Hirschi's theatrical interests make the Brumder Mansion an exceptional place for events. The Mansion has played host to weddings, receptions, corporate meetings and teas with the Queen, complete with her Majesty's presence – or at least a convincing likeness.

During the winter holidays, the Brumder has offered A Christmas Carol dinner show – a reading of A Christmas Carol in its entirety with full traditional English Christmas-goose dinner, hot wassail, tea and sweets. The reader? Charles Dickens himself – as portrayed by accomplished actor Stephen Parr.

Rumor has it that the Mansion may have a few ghostly occupants, so Halloween offers yet another opportunity for Hirschi to showcase both the house and her own theatricality. The wonderfully spooky house has played host to past performances of The Dracula Papers: Van Helsing and Haunted History, where scenes took place throughout the mansion by candlelight. "They were done deadly serious, but that's part of the fun," explains Hirschi, describing the playfully eerie events created for grown-up fans of the holiday. "It was more cerebral than your typical Halloween experience."

This September, Ghost Hunter University will visit the Brumder. During the event, which is affiliated with Haunted Times Magazine, guests can learn about ghost hunting and join in paranormal investigations. Unexplained noises, bad dreams and moved objects have given the Mansion a reputation for being haunted. Though the events have been noted in Weird Wisconsin and listed among other haunted bed and breakfasts in the state, Hirschi assures guests that any paranormal visitors are friendly. "I think the ghosts are all theater groupies, that's my hunch," says Hirschi, who recently purchased the property next door and is working on an expansion of her Wisconsin Avenue offerings.

Owning a bed and breakfast can be exhausting, especially one requiring the extensive renovations needed to create the Brumder's luxurious appeal. However, Hirschi says despite its labor intensive nature, there are definite perks. "I figured if I lived where I worked, I would never be late for work," she jokes. Another bright spot is working with her fellow hosts – her faithful dogs – who follow her around everyday, greet guests and selflessly assist with the clean up of any tasty morsel that might drop to the floor. "They are one of the amenities," says Hirschi. As guests of the Brumder Mansion can attest, this grand old home has amenities to spare.