The housebarn is an ancient form of shelter for both people and beasts. Its direct origins lie in ancient European farming practices. This rare and unusual rural structure combines agriculture with architectural tradition. European immigrants used this type of dwelling to cope with the demands of early pioneer life. This structure was the most simple and economic of all forms of the peasant home and it was suitable in areas with harsh winter climate.

This rectangular structure was referred to as a "long" or "hall" house. Early examples of the housebarn are a long, continuous sheltered space with a common entrance. The owners lived on one end while the other was set aside for beasts. Later developments differentiated between family and animal occupancy and a wall was added to separate the two.

The Lutze housebarn has a hand-hewn, post and beam timber frame. It also utilizes a German fachwerk braced-frame construction method featuring clay "nogging" filling the space between the timbers. In the Lutze housebarn there are two floors. The first floor holds a stable for cattle on one end and living quarters on the other. The bedrooms are located on the second floor along with multiple storage areas. There is also an underground cellar for food storage.

The Lutze house barn is undergoing long-term restoration by members of the non-profit Centerville Settlement, Inc. You can check out their progress at the the Settlement web site. The building is privately owned by Centerville Settlement; check their calendar of events for information about visiting the barn.