Converted Barn Filled With Eerie Statues and Life-Sized Dolls Screams Onto the Market in Wisconsin for $350K

An “eclectic” former barn that has been transformed into a very unusual private residence recently hit the market in Appleton, WI, for $349,900—offering up a rare opportunity for someone who is in the market for a truly extraordinary home.

While barn conversions boast a legion of fans, this particular property is stirring up some serious interest on social media for a very different reason: its incredibly unique decor.

Every corner of the 2,316-square-foot dwelling, as well as its gardens, have been filled with enormous statues and dolls that create a somewhat eerie presence throughout the home.

A bust of founding father Benjamin Franklin, life-size guards standing watch out front, and other statues strategically placed around the property were designed to bring the nearly 1-acre lot to life.

Inside, an Alfred Hitchcock lookalike can be found in the foyer, a Frankenstein statue stands guard at another entrance, and a King Tut Tomb overlooks the primary bedroom.

According to listing agent Jayden Henton, of Real Broker LLC, the family that owns the home has been living there for close to 20 years—during which time they have filled the dwelling with unique pieces of art that reflect their own creative tastes.

“It’s a very creative and eclectic family who owns it and has lived here for about 16 years,” Henton shares. “He is an art teacher at a local school and did all of the paintings. His son is a very talented artist as well.”

Sadly, for anyone hoping to take over the intriguing artworks, Henton says the family does plan on taking all of the furnishings with them.

Still, the listing photos alone provide ample inspiration for any creative types who are looking to put their own quirky spin on a historic property.

Henton notes that the structure could, in theory, be repurposed if required by a buyer, although she admits she hopes whoever takes it on does keep it as a personal residence.

“The home has such character that it would be hard to envision it being something else,” she says. “I think it needs to stick with an artist or someone who loves restoring old homes.”

Built in 1920, the spacious home located 40 minutes from Green Bay features an open-concept layout.

Many of the original elements from the property’s days as a working barn remain intact in the home; however, it has also undergone several modern updates to ensure it is as comfortable of a dwelling as possible.

“The light fixtures when you walk into the billiard room are super cool and I love the hardwood floors,” Henton says. “The roof and gutters were done in 2022.”

Other highlights include vaulted ceilings, slate and hardwood floors, and exposed beams.

“Its former self was a barn and there is room to expand, which is a big feature,” Henton says. “There is probably 1,000 square feet that you could expand upstairs. The front foyer is unfinished, so you could transform that into a grand foyer area.”

Additional amenities include a double-sided fireplace in the dining room that opens up to the primary bedroom, and a black toilet, copper tub, and barber chair in one of the two full bathrooms.

Henton says she believes it will be used as a primary residence, but notes that the property could also be used to generate rental income, especially if the next buyer decided to finish off the attic, walk-out basement, and outdoor living space.

“The lot is really stunning with nature and trees,” she says. “It’s just so quiet and serene. The seller loves the front porch and garden done with hostas. It’s going to be a particular buyer who wants to grow with the house and make it even better.”