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The phrase “sense of place” came to us many years ago as we searched for our vision of solitude in the rural Midwest. As city dwellers in Madison, Wisconsin, we wanted a bit of land and woods and water that could eventually provide us with a sustainable and renewable lifestyle. We found the perfect spot nine years ago here in French Creek township, just down and up and down into the next spring-fed stream valley.
Then, in the fall of 2006 we happened upon this classic Iowa farmhouse, surrounded on all sides by magnificent pine trees. We named this hilltop home Sous les Sapins, “under the pines,” in recognition of the pine trees that have kept sentinel here for over 100 years. When we saw the house, nestled on one and a half acres, it was love at first sight. We were guided to make the inquiry and buy the grand house—with no real plan to actually live here year-round. In considering the various opportunities, our concept of a self-accommodating farmhouse grew out of love for the land, the house and the surrounding French Creek Valley. We wanted to share it with others.
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