Seth Peterson Cottage

Mirror Lake, WI

Mr. Wright was the ripe old age of 90 years old when he received a retainer from a young man named Seth Peterson to design a small home. Peterson had asked Wright to design him a home multiple times, but Wright stated that he was too busy. However, when Peterson sent a $1,000 retainer, Wright, always in a precarious financial situation, promptly spent it. Being unable to come up with the money to return to Mr. Peterson, Wright was forced to accept the commission.

Peterson, also cash-strapped, was forced to cut costs by doing some construction himself. And unfortunately, Peterson, at the age of 24, ended up taking his own life shortly before the house was completed in 1960.

Six years later, the state purchased the house but ultimately abandoned it. However, in 1989, the Seth Peterson Cottage Conservancy, a group of local volunteers, negotiated a lease with the State Parks Department to take over management of the house. Following the involvement of this group of volunteers, the small cottage was restored and renovated. With the growing popularity of overnight rentals, the cottage became a successful short-term rental.

The house is located in a very beautiful area, and has an almost cabin like feel.

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