Escape to the charming Brisbane House, lovingly restored with historic appointments and modern comfort. Inside, discover original contemporary art by nationally-known Black artists and a blend of elegant style. Enjoy great work-worthy wifi in the main house that sleeps six or expand your stay to 10 guests in the adjacent summer kitchen building.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 101900 sq ft
Popular amenities
Breakfast included
Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Brisbane House: 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--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.
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Free breakfast available
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Free firewood
Garden
Porch/lanai
Yard
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Printer
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
On a river
Things to do
Golf
Snow sports gear
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Rafting nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing 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
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Garden
Recycling
Unit size: 1,900 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please take sheets and pillowcases off and leave in a heap (you can fold blankets).
Garbage and recycling should be bagged up and taken to the garage bins.
Make plans to return :)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
No coffee grounds or grease down the drains: septic system. Please disclose dogs and on our property only. Treat the house kindly, please.
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
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Arena, WI
What's nearby
Spring Green Golf Course - 17 min drive - 12.0 miles
American Players Theatre - 17 min drive - 11.1 miles
The House on the Rock - 30 min drive - 19.1 miles
Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark - 33 min drive - 19.0 miles
University of Wisconsin-Madison - 51 min drive - 33.9 miles
Getting around
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
1855 Coffee House - 11 min drive
The Old Feed Mill - 10 min drive
SUBWAY - 11 min drive
Subway - 10 min drive
Mazo Market - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Brisbane House: Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
What time is check-in at Brisbane House: Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Brisbane House: Historic Stone House & Adjoining "Summer Kitchen" Bedrooms?
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Brisbane House: 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 12 mi (20 km) of American Players Theatre and Spring Green Golf Course. Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area and Blue Mound State Park are also within 16 mi (25 km).
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