Malorie Oliphant Breathes New Life Back into an Old Building, Creating The Nightingale Barn

July 1, 2023

2 minutes read

Recently on social media, you may have seen clips of ‘The Nightingale Barn,’ a charming barn conversion that will soon welcome guests to stay!

Malorie (Staples) Oliphant, a Kindersley resident, along with her husband Darren Oliphant and their four children, resides on a farm in the Eston area and is the mastermind behind this project. Intrigued by the beautiful Instagram videos showcasing the space, we had the opportunity to speak with her and learn more about The Nightingale Barn.

Here’s what she had to say:

“I’ve always wanted to tackle a big renovation project, because as from as far back as I can remember, I’ve had a deep fascination with old things. The stories shared by my grandparents about their upbringing and the exploration of our family history have only fueled this passion. Over time, my love for antiques has grown immensely. Additionally, I have developed a keen interest in decorating, painting and reviving furniture. It’s a creative outlet that brings me great joy. This love, combined with the realization that in our quaint little town of Eston, short-term accommodations is limited, brought me to redoing the barn.

The Nightingale Barn, as it is currently called, has undergone various transformations throughout its history. Originally built in 1993 as a home for the horse “Smokin Joe,” owned by Lee & Deb Britton’s family, the barn then underwent a significant renovation in 2007 with the assistance of Herb & Gary Stevenson, Mike Fitz, Carl Hanson, and the Mooney family, transforming it into a guesthouse which was used annually by goose hunters from the U.S. It hadn’t been used in some years, so now in 2023, after a refreshing update, the barn is ready to welcome guests to enjoy its charming space.

In tackling this reno, there has been so many amazing parts that I’ve loved, but I’d have to say, my favorite part has been finding the perfect vintage pieces and keeping that within a budget. I even experienced my first online auction and ended up purchasing the most beautiful buffet! As with all projects, there have been some challenges, and mine has been wanting to do everything myself, but having to wait for help! I could figure out how to do all the things, but sometimes it’s best to call in the husband who is more experienced and can do things a lot faster.

I’ve had people ask me for advice on tackling a restoration project, and my answer is: it may seem overwhelming at times, but try to enjoy the process. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but take some before and after pictures and marvel at the transformation. Do the thing you’ve been dreaming about, even if it’s a little scary. You may just surprise yourself. This project has been on my mind for a while and I finally took the leap to do it and I’ve enjoyed every minute. Now, I can’t wait to experience and enjoy the guests that come.

The Nightingale Barn will be available to the public through Airbnb as of July 1st. When people book with us, I hope they think of the space as a prairie-inspired hotel room, providing a peaceful and tranquil retreat with a touch of vintage charm, tucked in its own private nook of the yard. It’s a unique space to unwind and relax, complete with a queen bed, electric fireplace, shower, coffee maker, mini fridge, toaster, and hot plate. As a special treat, guests will be welcomed with our farm-fresh eggs, adding a delightful farm-to-table experience to their stay.”