Homes

Real Estate in Madison & South Central Wisconsin: Buying. Selling. Relocation.

Found 40 blog entries about Homes.

When you think about home improvements, it's common to think of the aesthetic work. Many times, the first upgrades are adding solid surface counter tops, wood flooring, or updated paint colors. These changes are all significant, and add value to your home. But while they make a beautiful impact, they will not save you money. Your monthly bills will see the greatest reduction by making changes to the energy efficiency of your home. 

Focus on Energy Madison WIFocus on Energy partners with 108 participating statewide utilities to make these cost savings possible. Their programs include simple things like swapping out old light bulbs for energy efficient models, providing incentives for the purchase of a Smart Thermostat, and they also include more significant projects, like adding

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There are pleasant surprises around every corner at 5818 County Road KP in the Town of Berry, located between Middleton and Mazomanie. This gorgeous countryside property is tucked away from view, providing a secluded setting within the Driftless Area while just a short drive from local amenities.

Towering trees line the winding driveway, offering ample shade and room to meander through the expansive yard -- perfect for hosting family events, corporate gatherings, and even weddings.

Situated atop the hill is the nearly 4,000-square-foot home, its stone accents blending beautifully into the natural landscape.

Adding to the serenity of this property are the plantings and cascading waterfall on both sides of the paver walkway leading up to

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More surprises are revealed with every step you take on the property at 21 State St. Mazomanie, from gardens and a pergola to the mix of wooded and open land beyond the creek. Also tucked behind the stunning 1865 Victorian Italianate home is an old carriage house that has been skillfully converted to a second home.

Built in 1909, the barn had been turned into an art studio in the 1980s. Then while Dave and Karisa Friske were in the process of restoring the main residence into a bed and breakfast in the early 2000s, they also chipped away at converting the adjacent structure into their family's living quarters while retaining its essence.

"It had electricity, it had a furnace, but the upstairs was a barn ... and there was no running water," Karisa

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Each house has a story to tell, but 21 State St., Mazomanie has many. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Built in 1865 along the Black Earth Creek, this Victorian Italianate home is filled with history and character, from its original ornamental plaster on the ceiling of the front parlor to its walnut curved staircase in the foyer.

Photographs of the property and its former inhabitants throughout the 19th and 20th centuries are framed throughout the residence as a nod to the past.

That includes Dave and Karisa Friske, who last purchased the home in 1996 and spent over a decade magnificently restoring it room by room in what is now a functioning bed and breakfast. They have also turned the adjacent carriage house built in 1909 into their

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It's easy to fall in love with Conservancy Place in DeForest, from its scenic views of the countryside to its beautiful homes.

The new development is all about "building community and “respecting nature," which is even more apparent when you visit these budding neighborhoods on the village's southwest side "where nature, work, home, and recreation come together."

Once completed there will be four residential areas (Hawthorn Point, Rivers Turn, Woods Glen, and The Knolls), an office and research area (Innovation Springs), and a retail, residential, and office area (The Promenade).

Winding through them is the Yahara River, which is frequented by kayakers and traced by a paved walking and biking trail. The Upper Yahara River Trail also leads to a

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From patching and painting to wallpapering and drywalling, Mike and Dianna McMaster have been busy updating the interior of their nearly 2,000-square-foot farm house at 501 Muller Road in the town of York over the last 15 years.

While they are ready to downsize, it will be tough for them (and their grown kids and younger grandchildren) to say goodbye.

"Being that we did most of it ourselves, it's a lot of blood, sweat and tears," Dianna said. "It's a house that we will definitely miss."


Built nearly a century ago in a nearby town, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in northeastern Dane County just hit the market, featuring plenty of updates and stunning countryside views.

Main level

The biggest change came with the addition above

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On a country road between Hwys. 73 and 89 in northeastern Dane County is a beautiful farm house looking for someone new to call it home.

Situated in a hill overlooking 17 acres of woods, fields, a creek, and multiple outbuildings, the property at 501 Muller Road in the town of York is sure to catch your eye -- especially with its gray exterior set off by a white wraparound porch and balcony.

But that's not what it looked like -- or where it was -- when it was built nearly a century ago.

Home sellers Dianna and Mike McMaster share their story of saving, relocating, and updating this special Sears kit house, which has "great bones" and tons of character.

Relocation

Up until 2001, the house had been located on Egre Road in the town of

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On a sunny August morning, Val Murphy tends the flowers around her nearly vacant home on Madison's west side.

Having spent over 30 years in the Parkwood Hills neighborhood with her family, she's ready to downsize -- but she's taking decades of memories with her.

"We loved the neighborhood the whole time through," she said.

The Murphys moved into their first house in 1986 on South Yellowstone Drive, but they outgrew it when their third child was born. So in 1993 when their daughter was 6 months old, they found the perfect spot to continue raising their family: just a few blocks away on a quiet, tree-lined street at 310 Everglade Drive.

"There's tons of space," she said. "And it's a great house for kids."

Now they want another family

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Just about 150 years ago, Frank Lloyd Wright was born right here in Wisconsin. He went on to become a renowned architect, and many of his unique homes and buildings can be found in Madison. His belief that structures should be designed in harmony with the environment influenced other architects to adopt a "modern" style after World War II.

Many of these mid-century modern homes were built from the 1940s-60s, with an emphasis on being open and functional. They can often be identified by their flatter roofs, asymmetrical exterior and large windows that make nature the focal point.

The mid-century modern style has gained popularity in the housing market in recent years, and there are quite a few scattered throughout the Madison area - especially on

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There is a lot of discussion presently about green energy, and the use of renewable energy sources is increasing in the Madison area. One option available to homeowners is solar energy. Solar panels are being included in many new construction homes, but they can also be added to existing structures. It can make sense for a homeowner, especially if the roof faces south, and is not heavily shaded. 

"The cost for solar energy has dropped about 75% over the last 5 years," says Chris Collins, Regional Project Developer for SunVest Solar Inc.  "Many customers choose to amortize the cost of the solar installation into their mortgage. Customers who do amortize the cost of a solar electric system often find that their payments are less than what they would pay

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