The current owners bought this one of a kind home in 1985, almost a decade after its construction. Three other families were previous occupants.  At the time of purchase, they were informed by those in the neighborhood that the builder was a city of Madison engineer who designed, self-contracted and constructed much of the residence himself with the help of friends over “a couple of years.” In an unanticipated turn of events, the unnamed builder never lived in the house.

The home is located next door to the Old Spring Tavern, the 1850s halfway house, on a plot of land sited near a freshwater spring (the Duck Pond) on the main routes headed south and west. This parcel was developed from what had been the natural garden path area of the halfway house.  And, just next door to the south was the carriage house - now a home. The stone walls adjacent to and across from the house were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright who oversaw construction. The well-known “Percy” of Percy’s Garage up the block helped the builder in securing and planting the yard with additional wild flowers, bushes and native trees. The principles of rain gardening have been followed to eliminate runoff from the neighbor’s hill to the rear and the yard is certified as a sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation.

The original 1970s shag-carpeted “conversation pit” that dominated the living room was raised as was the floor of the fireplace.  And, over time, they relocated a screened porch and deck from the front roadway corner to the rear of the house - gaining cool and quiet, plus living/dining room space. The views in winter are spectacular with the depth of the leaf-less Arboretum opening up while making the abundant bird life even more evident. In spring and throughout summer the yard is an ever-changing painting as the flowers, bushes and trees emerge, then turn to fall colors. They love this compact park-like setting in the city!

This home has served them well as they raised their children and pursued careers but the time has come for others to imagine and make into their own.