The Glass House Experience
Susan and Norbert Calnin had one question stuck in their minds: “What would it be like to put a bed in the woods protected from the elements?” And then they did. The Glass House at Anaway Place — sitting on 80 rolling acres in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area — puts a transparent line between its guests and nature. “We wanted to provide a place where our guests could feel and absorb the sounds and changing light of nature, from the moment they arrive through the sights and sounds of first light to night light,” explains Susan.
With 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, a gas fireplace, air conditioning, a queen-sized bed, a kitchenette, and a detached full bath — accessed via a short wooden walkway from the house — it’s a definite leap forward from camping, while still retaining the essence of being immersed in nature. Moreover, it provides an enhanced way to connect with the great outdoors while enjoying modern comforts.
Luxury Accommodations
The term ‘glamping’ was not in common use when the Glass House first opened in 2005, but it perfectly encompasses the experience offered. Additionally, the experience changes beautifully across seasons: Opening in early spring, the house’s first guests enjoy long views into the surrounding trees and landscape. As summer draws nearer, the view becomes increasingly intimate — enveloped in dense forest, where sounds of nature such as hooting barred owls and chirping crickets become the backdrop for a peaceful retreat.
The Glass House’s dawn-to-dusk, light-to-night experience has been so well-received that the Calnins recognized they had stumbled upon something significant. Consequently, they introduced larger accommodations: the Meadow House, Woodland House, and the new Hillside Cabin, which also incorporate large glass elements, fully equipped kitchens, woodstove fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and more for those seeking more extensive luxury and shared space.
Local Attractions
Quiet, wooded, and unmistakably remote, the seven-site Anaway Place — rebranded from Candlewood Cabins in 2021 — sits about six miles from Richland Center, a small city roughly 90 minutes from Madison. The 20th-century main street vibes flow along Court Street, featuring local storefronts like Kelly’s Coffee House and Ocooch Books & Libations, which give the town a stroll-worthy feel.
Furthermore, if you venture a bit further, you’ll discover a wealth of surprises: Within a 30-minute drive, visitors can enjoy culinary delights in Viroqua, known as one of the leading organic farming towns in the U.S., and home to the James Beard-nominated Driftless Cafe. Looking southeast, an evening can be beautifully spent at American Players Theatre, noted as one of the best classical theater companies in the country, with the enchanting outdoor, in-the-woods Hill Theatre. Additionally, the artistic genius of Frank Lloyd Wright is on display at Taliesin, and the unique House on the Rock stands as a masterpiece of kitsch and imagination.
Lastly, the Lower Wisconsin River Road, a 100-mile scenic byway along Highway 60, transports visitors through the remnants of the ancient Ocooch Mountains. This road follows the meandering curves of the Wisconsin River, offering an ever-changing route from hill to valley, full of hidden gems and surprises in the Driftless Area waiting to be uncovered.
