BLOOMING GROVE

4659 Tonyawatha Trail

 

Situated on three lots with 150 feet of shoreline overlooking Lake Monona, the Charles Fix home stands as an example of early wealth in Monona. This was perhaps one of the first large homes constructed in the Monona area primarily as a family residence, rather than as one associated with a resort or farm operation. When the Flad Construction Company built the home in 1926, Mr. Fix was employed by Vorclone Manufacturing Company in Milwaukee. Previously, he had earned prominence in the Madison area for his work with his brother Joseph in the Fix Brothers Plastering firm. They completed considerable plaster work in the Capitol building, as well as in some university buildings and Madison theaters.

 

The design of the home encompasses several styles. The white columns, crown moldings and construction of the fireplaces are typically Georgian, while the gambrel roof is reminiscent of the Dutch Colonial style. The living room extends the width of the house with a red brick and wood fireplace. French doors on each side of the fireplace open on to an airy sun room with a southern exposure. A formal dining room, kitchen and servants' quarters (consisting of two rooms and bath) are also on the main floor. The gracious entrance hall extends the width of the house with French doors opening onto a columned screened porch (a later addition). A wide, open staircase, slightly curving at the bottom, gives access to the three bedrooms upstairs. The master bedroom, which also extends the width of the house directly above the living room, is highlighted by a glazed tile fireplace framed by French doors leading to a railed deck above the sun room.