Historic limestone farmhouse, nature preserve.

Historic 1840's limestone home ,once owned by Sidney Smith, first nationally syndicated cartoonist of The Gumps. Located on 19 acres adjacent to 500 acre wetland conservation area with miles of hiking/skiing trails along the pristine sandy Sugar River for canoeing, birdwatching, or fishing. Ideal for star-gazing, with minimal lighting from neighbors. Enjoy the outdoors from stone patio, including tables, BBQ, and seating for 15, with fireplaces indoors and outside. Sand pile and toys nearby 15 minutes to historic Rockton's cafes and antique shopping, 30 minutes to the arts and culture of southwestern Wisconsin and Rockford's Midway Village, Sinnissippi riverfront park, festivals, great local golf courses, etc. The house overlooks a forest preserve and is 5 - 10 minutes from several preserves of great variety. Enjoy the area and then retire to your own peaceful options for rejuvenation of heart, body and soul! From one bed to the whole house that can sleep sixteen - let me know what you need. You will have access to the wide outdoors with hiking and biking on both challenging hills and easy flat options, rivers and creeks to fish and paddle, as well as an indoor sauna and comfy living spaces, private and communal. You will have ready access to area information as well as stories that will engage you in the environs and history of my home. I grew up here and will enjoy sharing with you if you're in the mood! I will generally be on the property at least part of the day (to feed and manage the sheep flock), but can engage with the guests as much or as little as they desire. The incredible natural areas - the creek just behind the house with two small dams, the swim able pond, the large stone patio with outdoor fireplace and propane grill (along with the interior fireplace in winter), the 500 acre adjacent Forest Preserve just steps away, with 4 miles of hiking/Nordic skiing trails and more than a mile of Sugar River frontage for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The possibilities for recreation are endless. I also have six bicycles of various types and sizes. I can guide you to low-traffic rural roads with wonderful variety and scenery. No public transit available - this is rural living at its finest! KITCHEN - You'll be using the fully stocked kitchen and able to augment basic breakfast supplies as you see fit. Salt, pepper, oils, spices, and common condiments all stocked. Full sets of tableware, cooking, and serving equipment are provided. SAUNA AND PLAYROOM - There is a wet sauna seating four in the lower level. The adjacent room with bunk beds and futon has a range of children's toys, games, puzzles, and books. There is an upholstered chair and reading light to snuggle and read to your children! POND AND SANDBOX - The sand bottom pond has a maximum depth of 5 feet, and a sand beach. There is a canoe and two kayaks available. There is also a large sandpile with toys near the patio. PRICING - Please remember the list price on Airbnb is for the first 4 guests - any additional guests above four are charged $30/night.