The Mansion

The Idle Hour Farm, now called The Ludlow Mansion, was built by Arabut Ludlow in 1857.

Standing proud and stately through six major wars, and as many panics and depressions, The Ludlow Mansion on Monroe’s Northwest side is a renewed distination for history-lovers and those seeking the unique in quality bed and breakfast accomodations.

The Ludlow Mansion is named for Arabut Ludlow, a Wisconsin pioneer and founder of the first bank and general merchandise store in Monroe.  He acquired a 3000 acre farm by means of a land grant (at $.50/acre) and built the Mansion in 1857.

Following Mr. Ludlow’s death in 1896, the Mansion was boarded up by the family.  It remained closed until 1937 when Ludlow’s granddaughter, May Ludlow-Luchsinger and her husband Frank purchased the property and the remaining farm property.

The Luchsingers rehabilitated the Mansion inside and out and restored the interior to its former grandeur.  The Ludlow Mansion is one of the most imposing dwellings of pre-Civil War vintage architecture, yet standing in Southern Wisconsin.