E14522 County Highway Z, Ontario, WI 54651 - Vernon County

Welcome to what may truly be a once-in-lifetime property! Owned by the same family for over 100 years across multiple generations, this farm is steeped in rich history amidst Wisconsins Driftless Region in Vernon County near Wildcat Mountain State Park. The estate features over 2500 feet of frontage along Billings Creek (Class II trout stream), multiple freshwater springs, 15+/- acres of tillable, 3+/- acres of pasture, 116+/- acres of woodland, trail system, exceptional whitetail hunting, and a homestead teeming with historical charm. This distinguished property has the rare potential to be molded into your new equestrian paradise, hobby farm, trout fishing basecamp, hunting retreat, working farm, or off-grid self-sustaining getaway.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking hills and valleys of the Driftless Region, this 2,501 sq. ft., 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has been a cherished family haven for generations, recently doubling as the perfect spot for summer reunions, deer camps, and weekend getaways. Originally built in 1957, this home gained a fresh look and expanded footprint in 2011, featuring a new metal roof and half-log siding crafted from logs harvested right on the property. A wrap around covered deck with gazebo offers a peaceful place to overlook the countryside. From 2011-2015 additional upgrades included a new septic system, A/C unit, and furnace. In addition to forced air LP heat, a freestanding woodstove and charming wood fireplace offer alternatives. While the bones of this home reflect decades of family history, new owners will see opportunities for updates and extra TLC.

One of the home's most unique features is its water sourcea natural freshwater spring just steps away. Since its construction, there's never been a need for a well, providing an endless supply of some of the freshest water for every sip, meal, and hot shower.

The outbuildings tell the story of the farms working history, starting with a barn from the early 1900s that once supported an 80-cow dairy operation and has since been remodeled. Both the barn and a 2009-built metal shed are equipped with electricity and water, while a 2013-built metal shed provides extra storage (currently without electricity). These updates were designed to support the familys freshwater bottling business, which operated here years ago. Equipment from the venture, including an approx. 16,000-gallon water storage tank, remains in the main production shed. All water supply to the barn, shed, storage tank, and bottling operation was/is provided by the same spring utilized by the home!

The 15+/- acres of tillable ground is currently rented for $110/acre annually. Fencing has been maintained for the 3+/- acres of pasture along with the surrounding 116+/- acres of woodland which have both been lightly grazed in recent years. None of the acreage on the property is currently enrolled in any government programs.

While the diverse nature of the landscape meshes well with a hobby or work farm operation, it equally creates a wildlife haven in a region well-known for producing some of the best quality whitetails in the state. A trail system stretches to the eastern boundary of the tract with a slurry of scrapes and rubs along it. The topography is the epitome of chasing big deer in the Driftless Region featuring benches, secondary and primary ridges, valleys, and various slope aspects. On a macro scale, the eastern 80 acres ties into a large block of secluded timber affording a key setting for growing old, savvy bucks- the middle, of the middle of nowhere. The primary timber type is a mix of northern hardwood species featuring sugar maple, hickory, elm, white oak, and red oak.

Set just across Hwy Z is the edge of Wildcat Mountain State Park. The beautiful landscape affords additional recreational opportunities via equestrian, hiking, and cross-country skiing trails. Supplementary equestrian trails can be found just a few minutes away on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Both public recreational areas have a plethora of trout streams to explore including the Kickapoo River, Billings Creek, Weister Creek, and Jug Creek to name a few!

Survey to be conducted prior to closing.

Highlights:

-134+/- acre farm

-Owned by the same family for multiple generations

-Opportunity to be a working farm, equestrian dream, trout fishing basecamp, or top-notch hunting retreat

-4 Bedroom 3.5-bathroom home

-Original build of 1957 with an addition in 2011

-2501 Square Feet

-Half log siding using logs from the farm- Completed in 2011

-Force air LP heat, freestanding woodstove, and wood fireplace

-Spring fed water (no well needed!)

-Metal roof- 2011

-Septic, furnace, A/C updated in 2015

-Hot water heater new in 2018

-15+/- Acres tillable rented for $110/acre annually

-3+/- Acres pasture

-116+/- Acres wooded- fenced for pasturing livestock

-Over 2500 of frontage along Billings Creek- Class II trout stream

-32x134 Barn- built circa early 1900s

-30x54 Shed- Approx. 2009 build

-20x42 Shed- Approx. 2013 build

-Multiple springs throughout property

-Trail system

-No government programs

-Adjacent to Wildcat Mountain State Park- Equestrian & Hiking Trails

-Near numerous trout streams, including the Kickapoo River

-Rich history of whitetail & turkey hunting

-Northern hardwood timber composition- Primarily Sugar Maple, Hickory, White Oak, and Red Oak.

-Commercially operated as a spring water bottling facility years ago- 16,000 gallon water tank still onsite!

-UTV/ATV friendly roads

-Survey to be conducted prior to closing