Barber Carriage House, Toledo

The Barber Carriage House, an impressive addition to the estate built in 1897 for Dr. Barber, a prominent dentist in Toledo, serves as a remarkable example of Victorian-era architecture and utility. Originally designed to house the livery man and four horses, the structure is an architectural gem, featuring a blend of clapboard siding and shingle style that epitomizes the Victorian aesthetic. With over 3,000 square feet of space, including a half basement, the carriage house was initially heated with coal before being converted to gas, with a boiler located in the cellar. Notably, the only remaining radiator is found in the washing area, historically used for the horses.

Inside, the carriage room is adorned with an oak floor, typical of its time, and features four horse stalls alongside a larger birthing stable. Practical design elements include a narrow trough for water drainage after washing the stalls, an oats cleaner next to the first stall, and a small sliding door leading to the hay storage area. The tack room, situated at the far end, served as storage for harness equipment, while the semicircular room in the front stored horse collars and blankets. This room also functioned as a waiting area for the driver when called from the main house. Above the carriage room windows, intricate bulls-eye and fluted moldings add to the aesthetic appeal. The carriage itself, a Doctor's Buggy manufactured in Millersburg, Ohio, reflects the period's craftsmanship and design.

The second floor of the carriage house contains the sleeping quarters, equipped with a wash basin, closet, and an original gas conversion electric chandelier, a testament to the early adoption of modern conveniences. During the summer, transoms above the doors provided essential ventilation for the livery man. The large adjacent room was used for storing different carriages and the sleigh, which could be raised and lowered by a carriage lift, emphasizing the practicality and ingenuity of the design. The back room served as a storage area for hay and straw, crucial for the horses' upkeep.