Maxwell Mansion, built more than 150 years ago at 421 Baker St. in downtown Lake Geneva, has been listed for sale for just under $4 million.
Lake Geneva's historic Maxwell Mansion has attracted buyers who have experience in the hospitality industry and who once were managers at the Lake Lawn Resort.
Luke and Monica Pfeifer, who are married, have reached an agreement to purchase the Maxwell Mansion from owner Andrew Fritz in a deal that could be completed by December.
The sale price has not been disclosed yet, but the historic hotel at 421 Baker St. had been listed for $3.89 million.
Luke Pfeifer expressed confidence that the sale will be finalized.
"We're still waiting for all the final pieces," he said. "We're pretty confident that it's going to go through."
The Maxwell Mansion property was built in 1856 as a summer home for Dr. Philip Maxwell. Long since converted into a boutique hotel, it has been owned by Fritz since 2012.
The property includes a carriage house and stables, with a total of 28 guest suites, as well as a ballroom, a cocktail bar, three acres of gardens, and a heated pool.
Luke Pfeifer said it is the ideal place for he and his wife to re-enter the Lake Geneva region's hospitality industry.
"It's something we can be hands-on as a family and not be overwhelmed," he said. "The location in Lake Geneva, you absolutely cannot beat."
The couple currently lives in Seattle, Washington, but they plan to move back to the Lake Geneva area.
Both of them worked previously in management at Delavan's Lake Lawn Resort, as well as Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.
The couple plans an open house event at the Maxwell Mansion once they take ownership.
"We want to welcome the community," Pfeifer said, "and learn how we can help Lake Geneva any way possible."
Shoppers return to Main Street during pandemic
Crowds in downtown Lake Geneva have included many people not wearing face masks or taking other safety precautions to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.
Shoppers in Christine's Gift Shop in Lake Geneva
Shoppers Chuck Settles, left, and Carol Palfroman, both of Rochelle, Illinois, opt to go face mask-less while shopping inside Christine's Gift Shop, 858 W. Main St., in downtown Lake Geneva.
Cars line up heading into downtown Lake Geneva
Motorists wait in line May 16 along Main Street as shoppers and visitors pour into downtown Lake Geneva on the first Saturday after a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling allowed many businesses to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.
Customers wait in line at Kilwins candy shop
Customers line up outside Kilwins Lake Geneva candy and ice cream shop May 16 as shoppers and tourists return to downtown Lake Geneva during the coronavirus outbreak.
Leather Accents owner Linda Longwell wears face mask
Linda Longwell, a store owner in downtown Lake Geneva, wears a face mask to safeguard against spreading the coronavirus.
Oakfire restaurant crowd poses for a picture
An employee at Oakfire restaurant in downtown Lake Geneva takes a picture of customers in sidewalk seating in May as crowds of tourists arrived in the city without face masks.
Woman relaxes on bench with her bulldog on Broad Street
Taking a breather on a bench May 16 along Broad Street in downtown Lake Geneva, Mary Ingraffia-Ksiazek of Bartlett, Illinois, enjoys a sunny day with her French bulldog, "Stas."
Overland Sheepskin employees prepare for returning shoppers
Overland Sheepskin Company store employees, Diana Bahrke, left, and Tyler Blohm, prepare merchandise for shoppers as the downtown Lake Geneva clothing store reopens during the coronavirus pandemic.
Visitors wear face masks in Library Park in Lake Geneva
Visitors on the Lake Geneva lakefront show that some in the community are choosing to wear face masks, while many others are not.
Candle shop worker gets candles ready for shoppers
Natalie Sliwinski, employee at The Candle Mercantile, 870 W. Main St., prepares some candles for customers after reopening the candle shop in downtown Lake Geneva.
Shoppers seek return to normalcy in downtown Lake Geneva
Sandra Mesa, from left, Debbie Wester and Patricia Haisman enjoy a day of shopping in downtown Lake Geneva. Local businesses have experienced in an increase in foot traffic now that the state’s “Safer at Home” order has been lifted.
Main Street draws crowds without face masks during public health crisis
Shoppers and visitors forgo face masks and other public health guidelines on Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva as stores reopen May 17 during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bookstore employee wears face mask as stores reopen during pandemic
Raina Remeeus, owner of Dust Bunny Books, 152 Center St., joins other business owners in wearing a face mask, although many shops are allowing customers to forgo the public health safeguard.
Popeye's outdoor patio fills up during first Saturday back
Diners fill up outdoor seating May 16 at Popeye’s restaurant, 811 Wrigley Drive, as the lakefront attraction drew big crowds as soon as the Wisconsin Supreme Court threw out coronavirus safety measures that kept many businesses closed.
Dennis Hines
Reporter
