Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside.

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10186 sq m

Popular amenities

Fireplace

Air conditioning

Washer

Dryer

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Enjoy the area

East Troy, WI

East Troy Railroad Museum9 min drive
Alpine Valley Music Theatre18 min drive
Alpine Valley Ski Resort19 min drive
Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)41 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Following a 3 year restoration, this 4 bed, 3 bath farm property is ideal for friend and family reunions and overnight groups of 3-10. Built in 1868 by the Johnston Cookie Company family, the Italianate farmhouse has relaxing areas with country charm outside and is steeped in old world elegance inside. The Historic Johnston Home is in the Kettle Moraine area of WI with hiking, biking, kayaking, boating and snow skiing minutes away. Step back in time, relax, unplug and rejuvenate!

You will have sole access to the whole house excluding private rooms. Also, you will have access to the outside spaces on the farm near the house for dining, relaxing and grilling. The property is yours to explore excluding inside the barn and the apiary area, which is clearly marked.

Other things to note
Completed in summer 2022! Redo of "Ranch Hand House" with copper roof, bar area, seating area and incredible view of the countryside.
Completed in summer 2022! Redo of summer kitchen into relaxing fire pit where we provide the firewood for your stay.
Completed in fall 2022! 50 foot deck on barn where the view is amazing!

This is a working hobby farm with an apiary on the far edge of the property. We may be there working on the lawn/garden/snow, using the studio in the barn or tending to the bees during your stay but will not be inside the house at all.

Property manager

Suzanne and Charlie Gartzke

Languages

Dutch, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Fireplace

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Many antiques, spiral stairs

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Only with prior approval, Event fee applies

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Open flame candles are not allowed. Smoking inside home is not allowed which includes cigarettes, vape pens, cigars or marijuana.

Late check out fee of $50 applies for check outs after 11am.

For security the property is equipped with exterior cameras.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30

Note from host: Only with prior approval, Event fee applies

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

East Troy

Located in East Troy, this holiday home is in a rural area. Lake Como and Four Seasons Nature Preserve reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include East Troy Railroad Museum and Kettle Moraine Ranch. Travelling with kids? Consider Walworth County Fairgrounds and Lake Geneva Balloon Company. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

East Troy, WI

What's nearby

East Troy Railroad Museum - 9 min drive
Old World Wisconsin - 10 min drive
Alpine Valley Music Theatre - 18 min drive
Alpine Valley Ski Resort - 19 min drive
Walworth County Fairgrounds - 19 min drive

Getting around

Waukesha, WI (UES-Waukesha County) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

McDonald's - 9 min drive
Gus's Drive-In - 9 min drive
LD's BBQ - 9 min drive
East Troy Brewery - 9 min drive
The Hive Taproom - 9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside. located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of East Troy Railroad Museum, Kettle Moraine Ranch and Old World Wisconsin. Alpine Valley Music Theatre and Alpine Valley Ski Resort are also within 9 miles (15 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

3 January 2024

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

Amazing

This was an amazing experience! None of us had ever stayed on a farm beforehand. But I’m hooked now lol! Sue, and Charlie were incredible hosts, we received a very warm welcome, their availability is ever present, and the place was dreamy. The pictures can’t tell the full story, you absolutely have to visit this wonderful property! A perfect blend of antiquity, mixed with just the right amount of modern amenities !We will definitely be back! Sue, and Charlie… THANK YOU for an unforgettable experience! Anthony C.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alex L.

10 August 2023

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

Incredible hospitality at a lovely home!

I cannot say enough great things about Charlie and Suzanne. First off, their home is beautiful and is situated in serene rural Wisconsin farmland. The outdoor area is even more lovely than the pictures show, including scenic lights in the farmhand house and plenty of fun games and space for activities. Our group really enjoyed playing with their provided croquet set, tossing a frisbee in the back yard, and grilling out back at sunset. The beds were comfortable and house was very clean and nicely decorated. On the hospitality side, Charlie went above and beyond to ensure our experience was unforgettable. Upon arrival, Charlie provided a recommendations for places to eat, drink, and golf nearby. They were very attentive via messaging and were accommodating to our variety of questions and requests. Also, while we were staying at the house, a bad storm knocked out the power; unfortunate, but our of their control. Not only did Charlie reach out to check on us, but he also drove over first thing the next morning to bring us spare water, hook the house up to generator power, and give us an update on when he was told the power would return. Charlie and Suzanne also prepared a small arrival welcome package for our group with snacks and confections from a local eatery. If you are looking for a place to stay away from the big city (but still very drivable to downtown MKE - about a half hour) with great hosts and fantastic amenities, look no further than The Historic Johnston Home!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Suzanne and Charlie Gartzke

We live on a lake nearby and besides most watersports we enjoy hiking, traveling, good food and wine, motorcycling, music and concerts, caring for bees, woodworking but most of all hanging out with family and friends.

Why they chose this property

The Historic Johnston Home is in the Kettle Moraine area of WI with hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, snow skiing, Alpine Valley outdoor music concerts minutes away. East Troy is where Suzanne's father grew up so owning the property is part of her DNA. The people of the area are "Midwest" nice and hopefully by the end of your stay you will see why East Troy is what Suzanne's Dad called "God's Country".

What makes this property unique

The 1868 manor is located on 4.5 acre Beatha Ur Farm (meaning "New Life" in Scottish Gaelic). It has been lovingly restored, using and repurposing everything that was disrupted during the renovation. You will notice the high ceilings as soon as you walk in, some of which are tin. The dining room and living room are connected and open to each other, with plenty of room for all. The kitchen is large with 1868 wood beamed ceiling and a butlers pantry attached. Plenty of room for any food you bring and no lack of cooking essentials. The luxurious master suite includes an electric fireplace, large open shower, heated bath floors/towel rack and an antique clawfoot tub. There are many custom touches in all rooms, not the least is a bathroom shower mural on the main floor-just wait until you see it! The laundry room is also full of flair. You might feel very regal heading upstairs on the graceful spiral staircase with mahogany railing. The three full bedrooms there have beautiful big windows, comfortable beds and sitting areas. Upstairs is also a full bath with heated floors/towel rack, unique vanity and walk in shower. The large gathering spaces, many rooms, outdoor spaces and great location make the Historic Johnston Home perfect for family and friends, bachelorette/bachelor weekends, concert goers, snow skiers, bicyclists, nature enthusiast, etc.