Das Chateau am Butterfly Trail – 6-Zimmer-Refugium

Welcome to The Chateau on Butterfly Trail, a unique vacation retreat nestled on 8 peaceful acres in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin.



Originally built as a girls' school dormitory, this historic property has been thoughtfully converted into four private residences while preserving much of its original character and charm. The largest residence now serves as this private vacation rental, offering guests a spacious and comfortable home base to explore the beautiful Mississippi River Valley region.



The property is home to three additional private long-term apartments occupied by residents. Your vacation rental is completely private, with its own entrance and living spaces, while sharing the larger 8-acre property with the other residences.



Whether you're visiting family, attending a wedding, exploring the scenic bluff country, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, The Chateau offers a unique blend of history, privacy, and rural charm.



Explore the Mississippi River Valley



The Chateau is located just outside of Fountain City and only minutes from Winona, making it an ideal home base for exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.



Guests enjoy a peaceful rural setting while remaining conveniently close to restaurants, shopping, outdoor recreation, and local attractions throughout the Mississippi River Valley.



Popular nearby destinations include:



Historic downtown Winona

Garvin Heights Park and its panoramic river valley views

Lake Park

Great River Bluffs State Park

Perrot State Park

Wabasha and the National Eagle Center

La Crosse

Grandad Bluff

Pepin and the scenic shores of Lake Pepin

The Great River Road scenic drive

Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, boating, fishing, and seasonal sightseeing throughout the region



Whether you're visiting for a family gathering, wedding, university event, outdoor adventure, or simply a relaxing getaway, The Chateau offers a quiet retreat with easy access to everything the Mississippi River Valley has to offer.



The Vacation Rental



Guests enjoy exclusive access to:



6 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Spacious living areas

Fully equipped kitchen

Dining space for gathering together

High-speed Wi-Fi

Dedicated guest parking

Access to the surrounding grounds and outdoor spaces



The home comfortably accommodates large families, groups of friends, wedding guests, retreats, and extended stays.



A Unique Historic Property



The Chateau is not a hotel or resort. It is a historic residential property that has evolved over generations.



Guests can expect the charm, character, and occasional quirks that come with a historic building. While many updates have been made for comfort and convenience, some features reflect the property's age and history.



Rural Wisconsin Setting



One of the things guests love most about The Chateau is its peaceful rural location. Set on 8 acres in Wisconsin's bluff country, the property offers a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and opportunities to enjoy nature.



Because of the rural setting, wildlife and insects are part of the experience. Deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, ladybugs, flies, spiders, and other seasonal insects are common in the area. While the property is professionally maintained, occasional insects may still make their way indoors, particularly during seasonal changes.



This is a normal part of country living and should be expected when staying in a rural property.



Here are some features and guidelines on the amenities offered:



Firepits: You can use any firepits that you would like around the property. The biggest and best is the one immediately down the hill from the Chateau. Fire building supplies are located in the box by the wood pile. We ask that you are responsible when having a fire. Please put it out when you are finished.

Pets: There are three cats that wander the property - Sparky, Dottie, and Tinder. Can you guess which is which? They are friendly and like people (not really fans of dogs though). There is also a dog on the property named Sasha.

The Library: In room #1, we have books available for your enjoyment. There are kids books and young adult books as well! Please enjoy during your stay and be sure to return them before you leave.

Air hockey: The air hockey table sits next to the stairs. As you’ll notice, there is no electrical outlet near it. Please do not attempt to move the table. We have an extension cord specifically for it in the game cabinet.

Games and Toys: In the large cabinet next to the air hockey table you will find board games, card games, the DVD player, and the VHS player. There is also a collection of VHS tapes. Next to the cabinet is a bin full of toys. Enjoy!

Television: Our TV has a Roku with it. You can sign into your streaming services. It’s a good idea to sign out before you leave. You can hook up the DVD or VHS player to the TV as well.

Laundry machines: Washer and dryer are located in the basement by the kitchen. Feel free to use the soap. Let us know if you have any issues.

Kitchen: The kitchen is located on the basement level, and while dated, can seat 16 and has a standard stove and fridge. If you choose to bring an electric griddle, please use the outlet by the kitchen sink.

Dumpster: The dumpster in the parking lot is available for you to dispose of household trash and recyclables.

Fireplace: For wintertime guests, while a roaring fire sounds like a great idea, the indoor fireplace is 100% unavailable. Please do not remove the cover, which is in place for your safety.

Maintenance: If you should have any maintenance, cleaning or other concerns upon arrival, please let us know so we can assist you.

Shared Doors: Every door you can open is part of the guest wing, and the doors you cannot open serve as walls separating the other residences from the guest wing. Please do not attempt to open locked doors.





Restaurants and Activities Nearby

Restaurants

10-15 minutes

Stockyards Bar & Grill*

The Hillside Fish House

The Landing

The Golden Frog



20-30 minutes

The Lookout

Beedle’s Bar and Restaurant

Sullivan’s Supper Club

The Boathouse

Sammy’s Pizza*

Miya Japanese Bistro*

Blooming Grounds Coffee House

Blue Heron Cafe*



Activities

Merrick State Park

Mississippi Thunder Speedway

The Cat Tail

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Kinstone Megalithic Garden

Seven Hawks Vineyard

Ferguson’s Apple Orchard



*recommended by your hosts





Please Note

This listing is for the private vacation rental only.

Three separate long-term apartments are located elsewhere within the building and property.

Guests have exclusive use of their vacation rental space.

Guests may see residents coming and going from their own private residences.

The property is quiet and residential in nature.

Quiet hours are from 10:00P - 8:00A and observed by all residents.