After a few years of producing and starring in a hit television show like Barnwood Builders, many people would take a break and coast, and no one would blame them. But Mark Bowe, the Bowe-dacious, Bowe-na fide Bowe-jangles of barn beams and his team or timber titans aren’t like many people. New horizons, new projects, and new challenges remain the order of the day at Barnwood Living.
Probably the most noticeable addition to Mark’s sawdust empire is Barnwood Village, currently comprised of three unique structures guests can rent overnight or for a long vacation. Nestled in the heart of White Sulphur Springs and adjacent to the Barnwood Living store, Barnwood Village has provided travelers a home away from home for nearly two years.
Fans of the show will recall seeing the Dry Creek Cabin, the Big Draft Barn, and the Spa City Cottage under construction and the finished products completely live up to the promise they showed. “We wanted Barnwood Village to be a place that even people who never heard of us would talk about after they go home.” Mark said recently, “We put a lot of thought into the design and construction, and I think that shows.” Reviews from even seasoned travelers are downright gushing, so he may be on to something. He usually is.
Speaking of the Barnwood Living store, you need to go look at it! The team moved seamlessly from completing construction on the Village to undertaking major renovation of the store, adding an additional entrance, barnwood siding, and beautiful timber frame porches to the outside and expanding the inside with additional showroom space. As the dear old building reaches her 80th year, she now looks ready to last at least a hundred more.
Manager Katherine Shelton has harnessed the creative ideas of the whole team to make Barnwood Living a real Appalachian Experience, practically a Hillbilly Happening. “We have something for everyone, and particularly for people who are looking for West Virginia- made products. We have amazing items from all over, but if we can stock world-class jam, honey, housewares, what have you from right here, why would we look for them anywhere else?” Katherine is bringing a little of that Barnwood magic to the State Fair this year with an even bigger and better booth under the grandstand.
Fans and followers know that the Barnwood Living brand is too big and too fun for just one spot, no matter how cool that spot might be, and sharp-eyed travelers have no doubt spotted Barnwood Living merchandise in some delightfully unexpected places. Visitors to Bucc-ee’s can now pick up everything from Barnwood Living stickers to Boneyard mugs right along with their brisket and beaver nuggets. Those traveling West Virginia have noticed Barnwood Living fixtures in over a dozen Little General Stores, so no one has to go too far without a Bad Axe Whiskey tumbler to hold their sweet tea. As people who travel to work, the team holds these partnerships dear to their hearts and they consider them a great way to connect with friends everywhere.
Through it all, Mark and the guys keep doing what they do, building new structures from antique cabins and barns in a way no one else does. Barnwood Living is genuinely Appalachian. It’s people who “Work Hard, Be Kind, and Take Pride.” It’s wild and wonderful and maybe just a little dark and dusty. It’s preserving the past while building the future.
