Brisbane House was 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! It's listed on the National and State Registers for Historic Places in Wisconsin. We purchased the property April 1, 2021 and worked hard to prepare it for guests. Some of the finest local craftspeople were devoted to its painstaking restoration. Its main house (this listing) is fully restored (sleeps six with one full bathroom) as well as the summer kitchen (which sleeps an additional four--see our other listing #2620893). Last year, we won the Preservation Award from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. We're members of the Midwest Inns Association, too! We invite you to follow us on on IG: Restore.Brisbane.House.
The Brisbane House is a place of inclusivity. It was built in 1868 by an abolitionist from South Carolina. We are honoring his legacy by showcasing original contemporary art by nationally-known Black artists. You will stay in comfort and extraordinary style with historic appointments. Set on 18 wooded acres, hike the surrounding area, play croquet, build an outdoor fire. Inside, enjoy a new kitchen and bath, and great wifi, too.
Relax in the peaceful woods, to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, hold a family reunion, come with your book club, or for a holiday of your own making! In the house, there is one bedroom (queen bed), a full bathroom and den, on the second floor. There are two bedrooms (one queen, two XL twins) on the third floor. This is a tall, skinny house, so stairs are steep. A new gas fireplace has been installed in the living room, so yay to festive winter stays!
The kitchen is small, beautiful, and well-equipped (vacation bakers will enjoy the rolling pin, pie plate, jelly roll pans, and more). The locally harvested cherry table seats six - eight. There are several restaurants within 10 miles either west to Spring Green or 5 miles 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 of the sheets are organic cotton. We participate in Alliant Energy's "rush hour" cooling system to conserve energy. We have been approved and are fully compliant with the State of Wisconsin health department's tourist rooming house laws.
Explore the 18 acres around the house. There is a pine barrens and trails in the hills leading all the up to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge, a restored prairie (maps at the house). Dogs 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 and saucer sleds in the garage.
Most stays in high season have a three night minimum. Please inquire if this really will not work for you. Also, if you are interested in a ground floor level rental only, let's discuss since this bridges the full house/summer kitchen rental.
Here are some reviews: "The Brisbane House was the perfect spot for our family gathering. Samantha and Bruce thought of every detail in renovating this unique historic house—the architecture, furnishings, light, and color create a wonderful environment for connecting with loved ones. There is a lot to enjoy in the area from charming books stores, delicious restaurants, and beautiful rolling hills. Communication with our hosts was flawless from pointing us to nearby trails to sharing the history and information on the art on the walls. We will be back soon!"
"Thanks again for a fantastic experience in Arena. Staying at the Brisbane made it truly special and the house is just gorgeous. We will be back!"