About 238 E Jefferson Street
Just one block from Madison's historic courthouse square, this beautifully restored historic home offers the rare combination of authentic character, walkable downtown living, and the convenience of everyday main-level living. Known historically as the Emma Reid Long Boarding House, the home retains its original architectural character and proportions while a thoughtful restoration expanded and modernized the home. The main level is especially well suited to everyday living, with the primary suite, an additional bedroom and full bath, laundry, kitchen, and open living/dining area all on one floor. Upstairs, a private third bedroom, full bath, and flexible bonus room provide ideal space for visiting children or grandchildren, a caregiver, home office, studio, or other separate retreat. Built circa 1906, the home remained associated with the Long family for generations. Its original proportions, roofline, window openings, and historic structural bones were carefully retained during an early-2000s restoration that added the rear living area and upstairs space while preserving the recognizable form and character of the original house. Updated plumbing and electrical and extensive insulation provided the foundation for comfortable modern living. The current owner has continued the home's transformation with significant improvements, including a complete primary bath renovation to the rafters, an opened and dramatically improved living/dining area with an architectural beam, a brand-new roof, dual-zone HVAC installed in 2023, renovated rear screened porch, and plantation shutters throughout. Outside, the fully fenced 0.18-acre property offers something increasingly rare this close to downtown: genuine privacy. A restored screened porch, rear deck, extensive hardscaping and landscaping, and gated off-street parking for multiple vehicles create a private outdoor retreat. An electric driveway gate and interior turnaround area add convenience, while a separate pedestrian gate provides access toward the alley. This is more than a historic house near downtown-it is an authentic piece of Madison's history, thoughtfully restored and continually improved to offer the walkable lifestyle,
