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Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress

Photo gallery for Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress

Living Room
Entry
Morning Sun
Lannon Stone
Stereo and 6,000 songs

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Queen Bed

Office

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress

The Guest Cottage was built for the world renowned Chiropractor, Clarance Gonstead from 1950 - 1952 and designed by Architect, Herb Fritz Jr. in the Prairie Style of architecture made popular by Herb's Mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright. The cottage is centrally located in town on two acres and separated from the main house. The exterior is clad in clay tile and lanon stone and the interior finishes are stone and tide water cypress walls and ceiling with quarry tile and carpet floors.

The hilly local terrain, abandoned level rail road trails and off road trails in the state park provide opportunity for all levels of biking enthusiasts. Old farts can bring your own e-bike and use this as your base to explore the drift-less region. We provide descent gravel trail bikes if you are traveling light. Mount Horeb has a village owned public golf course, public pool and almost weekly organized events within walking distance. The radiant floor heating system and the proximity to down ski hills, cross country trails and an outdoor ice skating rink blocks away, make this an ideal winter retreat, unfortunately we have had to fall in line with all the other inns and discontinue use of the wood burning fireplace to satisfy insurance restrictions so we installed a 4K television with a sound bar that provides the visual and auditory ambience of a variety of wood burning fire places and the floor provides the heat. You also have the flexibility of watching a movie on an internet TV.

The rear bedroom has been converted into a full blown office with a wrap around view of the gardens, "Uplift" sit/stand desk, comfortable office chair, file cabinet and 4K monitor w/ laptop mount on (2) VESA mount floating arms. USB-C, HDMI and Display port compatible.

Keywords: Guest House, cottage, cabin, prairie style, mid century modern, mcm, Taliesin, Architecture, FLW, Frank Lloyd Wright, Herb Fritz, Spring Green, Architect, trail, bikes, driftless, office, monitor, Uplift, sit/stand, desk, extended stay, long term

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About the area

Mount Horeb

Located in Mount Horeb, this cottage is in the city centre. Mt. Horeb Area Museum and Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Norsk Golf Club and Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area. Howard Himsel Park and Waltz Park are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice skating.
View more Cottages in Mount HorebOpens in a new window
Map
Mt Horeb, WI

What's nearby

  • Mt. Horeb Station - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Mt. Horeb Area Museum - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Mount Horeb Village Hall - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Madison Station - 29 min drive
  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Grumpy Troll Brew Pub - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Casey's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sjölinds Chocolate House - ‬9 min walk

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 258 out of 263 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 263 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 263 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 263 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 263 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay. Terrific hosts! Super nice and helpful.
Stayed 20 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

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

Wonderful stay

Such an interesting and enjoyable stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon J.

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

Gonstead stay

The property is well kept. The gallery was well placed. The hosts were very kind and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky F.

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

Excellent!

Cottage was cozy and comfortable. Close to bike trails and downtown. Friendly host!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Gonstead Guest Cottage

Very unique structure, nice stay, very personable hosts. Mt. Horeb is a very charming small town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie R.

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

Great cottage

The cottage was beautiful,clean and comfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eliza F.

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

Home away from home

How great to spend three nights over Thanksgiving in the Gonstead guest house. Super cozy spot enabled us to spread out a bit just a walk away from home base. So comfortable and what a unique property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin G.

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

Amazing Space!

Joyce and Phil were awesome, we loved our stay and will be back in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky L.

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

A great retreat

What a wonderful, completely unique cottage in a fantastic spot for cycling, hiking, and jaunting around downtown Mt Horeb. The most architecturally significant and interesting place we've ever stayed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela O.

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

Terrific!

Really fun to stay in this historic cottage. Enjoyed chatting with the hosts.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

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

We had a wonderful stay

It was a unique little guest house to stay in. The hosts were very accommodating. We enjoyed sitting outside for our meals. We were close to town, so we could walk. It was a very nice setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Noah W.

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

Joyce and Phil have were warm and welcoming. My wife and I felt right at home.

We were able to relax at the end of the day after heading out to see local and regional attractions. We had a lot of fun in the area and staying at the cottage let us feel more in touch with the attractions we went to see than just staying at a hotel, can't beat the spaces indoor and outdoor either.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marjean A.

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

Trip down memory lane

We had a very delightful stay at the Gonstead guest house. The hostess and host were very friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

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

Relaxing vacation

The cottage was so unique! Atmosphere was very relaxing. Phil and Joyce are proud of their property and are excellent hosts. It was a short walk to Main Street.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

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

Cool, relaxing space and great hosts

We were in Madison area for some graduations and found this gem to stay at. The owners are friendly and helpful and maintain the cottage really well with plenty of amenities. Nice and close to Main Street to walk around easily. The gardens on the property are gorgeous and relaxing to sit in. Would love to stay here again for future visits.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

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

Great place to stay in Mt. Horeb

The hosts, Joyce & Phil are very friendly & welcoming. We had a wonderful time & are glad we had the chance to stay at this unique, historical property. It is only a few blocks from downtown & the Military Ridge bike trail. Lots of other attractions nearby in the very scenic driftless area of Wisconsin.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phil J.

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

Birthday Celebration

Unbelievable hostsPhil and Joyce! Wonderful property and so close to downtown! Will hopefully visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris B.

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

Incredible

This is a one of a kind property! Amazing architecture. Our hosts were great. Even took us on a bike ride on the military ridge trail. We had a great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry W.

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

Great home and small town.

Trip to Madison for a memorial service and chose to stay out of the hustle and bustle of Madison, and chose this home in Mt. Horeb. Wonderful place, Wonderful hosts, and Wonderful small town. Probably the only trip we'll ever make to Wisconsin but our stay here made it a memorable one.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2021
Well that's a first, the lowest rating we've ever recieved and a great review? I think you don't understand the point system.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheri B.

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

Buckeye Fans

Stayed the weekend at this awesome little place in a little slice of heaven called Mt Horeb. Wonderful hosts and we will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay P.

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

Mt. Horeb/Clarance Gonstead Getaway Trip

Historic, very quiet, cozy place to enjoy a getaway trip. Phil and Joyce were one of the best hosts we have had the pleasure to meet. The guest house had everything we needed, and enjoyed the music system in the guesthouse! We took in the shops in Mt. Horeb and took a short trip and visited Baraboo. A great place for a couple to stay and enjoyed our visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

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

Mount Horeb

The property is very unique. The bed was very comfortable. The owners were very nice. It could be a bit brighter inside.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2024
It could not be a bit brighter inside, unless we painted the original dark cypress ceilings white. With a ceiling height of only 6'10", any light source needs to be recessed or it would create more glare. The walls are illuminated with dimmable mini track lights every 8'. There are 27 light sources plus 5 strategically located task lights, and 6 motion activated night lights including the toilet. Granted, if you are a privacy buff, and need the blinds closed on the huge wrap around sheets of glass, instead of looking out on the expansive grounds, It is a little dark, but cozy and authentic.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

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

Great stay at a great place

We really enjoyed our 3 day stay here. Joyce and Phil are such gracious hosts. The cottage is a perfect place for 2 people. Everything you need is on hand. The grounds of the property are beautiful and downtown Mt Horeb is walking distance with its restaurants and bars. I hope we can stay again sometime, and would definitely recommend it to others
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clay M.

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

Our stay at Mt. Horev

Was a lovely stay at a very unique property. Those with an interest in prairie style architecture will love it. Even if you don't, we love the driftless area, with rolling hills & farms & rivers. The drive to New Glarus is short and BEAUTIFUL.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenn M.

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

A wonderful location to spend time

This is a wonderful cottage in the Prairie style of architecture located in Mt Horeb just a short drive from Madision. Well within walking distance of the downtown and the hosts provide bikes which can be enjoyed both in town and along the local bike trail. The host and hostess were delightful and an excellent resource regarding the community. The cottage exceeded my expectations
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
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