After hosting a few gatherings of friends and family, the Rileys decided the Ranch was a treasure too special to keep to themselves. With a little research and a lot of planning, an intensive renovation began. Mike oversaw the design and construction process while Denise worked to ensure every detail was handled with care. The dozens of locust trees surrounding the original cabin and barn that were obscuring the beauty of the property have since been removed. The Quonset barn was remodeled with reclaimed lumber and a new metal roof; the addition of heating and cooling and speakers quickly turned it into a small event venue for 150-200.
The reception barn was updated to handle overflow or to serve as a separate dining space. Its deer-cleaning room has been expanded to pass the Ray County Public Health Department as a certified catering kitchen with a refrigerator, prep area, sinks, hand washing station, ice maker and microwave. Two unisex, ADA-compliant bathrooms have been installed between the two buildings for easy guest access. A second fishing pond was created and stocked, and the cabin has seen the most incredible transformation of all.
In addition to adding a hearth room, all windows and flooring have been updated, the kitchen fully gutted and remodeled, and a half-bath added. The Rileys sought to keep as much character of the original cabin as possible while making it more user-friendly. It features four bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, as well as a full bathroom downstairs in the basement and laundry area. A 14-foot deck off the hearth room connects to a patio that wraps around to the newly redone porch at the front of the house, while providing easy access to the property’s apple and peach orchard.
Finally, three RV sites with electric hookups, a spigot for filling water tanks and a portable fireplace overlook the spring-fed pond. These can accommodate 40+ foot camper and trailer models, perfect for housing friends, family or additional guests at your next event.
