Entire home
Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside.
Family-friendly holiday home in East Troy
Photo gallery for Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside.





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Sleeps 10 185.8 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

East Troy, WI
- Place, East Troy Railroad Museum11 min drive
- Place, Alpine Valley Music Theatre16 min drive
- Place, Alpine Valley Ski Resort20 min drive
- Airport, Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.)47 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
Unforgettable, Restored 1868 Italianate Farmhouse in peaceful countryside.
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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Farmhouse with Heated Pool on almost 160 Acres!
Farmhouse with Heated Pool on almost 160 Acres!
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
9.8 out of 10, (7 reviews)
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
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
East Troy
Located in East Troy, this holiday home is in a rural area. Mukwonago River State Natural Area and Genesee Oak Opening & Fen State Natural Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include East Troy Railroad Museum and Kettle Moraine Ranch. Travelling with kids? Consider Green Meadows Petting Farm and Walworth County Fairgrounds. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

East Troy, WI
What's nearby
- Family Camp Beach - 9 min drive - 8.2 km
- East Troy Railroad Museum - 11 min drive - 11.0 km
- Old World Wisconsin - 12 min drive - 12.1 km
- Alpine Valley Music Theatre - 16 min drive - 14.1 km
- Alpine Valley Ski Resort - 20 min drive - 15.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Culver's - 10 min drive
- Starbucks - 9 min drive
- McDonald's - 9 min drive
- East Troy Brewery - 9 min drive
- Gus's Drive In - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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.
Languages:
Spanish, Dutch
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback