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Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

Photo gallery for Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

Gorgeous days on 18 acres.
Rent the house only or the house plus the summer kitchen bedroom (at left).
Living room with soaring ceiling, gas fireplace, original fine art.
Gracious space with contemporary furniture and historic details.
Star of the living room, Mano Johnson's Abe Lincoln.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Arena, WI
  • Place, Wisconsin River
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Tower Hill State Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Spring Green General Store
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Main Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Third floor--Queen

1 Queen Bed

Third floor--Twins

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

First floor full bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main house, second floor full bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country

Built in 1868, the Brisbane House won the Wisconsin State Historical Society's 2023 Board of Curators Restoration Award. This is such a special place and we wish to share it with you! It's listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. You will stay in comfort and extraordinary style surrounded by historic appointments.

The main house (this listing) sleeps up to six. This does not include the summer kitchen bedroom on the first floor (it can be added for an additional $300, read the "fine print" below). This listing includes a 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.

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 six 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.

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!

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!

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 (add on for $300, which sleeps an additional four can be found on our listing #2620893). Please disclose if you're bringing a dog/s. They must stay on OUR PROPERTY ONLY. We're members of the Midwest Inns Association and we invite you to follow us on IG: Restore.Brisbane.House.

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.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn off mini-splits on the third floor. Make sure windows are closed and locked.
If you've moved any furniture around, please replace it. Thank you!
Please give us a text to let us know you've left: 608-576-6696. Make plans to come again :)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Treat the house as your own (if not better, LOL).

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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

About the area

Arena

Located in Arena, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. American Players Theatre and Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Tower Hill State Park and Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Arena, WI

What's nearby

  • Wisconsin River - 10 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Tower Hill State Park - 11 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Buckeridge's Home and Gallery - 11 min drive - 17.5 km
  • Spring Green General Store - 12 min drive - 18.9 km
  • American Players Theatre - 14 min drive - 17.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Iron Hop Taphouse - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪1855 Coffee House - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Heck's Market - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Old Feed Mill - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country?

As of 27 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country on 29 Mar, 2026 start from S$551, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Brisbane House: Restored Historic Stone House in the Country located?

Situated on a river, this holiday home is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Wisconsin River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Tower Hill State Park and American Players Theatre. Spring Green General Store and Spring Green Preserve State Natural Area are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay - host was accommodating, property clean, nicely decorated and historically significant, beautiful grounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great getaway place. Amazing home with a fun and historical story. Great space for a group of friends and close to unique attractions and small town charm.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

It’s a magical place that
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Staying at Brisbane House is a rare experience—the house itself is both historically significant and extremely well appointed and comfortable, but the art inside, all by artists of color, is extraordinary. We were completely wowed while also finding everything we needed for a high-end weekend experience—very comfortable beds, well stocked kitchen, amazing grounds and a dreamy screened in porch. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, enjoyed our stay. Very accommodating.

This property was beautiful. It was perfect for our family and pets.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hayne D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brisbane House

The Brisbane House was absolutely beautiful. Enjoyed our visit and can’t wait to return someday. It was by far one of the best vacation rental homes we have stayed in.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brisbane House

We spent 3 nights at this fantastic place and it was absolutely amazing. The restoration of the house is second to none. We are already planning a trip back in a few months.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LARS K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historical, Whimsical Retreat

What a delightful home! A perfect mix of hospitality, history, relaxation, and restoration. The house was very clean and comfy, and surprisingly roomy for such an old house. Beautifully renovated property and the hosts were a delight to work with. Close proximity to so many fun attractions, and yet also very quiet and private. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Graham J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

Exactly what we were hoping for. Great rest and relaxation. The house was perfect; everything you need, nothing you don't. Our mini-schnauzer Henry LOVED playing fetch in the yard as we relaxed by the campfire. Thanks for a lovely time Sam and Bruce!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully restored, historic house in lovely setting

What a treat to stay an old stone house that has been so lovingly restored. From the modern art to the fluffy towels to the marble kitchen countertop - the property was filled with surprises and delights. The location is super convenient to Madison, Taliesin and Devil's Lake. The property owners couldn't have more accommodating or welcoming. So grateful for the getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream house!

This property is gorgeous, easily the most comfortable and cleanest stay we’ve ever had. The pictures do not do it justice. The owners thought of everything re: amenities, and the art and interior detail is inspiring. Congrats for preserving something so beautiful and thank you for sharing it with us!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

APT weekend

I rented this property for an annual couples weekend that includes a couple of performances at nearby American Players Theatre. We have stayed in many properties over the years and absolutely loved this one. We enjoyed the beautiful renovation and stylish decor, and we appreciated that the home had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We love to cook and have fancy meals, and the kitchen was well equipped for our culinary adventures. We also appreciated that dogs could join us. The beds were also very comfortable. Overall a delightful stay, and we plan to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an absolute GEM! There was so much to love about this amazing restored home, from the architecture & careful restoration work to its history & thoughtfully curated art collection. The hosts were so kind and responsive. We loved that we were able to bring our two small pups, and they appreciated the large water bowl & treats. Everyone in our group commented on how comfortable they found the beds. I bring a pillow every time I stay somewhere, and I didn't even need to use it because the pillows were also perfect! The grounds are private and lovely; I enjoyed my morning coffee watching a family of 11 turkeys investigate the yard behind the screened-in porch. We spotted a hummingbird feeding at the phlox, and I noted a nice variety of birds via my Merlin app. :) The location is convenient to both Spring Green and Mazomanie, and there are lots of places to eat / things to see and do in the area. If you have a larger group, I highly recommend booking the whole house (including the summer kitchen room). Such a memorable stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Terrific

It is a privilege to stay in this impeccable home with such a storied history and excellent preservation. We were 6 friends who had come to American Players Theater. Even though we got rained out of 2 of the 6 plays, we will exchange the tickets for next year and hope to stay again at Brisbane House. The hosts are incredibly welcoming and gracious. Thank you for a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home and Property

Upon our initial glance, the home is unique, lovely, and great for a weekend getaway. Once we arrived and took in all that is offered, we were happily surprised about the history of the house and the original owner, the original artwork decorating the walls, and stillness of the surrounding property. Brisbane house is a wonderful home and property for weekend getaway or extended stay. The wonderfully updated interior and amenities are great. Additionally, the proximity to the eastern driftless area of Wisconsin, the Spring Green/Arena/Mazomanie areas, and a nearby prairie remnant are well worth the stay. We hope to stay again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zinnia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Historic Property

We loved this historic property right outside of Madison in Arena, a charming area of the Wisconsin countryside. The house has been lovingly restored and our hosts were so thoughtful with beautiful touches throughout the home like fresh flowers in the rooms and lavender soaps in the bathroom. The kids absolutely loved the Kringle in the freezer and got to pick wild asparagus from yard. The house sits on an enchanting piece of property with beautiful trees and lots yard to enjoy. The next time we are on the area, we will be back again at the Brisbane House.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darsi K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Covid Postponed Christmas Gift

This trip was originally planned for 2020, but due to Covid had to be postponed. I'm glad it was or we would not have been able to stay at this amazing place. It was the ulitmate home away from home, and the added history and all we learned was a bonus. Hope to return soon. Thanks to the talented hosts for sharing this treasure. Darsi, Mark, Kay, Laura & Jay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully Restored Historical Home!

This wasn't just a "house", it felt like home! There's a very interesting picture book documenting the restoration, be sure to flip through it. Modern conveniences were added, while respecting the historic charm of the house. The home is spacious and well-decorated. We still after Thanksgiving, so it was chilly and we didn't do much outdoors at the house. I would love to return in the summer months and explore the property and the area more. Close to Mt. Horeb and Spring Green, we found plenty to do with our 7- and 9-year old kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by Samantha Crownover

Host profile image
In my real life, I am the executive director for a chamber music festival and love to promote the visual arts, too. My husband, Bruce, is an artist (printmaker and watercolor painter) and has a studio through the woods at our neighbors’ (you can ask about a private tour or a master class). We can't live without travel and cooking and eating great, local food. Our most recent trips were to Svalbard and Romania. I love all things Italian and I play tennis and pond hockey. I'm a native Wisconsinite (so that means I love the north woods, too). Bruce loves the ocean and mountains, having grown up in Southern California. We LOVE hosting guests and want to make sure you have an exceptional place to stay (we also rent our home in Madison).

Why they chose this property

This is my dream-come-true project, the Brisbane House! We purchased it in April 2021 and restored it in six months with the help of over 150 crafts people and volunteers. This place celebrates the legacy of an avid abolitionist, William Henry Brisbane, and we’ve prepared it for guests with high standards!

I've had my eye on this place for almost 30 years. When the previous owners were looking for the house’s next stewards, they chose us. It needed so much restoration work, we knew we'd have to pour our heart and soul (and $) into it to make it sing again. It's a unique place for Wisconsin and we're thrilled to host you here!

Arena is the perfect quiet spot from which to launch into the woods or into the surrounding artsy town of Spring Green or Mazomanie and beyond.

What makes this property unique

Be our guests in this exceptional tall, skinny, stone house on the State and National Registers of Historic Places where we’ve blended historic appointments with contemporary comforts. Bonus! You get to sleep amongst museum-worthy original art by only artists of color. Come for a weekend or stay for a month. Listen to the bird song. Watch the sun set through the pine stand. Unwind in the beautiful Wisconsin River Valley with the people you love.

Languages:

Italian

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