Rooted in Wisconsin history, this new-construction Cream City brick farmhouse pairs modern rural life with deep architectural heritage. To honor the 170-year legacy of this 430-acre farm in the local community of Delafield, WI, our client's goal was to keep and refurbish as many of the farm buildings as possible. After touring the original homestead, we quickly realized there was absolutely no possibility of saving the 1850's house due to water damage and neglect. We did discover that the original fieldstone basement had 9' high ceilings, no water, and solid 18" thick walls, so we decided to demolish everything down to the top of the basement and build up from there.

While the inside of the home was in rough shape, the exterior masonry was relatively stable due to several layers of paint applied over the years. Also, during the demolition process, we discovered that the back side of the bricks were pristine, revealing the signature cream-colored clay surfaces that had not been touched in 150+ years! The decision was then made to save the bricks where possible and turn them around in the new house, so the unblemished sides now faced the exterior.

All the original details of the new homestead were replicated in the masonry, including the rowlock sills, the arched window openings, and the chimney. The result is a modern, clean, and highly functional home for the farm Livestock Manager and his family that breathes new life into a historic footprint.

No farmhouse is complete without a wrap-around porch & porch swing!

Interior finishes were kept simple but with a nod to the historical. While marble is often avoided in the kitchen today, here it is used to mimic the original surface material. As it gets used over the years, it will age to a matte patina, showing all the stains and markings of a working kitchen.

Now the farm is home to heritage breed chickens, Red Devon cattle and Cotswold sheep. They grow over 50 varieties of certified organic fruits, vegetables, pastured eggs, honey from their own bees, and many other items available through their on-site farmstand, CSA shares, or weekly presence at the Brookfield Farmer's Market. Check them out here: Gwenyn Hill Farm