Livingston Inn opens in long-neglected Landmark

 

Madison boasts one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic residential architecture in Wisconsin, the William Leitch house  at the corner of E. Gorham and N. Livingston Sts. But for many years it has sat unkempt and  languishing, the front porch sagging in disrepair.  The house was put up for sale four years ago and purchased in May by Peggy and David Furlan.  Peggy visited it during a realtor’s open house and immediately committed to converting it to a Bed & Breakfast.

The Furlans opened the Livingston Inn B&B this summer with  ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Madison Chamber of Commerce and an Open House with the most amazing little hors d’ouevres and desserts from Stalzy’s Deli (Atwood Ave.).

The Leitch house was built in the 1850s of sandstone quarried in Westport sandstone, barged across Lake Mendota and cut on-site. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a locally designated Landmark.

“Running a bed & breakfast is perfect for me,” Peggy says. “I’ve been in the hospitality and restaurant businesses for years, in different capacities, so I’m ready for that.”  The Furlans felt ready to handle all the surprises of rehabilitating a 150-year-old house. “If I can’t handle them, I have resources who can help!”

The house indeed came with substantial repair needs.  After clearing thick brush and weeds from the property, the Furlans had the sagging and rotted front porch repaired with materials crafted to exactly match the original design, including a column, soffits, and ornamental brackets. For this project they were awarded a grant under the city’s Facade Improvement Grant program. Similar repairs were made to a second porch on the west side of the house.  They also replaced deteriorated stone steps off the Gorham Street sidewalk with newly quarried stones, and have plans to replace the concrete stairs leading to the front garden from Livingston St.

“When you decide to move into an older home, you’re kind of making the commitment to be its steward. I’m up for that,” Peggy said.  “I love this house. Everyday it’s a balance between running the business, taking care of the house, and, of course, keeping up with the family. But it’s a fun balance.”

The Livingston Inn opened for business at the end of July. It features four guest rooms each with a private bath and fireplace. The inn is also available for weddings and private functions.

See more here.  Or follow the ongoing work and other news at www.facebook.com/thelivingstoninn  -or-  www.twitter.com/livingstoninn.

 

Category: Executive Director's Blog, Madison's Historic Places