About 4969 Helms Road
Have you fallen in love with the hills, hollers, and history of Brown County? Follow the winding road through lush forests and up the hilly driveway, and you’ll discover a home where the best of Brown County artistry comes together. Sunlight dances through the trees, every corner tells a story, and the serene rhythm of the forest invites you to make this retreat your own. Sitting on 13 acres bordering Yellowwood State Forest, the home was built in 2001 on the original homestead site. The first house, built in 1978, burned in 2000, though the very first “house” in the 70s was a teepee in the valley. This home was designed by local master woodworker and Brown County resident, the late Bob Adair. Every detail bears his hand, enhanced by skilled craftsmen who helped bring his vision to life. All the wood was sourced locally, either from the property or from Gerald’s Woodshed and Helmsburg Mill. The metal roof, crafted by the Amish, crowns the home with durability and timelessness. Inside, oak beams, cedar and poplar trim add warmth, character, and a nod to the surrounding forest. Technically a 2-bedroom, 3-bath, 2,500+ SF home, it offers many flex spaces that could serve as sleeping or living areas. Only the appliances were from a big-box store; everything else was thoughtfully crafted locally. Handcrafted oak kitchen cabinets, walnut trim, custom doors from the bottom-of-the-hill shop, and hardwood floors milled from the property’s timber complete the picture of local artistry. A centerpiece is the two-story great room with a hand-dry-stacked Brown County stone, three-story fireplace extending into the basement. Upstairs, one bedroom, bath loft, ideal for a sitting area, dressing room, or reading nook, creating a perfect master suite retreat.The main floor has an open kitchen and dining area, with windows, some etched, framing the changing seasons. The living room invites gatherings or quiet reflection by the fire. Through a wood and stained-glass walkway is the 1860s Helms family cabin, offering a summer bedroom, third living room, or creative retreat. Its summer porch provides a new view, and handmade doors. The hillside basement stays naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, with its own kitchen, bedroom, and bath, ideal for a guest suite. A fireplace and separate limestone porch add privacy. This isn’t just a house. It’s a legacy of craftsmanship, history, and heart, ready for someone to continue its story.
