Discover the Largest House in Wisconsin And Just How Big 35,000 Square Feet Really Is 

Introduction

Located in the upper midwestern region of the United States, Wisconsin is the 25th largest state in the country and the 20th most populous. The state is famous for its numerous farms that make up a large dairy industry. Often referred to as “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin is responsible for almost 15 percent of all dairy production in the United States. Aside from dairy, Wisconsin is known for its extremely cold winters and natural beauty.

While there are no large mountains in the area, vast plains, rolling hills, and roaring rivers cover the state. Wisconsin also borders two of the great lakes: Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The coastline on these lakes provides sandy beaches and stunning lakeside views for residents.

Because of all of these amazing features, real estate in Wisconsin is extremely valuable. However, one home is larger than all of the rest. Keep reading to discover the largest house in Wisconsin, and how large 35,000 square feet is.

Built in 1996, the largest house in Wisconsin is truly a sight to behold. The massive estate sits on 22 wooded acres at the northern tip of Ellison Bay, which is located on Lake Michigan. Here is everything to know about this architectural marvel.

The History of the Home

The Ellison Bay Manor has stood on the shores of Lake Michigan for almost 30 years. In the mid-1990s, philanthropist Judith Blazer built the estate. Blazer is the heir to one of the largest electric companies in the Midwest, Miller Electric.

Because she came from money, Blazer could make her dream of building the largest home in Wisconsin come to fruition. Three years after construction began, the house was completed. While this home may seem like a dream come true for anyone, Blazer resided there for only about three years.

After moving to Chicago in 1999, Blazer kept ownership of the estate for some time. In 2005, however, Blazer put the home up for sale. After remaining on the market for a while, the Ellison Bay Manor was sold to Frank and Annie Spitzer from Huntington Park, California. Interestingly, the Spitzers purchased the home without ever laying eyes on it. Frank, an Italian immigrant who spent his early years in Chicago, made a ton of money designing electrical boxes.

He never actually occupied the home, treating it more as a vacation spot and real estate investment than a permanent residence. However, just like Blazer, Spitzer eventually felt that it was time to relinquish ownership of the manor. In December 2015, after spending 256 days on the market, the home was sold to its new and current owner.

Inside the Largest House in Wisconsin

After learning about the rich history of the largest house in Wisconsin, you are probably wondering what makes it so special. The home sits on a 100-foot cliff overlooking the clear waters of Lake Michigan. Sitting on 22 acres of well-maintained land, the Ellison Bay Manor offers a serene retreat from the hustle of busy city life.

The home itself encompasses an amazing 35,000 square feet. Within the residence are five massive bedrooms and nine bathrooms. 5,000 square feet of the home are dedicated to the elegant master suite, which is completed by two bathrooms, closets, a kitchenette, a home gym, a living room, and an elevator. Aside from the suite is a guest wing, which contains three more massive suites to ensure that everyone is comfortable. There is a two-story grand hall in the center of the house decorated with chandeliers and a fireplace.

Coming off of the grand hall is a 14-seat movie theatre with two concession stands and an indoor pool and spa. Other sections of the house include a massive kitchen, formal dining room, and breakfast parlor surrounded by windows on all sides. Another amazing feature of the home is its breathtaking library. The library is covered in walnut paneling, and adorned with a wooden spiral staircase that leads to the second level.

Other amenities of the largest home in Wisconsin include eight fireplaces, a beach house, and a guest chalet. The gothic architecture and antique decoration of the house transports visitors back in time to a feeling of old money and opulence.

How Much Does the Largest House in Wisconsin Cost?

While it is fun to look at houses like the Ellison Bay Manor and imagine what it would be like to own them, how much do they cost? Well, this house is far from cheap. When the home was first sold in 2005, Frank Spitzer purchased it for $20,000,000. Although most real estate prices increase, the value of this home has significantly diminished.

While the current value of the home is estimated at $7,085,000, it sold for far cheaper. Spitzer put the estate on the market for an asking price of $2,900,000, and it later sold for around $2,700,000. This story of pricing goes to show that although homes like these may be magnificent, they are not always a sound investment.

Where Is Ellison Bay Manor Located on a Map?

Ellison Bay is at the northern end of the peninsula that extends northeast from Green Bay, Wisconsin, which is about 69 miles away, or 81 miles by car on State Highway 57. This peninsula is surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan.

The Area Around the Largest House in Wisconsin

The Ellison Bay Manor gets its name from where it is located: Ellison Bay. This area is a tiny village within the town of Liberty Grove, Wisconsin. Liberty Grove belongs to a larger designated area within Wisconsin referred to as the “Door Country.” Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door Country is picturesque.

The region is full of quaint lake towns, vineyards, fine dining, orchards, and boutique shopping outlets. Ellison Bay makes up just a small part of this expansive and breathtaking area. The town provides great opportunities for boating and lake activities, as well as numerous walking trails to take in the natural beauty of Lake Michigan.

A beautiful downtown strip contains historical lodging, delicious restaurants, and wonderful art galleries.

Other Large Wisconsin Homes

While the Ellison Bay Manor is by far the largest home in Wisconsin, many other mansions and estates are equally as jaw-dropping.

Basswood Property

Located on Lake Geneva, the Basswood Property maintains a modest, cozy-cottage vibe while still being enormous. The 15,058 square foot home boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and four half-bathrooms. Other amenities include over three acres of land, a beautiful patio, a screened-in porch, a finished basement, and an attached garage. Price: $11,145,600.

Clear Sky Lodge

The Clear Sky Lodge is located in Fontana, Wisconsin. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and cobblestone walkways, the home sits on over an acre of land. Inside, the estate encompasses 12,357 square feet of living space. The lodge includes six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, making it a wonderful home for a large family or friendly retreat. Price: $6,420,900.

Snake Road Mansion

While this home is not as large as the Ellison Bay Manor, it is certainly more expensive. The Snake Road Mansion encompasses a staggering 14,145 square feet. This includes 13 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. The 40 acres of land contain immaculate gardens and ponds surrounded by lush forest. Inside, the home boasts a beautiful library, ornate office, and grand hall.

Other rooms include a massive kitchen, formal and informal dining rooms, and several lounges. The house is completed with 13 fireplaces, a pool, a reflecting pool, a fountain, a wine cellar, and a guest house. Price: $44,343,285.