About Castle La Crosse
The History of Castle La Crosse
The Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast known as Castle La Crosse opened in May 2017. This illustrious property is celebrated throughout the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin and the surrounding region. The Castle was originally built in 1892 for local lumber baron, Nymphus B. Holway, and his wife, Jessie, by noted local architects Hugo Schick and Gustav Stolze. They were intent on creating a home fit for a king. We had our own lofty goals when transforming the castle into the most regal and romantic getaway destination in Wisconsin and the greater region.
The exterior of this Wisconsin bed and breakfast with its limestone facade is an imposing presence in La Crosse. Designed with a tower that raises the vertical length of the inn, a feature of Richardson Romanesque, the house was built in the popular Queen Anne style architecture of the time. It is interesting to note a number of Romanesque elements in the inn as well, a feat that created a blend of the two styles and a romantic ambiance perfect for our modern era and for an inn catering to couples on a romantic getaway.
Unfortunately Mr. Holway, passed before the mansion could be completed. His widow Ms. Jessie Holway completed the structure and raised their children in the residence that was to become our Wisconsin bed and breakfast. Ms. Holway was very much involved in the local La Crosse community and hosted many functions at Castle La Crosse, continuing a long tradition of business and philanthropy set by her husband.
As we near 135 years since the house was completed, Castle La Crosse honors the wishes of the original occupants. Our bed and breakfast in La Crosse remains a vital part of our local community.
Mrs. Holway lived at the Castle La Crosse until 1920 when she sold the future bed and breakfast to the Diocese of La Crosse. It then became the Bishop’s Residence and was owned by the Catholic Church for the next five decades, becoming known to local residents as the “Castle on Cass.”
In 1976, the Carlisle family purchased the Castle and continued to reside in the house for 30 years. By 2006 the Wood family purchased the residence, working to return the Castle to a single-family residence through major renovations.
Today the “Castle on Cass” is known as Castle La Crosse; an award-winning Bed and Breakfast. The former Holway Mansion is a La Crosse, Wisconsin landmark and continues to be one of the most photographed icons of the region. Castle La Crosse is the best-preserved example of high-style late 19th century residential architecture in Wisconsin and beyond.
We are very proud of our home and bed and breakfast and welcome any questions you might have about its architecture and history as well as the story of its transformation from an iconic mansion into our beloved Wisconsin bed and breakfast.
We would love for you to stay with us! Just shoot us an email to check our availability or click the button below to check out the lovely suites that beckon couples for a romantic getaway. Each suite has magic qualities all its own.
Meet the Innkeepers
The Castle came into our lives, as good things do, when we least expected it.
Billy found a story about the Castle on a Facebook page called “For the Love of Old Homes.”
Just before finding the Castle, Brandon had graduated from the Le Notre Culinary Institute after completing the French Patisserie program. His love of baking and creating wonderful food has been a major part of our success.
Before culinary school, Brandon worked in the airline industry and enjoyed traveling around the world. His education was in Urban Planning. Brandon enjoys all things culinary, as well as travel, history, and architecture.
Billy has a background in finance, insurance, and education. He was working at the University of Texas in the Houston Medical Center before moving to La Crosse. Billy’s main job is to learn how to properly care for a Grand 19th Century home. Painting and maintenance is a never-ending job. What fun!
Billy & Brandon your innkeepers
Both Billy and Brandon promote travel every chance they get. The books around the Castle are often travel related. There are maps on the walls in the library and globes, travel magazines, and souvenirs from trips and adventures abound.
After more than six years at the Castle, they still have the same goals: hospitality, comfort, relaxation. They work hard to share to this amazing Castle and it’s architecture. Castle La Crosse was voted the “Most Welcoming Bed & Breakfast in America” and has achieved numerous mentions in many publications.
You might not get to meet them, but there are two lucky canines that also call the Castle home. Dilly and Pronto, both rescue dogs, stay in a private area on the main floor, but sometimes pop out to say hello to guests (also known to check your pockets for treats or snacks).
Join us at the Castle the next time you are in town. We would love to meet you!
