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Bogus Creek Farm

Pepin County lies along the southeast shore of and takes its name from the large lake which formed where the delta of the Chippewa River washed into the Mississippi.  Two brothers, Pierre Pepin and Jean Pepin du Carbonnets, were early French explorers whose presence in the region likely resulted in the naming of Lake Pepin.  The Pepin family dates back to the time of Charlemagne in France.

The high bluffs and deep coulees of Pepin County offer some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery to be found anywhere in the United States.  As the second smallest county in Wisconsin the population remains fairly constant at between 7,000 – 7,800.  As a result of small population Pepin County has remained relatively untouched by crass commercial development that has transformed other areas of beauty.  Within a 1.5 hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul access to this lovely area is a brief drive through quaint riverfront towns such as Maiden Rock and Stockholm along the Great River Road providing breathtaking views of Lake Pepin.

It is within this beautiful and primitive landscape that the Bogus Creek Farm has been established.  The owner(s) acquired the original farmstead in 1996 along with 75 acres.  Over the past several years additional acreage has been assembled creating a private compound exceeding 425+ acres in size.

The beautiful Bogus Valley is a deep valley surrounded by high wooded bluffs and is the backdrop for the development of this distinctly unique retreat.  Conceived as a weekend getaway for family and friends, the use of the acreage has been carefully planned to include a variety of recreational activities for both young children and adults.

Arriving at the Farm is a memorable experience.  The approach is along quiet and picturesque country roads until the stone entrance gates appear.  The story book setting begins with a twelve acre white fenced pasture in which horses calmly graze bordering the long tree lined drive.  Continuing up the drive and crossing over a quaint bridge the focal point for the entire compound lies directly ahead.

Among the many buildings that are a part of this estate the dark green barn is the most dramatic.  Designed as a sports barn, complete with climbing silo, this massive structure dominates the landscape and sets the tone for the many activities that have been incorporated into this fantasy land.

Due to the rugged terrain there are hiking and ATV trails throughout the 425 acres where wildlife is abundant.  A baseball and soccer field is located in a large open area close to the sports barn.  A shooting range with sheltering pavilion is set among the bluffs as is a paint ball field complete with bunkers and a jail for prisoners taken in battle!

In the winter a tubing hill with lift takes advantage of the one of the higher hills and a three acre motor cross track has just been completed for the owner’s young sons.  Horseback riding is readily available along the miles of trails or along the beautiful country roads.

Swimming and tennis are located adjacent to the green barn in which is located a gym for basketball and indoor soccer.

Sprinkled throughout the 425 acres are individual guest cottages each presenting a different design and separate location.

In addition to the original historic farmhouse the compound includes a three bedroom caretaker cottage and a newly built six stall stone horse barn that is also home to a family of peacocks that freely roam the property.  A large red barn houses the many recreational and farm vehicles as well as a repair shop and the Farm’s office and fitness center.

A charming walled garden includes a gazebo, green house and potting shed as well as a stone smoke house.

As you read though this booklet you will realize the Bogus Creek Farm is a private lifestyle environment like no other.  Created by the owner to provide life long memories for family and friends in every season from morel hunting in the spring, to 4^th of July celebrations in midsummer, hunting pheasant or turkeys in the fall and sleigh rides in the winter, this magical compound will delight year round.

The Green Barn and Silo

This structure houses a 50 x 82 sized gym with 1/8” rubber cushioned floor, pine wainscoting on walls and is used for basketball and indoor soccer.  A raised stage is located at one end.  Retractable basketball boards and electronic score board complete the amenities for the sports court.

A 30 x 70 connecting structure that ties the gym to the silo, houses a 36 bed dormitory or bunk house on the upper level.  A separate men and women’s shower/locker room is on the main level and a game and recreational area is located adjacent to the silo.

An 18 x 40 Madison silo sets at the far end of the barn and houses a Groperz climbing wall.

Designed for year round use, the barn has Wirsbo heat on the main level and forced air heat on the upper.  The bunkroom dormitory is fully air conditioned as is the recreational / game room.

Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Tennis Court

Adjacent to the sports barn, providing easy access to both locker rooms, is a 28 x 60 heated concrete swimming pool with diving board at the 9 foot depth.  A raised platform with canopy sits next to the pool providing shelter from the sun.

The pool is supported with an Echo Smart sanitation and filtration system requiring no chemicals.  An automatic pool cover can be quickly activated by electric switch.

A tennis court, hot tub and outdoor shower are arranged next to the barn and steps from the pool completing the recreational activities located in this fully equipped sports facility.

An in-ground irrigation system has been installed in the area surrounding the pool and also in the adjoining ball/soccer field.

Traditional Horse Barn and Hay Loft

A 30 x 60 stone barn with traditional hay loft adjoins a riding ring near the horse pasture.  The barn features six box stalls, each with rubber mat flooring.  The tack room has in floor heat, a ½ bath and    hot /cold water.  An enclosed shed attached to the barn is used for storing sleighs and a horse carriage.

Peacocks roam freely over the property and nest in the upper barn hay loft.

Red Barn – Repair Shop – Silo

A traditional red barn houses the many recreational vehicles used for touring, as well as the several tractors used to maintain the property.  Equipped with hot/cold water and floor drain, the large expanse of space enables easy clean up for the farm and recreational vehicles.

An adjoining heated repair shop is essential to the ongoing maintenance of the “Farm” and the many vehicles used.  This area has in-floor heat and there is a convenient ¾ bath.

Attached to the red barn is a silo which includes a fully equipped fitness center and the Farm’s business office.  The office, located at the top of the silo, offers panoramic views of the Farm and bluffs and is equipped with four phone lines with dial-up internet.

Caretaker – Caretaker Cottage

The Farm is maintained by Dennis and Nancy Wolfe on a full time basis.  They both are intimately involved in the day to day management and operation of this extensive estate.

To provide 24 hour service it is necessary the caretaker live on site.  A Cape Cod styled three bedroom, 2,800 square foot home was built shortly after the property was acquired and the Wolfes have lived here since nearly the beginning.  A single car 14 x 24 detached garage is located a few steps from the house.

The Chapel

There are three separate guest cottages located throughout the property.  The Chapel, as it is known, takes the look and character of a country church complete with adjoining fenced cemetery.  (Headstones within the cemetery mark the passing of farm pets and animals however there are no actual burials).

The Chapel is accessed by walking along a flagstone path bordered with flowers and passing over a small arched bridge.  Entering the soft blue and white painted space is a lovely experience.  The interior is simple and beautiful with reclaimed pine floors and wood pews.  Aptly named the Chapel, the building conveys a sense of calm and peacefulness.

A Murphy bed is located in a wall and  a choir loft looks down to the main floor and is a quiet sitting area.

There is no water source here therefore an electric incinerator toilet is used.  The heat source is electric forced air and the building is fully air conditioned.  The Chapel was built in 2000.

The Stone Cottage or Spring House

The Bogus Creek Farm takes its name from the Bogus Creek that bubbles out of the ground at the base of a bluff on the property as it begins its flow to Lake Pepin.  The stone cottage built in 1999, was constructed on the site of the emergence of Bogus Creek. Bougus Creek water has been tested and the water, as it emerges from the ground, is pure enough to drink.

Surrounded by manmade ponds, the cottage is accessed by a long bridge.  Positioned to overlook the water from its screened porch the setting is idyllic and picturesque.  Guests love this cottage as does the owner’s young daughter.

Comprised of one room with sleeping loft, the cottage is warmed by a heat pump and wood stove and cooled by air conditioning.  Stone floors and extensive use of pine ceilings and trim establish a warm and inviting environment.

There is no water source therefore an electric incinerator toilet has been installed.

The Cabin

The most recent addition to the compound is a newly completed 16 x 24 log cabin with 8 foot deck positioned to provide breathtaking views of the valley from one of the highest points on the Farm.

The cozy one room “cabin” is a perfect quiet retreat for writing or for use as a studio.  There is no heat source at this time limiting sleeping to the warmer months.

Chinked logs have been used enabling the log look on both interior and exterior walls.  Pine flooring continues the rustic flavor as does the open ceiling with exposed rafters.

Shooting Range

A shooting range has been created complete with shooting pavilion.  Locked storage for ammunition and other paraphernalia is contained in the pavilion that also provides shelter from weather.

Air Field

A 120 x 2,000 foot sod runway set at 03/21 has been developed for the convenience of guests as well as for the caretaker and the owner's father-in-law, each whom own planes.

A 45 x 80 foot hanger houses two planes and is equipped with an electrically operated door.

Historic Farmhouse

The late 1800’s farm house has been the scene for countless number of guests over the years and has provided a charming environment for entertaining family and friends.

Comprised of a large family styled kitchen fitted out with commercial grade appliances one can readily envision great parties being hosted here and spilling out on the screened porch that runs the full length of the house.

There are two “parlors” for gathering on the other side of the house, with three bedrooms and a bath on the second floor.  Another large gathering area is located on the second floor, primarily for use by children as adults congregate downstairs.

The house is pure country – both attractive and comfortable in its furnishings and its feel.  The owners have just completed an extensive design and planning exercise with an architect to complete plans for a new home to be built on the site of the farmhouse.

A model of the proposed house and plans may be found in the Farm’s office located in the red barn and will be made available for the new owner.

Walled Garden and Smoke House

Located a few steps from the house is a charming walled garden.  Set within the stone walls of a former barn that had deteriorated the garden includes a gazebo made from a former corn crib and a newly built green house and potting shed.

In one corner of the garden is a newly built smoke house large enough to smoke an entire pig if necessary.  The owner frequently uses the smoke house to prepare his world renowned ribs.

Over the years the Farm has maintained an elk herd and a petting zoo.  Structures were built to support these activities and can be found at different locations across the landscape.  A new owner will undoubtedly find a new use for these buildings as he or she places their own imprint on the Farm.

In concluding the extensive overview of this remarkable compound, we are limited in our ability to completely capture for the viewer the beauty and magnitude of this one of a kind estate.  Describing the buildings and their purpose does not quite transfer to the reader the beautiful setting in which this lifestyle has been established.  We have attempted to convey the love and caring that has gone into creating this magical place but the only way to experience the Bogus Creek Farm is to visit it. . .to experience the taste of a freshly picked apple from the small orchard or to delight in the picking of blackberries that are growing all across the Farm and hear the cry of peacocks as they wander their own private paradise.

Specifications

Offered at                                                                               $3,900,000

Property Taxes (Approximate)                                                $35,000

School District                                                                         Pepin

Property is served by                                                              3 - Wells

                                                                                                2 - Septic Systems

Acreage                                                                                   425 acres

·         Farm and recreational equipment will be sold separately.

·         Personal property and furnishings not included in sale.

·         Operating expense detail will be made available upon serious inquiry.

Double click on photos for larger view.

Green Barn Climbing Wall in Silo	Green Barn View of Gym	Green Barn Women's Locker Room
Green Barn Bunk House	Green Barn Rec/Game Room	Tennis Court Area
Pool Area	Red Barn Storage for Rec/Maintenance Vehicles	Red Barn Silo/Office
Red Barn Repair Shop	Red Barn Fitness Center	The Chapel View of Chapel From Loft
The Chapel Entrance to Chapel	The Chapel View of Chior Loft/Sitting Area	The Chapel Another View of Loft
Stone Cottage Sleeping Area	Stone Cottage Sleeping Area	Stone Cottage Sleeping Loft
Stone Cottage Screened Porch	The Cabin Interior of Cabin	Historic Farmhouse Game Room
Historic Farmhouse Kitchen	Historic Farmhouse Dining Area	Historic Farmhouse Owners Suite
Historic Farmhouse Sleeping Area	Walled Garden Rear View of Smoke House	Air Field Hanger Exterior
Walled Garden Green House	Air Field Hanger Interior	Shooting Range