In 1853, 21-year-old Hans Mattson led a group of immigrants to what was soon to be named the Mattson Settlement in Goodhue County, southwest of present-day Red Wing and ten miles east of present Cannon Falls. Shortly afterwards, Mattson became a prominent promoter of the area, particularly convincing Swedes to immigrate to Minnesota. He was also the founder of three Swedish-language weekly newspapers, which helped to keep the local communities connected and up-to-date on current events.

The Mattson Settlement was later renamed Vasa in honor of King Gustav Vasa, who ruled Sweden from 1523 to 1560. Many of the people who settled here hailed from northern Skåne. At least ten Swedish families were living in the Vasa community by 1854, and by 1880 almost 4,300 Swedes lived in Goodhue County. Once known as “the most Swedish colony in America,” Vasa prospered as an agricultural community until the 1950s, when its two general stores, creamery, and post office closed.

Vasa Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the most intact and unchanged of the original Swedish colonies of Minnesota. The architecture is the most representative of an immigrant people from which Minnesota derives much of its cultural image. Nineteen buildings there were constructed during the 19th century.

15251 Old Children’s Home Road, Welch, MN 55089

• $1,250,000
• MLS # 4031095
• Bedrooms: 7
• Bathrooms: 3.5
• Finished Sq. Ft. 5,150 sq. Ft. (Approximate)
• Lot size: 34.38 acres (2 parcels)
• School district: 256 – Red Wing
• Built In: 1899

The Historic Vasa Children’s Home is a true piece of Minnesota’s heritage. The home offers privacy while being a spacious retreat; perfect for any family.

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Room Dimensions and Description by Floor

Main Level

• FOYER   -   22 x 11   -   Impressive entrance hall entered through double doors from a brick portico. Wide plank hobbed nail flooring. Wide gracious stair leading to second floor.
• LIBRARY   –   17 x 13   -    Cherry wood paneled entered thru antique double walnut doors, with custom built cherry wood window shutters. Floor to ceiling shelving with library ladder, with original fir flooring.
• FORMAL DINING ROOM   -   18 x 12   -   Cream colored enameled wainscoting above painted scenes
• POWDER ROOM   -   17 x 9   –    At rear of hall with china sink imprinted in paisley pattern. Leaded glass window and small dressing table and chair.
• KITCHEN    -    28 X 15   -   Maple flooring and cabinetry. Ceiling is paneled in wood salvaged from original silo – beams salvaged from original barn. Full brick wall with gas fireplace. Two – islands, 2 sinks and commercial appliances.
• GARDEN ROOM    -   40 X 20   -   Features vaulted ceilings paneled in cedar with five skylights, two sets of french doors leading to exterior, terra cotta mexican tile on floor with in-floor heat, built-in cabinetry and bar of butternut. Three stained glass memorial windows salvaged from a church and green vermont castings stove (gas). Shelving positioned under windows for seating or display (watering hoses concealed under shelving for watering plants.)

Second Level

• UPPER LANDING   -   22 x 11   -    Connects four bedrooms/two baths – additional sitting area that overlooks the front yard.
• OWNERS SUITE    -   18 X 14   -   Green paisley pattered Ralph Lauren wall coverings with matching draperies.   Master Bath includes, his and her sinks, abundant closet space, and separate tub/shower.
• BEDROOM #2   -   18 X 13   -   At the front of home overlooking drive
• BEDROOM #3   -   14 X 10   -   At the rear of home paneled in barn siding
• BEDROOM #4    -  11 x 9    -   At the front of home overlooking drive
• BATHROOM    -  11 x 9    -   Features shower and two sinks

Third Level

• BEDROOM #5   -   24 X 17   -    Pegged oak flooring – sloped ceilings
• BEDROOM #6   -   21 X 13   -    Pegged oak flooring – sloped ceilings (adjacent sitting room 15 X12)
• BEDROOM #7   -   12 X 12   -    Pegged oak flooring – sloped ceilings
• BATHROOM     -  9 x 6    -   Built as an addition for convenience, features tub

Guest Apartment

The three car garage and guest apartment was built in 1999. The garage portion of the structure is fully finished, insulated and heated. Currently in use as an artist’s studio.

The apartment located above, reached by an exterior stair, offers breathtaking views across rolling hills and wooded groves. The views exemplify the beauty of the Cannon River Valley.

Totally self contained, the apartment could continue in use as a guest apartment or become a caretaker’s home. Complete with full kitchen and bath, comfortable living room with wall Murphy bed this cedar paneled suite is charming. A red Vermont Castings stove provides ambiance and is also a supplemental source for the hot water baseboard heating system.

Mechanicals

• Private well and septic (2 hydrants located in yard)
• In-floor heat in garden room
• Hot water baseboard heat (new furnace) propane
• Hot water heater (new)
• Water softer
• Security system
• Ceiling fan in owner’s suite
• Electronic entrance gate
• Onan 37 kilowatt 3 phase generator purchased in 2001 enclosed in separate structure – fully automatic during power loss. Estimated 1-2 months of electricity on one tank of propane.
• Invisible fencing

Specifications

• Year built 1899 effectively rebuilt 1969 – 1974 to present
• Lot size 34.38 acres (2 parcels)
• School district – 256 – Red Wing
• Finished Sq. Ft. 5,150 sq. Ft. (Approximate)
• Real estate taxes $ 7,342.00 (2010)
• Legal description: 42.015.0700 (10 acres)  – 42.015.0600 (24.38 acres)
• Agricultural designation/Non Homestead

Horticulture – A green thumb in particular would love this house. The grounds are intricately landscaped, with perennial gardens, strawberry patches, asparagus beds, and a sunken garden that surrounds a pond and waterfall. The six car garage also has an attached greenhouse for extended vegetable and floral growing seasons.  A seed hardening shed is on-site as well.

Hobby Farm – This updated home would make a great hobby farm. The structurally sound barn and land could accommodate a small herd of livestock. There are also 12 acres of tillable land. An on-site orchard already contains apple and pear trees. Plenty of garage space provides storage options for the necessary equipment and machinery.

Equestrian - With some additional fencing, the former Vasa Children’s Home property could be great for equestrian pursuits. It has plenty of acreage for horses to roam, and a partial PVC fence around the perimeter. With additional investment in fencing, the former Vasa Children’s Home would be a good choice for a horse owner.

Studio – Because there are two large garages on the property, one can be used for vehicles while the other could be utilized as a studio. Currently, there is an artist and potter’s studio in the three car garage at the former Vasa Children’s Home. The secondary suite above the garage could be a mother-in-law apartment. With the right renter, both spaces could provide income.

Car Collector – With over 9 indoor heated garage spaces this property is car collectors dream. This area has some of the best scenic roads in the state.

Retreat Center – Endless possibilities for this unique property.

Income Generator – 12 acres of tillable land rented at $1,200 yearly.

Hunting – Turn the tillable land into CRP land. The open and wooded areas on the property provide numerous hunting opportunities.
 

Vasa’s roots were formed in 1853, when Swede Hans Mattson led a group of other immigrants to Mattson Settlement in Goodhue County, southwest of Red Wing and ten miles east of Cannon Falls. Later renamed Vasa in honor of Sweden’s King Gustav Vasa, the town was once the most Swedish colony in America. The Vasa Children’s Home was opened here in the basement of Vasa Lutheran Church by Reverend Erik Norelius in 1865. The organization changed locations five times during its history, sometimes due to natural disasters and at other times, growth.

The extraordinary house for sale served as the 4^th Vasa Children’s Home from 1899 until 1926. After that, the property began a long and slow deterioration that would continue for 50 years. But then there were twists in its story: In 1968 and then again in 1974, the home was purchased by people who lovingly restored and enhanced its structures and grounds to transform it into the impressive country estate that it is today.

The sale of the former Vasa Children’s Home offers someone new the chance to own this fully updated and restored property. With only a 50 minute drive to St. Paul via Highway 52, this could serve as a main residence or as a weekend sanctuary. Situated in the idyllic the Cannon River Valley, this prime piece of real estate is sure to be someone’s perfect dream home.

The home started in the basement of Vasa Lutheran Church by Reverend Erik Norelius in 1865, when four orphaned children arrived in town. The need for the service was great and Norelius eventually bought 10 acres of land, where he built a wood framed structure. The acreage was used for growing food, pasture for farm animals and harvesting lumber. Eventually, more land was acquired and more buildings were erected.

The organization has a tumultuous 10 year period in the late 1800s. In July of 1872, a tornado leveled the buildings. The third structure that housed the organization was built in 1880 from money donated to the home from all around the state. That building was destroyed by a fire in 1899. Finally, calm was achieved after a newer, larger building was constructed in its place, which is now a beautifully renovated and restored, historic private residence

Vasa Children’s Home relocated in 1926 to the junction of U.S. Highway 61 and State Highway 19, between Vasa and Red Wing. Dr. AP Anderson and his family donated the 400 acre site and its buildings to insure continued services in the Red Wing Area to children in need. Vasa Children’s Home sheltered and cared for over 1,000 orphaned and neglected children, until 1954 when it changed its focus to children with disabilities.

The present Lutheran Social Service’s Vasa Children’s Home is the fifth building to house the organization. It was built in 1973 with a generous gift from the Roy Meyer Family. Located six miles west of Red Wing, MN, it is a 24-bed intermediate care facility that supports children and young adults, 7-22 years of age, with a wide range of developmental, physical, psychological, social or behavioral delays.

Located near the Cannon River Valley area, there are a variety of recreational opportunities available within easy driving distance to residents of Vasa, MN.

The beautiful Cannon Valley Trail is a 19.7 mile long path built on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line that connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. Paralleling the Cannon River, the trail runs through diverse and spectacular scenery, offering glimpses and panoramas of the valley. The Trail is open year round: For bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, hiking and walking in the summer and cross-country skiing and skijoring in the winter.

Beginning with six runs, a T-bar and rope tow in 1965, Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Resort in Welch, MN, has expanded to 50 runs on three mountains and nine chairlifts – Four quads, one triple, four Doubles, a handle tow and Magic Carpet lift. Welch Village currently has 140 acres of skiable areas and an average snowfall of 45 inches yearly. Its highest summit is 1060 feet.

Located just a few miles north of Red Wing, you will find the Hay Creek Management Unit. This secluded area is surrounded by hills forested in oaks, with elm, birch, and basswood mixed in. Visitors come to fly fish in the Hay Creek trout stream or to ride horseback on the 15 miles of equestrian trails that will cover a range of terrain, from creek bottoms to scenic vistas.

Also located in Welch is Welch Mill Canoeing and Tubing. In the summer time, friends and family can enjoy an afternoon of canoeing, tubing, or kayaking along the scenic Cannon River Valley. They offer canoe, tube and kayak rentals. Welch Mill Canoeing and Tubing offers a five and twelve mile canoe and kayak trips for people of any experience level.

The bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens of Cannon Golf Club in Cannon Falls follow along the shores of the Cannon River. This three season traditional golf course is sprinkled with wetlands, ponds and streams that make for a fantastic round of golf. Golfers should bring their “A” game, as they will be challenged by small targets, strategically placed water hazards and a few tough par three’s.

The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world. In Minnesota, the river flows through valleys, prairies and woodlands and while offering a variety of recreational activities to choose from. In under an hour, you can travel along the scenic roads from Vasa to Lake City, MN where you will find a charming community located in the Mississippi Bluffs region of Southeast MN. Lake Pepin, a naturally occuring lake on the Mississippi, is the heart of this town and is a tourist attraction for those who enjoy fishing, boating, or water skiing.

Not the outdoors type? With thousands of slots, rows of blackjack tables, mouth-watering food and top notch entertainment, Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch is a premier entertainment destination. What has started as a one-room bingo hall in 1984 has grown into a getaway filled with experiences one can’t find anywhere else, including a marina, golf course and 120-passenger cruise ship.

Located just south of the Twin Cities, is a charming, small college town that has something for every interest. Northfield, MN, located along the shoreline of the Cannon River, is an exciting place to visit any time of the year! Whether you enjoy shopping, arts and theater or site seeing and outdoor recreational activities, Northfield will be sure to surpass your expectations of a good time.

Red Wing, MN was recently named the 23rd most historic place to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine! With a wide variety of recreational activities to choose from: hiking, canoeing, hunting, shopping, antiquing, boating and fishing to only name a few, visitors of Red Wing are sure to find something fun to do. If you plan to stay for the weekend, be sure to book a room at the St. James Hotel to make your experience even more memorable.

For 27 years, from its dedication in 1899 through 1926, this historic house was the site of the Lutheran Social Services Vasa Children’s Home. The organization that cared for orphaned children was one of the first private institutions of its kind in Minnesota. When the group moved to the junction of U.S. Highway 61 and State Highway 19, the structure became a private residence.

During the 1930’s, the former children’s home underwent some changes including the removal of the small infirmary, school house, and second dormitory.  At one point the property was even used for grain storage by local farmers.  By the 1960’s, the historic property was in need of a facelift.

In 1968, the previous owners purchased the property and expansive renovations were made. The completed project was a transformation and the home was significantly upgraded both structurally and cosmetically. They installed new electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, siding, and roofing, essentially updating the entire structure. The second level now has four bedrooms with two baths. The third level, formerly an attic, has one bathroom and three large bedrooms with sloped ceilings and oak random plank pegged flooring.

The main level of the home was remodeled to include spacious rooms, large windows, 12 foot ceilings and a country styled kitchen with full brick wall fireplace. Wood salvaged from a silo was used as paneling for the ceiling, with timbers from the barn used as beams. A formal living room was created to the left of the foyer across the spacious hall from the kitchen. Adjacent to the living room and across from the kitchen is a formal dining room with paneled wainscoting.

In 1974, the current owners purchased the property and began placing their own imprint upon the home.  They transformed the pleasant country home into a country estate, starting with enhancing the ground and the approach to the home. Stone entrance pillars were built to secure a wrought iron gate that is activated by an electronic code. White maintenance-free fencing separates the property from the road. Pine trees that are over 100-years-old at the rear of the property and drive were joined by additional evergreens located strategically throughout the acreage.

The land surrounding the home is extensively landscaped. Perennial gardens, strawberry patches and asparagus beds abound. A sunken garden surrounds a pond that includes a waterfall. An on-site orchard contains apple and pear trees. The original cupola from the dismantled barn was converted into a garden house, complete with running water. A custom designed wrought iron gazebo was also installed.

During this time, the outbuildings were also being restored and repurposed. The remaining barn, built in 1920, was resided and reroofed in 1999.The chicken coop became a guest cottage. A heated six car garage was built with adjoining green house. What had been a bunk house became a three car garage, which is currently used as a painting and potters studio, with a guest apartment on the top level. The self-sufficient, cedar paneled suite is complete with full kitchen and bath and comfortable living room with a Murphy bed.

Improvements were also happening to the home itself. A hand split shake roof, clear redwood siding and double hung windows have given the home an exterior facelift. The interior was completely redecorated and closets were added. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, with commercial grade appliances, including a Haussler bread oven, a six burner gas Wolf range, and commercial refrigerator and freezer. The former living room became a handsome library complete with a ladder, paneled in cherry and entered through a pair of antique walnut doors.

Fully updated and restored, the new steward of this Neo Classic style home can also just sit back, relax, and enjoy the efforts of the previous owners. With only a 50 minute drive to St. Paul via Highway 52, the property could serve as a wonderful family residence or a weekend retreat. Located in the heart of the Cannon River Valley, the pastoral setting is sure to bring unlimited happiness to whoever decides to call this house home.