KAUKAUNA — For a little under $1.6 million, one of the Fox Valley’s most elegant homes can be yours on the banks of the Fox River in Kaukauna.
This single family home at 705 W Wisconsin Ave. sits between Riverside Park and the uptown Kaukauna business district.
Described as “the largest and most elegant residential structure in the Valley” this historical 8 bedroom, +8,000 square-foot former Stribley Estate, reflects the gracious lifestyles of both past and present owners, according to a description on the Coldwell Banker website.
(Scroll down for photos I Click for a link to a video of the estate on Facebook)
The home is owned by the Paula M Zwicker Trust, according to city property records. Zwicker passed away in March at the age of 88, according to her obituary.
Zwicker was known for her involvement with the Fox Valley Symphony, Hearthstone Appleton, Grignon Mansion and Lawrence University’s art center.
Her husband, Tom, was at one time the president of Zwicker Knitting Mills, Appleton, and passed away in 2022.
Settled on two acres of lush natural river frontage, this three story stately home is characterized by its symmetrical composition, central plan, and superior craftsmanship.
It has a Colonial Revival porch, with upper balcony wraps the front profile. The vestibule leads to the expansive reception room with one of the home’s five oversized fire places.Soaring 10′ ceilings, 8′ doors, pocket doors, and finishes in mahogany, cherrywood, and white oak cover the interior.
A magnificent third floor ball room is blanketed in light.
According to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates blog, Charles and Emma Stribley were close acquaintances of the Edison family, and they made a lasting impact in many cities through their charitable work.
The Stribley family, who worked in the paper mill industry, moved to Kaukauna and designed a home with the help of the Van Ryn and DeGelleke architects built in 1910. The three-story, red brick home was built along the Fox River facing Wisconsin Avenue and was considered one of the largest, most elegant residential structures in Kaukauna.
Several rooms in the mansion were finished in mahogany; however, the second story was designed with oak and birch, and the third-floor ballroom featured California redwood.
Among the interior decorations, the famed “Lion Table” with a rectangular top containing a mosaic of colored wood and legs shaped into a lion’s head that Stribley purchased in Germany stood out.
Other unique features in this early twentieth century house included a central vacuum, an intercom telephone line, and closets with automatic lights that turned on when the door was opened.
