The story of Briar Barns begins in the mid-1800s, when Joseph and Diana English left London to settle in Michigan’s wilderness. Their son, Richard English, born in 1843, grew up amidst the hard work and promise of pioneer life. In 1879, after marrying Caroline E. French of Rockford, Richard designed and built the farmhouse that still graces our property today.
The English family played a vital role in the founding of Sparta, both through their logging business and their investment in the growing community. Over time, the property’s barns transitioned from serving as part of a working farm to housing the operations of Stout Dairy Farm — with the larger barn (now our reception space) once filled with the sounds of cattle and the rhythm of daily farm life.
Fast-forward to 2015, when the Denham family discovered the neglected farmhouse and barns. Recognizing the beauty beneath the dust, they began a meticulous nine-month process of planning and restoration, preserving the estate’s architectural heritage while equipping it for modern celebrations. By 2017, Briar Barns reopened, not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing space where history and happiness meet.
Our mission is simple: to create a space where timeless architecture, natural beauty, and personal service come together to make every event unforgettable. We believe that the walls that witnessed 150 years of stories can — and should — continue to witness joy, connection, and love for generations to come.
