Restored 1835 Stone Farmhouse On 140 Acres

Description

This restored stone farmhouse was originally constructed in the 1830's. In 2002-3, builder Rick Hanson and designer Amber Westerman completed an addition to the home adding on an additional 1,000 square feet of living space. The new addition is home to the master suite and sunken formal living room.

This spectacular farmhouse on 140 acres, located in southern Wisconsin's Iowa County is a wonderful house that can?t fail to impress. Its age lends a certain patina and sense of rootedness that can?t be fabricated. The sensitive restoration has maintained the identity of the house while making it superbly livable today.

The neighboring farm to the north, Shooting Star Farm, is a high-end organic farm. The owners, Rink and Jenny Davie sell their produce to the best restaurants in Chicago such as Charlie Trotter's, Tru and Frontera Grill.

In the early 1830s, Cornish miners flocked to Mineral Point. They were drawn to the area because of the mining opportunities and because it reminded them of home. The master stone masons among them found an abundant supply of limestone and began building the cottages and other stone buildings that are characteristically Cornish. Out in the countryside, there was a sprinkling of stone farmhouses built. Many, no doubt, started out small, but as the family and financial stability grew, so did the house. Remaining examples, like McNeill Farm, are now very rare. The journey to the property is spectacular as you wind through miles of lush rolling hills home to the local dairy farmers. Once on site, you can't help but be charmed by the backdrop of Mother Natures best, magnificent scenery filled with miles of prairies and deep woods.

The stone house at McNeill Farm has a carved cornerstone which seems to point to a construction date in the eighteen thirties. Its golden stone and lap-sided exterior and its solid demeanor are immensely appealing. Sheltered by huge pines and set amidst rambling gardens, the home has grown into its setting. Stone retaining walls and steps, a picket-fenced vegetable garden and charming garden shed add to the welcoming sense of place.

From the exterior, the home's rustic, country charm appeals to traditional sensibilities, but lovers of the modern and innovative will also appreciate its wonderful blend of the old and the new.

Rustic stone homes have a very special character about them, and even a restored farmhouse like this one drips with authenticity. This warm and welcoming rustic style home features over 3,200 sq. ft. of living space, all wrapped in an amazing shell of stone.

In the summer, the driveway is flanked by masses of grey coneflowers. The house location feels very sheltered, but from there the land opens up with wonderful long range views to the east and south. Seven acres of mature prairie orchard are tucked below the house. The grassland view is punctuated by a small, but classic, restored barn. Mowed paths across the fields and through the woods make getting around the property easy. Pheasant sightings are not unusual.

The 48 acres of mostly oak woods are full of Spring wildflowers and birdsong. Lovely Olson Creek meanders through the bottom of the wooded valley. From the top of the hill at the north end of the property, there is a 180 degree view which includes Blue Mounds. The farm is timeless and beautiful.

There is a conservation easement with Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc. for prairie orchard. They come in to gather seeds and burn the prairie once per year with arrangements made in advance. 38.8 acres in CRP with an annual payment of $4,159. The CRP contract was renewed last year and the new contract runs through 2017.