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One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly

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Living Room
Dalsoren House
Living Room from Balcony
Toy Corner
Living Room into the Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Hollandale, WI
  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Blue Mound State Park
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • The House on the Rock
    ‪47 min drive‬
  • Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Living Room

1 Double Futon

Purple Bedroom

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Futon

Yellow Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly

Welcome to Dalsoren House!

Located in Wisconsin's Driftless Area on 240 acres of conserved prairie and woodlands, Dalsoren House offers a tranquility you will not find anywhere else. As a guest of Dalsoren House, you will be able to explore and enjoy restored grassland prairies, oak savannas, a pine relic, and a Class I-II DNR Trout Stream (Gordon Creek)- all without leaving the property! You can observe a wide variety of native species including red-headed and pileated woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, badgers, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, rusty patched bumble bees, hill thistles, compass plants, and much, much more. After a day of exploring, you can relax around the firepit (we supply all the split firewood you need!) to the sounds of the spring peepers while watching a beautiful sunset. Once the sun has set, the rural night sky offers wonderful stargazing opportunities away from city lights.

We have mowed paths around the farm for you to explore nature. We do recommend you bring hiking boots/shoes, rain jackets, hiking pants, insect repellent, and sunscreen so you can enjoy the great outdoors comfortably. Conservation efforts on the farm are ongoing, and we partner with local, state, and federal organizations to carefully plan efforts from prescribed burns to native plantings. Let us know if you have any questions about the conservation work being done.

Dalsoren House was built in 1975 by Mary and Steve Thompson when they returned to the family farm to take over the dairy operations from Steve's parents. Mary and Steve used the barn as inspiration for the design of Dalsoren. They harvested the lumber from the farm, employed all local contractors, and did a lot of the work themselves. They incorporated a variety of unique features - such as stained glass - to create a truly one-of-a-kind home for their family. In 2020, the Thompsons did a complete restoration of Dalsoren House - again, using timber sustainably harvested from the farm and employing local contractors. The restoration was carefully planned to keep the original character of the house. The Thompson family (including a very friendly Labrador named Ole) still lives on the property today in the family farmhouse (built in 1901).

As of 2021, Dalsoren House has a new kitchen, bathroom, roof, windows, and sidings, as well as new furnishings and appliances. Dalsoren House can sleep 4-6 people comfortably. There are two bedrooms (1 queen bed and 2 twin beds) as well as 2 twin roll-away beds.

- Heating and Air Conditioning: The house has central heating for cool days in the early spring and fall. For those warmer summer days, each bedroom has an air conditioning unit. There are powerful ceiling fans throughout the house as well.

- Accessibility: There is a poured cement sidewalk to the house. There are three steps up to the front porch - the porch has railings. The ground floor has a bathroom with an accessible shower, rollaway twin beds, living room, and kitchen. Please contact us for more information.

- We are aways happy to welcome pets of any kind (cats, dogs, etc.) to Dalsoren (limit of 2)!

- WI DNR Fishing Licenses are required to fish in Gordon Creek. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses

- Hunting, target shooting, and ATVs (and similar motor vehicles) are not permitted. Please contact us with questions.

The Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin has a great deal to offer visitors. Spring Green, New Glarus, Mineral Point and Mount Horeb are all an easy drive from Dalsoren House. These small towns have outdoor theaters, museums, festivals, state parks, cycling, shopping, wineries, breweries, and restaurants for you to enjoy.

We hope you come visit us and enjoy the tranquility of Dalsoren House and the natural beauty of the farm and the Driftless Area of Wisconsin! Please let us know if you have any questions.

With warm wishes and thanks,
The Thompson Family

Property manager

Thea Sophia Thompson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests agree to follow house rules as posted.
Guests agree to follow preserve rules as posted.
Pets must be kept under control at all times. Guests are responsible for any and all damage and harm done by their pets.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Hollandale

Located in Hollandale, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Nick Engelbert's Grandview and Folklore Village are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Howard Himsel Park and Waltz Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hollandale, WI

What's nearby

  • Cave of The Mounds National Natural Landmark - 20 min drive - 18.7 km
  • Blue Mound State Park - 21 min drive - 20.2 km
  • New Glarus Brewing Company - 29 min drive - 31.3 km
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison - 47 min drive - 55.8 km
  • The House on the Rock - 47 min drive - 47.4 km

Getting around

  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stroz Inn - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Botham Vineyards & Winery - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Squeaky Wheel Saloon - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Murphy's Log Cabin - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Doran's Pub - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is One-of-a-kind house on 240 acres w/ prairie, woods & trout-stream - pet-friendly located?

Situated on a river, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Perry Town Hall, Nick Engelbert's Grandview and McKellar Park. Blanchardville Museum and Ryan Hotel Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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. 39 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Doug M.

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

Relaxing Stay Surrounded by Nature

We had an awesome stay at Dalsoren House. The home was really well stocked and had everything we needed, which made it easy to settle in and relax. The views were beautiful and the whole property felt peaceful and quiet.Our kids had a great time hiking the trails and exploring the creek. I went fishing with my dad and caught a small trout, which was a fun moment. We also visited Cave of the Mounds nearby, which was worth the short drive.One thing that really stood out was how many birds we saw. It felt like they were everywhere and made the place feel even more alive. Overall, it was a very relaxing trip and a nice break from everyday life. We would definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

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

Wonderful Getaway

We've stayed here many times. The house is well supplied, fished the stream every day with campfires every night. Had another great getaway. Can't wait to return in the spring.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Evan J.

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

A Great Stay!

A beautiful cabin, on a wonderful property, in a great part of the Driftless—not sure what more you could ask for... Highly recommended!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

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

Enchanting house, and property.

Very beautiful place. House had everything needed for our stay, we were able to bring our dog which was a big plus. The kids loved it indoors and outdoors. I highly recommend this place for a quiet peaceful place to vacation. Also a very rich and interesting history of the property and family.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine B.

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

Cozy Home Surrounded by Mother Nature

This beautiful home of wood and stained glass is surrounded by a combination of trees, prairie, and riparian areas. It is perfect for both relaxing and hiking. And there are many things to see and do nearby in New Glarus, Mt. Horeb, Mineral Point, and Monroe.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay S.

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

Perfect weekend getaway house!

My husband and I came to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary with our dog. Because we are expecting a baby, we were looking for something relaxing where we could spend most of the weekend on the property, which is exactly what we did. It was the perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan P.

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

Great place to stay!

We just loved the place. The house is really fantastic, with great space. The amenities and provided furnishings were just right. Great hospitality from the owner. We would love to stay here again, and will absolutely consider it for future getaways.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb G.

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

Secluded beautiful house.

Can't say how wonderful this place is. Overlooking oak forests and native prairie. Fantastic accommodations.Best sleep ever. Stars were amazing. Wonderful peaceful place. Would be back in a heartbeat!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas K.

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

Charming home in beautiful country setting

This home is so neat. Unique design. Beds were comfortable and very clean. Host had such a warm welcome note and dog treats for our Boxer, Ava. Will definately stay again. My In-Laws live nearby and this was a perfect location. We made great memories here. ❤️
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

CHUCK H.

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

Amazing place

This place is absolutely beautiful ! The property you stay on is an amazing farm. Trees everywhere, a pond, hills, cliffs. The home you rent is so homey, extremely clean,and these people have thought of everything to make it great for their guests. Tons of things to do during bad weather. The place is equiped with art supplies, games, movies - whatever you may like. The owner/property manager is the sweetest person ever, and always great to deal with. This has become our new favorite place to stay !
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

CHUCK H.

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

SPRING GETAWAY

In spite of a storm that felled many trees Thea and crew worked OT to allow us in. A truly wonderful place that we will return to time and again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

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

Another wonderful getaway

We were once again so pleased with our stay. The amenities are just perfect. The property is so beautiful. Wildlife viewing was incredible this year. Saw many varieties of birds, turkey, coyote, fox & lots of deer. Looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan H.

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

Dalsoren is amazing!!

Possibly the best VRBO property I've ever stayed at. Quiet, peaceful, fantastic trails to walk. Yet convenient to Madison. A house with great history and wonderful people that maintain it. I can't wait to return
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

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

A retreat in the woods

We loved our stay. The cabin was peaceful, the property was beautiful, and the whole experience was rejuvenating. Lots of walks, lots of family games, lots of reading.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

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

Wonderful Getaway

This was our second time staying in this beautiful cabin. So clean & cozy. The views from every room are spectacular. Over the years we've stayed at many cabins, this is our favorite. The amenities are perfect, from the firewood to the spices. Can't wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

CHUCK H., CRYSTAL LAKE,IL

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

FALL BEAUTY

Great place to be surrounded by the Fall woods. Wonderful color in every direction! Second time here and will be back in the Spring.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

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

Perfect Getaway

The Dalsoren House exceeded our expectations. So beautiful inside & out. The proximity to trout stream was a bonus. Amenities were outstanding. Can't wait to visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shelly O.

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

Wisco

This was just what we needed for our stay in WI. The home and surrounding area was beautiful!!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh K.

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

Quiet, cozy getaway

We thoroughly enjoyed the cabin. The property was great, the drive to and from the surrounding area was beautiful, and I was definitely pleased with the overall atmosphere. The host was extremely responsive, had great local food recommendations, and even provided maps of the property and several brochures for the surrounding area. I'd highly recommend the property, and if we venture to Wisconsin again this would be at the top of my list for lodging.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim N.

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

Gorgeous Property

The Dalsoren house was so lovely. Thea is wonderful to work with and everything in the house and on the property was so well thought out. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Evan G.

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

Peace and Quiet

Beautiful property, landscape and views - really a stunning escape. Trails, trees and birds all over. The house is comfortable and simple yet thoughtfully designed. An easy stay for 2 couples with a full kitchen, small dining area and outdoor lawn with fire pit.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

DJ H.

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

A gorgeous secluded getaway

When we walked into Dalsoren we knew instantly we were going to be comfortable. The AC units in the bedrooms, air circulators downstairs, and the modern ceiling fans kept a breeze throughout the cabin that kept us from overheating all throughout our stay (the weather was rainy and hovering around 90 degrees every day but the house was always cool and comfortable). The scenery was first-rate, the bed and furniture cozy, and the cabin is in pristine condition. The location is secluded but a quick 20-minute drive from Mt. Horeb or New Glarus. Be sure to check out the beach at Yellowstone Lake State Park if it's hot when you visit! Fantastic trip and hope to be back again some time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

CHUCK H., CRYSTAL LAKE,IL

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

Wisconsin Weekend

Our stay was just perfect. The home is absolutely beautiful, and comfortable. Every little touch makes this place warm and inviting. The land and property is amazing. Many groomed paths and birds/wildlife everywhere ! The owners are very thoughtful, and helpful as well. We will return to this magical place !
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky and Paul F.

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

Beautiful property in the Driftless Area

Thea was a great host for us; she responded immediately whenever we had questions. The property is beautiful! The views from the large 1st floor windows were fabulous and changed over the course of the day from morning to dusk. We hiked the trails, enjoyed the wildflowers and birds, and the quiet of the country. It was a good home-base to explore the area. Thank you Thea!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

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

Rural relaxation

The property is on a family farm with rich history. It is well appointed with everything needed for a relaxing stay for the family. The only thing that diminished the comfort a bit was the a/c wasn’t able to overcome the warmth of August to keep it cool during the day. That just provided incentive to get out and enjoy the lovely area. Wonderful stay that got rave reviews from the family.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Thea Sophia Thompson

Host profile image
Hello!

My name is Thea Thompson. Thank you so much for your interest in Dalsoren House! This farm has a special place in my life and in my family's history and we would love to have you come visit.

Dalsoren House is my childhood home and is located on my family's farm. My parents still live on the farm in the 1901 farmhouse. My family has cared for the farm since 1854 - my brother and I are the sixth generation of my family to grow up here. In 1974, my parents returned to the farm so they could take over the the dairy operation from my grandparents. Mom and Dad took inspiration from the 1890s barn and, utilizing the cherry and oak lumber from the farm, they designed and built the house now known as Dalsoren. It was a wonderful place to grow up!

In 1998, my parents began conservation projects on the farm, and the conservation efforts became our primary focus in 2008 when my father retired from farming. It has been amazing to see the transformation from the corn fields and cow pastures of my childhood to the prairies and oak savannas of today. It has been a labor of love and dedication, and the work is ongoing. We partner with a variety of local, state, and federal organizations and entities to plan our ongoing conservation projects. You will see us out working on the farm. Please feel free to say hello and ask what we are working on - we may put you to work!

I hope you come visit us and enjoy calm peace on the farm that my family has enjoyed for generations. We look forward to meeting you and hosting you at Dalsoren House!

All the best,
Thea Thompson

Why they chose this property

Our family matriarch, Torbor Ellfsdatter Thompson, was born on the Dalsøren Farm in southern Norway and the house is named in her honor. Torbor and her family immigrated to Wisconsin from Norway in 1851. They purchased our farm in 1854 and the Thompson family continues to steward the land to this day. Until 2008, the farm was in dairy and crop production - there was a small herd of 40 Holstein cows and fields of corn and alfalfa (if you ask a family member, they each will tell you who their favorite cow was - ask Steve about Rowena!). At that point, the Thompsons focused on the conservation as a new way to care for the land for the next generations.

The Thompsons are dedicated to the stewardship of the farm and are excited for the chance to share this special place with you and your family!

Languages:

English