The Victorian on Geneva Street
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Offered at $995,000
4 Bedrooms • 3 Full Bathrooms • 2,896 Sq Ft
Minutes from Geneva Lake, Downtown Williams Bay, and the Historic Yerkes Observatory
Schedule a Showing
For private showings or questions:
Sheryl Kelley
Call or Text: (262)949-9099
Email: 323GenevaSt@gmail.com
Open House
Sunday, March 22nd • 2–6 PM
Gallery
One of the last remaining historic homes connected to the original Yerkes Observatory community, where many of the neighborhood’s first residents were scientists associated with the observatory. Located along the historic corridor connecting Yerkes Observatory to Geneva Lake, this beautifully restored 1905 Victorian blends timeless character with modern comfort — thoughtfully renovated to preserve its architectural charm while creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly comfortable whether enjoyed as a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or lake home with a proven track record of rental success.
The Written Tour Done Right
Welcome to the Victorian — Where Your Stress Disappears Faster Than the Friend Who Owes You Money
Drop the day at the door. The calmer version of you is already kicking off their shoes and wondering why life ever needed to be so complicated.
Slip inside, where the house immediately softens the edges of the day, the coziness shows off a little, and the place welcomes you with all the enthusiasm of a dog greeting its favorite person.
The “Sorry, Stress, We’re at Capacity” Threshold
The door swings open and sunlight sweeps over you like an epiphany. This isn’t just an entryway, it’s the ticket to a calmer, happier life.
Turn right and step into the sunroom, the house’s unofficial chiropractor, specializing in shoulder tension and instant, guilt-free procrastination.
It’s the Nook That Makes You Say “Wow, I’m Kind of a Delight.”
A bright lil daydream of a room. One foot inside and suddenly you’re the peaceful, well-rested version of yourself that hasn’t been seen since… who even knows when.
Here, people spill tea, spill secrets, solve life, cry a little, nap a lot, and talk to the plants like they’re long-lost relatives.
Basically, the house’s emotional support room.
Keep wandering deeper into this cozy sanctuary and the leather cushions immediately start campaigning for a long, commitment-free sit.
In this moment, you know you’ve reached…
The Space Where the Couch Is Prime Real Estate and Negotiations Get Messy
Historic beams and shutters from the iconic Wrigley mansion usher you in, glowing in sun-washed warmth for a space that feels both stunning and wonderfully inviting, all at once.
Details curated so thoughtfully you’d swear a stylist is crouched behind a plant.
This room doesn’t just invite you in; it expertly stages your downfall into full relaxation.
Soon you’re cradling a mug, speaking softer, and pretending the shelves were your idea.
Turn left into a kitchen washed in sunlight and stone.
Suddenly it’s the kitchen that quietly makes every other one feel like it was holding out on you.
The Area That Makes the Morning Person Less… a Lot
This kitchen glows like it woke up early on purpose, working overtime to prove mornings deserve a second chance, and word on the street is the night owls are caving.
It’s where someone inevitably crowns themselves “head chef” despite their well-known over-salting problems.
And beside it, the coffee bar waits like an unsung hero — the only reason mornings stay even remotely civil.
The “We’ll Fix You” Counter
A full caffeination station because you deserve better than those sad little hotel packets.
Mugs, syrups, beans, teas… basically Starbucks without the attitude or the spelling of your name wrong.
And just beyond the coffee bar, the sweetest little nook invites you to sit.
Come for the caffeine.
Stay because “starting the day early” is a work of fiction.
A book we have zero interest in.
Step off the kitchen and into the room that takes one look at you, lowers the lights, and says, “Let’s try again tomorrow.”
The Retreat Where the Tub Solves Problems So You Don’t Have To
Step into blankets that absorb your stress, sink into a tub that erases your to-do list… and revel in the miracle that no one is yelling “Mooooom!” from downstairs.
Pac-Man’s on duty tonight.
Welcome to your private spa sanctuary.
Just beyond the master, the main bathroom dims itself on sight and says, “Come on… let’s wash this day off you.”
The Bathroom That Takes Full Credit for Your Comeback
A bathroom that convinces everyone they’re suddenly a “long shower” person with a five-step skincare routine.
And fair warning: with built-in spa touches like eucalyptus and handmade soaps waiting for you, your pre-pampering days might not cut it anymore.
Here Is Also Where the Laundry Addict Says They’re Gonna Do “Just One Load”… and We All Know It’s a Lie
Slide open the barn doors to reveal a laundry nook so cute it almost tricks you into enjoying chores.
Mint cabinets, baskets that keep it together better than most of us do, and a “Lost Socks” sign calling out everyone’s laundry crimes with alarming accuracy.
Now, had you veered left at the front door, you’d have stepped straight into a dining room so refined it convinces you to pull out two forks, adjust your posture, and behave like you’ve hosted more than zero real dinner parties.
The Place Where Linen Fantasies Collide With Leftover Realities
And at this table?
Conversation tends to spiral fast.
Reenactments, conflicting witness statements, and two wildly different versions of the exact same story.
Don’t worry… we believe you.
And upstairs, naps are taken very seriously.
Three bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a desk live up here, silently judging the person typing like they’re running a low-key CIA operation instead of remembering this place was built for rest and relaxation.
One step inside and each room makes its personality known…
The Bedroom That Greatly Overestimates Your Domestic Potential
Sunlit calm pairs with modern farmhouse charm to convince you you’re the kind of person who folds quilts neatly, alphabetizes bookshelves, and wakes up early just because.
This has NEVER been you… but the room lies beautifully, and you fall for every word.
The Bedroom That Makes You Think You Could Live Off Herbal Tea and Good Intentions
A calm little bedroom–office hybrid.
Morning-soft light, a touch of boho, and a desk that almost tricks you into opening your laptop.
Almost.
The Bedroom That Suggests Your Future Involves Vinyl, Plants, and Inner Peace
Soft light, cozy layers, and a breezy touch of bohemian calm.
Suddenly you’re someone who hydrates properly, journals nightly, applies eight serums, and owns pajamas that match on purpose.
Absolute fiction… but it feels real in this room.
All only steps from the bathroom, close enough that even 2 a.m. you can handle it.
The Bathroom That Takes One Look at You and Intervenes
With a full bathroom on every level, you can finally break up with the morning bathroom line.
Warm light, calm vibes, and zero “I’ll be quick!” lies.
Your mornings: reclaimed.
Follow the stairs down, way down, to where the 80s are very much alive and well…
The Basement Where You Almost Hear Someone Blow Into a Game Cartridge Like They’re Doing CPR
Downstairs: where time slows, neon glows, and someone takes Pac-Man so seriously you start questioning your entire relationship.
Buttery popcorn drifts, movie posters glow like the VHS covers you rented weekly, and the room hums with familiar nostalgia.
It’s a full rewind into joy… with zero late fees this time.
There’s a corner for drinks, darts, and confidently debating rules that definitely don’t exist.
At some point, the beanbag takes prisoners and the books fully enable it.
Let’s be honest… escape was never part of your plan anyway.
And once you’ve accepted that you now live down here… you’ll be relieved to know the basement saw this coming and prepared accordingly.
We Put a Bathroom Down Here Out of Respect for Your Commitment to Binge-Watching
You’ve officially merged with the sectional and you’re three episodes from life-changing plot twists.
Pausing is for amateurs.
Around the corner and under the stairs, you’ll stumble into a tiny kingdom dedicated exclusively to furry royalty…
The Dog House Where Chaos Is Adorable and the HOA Is Just One Very Barky Resident
A magical little world where dogs lose their minds, kids disappear for hours — wonderfully peaceful hours — and adults realize this might just be the best babysitter they’ve ever had… and this one doesn’t cost a dime.
The Dog House entrance comes complete with wreath, welcome mat, and a “no cats allowed” sign our Canine American friends refuse to take down.
Their world… we’re just living in it.
Now let’s wander outside… where the air sweetens, the glow deepens, and the backyard shifts your mood in a way that only evening can.
The Backyard Where the Fire Pit Gets Loud and So Does the Person Who Opens With “Okay But Listen”
Out here, life gets good.
The grill sizzles, the lake breeze drifts across the lawn, and the hammock assumes full therapist responsibility:
“Let it go… no seriously, let it all go.”
String lights blink awake as the sun dips, creating the exact level of ambiance where time gets fuzzy, conversations get good, and everyone suddenly becomes a philosopher.
Cross into Yerkes’ paths and the whole world widens.
Open fields glowing at sunset, gentle hills rolling out like nature’s red carpet, and quiet trails perfect for wandering.
The Area Where the Deer Strut Through Like They Know HR…
Where the backyard meets architectural wonder and some of nature’s prettiest scenes, it’s basically Disneyland for dogs who take their exploring extremely seriously.
Head toward the front and wander a few minutes.
The light shifts, the trees thin out, and nature slowly fades while small-town charm steps into frame.
The Town Where Everyone Waves First and You Wave Back Out of Pure Confusion (A 5-Minute Walk)
Walkable, lake-kissed, and almost suspiciously charming, downtown Williams Bay has you covered.
Groceries, restaurants, a library, coffee, salons, gas, banks, bars — all served up with small-town friendliness that would send a Hallmark writer back to revisions.
Just ahead, the shoreline widens.
Smooth water, soft gold, and a view that makes every Lake Geneva postcard pale in comparison to the real deal.
The Beach Where You Don’t Have to Camp Out Like It’s a ’99 Midnight Movie Premiere (A 5(ish) Minute Walk)
Good news. This beach isn’t the Fontana or Lake Geneva circus. Parking is sane, and towels are allowed to touch the ground.
And once you’re lakeside, the shore path begins, guiding you past mansions so close you feel like you should apologize… but legally, you can stroll by like you pay their taxes.
The Path Where the Water Sparkles and the Houses Silently Ask What You Do for a Living
A 22-mile trail tracing Geneva Lake.
Drifting by mansions, historical estates, boathouses, and lawns so flawless they glance at your flip-flops like they’ve seen enough… but the path is public, so you continue, unfazed by your unfancy footwear.
Around one bend, a backyard cocktail hour drifts toward you. Soft glass clinks, lakeside laughter carries on the breeze, and the distant hum of someone living a lifestyle that requires generational wealth — plus at least three people whose job titles probably include the word “curate” — drifts through the warm air.
And if you follow the shore path long enough, it’ll usher you into downtown Lake Geneva, transitioning you from estate-gazing to appetizer-grazing… a purchase that’s considerably easier to justify.
The Town Where You Find Peace by the Water and Penance by the Parking Meters
Welcome to touristy without the cheesy.
(I mean… it is Wisconsin. There will be cheese. You get it.)
A waterfront downtown that unfolds like a long-lost summer memory.
Shop-lined streets buzzing with “treat yourself” energy, boats rise and fall, ice cream melts faster than anyone can commit to a flavor, laughter spills out of patios, gulls trace lazy arcs across the sky, and everything glows with that soft, golden calm no camera or memory can ever recreate quite like being there.
Spend the day soaking up Wisconsin’s most iconic town — wandering, snacking, people-watching, a little house-peeping — until you’ve had your fill of the buzz.
Then retreat to your Williams Bay sanctuary, where the shift from chaos to calm is instant. Almost Pavlovian.
As the sun melts into the lake, the backyard shifts to the quieter version of the day.
The air relaxes and everything demanding your attention does too.
The Fire Pit — Where One Person Always Takes Their “Fire Poker” Role Way Too Seriously
After a day on the lake, the fire pit goes rogue.
Flames hypnotize, chairs entrap, drinks stir chaos, and someone inevitably breaks their “I’m not telling that story” rule… a story predictably denied come sunrise.
And when you wander back toward the house, evening settles in.
Softened edges, calmer everything, and a feeling that shuts you up just long enough to appreciate it.
The Part Where the House Commits to Its Glow-Up Like She Has a Reunion to Attend
Evening arrives, ushering in this Victorian’s Hallmark moment.
The one where a big-city girl questions her entire life’s choices after one breath of small-town air and that inevitable “accidental” run-in with her high-school flame.
As pastel dusk pours over the siding and warm light gathers behind the windows, the whole scene starts reading like a Hallmark aerial… only this time, the small-town glow isn’t staged.
The Farewell Where the House Lets You Go — and Keeps the Porch Light On
When it’s time to say goodbye, don’t be surprised if this house is a little harder to walk away from than you expected.
It tends to do that.
But don’t you worry — the hammock, the trails, and the lake are already plotting your sequel.
Spoiler: you will return.
And when you do, you’re no longer just visiting.
You’re home.
Why This House Ruins Other Houses For You
Location
Walking distance to Geneva Lake, the Lake Shore Path, Yerkes Observatory grounds, and Williams Bay beach
One of the last remaining historic homes originally associated with the early Yerkes Observatory community
Located between Lake Geneva and Fontana — enjoy the restaurants, marinas, and activity of the lake towns, then return home to the calm of Williams Bay, one of the last true small-town communities on Geneva Lake
Situated along one of the original residential streets connecting Yerkes Observatory to Geneva Lake
Approximately 0.6 miles to downtown Williams Bay shops, restaurants, coffee, groceries, the library, and the Williams Bay school campus (serving pre-K through high school)
One of the last remaining historic homes originally associated with the early Yerkes Observatory community
Just a few short minutes to Yerkes Observatory and its scenic trails
The Home
Outdoor Living
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Backyard designed for gathering and relaxing
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Deck with grill area and privacy fencing
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Fire pit lounge with string lights and seating
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Hammock
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Raised garden with cucumbers and tomatoes
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Classic front porch with seating — the perfect spot for morning coffee and waving to neighbors passing by
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Frequent deer, turkey, and other wildlife sightings
Turnkey Lifestyle
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Sold fully furnished and thoughtfully curated throughout
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Every space intentionally designed to feel welcoming, calm, and ready to enjoy from day one
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Move-in ready — arrive with a suitcase and let the house do the rest
Proven Vacation Rental Performance
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Averaged over $10,000 per month during active rental months
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Peak months reaching approximately $12,500+
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Summer weekend rates averaging close to $1,000 per night
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Strong guest reviews and repeat visitors
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Performance based on July–November rental seasons during the past 16 months of ownership
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Perfect for a second home, vacation property, or short-term rental investment
What Guests Had to Say
-Their Words, Not Ours-
The Highlight Reel
“We love the Williams Bay area, and enjoyed staying here as an alternative to downtown Lake Geneva.”
“From the moment you walk in, pure wow!”
“The pictures did not do justice to how beautiful the house was.”
“We spent the evening bouncing from room to room, marveling at how warm it was despite the single-digit temps.”
“The owner’s eye for design is clear & it was a treat stumbling upon bespoke artwork & trinkets placed throughout.”
“It has the charm and history of an old house, but is newly and modernly refinished and stunningly decorated.”
“Within minutes of arriving, my 5 year old declared that the host was ‘very lucky’ to own that house.”
“The countless windows provide the main floor an open & expansive vibe perfect for feeling connected to nature but still protected from the elements.”
“We could not have picked a better place to lounge, sip wine & laugh with friends & family.”
“This curated home exceeded our expectations after skiing the local slopes. The countless windows provide the main floor an open & expansive vibe perfect for feeling connected to nature but still protected from the elements. We spent the evening bouncing from room to room, marveling at how warm it was despite the single-digit temps. Each space felt unique: rustic & earthy-toned living room with antique coffee table, spacious chocolate leather couch & easy stop/start fireplace... to the fully furnished movie-night basement with bartop, arcade & classic popcorn maker. We particularly enjoyed the front sunroom with the glovelike wicker chairs for cozy blanket reading alongside intentionally planted lowlights. The owner’s eye for design is clear & it was a treat stumbling upon bespoke artwork & trinkets placed throughout. Each one had a story & each custom candle prompted a lean-in to guess the fragrance. We could not have picked a better place to lounge, sip wine & laugh w friends & family.”
The Uncut Version
“We absolutely loved our stay at this wonderful home. It was spacious, well equipped, and lovely. The house had everything we needed. Our kids ADORED the downstairs space — the arcade game, little ‘dog house’ area, and the working popcorn machine were so exciting to them — and we all loved hanging outside in the yard with the hammock and cute seating area. Within minutes of arriving, my 5 year old declared that the host was ‘very lucky’ to own that house. We love the Williams Bay area, and enjoyed staying here as an alternative to downtown Lake Geneva. We would very happily come back and stay again at this rental!”
“The place is a true gem! From the moment you walk in, pure wow! It has the charm and history of an old house, but newly and modernly refinished and stunningly decorated. We visited with our two girls (6y & 2yr) and pup. The downstairs was a perfect hangout room complete with huge TV, super comfy couch, arcade game and popcorn maker. The doggie room was also such a cute little touch! Highly, highly recommend staying here — we’ll be back again for sure. One of our all-time favorite AirBnB experiences!”
All Character.
No Cringe.
Extensively renovated and thoughtfully reimagined inside and out — preserving the character of this historic 1905 Victorian while introducing modern livability.
Behind the charm, significant upgrades were made to the home’s infrastructure, systems, and living spaces — creating a rare combination of historic character and modern comfort.
Brand-New Full Bathroom Added to the Finished Basement
A full bathroom was added to the finished lower level where no plumbing previously existed, requiring new plumbing installation and integration into the home’s infrastructure. The result is a full bathroom on every level — a rare and incredibly convenient feature in a historic home.
Key Interior & Structural Improvements
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Hickory hardwood flooring installed across the first floor and the second-floor hallway
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Lower level fully finished with Lifeproof flooring, creating a spacious entertainment lounge and recreation area
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New rear deck with privacy panels creating an outdoor gathering space
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Kitchen renovation featuring quartz countertops, new sink, lower cabinets, and appliances, updated hood vent, and restoration of the original leaded-glass upper cabinetry
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Custom staircase with new posts and railing connecting the main floor to the finished lower level
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Front porch enhancements including new posts and railings
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Extensive electrical upgrades throughout the home, including new lighting and infrastructure improvements
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Mini-split climate systems installed in all three upstairs bedrooms, adding efficient heating and cooling where none previously existed
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Exterior accent lighting installed to highlight the front of the home
All the character you want from a historic Victorian — none of the fixer-upper baggage old homes typically come with.
Schedule a Showing
For private showings or questions:
Sheryl Kelley
Call or Text: (262)949-9099
Email: 323GenevaSt@gmail.com