“Come to the woods; for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.” – John Muir
Step into the embrace of nature at Anaway Place, where seven luxury Wisconsin cabins await amidst the untouched beauty of the Driftless region. Inspired by the restorative power of the woods, the retreat offers a haven where modern comfort meets the tranquility of the wilderness.
Nestled within 80 acres of pristine landscape, the cabins invites you to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the peace found only in nature.
Join us as we highlight each of the seven cabins and share what lies in the future for this amazing property.
1. The Hillside Cabin
During my recent stay at Anaway Place, Norbert revealed to me the humble beginnings of the property. It all started with a simple cabin built by his brother, which Norbert and his wife Susan eventually acquired and decided to rent out on weekends.
As time passed, they made the decision to replace the original structure with the new Hillside cabin in 2022. This charming retreat boasts two bedrooms and baths downstairs, while upstairs features a fully stocked kitchen and a spacious living room with high ceilings and windows that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with the serene beauty of the outdoors.
The brown leather chairs recline and are a wonderful way to relax and soak in the view.
The kitchen table was also a perfect way to enjoy meals with nature as a backdrop.
The fully stocked kitchen easily allows you to cook your own food. If you prefer dining out, the Driftless Cafe was a favorite.
Wonderful view above the sink.
Interesting fact: The watercolor paintings on the walls were done by Norberts mother. Who was a well known local artist.
As you come up the stairs from the bedrooms.
Bedroom number one.
Bathroom in the second bedroom.
The second bedroom.
2. Glass House Cabin
The Glass House cabin is what put Candlewood cabins (their old name) on the map. Norbert shared a story that once publications covered this cabin, and reservations were open, their website crashed from the massive spike in website traffic.
At the time there was nothing else like it. The idea spawned from some leftover windows that Norbert acquired and didn’t know what to do with.
Air conditioning and gas fireplace.
A unique feature of the Glasshouse is that in order to use the bathroom you’ll need to cross this bridge to the detached full bath. If that’s not your jam, Norbert built the Meadow House, which we will feature next. That cabin includes an attached bathroom.
Queen size bed.
Patio with a fire pit.
3. Meadow House
With the Glasshouse’s popularity, Norbert decided to build the Meadow House to improve design features, including central air/heat, a full attached bath, a kitchen, and a queen bed (it also has a queen-size Murphy bed).
The floor-to-ceiling windows 360 degrees will connect you with nature like nothing else.
Check out the reclaimed oak wood flooring and Scandinavian wood burning stove.
4. Woodland House
The Woodland house (aka the Castle Cabin) is tucked away in the trees with the perfect patios to sit out and soak in the nature around you.
Unfortunately, I don’t believe you can look out these windows. But, it is still really cool and lets in lots of natural light.
5. The Barn
When you drive onto the property, you notice the barn. From the outside, it looks like a standard well-kept Wisconsin barn. But, as you get closer, you see the store is on the lower level (which you should check out).
You’ll also notice that this is no ordinary barn. Once inside, you’ll be blown away by the spectacular job they did.
This will make an excellent location if you’re planning a family get-together (or anything with friends or family, as it sleeps 12 people).
One unique feature is that it even has an elevator for handicap access.
Fun Fact: Norbert’s parents once lived in this space.
6. Log Cabin
Everyone loves log cabins in the woods, so Norbert decided to build one.
7. Little House Cabin
The Little House cabin offers 480 sq ft of space, which would be perfect for a solo traveler. The one downfall is that you don’t get the sense of being in the woods like the other cabins, as it is located next to the innkeeper’s residence. But it is still an excellent stay.
New Beginnings for Anaway Place / Candlewood Cabins
From its humble beginnings in 1995, Anaway Place (originally called Candlewood Cabins) has grown into a yearly destination for many nationwide.
The most impressive part is that Norbert and Susan did it organically. While they did get a small loan in the early days (which took them quite some time to pay back), they have reinvested over the years to make an extraordinary place. Driven by what Norbert and Susan felt others would enjoy.
They have announced that they are retiring after 29 years and are in the process of selling the property to new owners.
You’ll realize how much the pair will be missed as you read through the guest books. There were countless mentions of Norbert sharing stories, wine, workshop tours, etc., which made sense when Norbert shared with me that non-profit/foundation work was where he felt called and spent many years of his working career. You can sense the gift he has for connecting and serving others.
The new owners have commented that they want to keep Anaway Place’s magic the same. Still, they plan to expand their offerings, potentially including things like glamping, weddings, communal space for connecting with other guests and listening to music, food, etc.
I look forward to seeing how the property develops and hope to return. As there is no such thing as too much time spent in nature. With our modern world getting busier and busier, places like this are a safe haven to destress and reconnect with ourselves.
Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Note: Spring Green, Wisconsin (the home of Frank Lloyd Wright) is about 20 mins down the road and well worth a tour.
If you’re interested in these luxury Wisconsin cabins, you can book a stay, make reservations, and get more information here.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.