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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

Post Card 1952
Arial view Google
Living Room
Entry
Morning Sun

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 283.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Mt Horeb, WI
  • Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Mt. Horeb Area Museum
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)
    ‪43 min drive‬

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

Property manager

Phil Wall

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Gym
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Children 12 and older
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mt Horeb, WI

What's nearby

  • Mt. Horeb Station - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Mt. Horeb Area Museum - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area - 9 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Grumpy Troll Pub & Brewery - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Morgan's - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Clarance Gonstead Guest Cottage, Prairie Style, Stone & Tide Water Cypress located?

Located in the heart of Mount Horeb, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Garfield Park and Grundahl Park. Mt. Horeb Station and Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are also within 10 minutes.

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. 257 out of 262 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 262 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 262 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 262 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 262 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Andy P.

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

Revisiting one of our favorites

We stayed at this property 7 years ago and had a wonderful time. Revisiting last weekend was a fantastic experience and reinforced why it’s a favorite memory. Anne and I stayed for a cozy get-away. Once again Joyce and Phil’s communication and assistance was perfect. The style of this property is so unique and decorated to accentuate it. Visited some local restaurants and bars plus a trip out to Paoli. But mostly we just enjoyed reading and listening to music in the cozy guest house despite the cold and snowy weather outside.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

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

100% Satisfied

Amazing home environment....had everything we needed. Hosts were friendly and accessible if we would have needed anything. No issues whatsoever. If visiting the Madison area, staying here is a no-brainer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan L.

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

Life is a dream

Staying at the Gonstead Guest Cottage is an incredible trip back in time. Built by a star pupil of Frank Loyd Wright, it is full of charm. Your hosts are wonderfully thoughtful, kind and generous. I will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn M.

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

Frank Lloyd Wright get away

The Gonstead guest cottage was the perfect place to lodge while taking in the charming town of Mt. Horeb and nearby Taliesin east (home of the aforementioned FLW). Hosts, Phil and Joy, were gracious and knowledgeable. The cottage was cozy and well appointed. For a couple of American history enthusiasts and FLW fans, staying here was pure delight. Hope to return soon!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Phebe L.

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

The perfect staycation

My partner and I traveled here from Milwaukee for a weekend staycation. What an absolute gem! The pictures are accurate. The cottage has everything you may need, including a fantastic sound system. Although there was no AC, we couldn’t tell, and this was early July. The house does a good job keeping things cool on its own. I hope we will be able to come back and enjoy more of the cottage and Mount Horeb.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn M.

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

Celebrating

I made a last minute decision to watch my nephew present his masters defense. I have stayed in Madison hotels and home rentals and I find them overpriced and inconvenient. The home was a beautiful sanctuary to retreat to after a long days drive. The hosts were top notch and I only wish I had more time to take advantage of the beautiful bike trails
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert d.

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

Mount Pleasure

If you would have to pick a place to 'groundhog day' this would be it. Wouldn't mind going to bed and waking up to another day at what we called Mount Pleasure. Big, beautiful, best hosts in town
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Phil Wall

Host profile image
I am a retired Architect and my wife is a retired 4th-5th grade public school teacher and we are both on to our second and third retirement jobs.

Why they chose this property

We purchased the property because of the mature landscape and to prevent the landmark with it's historical connection to both Frank Lloyd Wright, Herb Fritz and the famous chiropractor, Clarence Gonstead, from becoming 6 lots in a planned subdivision.

My wife walked across the street through the baseball diamond to work and I worked out of my home office for years before Covid made it popular, so it was a good fit while raising kids.

What makes this property unique

Winter sunrise through the large sheets of glass, casts shadows on the field dressed lanon stone walls and reflects a warm tone off the low cypress ceilings. The radiantly heated floor and Music served up from an Ipod and played though the vintage stereo system, together with convenient proximity to down hill, cross country, skating and snow shoeing makes it a great romantic getaway for more energetic guests.

In the summer, the well placed mature landscaping provides cool shade and the thermal mass provides natural air conditioning so you can enjoy the interior environment or relax in a hammock under the filtered light of a skyline locust tree.

The proximity to Main Street and the Bike trail means that you can leave your car parked in the driveway to enjoy the Quaint downtown and traditional residential urban planning of the old town where sidewalks are not interrupted by driveways and garages are on the alley. Downtown is now home to the Duluth Trading Company and numerous art galleries with both traditional and European choices in dining. Locally brewed beers and wines offer more reasons to extend your stay. The bike trail is absolutely gorgeous and connected to 100s of miles of trails. After Verona the trail is paved and takes you via tunnels and overpasses to the capital square in Madison. Joyce puts around 3,600 miles on her e-bike every year on the bike trail. It is a great retirement location.

Languages:

English