The Purdy Estate: Where Gilded Age History Meets Modern Luxury
In the heart of Appleton’s prestigious Apple Hill neighborhood lies a property so steeped in local history and so lavishly appointed that it transcends the typical definition of a luxury home. This is the Purdy Estate, a breathtaking residence an 8,474 square-foot masterpiece that serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the Fox Valley’s most influential figures: Bruce Purdy.
The name Bruce Purdy resonates deeply within the Appleton community.
A prodigious inventor whose work shaped industries, and a dedicated philanthropist whose generosity uplifted countless lives, Purdy’s greatest visible legacy might be the very land upon which this estate sits—the founding of Apple Hill Farms.
It is in this context of vision, innovation, and unwavering quality that the estate was originally established, beginning with a stately farmhouse in 1910.
The Purdy Estate, therefore, is not just a house; it is the physical embodiment of a local titan’s pioneering spirit.
A Historic Foundation Reimagined: The $2.6 Million Transformation
While the home’s brick exterior and preserved historical features whisper tales of the early 20th century, its interiors boldly proclaim a 21st-century standard of unparalleled luxury. This unique duality is the result of a meticulously planned and executed total remodel, completed recently with an extraordinary investment exceeding $2.6 million. The scope of the renovation was comprehensive, extending to every surface and system, including the acquisition of nearly an additional acre of land in 2019, expanding the property to a generous 2.85-acre park-like setting.
The mission of the renovation was not to erase the past, but to elevate it. The architects and designers succeeded brilliantly, preserving the charm of the original 1910 farmhouse structure while integrating features expected in the world’s most exclusive modern residences. This is a property that simultaneously pays homage to its founder’s history while embracing a future of sustainable, accessible, and uncompromising comfort.
The Inventor’s Eye for Detail: Vertical Living and Intelligent Design
Bruce Purdy, the inventor, would undoubtedly appreciate the technological sophistication and thoughtful design of his namesake estate today. For instance, the home navigates its three expansive stories with grace, featuring two custom spiral staircases that are works of art in their own right, twirling up through the heart of the residence. More critically, a three-story elevator ensures effortless accessibility for residents and guests, a feature that speaks to the estate’s forward-thinking design philosophy and commitment to universal living.
Every corner of the 8,474 square feet has been optimized for supreme comfort. The layout includes four exceptionally appointed bedrooms, each a private retreat. In a rare display of luxury design, everybedroom boasts its own full, private en-suite bathroom. With four full bathrooms and four half-baths (a total of 8 bathrooms), the estate ensures that convenience and privacy are never compromised.
The entire upper level is dedicated solely to the Primary Suite, a true sanctuary that offers a lavish full bath and ample storage space, creating a private world away from the main-level bustle.
Grand Entertaining and Family Life
The main and lower levels are perfectly designed for both grand-scale entertaining and intimate family life.
The main floor is dominated by a sprawling 1500+ Sq Ft ball room and a separate, 800+ Sq Ft formal dining room, providing endless possibilities for gatherings.
The gourmet kitchen is the home’s operational heart, featuring a generous-sized island, a full suite of included high-end appliances (refrigerator, range, oven, and dishwasher, and warming drawer), and easy access to the deck overlooking the lush grounds.
The atmosphere throughout is enriched by three fireplaces (a mix of gas and wood-burning) and numerous wood burning stoves , providing a cozy ambiance during Wisconsin’s colder months, while features like vaulted ceilings and a dedicated wet bar elevate the home’s entertaining prowess.
Sustainability Meets Luxury
Perhaps the most Purdy-esque feature of the renovation is the commitment to intelligent, sustainable living. The estate utilizes both geothermal heating, a testament to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Coupled with other high-performance features like a heat pump, radiant heating, Energy Star appliances, and the use of Low VOC paints, the home stands as a model of modern, eco-conscious luxury.
This innovative approach to utility management would make the original inventor proud, demonstrating that luxury can be achieved without sacrificing ecological intelligence.
The Unrivaled Grounds and Automotive Sanctuary
Set on 2.85 pristine acres—among the largest in the coveted Apple Hill area—the exterior offers a stunning, private, park-like environment. The property is accessed via two separate driveways, offering flexibility and convenience. Plus, it is NOT in the HOA- it was deeded out when the land was originally plotted.
For the collector or enthusiast, the 8+ car garage capacity is nothing short of spectacular.
Beyond the traditional attached garages, the lower level features a cleverly integrated “secret” three-car garage, built discreetly under the home.
The entire structure is attached, heated, and designed to securely house a substantial collection of vehicles and recreational toys, a pragmatic luxury that is nearly impossible to find.
A Legacy Awaiting Its Next Steward
The Purdy Estate on N Ballard Rd is more than a listing; it is a meticulously preserved piece of Appleton history, saturated with the entrepreneurial spirit of Bruce Purdy and dramatically updated for the demands of 21st-century high-end living. It offers a rare chance to purchase an 8,474 square-foot home on a 2.85-acre lot, featuring a 3-story elevator, geothermal heating, all for the a price less than the cost to renovate it.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own perhaps the most luxurious, historically significant, and technologically advanced property in Apple Hill—a legacy home that awaits its next discerning steward.
Do not miss the chance to experience the history and luxury of the Purdy Estate. Schedule your private viewing today.
