Stay in a Historic Home: Brigham Farmhouse!
January 2024
Written by Stalac-Tate & Sarah Best
Brigham Farmhouse is a beautiful historic home with the perfect layout to host a group of friends or multi-generational families.
What is Special About This Farmhouse?
Brigham Farmhouse rests on 75+ acres in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. The original property, which once included Cave of the Mounds (across the street) and Brigham County Park, was one of the earliest farms in Dane County and owned by a pioneer settler, Ebenezer Brigham.
Ebenezer Brigham originally established the land as a mining operation in 1828 and later served in the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature.
While the Brigham Farmhouse is not the original home on the property, this house was built in 1903 by Ebenezer’s great-nephew, Charles Brigham, who farmed the land. The house was designed by Madison architects Claude and Stark. It boasts large picture windows, deep eaves, and a magnificent front porch with a breathtaking view to the south.
We are excited to have this historic home fully restored and to be able for our guests to stay across the street from Cave of the Mounds.
Why is this house important to Cave of the Mounds?
Cave of the Mounds was discovered on August 4th, 1939 on the C.I. Brigham Farm. In 1903, when Charles was looking to build a home on his land, he noticed a large quantity of limestone and started the Brigham Quarry. This quarry was active from 1903 until August 4th, 1939 when the Cave was discovered for the first time, completely by accident. Charles leased the Cave to Brechler and Hanneman who managed Cave of the Mounds until Charles Brigham’s daughter, Elizabeth, took over management with her husband. At that time, Elizabeth and her family had moved into the Brigham Farmhouse and updated many aspects of the house. This house is not only close in proximity but also intertwined with our history.
What Can I Do There?
Besides the fact that Cave of the Mounds is across the street with trails, activities, and a cave, the area is perfect for exploring!
The rolling hills and vistas in this part of the Driftless Area offer ample opportunities for great recreation all year.
The Military Ridge Recreational Trail is an east-west corridor that takes you west to Dodgeville or east to Madison. an extension of that trail runs north-south along the east side of the property and is easily accessed for hiking, biking, or skiing.
Brigham County Park is a wooded walk up the path, Blue Mounds State Park is 2 miles to the west and Stewart Lake County Park and Donald County Park are also close by. All are available for great hiking, birding, and enjoying nature.
When the snow flies, you can take advantage of the nearby Tyrol Basin for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Or strap on your Cross-Country skis or snowshoes to explore many nearby trails.
Where Can I Go to Eat & Shop?
For dining out, Blue Mounds offers two neighborhood bars & grills. Ten minutes down the road is Mount Horeb.
Mount Horeb has a wide selection of dining venues, including a cidery, a brewpub, and a bistro. Shopping opportunities around there are plenty. Short-day trips to New Glarus’ historic village, brewery, and winery. Mineral Point’s galleries, and Spring Green’s American Player Theater & Taliesin, offer wonderful additional adventures
What Does Brigham Farmhouse Offer?
The house accommodates 8 people, with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The first floor features a bedroom suite, with a king bed and bath, all ADA accommodating. The Great Room mixes dining and entertaining, with a dining table seating 12+ people. It has a fully equipped kitchen with all the amenities you’d find at home. The second floor has 3 additional bedrooms, 2 king beds, and one double bed. There is a large open family room on the 3rd floor and plenty of space for all to relax.
Outdoor amenities include a large front porch, and a side patio featuring a fire table and an outdoor grill. Yard games are available and trails around the house are open to enjoy!
