Entire home

Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms

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

Exterior
Dining
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, books, stereo
5 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10177 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Breakfast included
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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!

Altogether, up to ten guests can comfortably stay. The main house sleeps up to six. There is a queen bedroom on the second floor and a queen bedroom and two XL twins on the third floor. A new full bathroom and den with guest closet are also on the second floor. A new full bathroom is also on the first floor.

We've turned the old summer kitchen building into additional bedrooms, so it sleeps four more. 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 anymore. The first-floor is now a gorgeous new bedroom with a four-poster queen bed surrounded by windows. Above this bedroom is a loft. A loft ladder goes up to two more XL twin beds upstairs. The screen porch is attached so you can hang out or eat your meals out there.

The galley kitchen has beautiful cabinetry and is well-equipped (vacation bakers will enjoy the rolling pin, pie plate, jelly roll pans, and more). The locally harvested cherry table with benches seats up to eight.

The living room has seating for six+ and you can put your feet up in front of the fire, play a game, or watch a movie. It’s fun to hang out with the glittery portrait of Abraham Lincoln. If you must, we’ve got work-worthy wifi, a place to sit at a desk, and a small library in the upstairs den.

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 museum-quality art by nationally-known Black artists. Yes, you can sleep in the same room as a Mickalene Thomas or Sam Gilliam, or hang out with a Kara Walker!

In the warmer months, hang out on the screen porch with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, or kick around in the yard, play croquet, build an outdoor fire in the fire pit. Since we’re on 18 wooded acres, you can also hike the surrounding area on trails, managed by the Prairie Enthusiasts, up to Rattlesnake Ridge to the river valley overlook. In the winter, use the snowshoes to tromp around or drag the saucer sleds to our neighbors’ for an exhilarating run!

We’re right off of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, so hop on and take the short drive into the neighboring town of Spring Green (10 miles) to check out their charming downtown with a bookstore, shops, and restaurants. Of course, you’ll want to take a tour of Taliesin and go to see a world-class play at American Players Theater.

So come to absorb the peace in the woods, to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, hold a family reunion, gab with your book club, or celebrate a holiday!

A note on our eco-friendly practices: Soaps and cleaning products are either unscented or contain organic essential oils. No synthetic fragrances or fabric softeners here. Environmentally friendlier bath towels are "quick dry." Most of the sheets are organic cotton.

Some fine print: 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 for two only, let's discuss. The summer kitchen bedroom (which sleeps an additional four can be found on our listing #2620893). We're members of the Midwest Inns Association and we invite you to follow us on IG: Restore.Brisbane.House. 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. 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!

Here's what our guests say:

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!

I don’t even know where to start. We stayed at Brisbane house over our wedding weekend and it just perfect.

This place is incredible, as are Sam and Bruce. This is our third stay with them and every time has been magical. Could not ask for better.

Such a beautiful stay! The wow factor when you pull up is just the start!

From seeing fireflies in the evening to morning coffee on the beautiful screen porch, we had the most wonderful family adventure.

So glad this was part of our Wisconsin summer adventure.

We loved our stay. We did not want to leave.

Property manager

Samantha Crownover

Languages

Italian

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Lobster/crab pot

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Firepit
  • Free firewood

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Work spaces

  • Printer
  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Snow sports gear
  • Golfing on site
  • Fishing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Golf nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Unit size: 1900 sq ft (177 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Map
Arena, WI

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Old Feed Mill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Wall Street Gallery and Bistro - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Grandma Mary's Cafe - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Gordon's Drive-In Restaurant - ‬10 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 Tower Hill State Park and American Players Theatre. Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area and Blue Mound State Park are also within 16 mi (25 km).

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Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

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

Jane V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Historical Home
This home is unique and extraordinary! The owners did a fabulous job of keeping the historical aspects while creating a warm and charming atmosphere. Samantha is quick to respond and share good information. Be sure to browse the picture books on the transformation of this home and all the history behind it. Beautiful yard and close to everything you need. Well done!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

jeff w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Arena Escape
Samatha was wonderful to work with! House was very charming and in close proximity to so many places of interest, we picked a winner! You will to if you choose Brisbane.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An absolute gem near Spring Green, WI
Sam and Bruce have done an outstanding job creating a stunning, one-of-a-kind home for family or friends to gather. After we ooohed and ahhhed at the artwork (loved all the descriptions in the book), the meticulous restoration (the doors, hinges, all of it!) and many thoughtful touches in the house (kringle in the freezer, bug repellent wipes, slippers, printer, and more) when we first arrived, we quickly settled in to Brisbane’s immaculate and comfortable spaces to work and chat and eat. The kitchen has sharp knives! and all you need to cook/bake. The upstairs den is a delightful place to work/ read. And we spent hours in the living room before heading up to our very comfy beds. Outdoors, we hiked up to the Rattlesnake Ridge prairie and around the sand barren surrounding Brisbane - beautiful! Sam and Bruce have gone above and beyond in assuring that their guests enjoy an unforgettable stay. Sam was friendly and responsive in her communications with me. I recommend Brisbane glowingly!!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

8/10 Good

Sue B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
Our three-generation family, ages 11 to 74, had a long Easter weekend at the historic Brisbane House in Arena. The tall stone house seemed small at first sight but, with the added sleeping space in the now-attached summer kitchen and two baths, there was plenty of room for all. The kitchen and dining table worked well for eight of us. The hiking trail to the benches, large lawn for playing catch and stairs to the third floor were exercise for the kids. We would have had a campfire if Grandpa wasn’t nervous about the dry woods and wind of early spring. Any necessary services are available in Arena, Mazomanie and Spring Green. The house served as a base to visit House on the Rock and Cave of the Mounds. It would also be a good base for group trips to American Players Theater.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022