In our latest homestead adventure, we took on a unique project: transforming a wall inside our barndominium into a medieval-inspired backdrop. With the help of Jason and Terra from White Rock Homestead, as well as friends Eric and Jenny, we’ve started building something truly special. This wall won’t just look great—it’s going to serve as a multipurpose set for videos on multiple channels, including Barndovilla, LarpCraft, and Backroad Reviews.
From Concept to Reality: A Medieval Fantasy Wall
The idea behind this wall is to blend rustic medieval aesthetics with modern functionality. We’re aiming for a vibe reminiscent of a fantasy inn, inspired by classics like Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. Imagine rough wood beams, cobblestone accents, and textures similar to those found in D&D campaigns or Warhammer sets. Eventually, we plan to extend the medieval theme throughout the barndominium, turning it into a dynamic space for LARP events and filming scenes.
This transformation will help us level up our product reviews by giving us a controlled indoor backdrop, rather than relying on unpredictable outdoor conditions. We’re also insulating the walls (up to R20 or even R30 in the ceiling) to keep the space comfortable throughout the Ozark seasons. Down the line, we’ll add mini-split units for heating and cooling, hidden above the beams to maintain the theme.
Staining and Layering the First 50 Boards
The first step was to prep the cedar boards, which we stained using a mix of boiled linseed oil, reducer, and various stains. Because the boards are rough-cut, each one absorbs the stain differently, creating a natural light-and-dark layered effect. This variance was exactly what we hoped for—it adds depth to the wall, giving it that medieval character.
After experimenting with colors, we finally mounted the first 50 boards. The results are fantastic! We’re achieving the layered look we were aiming for, combining stained and burned wood for visual contrast. Next, we’ll build the beams and trusses using 2x6s to make them sturdy enough to hold lighting equipment and décor for our videos.
Progress in the Chaos Garden and Winter Prep
We’ve been busy in other areas too! While working on the wall, we jumped back to Link’s room to tackle a roof leak. After months of troubleshooting, we finally figured out the issue—a misaligned foam seal along the edge. We’ll monitor it through a few rainstorms before closing everything up and moving forward with a lean-to addition.
The colder weather is setting in here in the Ozarks, which means it’s time to wrap up the garden. The chaos garden fence line is coming down, and we’ve started burning off some old growth to prepare for winter. We’re finishing the grapevines, harvesting the last peppers, and pulling onions and potatoes before planting garlic. It’s also time to prepare low tunnels and begin work on high tunnels to extend the growing season.
New Gear and Community Support
A huge shoutout to John and Sarah, two of our biggest supporters, who donated a much-needed meat slicer! This larger slicer will help us with processing bacon and other meats more efficiently. We’re also firing up the wood stove for its first burn of the season—always a critical step before cleaning the pipe for winter use.
Of course, no project is complete without some chaos from our farm animals. Our rooster, Mr. Loudmouth, made sure to chime in throughout the filming, wrecking a few shots. Whether he likes it or not, progress marches on!
Looking Ahead
With the medieval wall almost complete, the next steps are building cobblestone-like accents and crafting a unique door—Terra’s got some great ideas for this part! The beams will add the final touch, giving the wall that old-world charm we’re after.
Once everything is in place, this space will become the perfect setting for product reviews, homesteading how-tos, and even some LARP roleplay scenes. The combination of creativity, function, and medieval flair will set the stage for some incredible content.
Thank You for the Support!
This project, like so many others, is made possible through the support of our subscribers and community. If you’ve liked, shared, or subscribed to our channels—or picked up some merch along the way—thank you! Your engagement on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, Rumble, and Barndovilla.com keeps these projects going.
Stay tuned for more updates as we complete the wall and start building out the rest of the barn! In the meantime, keep those ideas flowing—we love hearing your thoughts in the comments. Until next time, enjoy the journey with us, and as always, like, share, and subscribe!
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