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Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

Photo gallery for Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

Twice-awarded Brisbane House! Stellar restoration, modern comforts, fine art.
Gem of a stone house built in 1868 with summer kitchen bedroom at left.
The summer kitchen has its final dark paint coat on.
English garden beds flank the house.
Living room with historic details and relaxed elegance.

Overview of Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 101900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Arena, WI
  • Popular LocationAmerican Players Theatre14 min drive
  • Popular LocationThe House on the Rock24 min drive
  • Popular LocationCave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark26 min drive
  • AirportMadison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)50 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

Brisbane House has been lovingly restored and it's all about inclusivity, great comfort, beautiful scenery, extraordinary style. Built in 1868 by an abolitionist from South Carolina, we've restored it so you can enjoy your down time, celebrate with friends and family (and Fido), and feel emboldened by the spirit of Brisbane to create positive change in the world!

Brisbane House just won the State Historical Society's 2023 Board of Curators Restoration Award. This is such a special place and we wish to share it! We purchased the property April 1, 2021 and worked hard to prepare it for guests. It's listed on the National and State Registers for Historic Places in Wisconsin. Some of the finest local craftspeople were devoted to its painstaking restoration. Last year, we won the Preservation Award from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. We're members of the Midwest Bed & Breakfast Association, too! We invite you to follow us on on IG: Restore.Brisbane.House.

Inside, the Brisbane House is a blend of modern comfort and historic appointments. As it was built over 150 years ago by an abolitionist, we're honoring his legacy by showcasing original contemporary art by nationally-known Black artists.

The main house sleeps six. There is a new full kitchen and living room on the first floor, as well as new bathroom in the connector to the summer kitchen. On the second floor, there is one bedroom (queen bed), a full bathroom, and den. On the third floor, there are two bedrooms (one queen, two XL twins). It's a tall, skinny house so the stairs are steep! The HVAC system is newly configured and is very comfortable. Great work-worthy wifi, too. We've installed a new gas fireplace in the living room for extra festive wintertime stays.

We've turned the old summer kitchen building into additional bedrooms, so it sleeps four more (up to 10 total). It's attached to the main house by a connector that also has a new full bathroom in it. The summer kitchen is not actually a kitchen, it's a first-floor gorgeous new bedroom with a queen bed surrounded by windows. Above this bedroom is a loft. A loft ladder goes up to two more XL twin beds upstairs. If you'd only like to rent the main house (up to six guests), please see our alternate listing for Brisbane House, #2214954.

Most stays have a three night minimum during high season. Please inquire if this really will not work for you.

There are several restaurants within 10 miles either west to Spring Green or east to Mazomanie. Madison is a 35 minute drive to the east. If traveling through Madison to arrive at your destination, note there's a terrific local grocery store, the Willy Street Co-op, on your way out.

Soaps and cleaning products are either unscented or contain organic essential oils. No synthetic fragrances or fabric softeners. Environmentally friendlier bath towels are "quick dry." Most sheets are of organic cotton. We also participate in Alliant Energy's "rush hour" for energy-saving cooling.

Explore the 18 acres around the house. There is a small fire pit in the yard with plenty of free firewood. There is a pine barrens and trails in the hills leading all the way up to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge, a restored prairie. Maps are in the house. Dogs (additional $100 fee) can be off leash on the property by must be on a leash if hiking on neighboring properties (and please pick up after your dog). In the winter, help yourself to the snowshoes in the garage.

Fine print: Interior stairs to the second and third floors of the main house are a bit steep. The loft ladder in the summer kitchen is just that--a loft ladder. As the property has been recently restored, we'd advise against bare feet in the yard just around the house as there may be small stray construction debris--but the property is enormous so lots of room to play and explore! There's a septic system that can't take grease or coffee grounds down the drains or anything but TP down the toilets. Well behaved dogs are allowed but for an additional fee. Please respect the speed limits on the roads as others are enjoying country life, too! Thank you for treating this historic gem kindly!

Property manager

Samantha Crownover
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

Italian

Amenities

Hot Tub
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 25
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Arena

Located in Arena, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a river. Spring Green Preserve State Natural Area and Governor Dodge State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Spring Green General Store and Buckeridge's Home and Gallery. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledding and snowmobiling.
Map
Arena, WI

What's nearby

  • Wisconsin River - 9 min drive
  • American Players Theatre - 14 min drive
  • The House on the Rock - 24 min drive
  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark - 26 min drive
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison - 42 min drive

Getting around

  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • Old Feed Mill - 10 min drive
  • Grandma Mary's Cafe - 10 min walk
  • Subway - 10 min drive
  • Lake Louie Brewing - 8 min drive
  • Badger Den - 9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms located?

Situated on a river, this vacation home is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Wisconsin River and within 9 mi (15 km) of American Players Theatre and Spring Green General Store. Buckeridge's Home and Gallery and Spring Green Golf Course are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 7 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 7 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful historic property
Host and house were great. Large secluded peaceful and historic property. Enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gayle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Skinny House
Loved the house and the trail in the hills! Our Hostess had everything we needed and more. Very accommodating and answered our questions promptly. I would go back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
WE <3 BRISBANE
We cannot speak higher about Sam, Bruce, & the Brisbane House! Firstly, the property is beyond gorgeous. It provides such a cozy, artful, secluded space to connect with your friends (or whomever you are spending the weekend with). The home is so full of character! You could just admire the work, detail, and styling Sam and Bruce put into this home for hours. Sam and Bruce are so lovely, and we cannot thank them enough for opening their space to us and all their help ensuring our weekend went well!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family wedding
WOW. This is such a beautiful property! Stunning and perfectly appointed. Our host was super accommodating and check in was a breeze. We will definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Theresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely!
Brisbane House is so warm and welcoming! From the moment of booking through departure, Sam was informative, welcoming, and hospitable! The home embodies the general warmth of its hostess. The decor is cozy, the living room invites you to curl up with a book, and the kitchen and dining space was the center of our stay with another family. The space was ideal for our 2 families: one family of 4, another of 5. In addition, the home is well stocked and instructions clear and detailed. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Brisbane and the host! We didn't have time to explore around the property and the trails, but look forward to returning! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

About the host

Hosted by Samantha Crownover

Host profile image
We're a native Wisconsinite (Sam) and Californian (Bruce) who met in Madison. We've been hosting in Madison for over 10 years and have had our eye on this property for about 25 years! We're in the arts and like to build bridges within our community. Sam runs a chamber music festival, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, bachdancing.org, and Bruce is a visual artist specializing in printmaking, see crownover art.com and thelastglacier.com. We love traveling, to mountains, glaciers, the northwoods, and European cities, especially. We love to eat local and support local businesses, too.

Why they chose this property

As we mentioned, we've had our eye on this place for a long time, ever since Bruce started working for the art professor that lives on the end of the long long gravel driveway (Bill Weege). It's a significant historical property for Wisconsin and we're proud to be the next stewards of it.

What makes this property unique

The house is so distinctive, it's thrilling to drive up to it! Amidst farmland, It sits on 18 acres of woods including a pine barrens and oak savannah. You're welcome to hike our neighbor's trail to the top of the bluff that over looks the river valley. The stone from the house was also quarried from that bluff. Inside is fully restored with a mix of historic appointments and contemporary design. It's a place to rest, recharge, gather, and celebrate! You might even be interested in digging into Brisbane's story and his fight for human rights. A small library of anti-racist and Black-authored books is in the den.

Languages:

Italian

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