From The Archives

Located in the lush rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin's Ocooch Mountains, this wonderful 1929 Gordon Van Tine home is an enchanting surprise! Two stories of solid cut-block masonry construction. Set on just over twenty-two rural but not isolated acres in the heart of Amish country. Situated on a well-maintained county road, shopping and conveniences are just a short drive away. Approximately 70 miles west of Madison and served by the Hillsboro school district, Vernon County sheriff's department and Yuba Fire Department, just over a mile away.

The main house includes five spacious bedrooms, three with walk-in closets and one with built-in bookcases. Upstairs there is one full ceramic tiled bathroom with the original fixtures. Another bathroom has been roughed in on the lower level and all finishing materials are on site. The upper level linen closet features a clothes chute to the basement laundry area. The walk-up attic allows for ample storage or could be finished into additional living space. The formal parlor closes off with Prairie Style nine-panel French doors. The formal dining room opens onto a three season front porch. The large country kitchen is equipped with the original Monarch wood cook stove, a 1930's vintage Magic Chef gas stove and the original wall-hung cast iron sink with sideboard drainers and ample solid oak cabinet storage. There is also a pantry, built-in ironing board and mudroom with a corner sink and storage bench. The basement features eight-foot ceiling height, wood storage room and a fruit cellar, all on a solid concrete foundation. The heat is provided by a dual fuel boiler system using wood and fuel oil. Electricity has been updated to a 150 amp circuit breaker system and the house is wired for internet service. DSL is available. The water supply is from a well on the hill above the house, so no pressure tank is necessary. There are hardwood floors throughout and wide, unpainted quarter-sawn oak trim. The roof was reshingled in 2004 with architectural shingles and all exterior trim repainted. Most light fixtures are original and have been rewired and restored. Walls are plastered and are in sound condition. Just out the back door there is a short walkway to a four-person hot tub to enjoy the night skies and the view of the valley! In addition to the two kitchen stoves, there is a small refrigerator in the pantry and another in the basement, along with two chest freezers and a nearly new washer and dryer set.

Additional buildings include a 29 stall dairy barn with drive-up hayloft, chain cleaner, milk house and silo. Also, a cut-block two-story carriage barn, a three-stall garage, a granary and small out barn that are original to the first homestead on the property, and a chicken coop with a fenced yard. There is also a barn, built in 1959 that was remodeled in 2005 into an art studio and gallery with a bathroom and two decks. An LP forced air furnace heats the building. The gallery is accessible and could be used for any number of home businesses.

There are three wells on the property, two with the original pump jacks and the third supplies the house and barns. A small orchard behind the house includes three apple and two plum trees. On the south side of the house is a large garden spot with a raised herb garden. Several pastures are enclosed with high-tensile fencing. Ideal for horses or a few cows.

Gordon Van Tine Company out of Davenport, Iowa was the originator of the 'kit' house concept and prided themselves on outstanding building quality. All the original floor plans and documentation is still with the house, known as the "Linden" model when it was built.

The land originally was settled in 1860 by a locally well known family. This pride in ownership shows in the way the house and outbuildings were lovingly maintained. Truly a rare find!