TRANSACTION OVERVIEW

Status: Sold

Sold Price: $2,100,000

Address: W3673 County Road ES, Elkhorn, WI 53121

County: Walworth County

Municipality: Town of Lafayette

Property Type: Hobby Farm

Acreage: 157.62 Acres

Taxes: $19,273.91

Zoning: Agricultural

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WALWORTH COUNTY, Wisconsin - Land & Legacy Group has successfully closed the transaction for a premier 157.62-acre rural estate located at W3673 County Road ES in the Town of Lafayette.

Represented by Broker/Owner Al Wisnefske, the expansive property features a diverse terrain mix of tillable farmland, fenced pasture, mature woods, wetlands, and frontage along Sugar Creek. At the center of the acreage sits an updated 3,194-square-foot Victorian farmhouse originally constructed in 1885, accompanied by a separate guest house, an inground pool, and extensive agricultural and equestrian outbuilding infrastructure.

Finding a contiguous 157-acre tract in Walworth County with this level of land diversity and turnkey infrastructure is exceptionally rare, stated Al Wisnefske, Broker/Owner of Land & Legacy Group. This property offered the ideal combination of income-producing tillable acreage, private recreational features along Sugar Creek, and immediate operational capabilities for livestock or equestrian pursuits. Navigating the valuation of both the natural land assets and the extensive building improvements was essential to executing a successful closing for all parties.

VALUING COMPLEX MIXED-USE FARM ESTATE IN WALWORTH COUNTY

Pricing and marketing a multi-use rural property requires separating raw land value from specialized agricultural, equestrian, and residential improvements. The challenge with properties of this scale lies in capturing the full equity of high-value outbuildings and historic homes while accurately accounting for tillable soil classifications, timber value, and water features. Land & Legacy Group highlighted the complete operational footprint of the estate to attract targeted buyers seeking a private country retreat, working farm, or equestrian facility.

Key property features analyzed during the transaction included:

• 157.62 Contiguous Acres: A balanced blend of active tillable cropland, pastureland, mature woods, wetlands, and natural pond features.
• Sugar Creek Frontage: Direct water access offering private recreational opportunities and natural wildlife corridors.
• Historic Farmhouse Residence: A updated 2-story, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom Victorian/Federal farmhouse (3,194 sq. ft.) featuring main-floor living quarters, jetted tub, and historic architectural detail.
• Secondary Living Quarters: A dedicated guest house providing separate accommodations for family, visitors, or farm management staff.
• Garages & Outbuildings: A heated 8-car detached garage equipped with a hydraulic lift, alongside multiple traditional barns, pole buildings, steel storage structures, and equestrian box stalls.
• Outdoor Amenities: An inground swimming pool, patio, deck, security camera infrastructure, and complete perimeter fencing for horses and livestock.

To maximize market exposure, the marketing strategy focused on positioning the estate's turnkey readiness to eliminate the friction of modern building delays and rising construction costs. By emphasizing the agricultural income potential alongside the lifestyle amenities, the property generated strong demand among buyers seeking establishing farm operations or private land holdings within driving distance of major metro areas.

The property was officially brought to market on April 3, 2023, with showings beginning on April 14, 2023. Following active market exposure, the transaction went pending on May 31, 2023, reaching an accepted offer in just 48 days on market. The transaction successfully closed on July 14, 2023, for a final purchase price of $2,100,000 in an all-cash, arms-length transaction.

Walworth County continues to serve as a high-demand market for rural land, driven by buyer pools migrating from the Chicagoland area, Greater Milwaukee, and regional agricultural operators expanding their acreage base. Tight inventory for contiguous tracts over 100 acres in the Town of Lafayette and surrounding townships reinforces strong land values across Southeast Wisconsin. This $2.1 million transaction demonstrates the sustained demand for high-caliber agricultural and recreational assets managed by specialized land real estate professionals.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the average value of agricultural and farm land in Walworth County, Wisconsin?

Agricultural land values in Walworth County vary based on soil productivity, tillable ratios, road frontage, and total acreage. Contiguous tracts that include residential homes, equestrian facilities, outbuildings, or natural water features like Sugar Creek command higher overall values, frequently exceeding $12,000 to $15,000+ per acre when factoring in structural improvements and prime location.

How do you sell a multi-use hobby farm with outbuildings in Wisconsin?

Selling a multi-use hobby farm requires a specialized land marketing strategy that goes beyond standard residential real estate tactics. Brokers must evaluate soil types, crop yields, zoning regulations (such as AG zoning), flood plains, and outbuilding utility (pole barns, box stalls, heated garages) to target the right buyer network of farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and country estate buyers.

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ABOUT LAND & LEGACY GROUP‍

Land & Legacy Group is a Wisconsin real estate brokerage specializing in agricultural, recreational, and transitional land for sale. Led by Broker/Owner Al Wisnefske, the firm provides in-depth property details, targeted marketing, and transaction services to maximize equity for Wisconsin property owners. To learn more about our current offerings or to discuss the value of your land, visit www.landandlegacygroup.com or call 262-873-8375.