Historic features and awards won at the Arbor House, one of Madison's oldest existing homes.

Arbor House, inn, lodging, B&B, Madison, Wisconsin.
The Arbor as a Connection

Historic Features

Formerly The Plough Inn, the historic structure served as a tavern and a stagecoach stop dating back to 1853. The Plough building is on the national register for historic homes and is one of Madison’s oldest existing homes. Visitors would hitch their horses outside on the their way in or out of town for a refreshment. They would then dance in what is now the sitting room and if necessary they could sleep in one of the bedrooms upstairs. It was a rowdy loud tavern known for rough characters and some bar room fights. Thus receiving the nickname "Plough Inn and Stagger Out."

Many of the features found in the historic structure can be found in the Annex addition, with today’s sustainable architectural features in mind. For example, both buildings have 12-inch thick walls, an abundance of windows, tile, stone, and quality carpentry and solid wood floors. Each building features antique furniture (the ultimate form of recycling) and blends natural materials when possible. The main arbor connects the two buildings serving as both a physical connection and a symbolic connection between two periods of time: how we used to live and how it is possible to live today and in the future. Even our home wing uses special relationships and principles common in frontier life more than a century ago for family living.

Award-Winning

A national sustainable design award from the Boston Society
of Architects.
Co-op America of Washington, D.C., named Arbor House "One
of Fifteen Green Businesses Every Community Should Have."

Renew America, Washington D.C. recognized Arbor House as a model for environmental
sustainability and a leading example of how we can make our communities more livable by
integrating environmental protection, social equity and economic progress.

The Governor's Award for Waste Reduction in Wisconsin.
The Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin Award.
The inn was highlighted in a national conference on socially
responsible business.
An advertising award for the inn's overall promotional look.

Arbor House in the news

You have renewed our faith in B&Bs! The Arbor House was wonderful, but what sets you apart are the people caring for us and the inn. The level of hospitality and the genuine desire to help us is much appreciated.
Bernard and Phyllis
Jackson, TN