In 1902, Carl and Clara Bucholtz sold their 30-acre farm near Waterford, Wisconsin and purchased a 160-acre farm near the intersection of Bell School Road and Miller Road in the Town of East Troy. At that time, the property contained a relatively modest farmhouse and a number of agricultural outbuildings. Along with their two daughters, Alma and Priscilla, the Bucholtzes made a success of their new dairy farm, which they dubbed “Park Lawn Farm.” However, in 1910, as a result of a chimney fire that spread to the roof, the original farm house was destroyed.

The Bucholtzes took this opportunity to construct a larger, more fashionable house which, upon its completion in the spring of 1911, would be one of the grandest residences in the surrounding countryside. With 16 rooms and over 3,000 square feet, the new Queen Anne-style house featured a large wrap-around front porch, leaded glass windows, and a widow’s walk on the roof. The house’s elaborate interior detailing is especially rich considering the house’s rural setting; it features parquet floors, built-in cabinetry and bench seats, large stained glass panels, an ornate main staircase, and wood columns with “gingerbread” brackets and arches between rooms.

Although it has been outfitted with some modern conveniences like electricity and running water, the house also retains a remarkable number of historic domestic features including a hand pump and dry sink, gas light fixtures with original strikers, a dumbwaiter, and a wall-mounted bucket rest for water hauled from the well. Situated on a partly-wooded lot along with most of its historic outbuildings, the Carl and Clara Bucholtz House retains all of the original features that once led locals to regard it as one of the “beauty spots” of eastern Walworth County.

This property is private. Please respect the rights and privacy of the owners.