The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Barbecue grill
Washer
Kitchen
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Avoca, WI

Governor Dodge State Park
‪20 min drive‬
The House on the Rock
‪24 min drive‬
American Players Theatre
‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

First Floor Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Second Floor Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Need to Relax? You've picked the right place. Nestled in the deeply carved valleys of the driftless region, Big Valley Ranch offers a quiet and extraordinary lodging experience where you can horseback ride, hike, bike and more right outside your door. Wildlife abounds with birds, squirrels, deer, turkey, and you might even see the elusive red fox, or a Big Buck just yards from the ranch. The grounds are both breathtaking and beautiful, with plenty of room for outdoor games and gatherings. With 75+ miles of trails, natural streams, a covered picnic pavilion, 70 outdoor horse paddocks, a sand volleyball court and an impressive lighted outdoor arena, the possibilities are endless.

Once a buffalo ranch, the 1,000 acres is now home to an exclusive western retreat and vacationer’s paradise. The Pioneer house features 3 western themed bedrooms, 2 Full baths, a majestic Great Room, Dining Room, Living Room, Kitchen and an enormous deck. The fully-equipped kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. The Dining room features a large dining table not far from a cozy seating area. The Great Room leads outside to a private, full-length deck facing a horse pasture where you can enjoy grilling out and relaxing. The Pioneer house sleeps up to 8 people.

We have a house for every group and budget. Check out our affordable bunk house which holds up to 6 people. Amenities include: 4 full size bunk beds, futon, microwave, mini refrigerator, TV and outdoor grill. Or for more plush accommodations, we have our luxurious Barn House for up to 10 people. Deposit with held if guest count exceeds 10 people.

Big Valley Ranch is meant to be versatile. Let us know what kind of experience you are looking for and we will do our best to accommodate. Our piece of paradise is meant for anyone that wants to escape from the stressful, hectic lifestyle we often find ourselves in.

WIFI capabilities are limited and do NOT support streaming.

*NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ON OUR TRAILS*
*TRAILS OPEN 5/15-10/17*

Property manager

Abby

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Maximum 6 adults, additional children welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

No Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

Pets

No pets allowed

$250 fine if pets are in the house.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

$250 fine for smoking inside the house

Bachelor Parties are not allowed.

Guest capacity cannot exceed 6.

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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6

Note from host: No Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

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 and a deadlock

About the area

Avoca

Avoca is home to this holiday home. Tower Hill State Park and Spring Green Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Spring Green General Store and Buckeridge's Home and Gallery.

Avoca, WI

What's nearby

Governor Dodge State Park - 20 min drive - 20.8 km
The House on the Rock - 24 min drive - 23.8 km
Spring Green General Store - 24 min drive - 23.0 km
Spring Green Golf Course - 25 min drive - 23.1 km
American Players Theatre - 26 min drive - 22.7 km

Restaurants

‪Woods Bar & Grill - ‬14 min drive
‪Picadilly Lilly Airport Diner - ‬19 min drive
‪Whiskey Row Saloon - ‬13 min drive
‪Steel Horse Saloon - ‬24 min drive
‪Waz Inn - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch located?

Situated in Avoca, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Wisconsin River, Brace Park and Fireman's Park. Sauk County Forest and Battery Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

20 September 2024

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

Theatre Weekend

We had a great stay. It was the perfect location for our weekend of theatre at APT.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

3 September 2024

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

A.P.T weekend

The property is gorgeous! Trails, huge deck, remodeled bathrooms, comfy beds and a huge windowed gathering room that makes you feel like you’re sleeping under the stars! A short 17min drive from Spring Green!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry A.

26 August 2024

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

Fun couples getaway!

We are three couples who came to the area to attend APT, play golf and bike. The cottage was perfect! We loved the quiet setting, the coziness of the home and especially the deck anda four seasons room for hanging out with a full view of the surrounding woods. We appreciated having a grill and kitchen supplies. Highly recommend for a couples getaway. We hope to return!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

21 August 2024

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

Beautiful home and property

What a beautiful home. So clean and comfortable!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherie K.

10 July 2024

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

Great time

There was a huge sun room/ family room where we could hang out, play games, watch TV and eat. Also a large deck and grounds for outside activities. The house was beautifully decorated and had new mattresses/ beds. I highly recommend a stay here.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

2 July 2023

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

Absolutely wonderful place for a family get away

The property was gorgeous. The house was amazing. I can't think of a time I've rested so well while on vacation. The view from the back room with all the windows was delightful. We saw deer, racoons, rabbits, and so many squirrels and chipmunks. We enjoyed the trails (take a copy of the map with you, it's a bit wild out there!) Will definately return if we find ourselves in this part of Wisconsin again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Lori V.

31 May 2022

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

Great house for a large group!

We really enjoyed our stay here ~ nice house, great deck and enclosed sun room. Note that the beds are a bit creaky since they are metal bed frames and the windmill as well ~ but overall a great place to stay! Our hostess was very accommodating!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Kevin I.

8 October 2021

Liked: Check-in, location

All was good.

Quaint farmhouse feel. Friendly community.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

PAT T.

27 August 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Would have been nice to know the property, as nice as it is, very secluded.

Very nice people to work with, even helped when I was lost. The oven however I was unable to figure out, no clue and no instructions. I very much loved the house and it’s favor.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peggy B.

21 August 2021

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

Beautiful place, wonderful host!

Everything was perfect

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

27 July 2021

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

Relaxing in the middle of nowhere

Clean home, in the middle of woods and cornfields. I recommend planning ahead on food/beverages. Nearest restaurant/bar/grocery store is 20-30 minutes. Don't plan on the grill or a cell phone signal. There is Wifi to communicate with loved ones. Worked for what we wanted (crafting, reading, playing games and hanging out).

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chad J.

19 July 2021

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

A delightful retreat outside of Spring Green

This place was a joy. Spacious, charming, quiet, relaxing, and the management was easy to communicate with. Highly recommended as a place to stay if you want to visit Taliesin and House on the Rock like we did.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

David S.

18 July 2021

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

Quiet, rustic getaway

Comfortable, spacious accommodations with rustic decor-loved the tranquil setting!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Harold E.

24 March 2021

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

Wild!

Beautiful, unique property. In the heart of the driftless region of the Midwest. Super clean. Good amenities. Hike out on the trail, go past the abandoned Airstream, and climb the ridge all the way out for a beautiful scenic overlook. Only downside was that the gas grill is not in great working order, which caused dinner to be kind of a bummer. Aside from the grill, great stay. The original windmill is sweet!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gerould K.

10 December 2020

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

A country escape

A charming, peaceful and relaxing country getaway. We throughly enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sangeetha S.

26 August 2020

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

A gem- perfect nature getaway

Pioneer house is a gem- close to nature and quite isolated, which was perfect in pandemic time. The place was thoughtfully decorated and quite lovely. We enjoyed the hiking trails and star-gazed at night. There were some flies and bugs coming in when we opened the door, but it didn't bother us too much. Our children really enjoyed themselves too and the board games that were available.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Andy K.

12 August 2020

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

Nice home

Nice home, secluded but very peaceful

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elana H.

28 July 2020

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious, quiet and secluded...the perfect escape

We’re city dwellers and were looking for an escape to the country. We got what we set out to find and enjoyed both the good and bad of this very rural setting. I say “bad” not because of any fault of the property, just my city “slicker” ways had to adjust to the bugs, flies and lack of dish and clothes washer. BUT...if ever there was a place to adjust, this was it. Surrounded by fields and the night sky full of star, we were immersed in a new world and enjoyed every minute of it. The house is charming, spacious and well equipped for a family that includes children. Kitchen pantry was minimally stocked, and nearest grocery was about 25 min away, but if you know what to expect you can prepare and plan ahead. Definitely a place we’d return to.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D., Chicago

30 June 2020

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

Lovely Private Setting

Great comfortable house in a very private setting. Deck is huge and great fun. Hiking/horse trails around the property. If you have horses this is the place for you- multiple stalls and pens for if you want to BYOHs. Make sure to bring all provisions and toiletries as it i10 miles or so to nearest town (Avoca)

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Scott T.

6 August 2019

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

Quaint and Quiet Place

We stayed with 2 other couples for a few days mid week and had a lovely time in this quaint and quiet property in the lush green countryside of WI. We cooked all our meals in the cute small farm kitchen and enjoyed the sun porch for conversing and the large farm table in the kitchen for games. The beds were OK, but short for the tall guys and the queen one dipped in the middle. It was nice to have 2 full baths to share. We took advantage of the location and went to the American Players outside theatre, bike trails nearby and kayaking on the river. We are already talking about coming back for another visit.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

5 August 2019

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

Great spot!

We stayed in this house with friends for a weekend at American Players Theater. We loved the seclusion of the house and the nighttime sky was incredible. Well-appointed kitchen and overall very comfortable.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

20 May 2019

Great home to experience nature.

Really enjoyed our stay in this very scenic area.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Linda &., Chevy Chase, MD

19 June 2018

Away from it all

My husband and I and 2 friends stayed in this spacious home for 3 nights. Very remote and quiet, surrounded by beautiful natural woodlands and an abundance of birds...watching a blue bird’s nest nearby one window was a great entertainment. Very comfortable beds, large rooms, spending most of our time in the sunny sun room which included a second dining area and couches at the other side for our long chats. The kitchen is adequately equipped but small. Thought there was a washer/dryer listed but did not find them....perhaps in the basement, which was locked. If you are equine lovers, horses are available for riding!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Donna B.

7 June 2018

Great for a group looking for quiet

Secluded and surrounded by nature. This home was perfect for our little get together with friends. It was spacious, unbelievably clean and the attention to detail was amazing. We have already talked about a return trip in the fall when the mosquitos aren't so bad. They kept us from spending much time out on the deck, but you can't control Mother Nature! Definitely off the beaten path, so bring your groceries!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Pauline B., Ely Iowa

26 September 2017

Great place for a family gathering

Lovely home! Our family celebration went really well. The sun porch and deck was our favorite places. Hiked to the big rock as our last adventure. The weather was lovely which made the stay even better. Thank you for allowing this property to be used for this type of stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

About the host

Hosted by Abby

Why they chose this property

The owner of Big Valley Ranch is a local Wisconsin cowboy whose interest was to create his own 'Out West Experience' to Wisconsin.

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The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch

Photo gallery for The Cottage at Big Valley Ranch

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

2 bathrooms

First Floor Bath

Second Floor Bath

Spaces

About this property