At just under 10 acres, and with over 1,000 feet of Lake Monona shoreline, the property known as San Damiano has been described as epic, iconic, and even magical. The property’s small arboretum of cedars, sycamores, oaks, pines, and apple trees serves as a haven for a wide variety of native and migratory birds, and at least one natural spring still gurgles beneath its topsoil. Perched atop a natural limestone bluff, the property offers breathtaking views of the Capitol, and a peaceful natural expanse, amidst the bustling sprawl of Madison’s East Side.
San Damiano is the largest private parcel of land remaining on all of Lake Monona, and it has remained largely undisturbed for more than 100 years. A singular, Dutch Colonial-Revival manor house, built in 1893-4 and known as the Frank Allis House, still stands on the property in testament to a bygone era.
Take Rte. 51 (Stoughton Road) to Buckeye Road. Take a right onto Buckeye and stay on until it ends at Monona Drive. Take a left onto Monona Drive. San Damiano is on the immediate right.
Take Atwood Avenue, then Monona Drive. Go past Olbrich Gardens and Buckeye Road. San Damiano is located on the right, just past Buckeye, across from the Lake Edge Shopping Center.
Take I-94 to Rte. 30 Madison, exiting at Rte. 51 (Stoughton Road). Take a left onto Stoughton Road, and go two exits to Buckeye Road. Take a right onto Buckeye and stay on until it ends at Monona Drive. Take a left onto Monona Drive. San Damiano is on the immediate right.
Take Madison’s Beltline, Rte. 12/18, from either east or west, exiting at Monona Drive. Take Monona Drive north about 2 miles. San Damiano is on the left, just past Winnequah Road.