About The Inn
Experience the warmth of midwestern hospitality at The Buckingham Inn. Our Inn offers a peaceful retreat in a 3-floor 1911 building that has been lovingly restored.
Come sit by the fireplace in the first floor living room. Sip morning coffee in the sun room. Enjoy a tasty, homemade breakfast in the dining room. Play a tune on the piano.
Choose from 3 large, comfortable, and well-appointed suites. Craftsman styling, lux room furnishing, and large spa bathrooms await you. Relax in the jetted-tub or in the multi-spray shower.
Our suites offer free WiFi and cable HDTV with streaming services. Free off-street parking and secure inside bicycle storage are provided.
Keyless entry front door lock is easy and convenient.
The innkeepers love living in Madison and can’t wait to share their favorite Madison experiences, activities, and restaurants with you. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, stay at The Buckingham Inn and discover all the extra touches that will make your visit in Madison unforgettable!
History Of The Inn
As Madison grew in population and expanded further out from the state capitol a “suburb” was created in the hills west of campus. A former mayor of Madison, Breese Stevens, sold his land to the University Heights Company in 1893 and so began the University Heights Neighborhood. The Buckingham Inn was built on the edge of the neighborhood in 1911, 6 years before Camp Randall Stadium. Originally constructed as a 3-flat apartment building, the Inn was built in the Prairie School style of architecture influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. This architectural style is marked by clean lines, broad overhanging eaves, fine craftsmanship, and windows grouped in horizontal bands. The Buckingham Inn is within a local historic district.
The original tenants were mostly students or staff of the university and this fact remained true for the next 100 years. In 2006, the innkeepers’ son was one of those UW students living in the building. That year the property came for sale and was purchased. In the fall of 2013, after renting the apartments for 7 years, the innkeepers began a comprehensive renovation of the building. Original walls had no insulation behind lathe and plaster. Mechanical systems had reached the end of their lifespan. Electrical wiring was outdated. Pipes that were located on outside walls would freeze many winters. The house now has new insulation, electrical, plumbing and heating systems. Interior woodwork was reproduced from the original painted pine to rich dark-stained oak. Fireplaces were converted to gas and technology upgrades were added. The renovation earned a residential rehabilitation award in 2015 from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.
Since The Buckingham Inn opened it’s doors in January 2015, past tenants of the building have stopped by to see it and marvel at the transformation. The innkeepers enjoy these spontaneous visits from former residents and their often-entertaining stories of living at 1615 Summit Avenue!
Heidi and Tom are thrilled to have rehabilitated this building to create a welcoming Inn for friends and guests visiting the UW-Madison campus and vibrant city of Madison.
