The ideal cellar above is ideal primarily from the cellar-rats point of view. The necessary work can be done rapidly, without wasted motion and undue stress, which will appeal to the bean counters as well. There can be many a slip, etc. Going down three flights of stairs to realize the fan is not on . . . Since there are many barrel rooms without any temperature controls at all, that must not be a necessity.
Conveniences are just that, convenient.
Manhandling of barrels, and stacking on rails or racks is workable, but not as convenient. Once all the barrels in a stack are empty, washing them can be attempted. Add to that a wide ditch with either no grate or a rickety one across which each barrel must pass for washing, and you are getting the idea. We are not even considering a space with inadequate insulation from summer heat and winter cold as a barrel room of any kind. As received, barrels are usually works of art, with good looks and aromas.