Welcome to the historic William W. Smith House! When Major William Watkins Smith came to Sleepy Eye with his wife, Ada, they purchased property on the southwest corner of Linden Street and First Avenue South to build their new home. Finished in 1901, this two and half story clapboard-sheathed home combines both Queen Anne Victorian and Classical Revival architectural elements, and is a masterpiece in design. History William Watkins Smith was one of Sleepy' Eye's earliest bankers. Born in 1857, he was raised on his family's 600 acre farm and graduated from Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin. After spending a year working at a bank in South Dakota, he moved to Sleepy Eye in 1882 and opened the Merchants Bank. He served as the bank's cashier for over 50 years, never wanting any other title. The House Enter the home through two beautiful leaded glass doors into the expansive foyer with 10 foot high ceilings, gas fireplace, and ornate woodwork. The formal parlor connects to a sitting room with a large bay window and three sets of pocket doors. It is easy to imagine how elegant dinner parties must have been in this home's dining room being surrounded by a fireplace, built-in China cabinet, and crystal chandelier. As an extra architectural detail, each of the formal rooms feature a different inlaid floor pattern. The original library, with built-in book shelves, fireplace, and Steuben light fixture serves today as an office and reading room. The grand staircase still retains an original Tiffany newel post fixture as well as three beautiful stained glass windows at the first landing. The second floor features a master suite, three guest rooms, and three full baths. Varying wood species are used throughout the home including quarter-sawn red oak and American chestnut. Additional historic elements include working servant's call box, transom windows, and many original light fixtures. A servant's staircase leads to the finished third floor, currently serving as the owner's suite with living room, office, bedroom, walk-in closet, and bath. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is much the same as when it was first built, with a few exceptions, and an amazing restoration. Currently operating as the W.W. Smith Inn, the property can remain a bed and breakfast, or easily convert back to a single family home. Carriage House The Carriage House was used to store the Smith carriages and the horses. Horses were boarded in what is now the Box Stall bedroom on the first floor. It is reported that Smith owned the first automobile in Sleepy Eye and shortly after, the Carriage House was converted to a garage. In the late 1990's the Carriage House was converted to guest rooms, now featuring a bedroom and living room/dining room space on the first floor, and a spacious bedroom suite with 2-person whirlpool tub on the second floor.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
