James Lanier

Welcome to Windy Ridge — a 187 ± acre conservation homestead in the scenic Driftless Region of Monroe County, near Ontario, Wisconsin. This remarkable property blends comfortable country living, long-term land stewardship, and unmatched natural beauty into one extraordinary private retreat. The phrase “once in a lifetime opportunity” is an understatement when describing this special, special place. Set among rolling ridges, restored prairie, and spring-fed creeks that flow into the Kickapoo River, Windy Ridge has been managed with great care and respect for the land. Decades of thoughtful conservation have created a mosaic of 115± acres of mixed hardwoods, pine forest, apples and pears, 47+ acres of prairie, and 10+ acres of deer/wildlife food plots, 8+ acres are comprised of the farmstead and cabin — all supporting abundant wildlife and a healthy ecosystem. Three natural springs feed a clear year-round creek protected by a DNR conservation easement. Rock out croppings located throughout the property will take your breath away while providing memorable family adventures. Walking through the pollinator/rich prairie plantings that bloom from spring into fall will be event no one will want to miss out on. A charming two-story farmhouse serves as the heart of the property, offering modern comfort and vintage character. The updated farmhouse features: 4+ bedrooms, 1 bath, large kitchen, family/dining room, living room, office, plenty of storage, and more. Internet and cell service is very good if keeping in touch with the outside world is important to you. There is an Amish-built cabin (16’×32’ with loft, and a 8’x32’ front porch) which provides a peaceful guest space or artist’s retreat, while the barn, pole buildings, several sheds, and game-processing building offer ample room for equipment, livestock, or hobbies. Optional furnishings and equipment make this a turnkey opportunity for anyone looking to step into rural living with ease. Deer Management on Windy Acres has been taken to the highest level! There are over 10 acres of food plots and over 20 deer stands (some box binds) located throughout the property. Quality Deer Management (QDM) has been practiced here for almost 15 years by the owners and many neighbors. In fact, 3.5 year and older bucks are the rule rather than the exception. 4.5 year and older bucks are frequently caught on trail cameras, seen while on the deer stand, while sitting on the front porch of the cabin, and while touring or working on the property. The owners are founding members and active volunteers of the Coulee Country Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (now named the National Deer Association) since its inception in 2016. The property has been enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) since 2015, and the owners were awarded the 2019 Cooperator of the Year Award! Detailed deer observation and harvest data are kept by the owners, an important part of both QDM and DMAP management programs. More than 35,000 trees have been planted by the owners over the last 23 years. These include: Red and White Oak, White and Red Pine, Norway and White Spruce, Cherry, Hickory, Red and Sugar Maple, Apple, Pear, Chestnuts, and more. Several Maple stands offer syrup production potential. The property has earned several awards for habitat and forestry excellence, including the Pheasants Forever Habitat Award (2017), Wisconsin Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) Cooperator of the Year (2019), and Monroe County Tree Farmer of the Year (2022). Conveniently located near Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Elroy-Sparta Trail, and Kickapoo River, Windy Ridge is perfectly situated for those who value privacy, nature, and self-sufficiency. Whether you envision a full-time homestead, conservation-minded residence, or peaceful country retreat, this property offers a rare balance of livability and land legacy. Contact Midwest Lifestyle Properties today to experience this extraordinary property where home, habitat, and heritage come together.

Three residences on 68 acres of diverse ecosystems, were built to provide a natural setting for personal retreat, in an environment of silence & simplicity. Just outside of Norwalk, WI you will find this retreat designed for those seeking harmony, healing, and connection with the land. This one-of-a-kind property features three eco-conscious residences, two charming hermitages, established horse facilities, and a flowing valley with native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands teeming with biodiversity. Solar-powered and geothermally heated, this property is as sustainable as it is serene—an ideal setting for retreat operators, naturalists, horse lovers, or investors in private nature-based properties. The thoughtfully designed residences blend rustic elegance with modern comfort. Each is built with sustainable materials, radiant in-floor heating, vaulted wood ceilings, and Amish-crafted finishes. The main home includes a wraparound porch with sweeping views of the expansive valleys of the Driftless Area, while the secondary home offers flexible guest or rental options tucked away in privacy. A caretaker’s cabin and two hermitages offer additional private quarters—perfect for family, guests, retreat staff, or personal solitude in the outdoors. Meandering trails, spring-fed streams, and decades of careful restoration make this land a true haven. Whether you’re a retreat facilitator, healer, or land steward, this sanctuary invites you to continue its legacy of care and connection. A Living Landscape Rooted in Restoration This property is more than a place—it's a living, breathing ecosystem. Protected by hills on all sides and oriented east to west for ideal sunlight, the valley nurtures a harmonious blend of wetland, woodland, and prairie. A meandering stream fed by multiple springs flows year-round through the heart of the land, supporting frogs, turtles, songbirds, and a lush matrix of plant life. Native Flora South-facing slopes bloom with native prairie grasses and wildflowers—from butterfly weed and black-eyed susans to mountain mint and rattlesnake master. On the cooler north-facing slopes, you'll find basswood and maple groves, carpeted with ferns, mosses, and spring ephemerals like trout lilies and mayapples. Restoration efforts have returned dozens of species of native plants to the land, and new stewards are encouraged to continue this work. Diverse Wildlife Wildlife abounds here: eagles soar overhead, deer roam the meadows, owls call through the night, and foxes leave silent tracks along the stream. With over 50 species of birds—including turkeys, meadowlarks, orioles, cardinals, cedar waxwings, hawks, and herons—the valley is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Occasional sightings of a bobcat or an elk remind us this is truly wild, native land. Land Stewardship Under the careful guidance of a knowledgeable restoration manager, the land has been a model for ecological caretaking. Mowed trails and quiet sitting areas invite reflection, while apple trees and edible landscapes offer nourishment. Whether you're walking the path of a healer, teacher, or land steward, this tranquil valley will meet you with open arms. Yes, there is more…call today to schedule your personal tour of this one-of-a-kind property.