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--but please disclose), 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 ON OUR PROPERTY ONLY 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.
