Entire home

Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

Photo gallery for Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

Exterior
Property grounds
Desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot, free WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace, books, stereo
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Check out 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

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

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

Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

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 Bed & Breakfast 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. The locally harvested cherry table seats 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!"

Property manager

Samantha Crownover

Languages

Italian

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing and snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking options include a garage
  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Office
  • Printer
  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Golf on site
  • Snow sports gear on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

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

Similar properties

Policies

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

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

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Restored Historic Stone House in the Country Arena

About the area

Arena

What's nearby

  • Wisconsin River - 9 min drive
  • American Players Theatre - 14 min drive
  • The House on the Rock - 24 min drive
  • Blue Mound State Park - 24 min drive
  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark - 26 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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Graham J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely unique house
This house was a treat. From the unique decorative touches and art in every room to the cozy handmade quilts on the beds, this property was a lovely place to get away for the weekend. We especially enjoyed the interesting history of the Brisbanes in the living room! Thank you for sharing this marvel with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great restored historical property built in 1868
Great setting in the country, fantastic brick home, well equipped, a labor of love restoration, most congenial host.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melinda Q., USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place to be
We spent 3 nights while attending 6 plays at American Players Theater. The Stone House is perfect for such an outing. Samantha is very responsive and welcoming. We hope to be back in 2024.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanya M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Second Stay!
Our family loved this house last summer so we returned for another vacation. Sam is a great host, everything was immaculate, with plenty of supplies and everything we might need. This year we enjoyed Cave on the Mounds, Taliesin, and American Players Theatre. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Escape from Fireworks
Brisbane House is a gem! Sam and Bruce did an amazing job restoring this beautiful home. Plus communication with Sam is top notch, always working to improve the vacation. Our goal was get away from the city fireworks (for the dogs) over the holiday. We got just take at Brisbane plus the country living. Hope to be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hayne D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family stay!
House was incredible. Host was super helpful and overall stay was great. Hope to come back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W., Deerfield, Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas 2022
Our family of 5 adults had a great Christmas at Brisbane House. The owners have done an amazing job thoughtfully restoring this historic home. Despite a cold snap, we were cozy and comfortable with all the modern conveniences you would need. The owners surprised us by providing a live Christmas tree and pine trimmings sourced on the property. The property itself is lovely and isolated with snowshoe trails extending back into the woods. We regretted that it was too cold to do more exploring on the trails. Also, the artwork throughout the home was beautiful. We look forward to trying Brisbane House in other seasons.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz and Mark P., Minneapolis

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint, Cozy Perfection
Our family of four (parents and 2 grown kids), along with our two dogs spent the Long Thanksgiving weekend at The Brisbane House. Communication with the owners was great - they answered all of our questions and the photos on the website are 100% correct and helped us greatly in planning. The charm of this home is only outdone by the functionality of its cozy rooms. We easily made our Thanksgiving meal and had plenty of room to eat. The summer kitchen addition (which is a large windowed bedroom w a loft) is stunning. If you have elderly guests, I’d for sure rent this additional room, as the steps are quite steep to the main house bedrooms. It is also functions as a good escape if you need to take a nap from too much Turkey !! Some of our favorite features: fan on timer in bathrooms, very private lot, pet friendly yard, fun beautiful rooms with unique wallpaper and paint colors, very clean, great window covers, books and articles about the house’s history, easy to use TV, and of course the little touches - slippers provided, quality bedding and towels, captivating artwork, glass doorknobs. Honestly, just a one-of-a-kind home that would charm anyone. Highly recommend 10/10.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lori W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, enjoyed our stay. Very accommodating.
This property was beautiful. It was perfect for our family and pets.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

LARS K., Stow, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful historic renovation
Such a unique and beautiful house, with every room redone with care and imagination. I would love to live there.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022