nod to the swallows that might have darted through them generations ago.

From century-old barns to your backyard — each reclaimed birdhouse is handcrafted from Ontario barn wood, carrying the quiet history of haylofts, swallows, and summer evenings into a safe, beautiful home for your feathered neighbours.

And maybe to whisper, in its quiet way, how our Father tends the sparrows… and you.

You can still hear the creak of hayloft ladders, see the shadow of swallows darting home, smell the timber weathered by a hundred seasons. Built for the birds, it offers a sturdy place to rest, or let it grace your own space with rustic charm, a gentle reminder that you are held and cared for more than you know.

When the season has passed, simply loosen the screws on the bottom panel to lift it away for cleaning, ready for another year’s guests.

Birdhouse Placement

Birds choose their homes as they do in the wild — some seeking sunny branches, others the shelter of shade. If your birdhouse remains unoccupied, it may simply need a change of place.

Different species will often nest nearer to each other than members of the same kind, who guard their space with care. For the best welcome, place your birdhouse at the height and in the setting preferred by your local birds. A nearby birding group or nature club can point you to the perfect spot.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean annually after nesting season by removing the bottom panel.
• Check for loose nails or screws each year.
• Place where it’s protected from the harshest winds for longest life.

About the Makers

Ray, long-time owner of the Listowel Florist, has been crafting birdhouses for over 30 years — salvaging the timbers of old Ontario bank barns and giving them a second life.

Last summer, I (Caleb) helped take down two wooden bank barns and am now learning Ray’s time-tested designs as he eases into semi-retirement. These birdhouses will continue to be found at the Listowel Florist, and now, here online through The Keeping Company.