Entire home

Private Retreat in the Woods

Photo gallery for Private Retreat in the Woods

Exterior
Property grounds
3 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Living area | Smart TV, fireplace, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Ellison Bay, WI
  • Popular LocationWaterfront Park14 min drive
  • Popular LocationSister Bay Marina15 min drive
  • Popular LocationNewport State Park17 min drive
  • AirportGreen Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.)109 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private Retreat in the Woods

Come stay with us and enjoy our newly remodeled 1st floor Bathroom and Zone control Air Conditioner. A/C will be in our Great Room and 2nd Floor Bedroom.

Our home feels like a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life! It is bright, cozy and charming. The wall of windows into the woods in the living room is a wonderful place to do some wildlife watching. Better yet, head outside to the private outdoor deck looking over the woods and listen to the birds sing.

The marina is owned and operated by Dept of Natual Resources, as well as the large grass area along lake Michigan. There is one fire pit area in front for anyone to use and options for launching your kayak to enjoy the Mink River Sanctuary.



Sleeps 8

3 bedrooms with queen beds and a loft with 2 twin beds. Upstairs there is one bedroom, a loft area and a full bath. Downstairs there are two bedrooms and a full bath. Wood floors throughout the downstairs.

The Cedar house has two family spaces, our recently remodel Four Season room and our Great room both are separated by a door
There is a large dining table to enjoy meals together, as well as a place to gather to solve a puzzle or play board games. The kitchen counter has four new barstools.

Please understand we do NOT provide the following:
PET STAY
GARAGE ACCESS
WASHER AND DRYER
NO FIRES outside except to make food in the grill

Also Door County Adventures is also available at the marina for rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, as well as zip line and Segway tours and many excursions. Rowley’s Bay flows into the gentle Mink River, where you can spot minks, ducks, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife. We are located at the end of a cul-de-sac. We have internet access for guests. We have recommendations and brochures at the property upon your arrival. We are happy to make other suggestions or answer questions through email, messages, texts or phone calls. We want to make sure our guests have a wonderful stay. Please note majority homes are full time residence and we are strict regarding our quiet hours!

Here’s some helpful tips to Door County we will provide more during your stay

Restaurants suggestions:
Al Johnson's with the goats on the roof
Husby's (America food)
Wild Tomatoes
Chop's for incredible steaks
Alexander's Salmon and many other tasty items on the menu
PC Junction to have your food delivered by a miniature train
White Gull Inn (Breakfast)
Wilson's or Door County/ Ice Cream Factory
Tell us what's your favorite place

Things to do
Spring/Summer/Fall: swim/hike/bike in the five state parks, and 19 county parks that Door County has to offer. Bike from our house to Gills Rock. Check out all of the Door County Land Trusts for even more hiking possibilities. Gaze at the stars at Newport State Park, which was recognized as one of only 49 international Dark Sky Parks. Watch the sunset from the outdoor stage at Waterfront Park in Sister Bay. Check out the new tower, an engineering feat, at Peninsula State Park. Golf at the many courses or try some miniature golf if that is more your speed. Watch live plays at the Peninsula Players Theater, Northern Sky Theater, Door Shakespeare or Third Avenue Playhouse. Attend live music concerts at numerous venues, including Birch Creek, Midsummer Music Festival, Peninsula and Fishstock. Many towns have weekly outdoor music concerts. Tour Cana Island and Eagle Bluff lighthouses. Ride the ferries to Washington Island and Rock Island. Cruise on a sailboat or tour boat. Rent a pontoon boat, a speed boat or a jet ski. Try parasailing or skydiving. Enjoy fishing on Lake Michigan or Green Bay on a fishing charter. Scuba dive or snorkel to find old shipwrecks. Attend an outdoor movie at Skyway Drive In. Enjoy the many festivals on the weekends. Sign up for a bike race or a run, the Century Ride is a favorite. Take a cooking class at Savory Spoon or an art course at various art studios. Go cherry picking. Spend time horseback riding or rent an ATV. Take the trolley tour. Walk through Edgewood Orchard Galleries to see all the amazing outdoor sculptures for sale. Relax at Nicolet Beach or rent a bicycle or paddle boat/paddle board/canoe/kayak there. Take photos at the crooked road (near the north ferry launch). The options for activities are limitless in Door County.

Winter: Snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fat tire biking, ice skating and hiking. Rentals are available in Fish Creek and other locations. Bowling at Sister Bay Bowl. Attend the many winter festivals on weekends throughout the season. Photograph or check out the ice shoves of Door Bluff Headlands Park and the Cave Point County Park icicles. Hang at our house in front of the cozy fire with a good book. Stay home and play board games, checkers or complete a puzzle.

Year round: Shop at interesting boutiques and art galleries. Attend concerts or plays at Door County Auditorium, Third Avenue Playhouse and the new indoor Northern Sky Theater. Create art at Hands on Art Studio. Dine at amazing restaurants. Spa days are a must. Winery, distillery and brewery tours.

Door County bans chain stores and restaurants, which keeps the charm alive. You will only see them in Sturgeon Bay.

Thank you
Karl

Property manager

Karl Vogt

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower only
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No Smoking

Services and conveniences

  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Perfect for families

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 32-56-0447-00

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Picturesque Wooded Privacy Retreat
Picturesque Wooded Privacy Retreat (new to VRBO 2021)
Private, Picturesque, Cozy Retreat in the Woods Ellison Bay

About the neighborhood

Ellison Bay

Located in Ellison Bay, this vacation home is on a river. Linden Gallery and Ellison Bay Pottery Studios are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include The Skyway Drive-In Theatre and Historic Noble House. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Ellison Bluff State Natural Area - 11 min drive
  • Waterfront Park - 14 min drive
  • Sister Bay Beach - 14 min drive
  • Sister Bay Marina - 15 min drive
  • Newport State Park - 17 min drive

Getting around

  • Green Bay Austin Straubel Intl. Airport (GRB) - 109 min drive

Restaurants

  • Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik - 14 min drive
  • Boathouse on the Bay - 15 min drive
  • Wild Tomato Sister Bay - 14 min drive
  • Chop - Sister Bay - 14 min drive
  • Husby's - 14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Retreat in the Woods pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Retreat in the Woods?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Retreat in the Woods?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Retreat in the Woods located?

This family-friendly Ellison Bay vacation home is located on a river, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Ellison Bluff State Natural Area and Linden Gallery. Ellison Bay Pottery Studios and The Clearing Folk School are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
50th (2 years late) get away
We finally made it up to Door County to celebrate our 50th birthdays, albeit 2 years later. The house was very nice & clean. It had a lot of supplies in the kitchen & bath that were a nice touch. We enjoyed the neighborhood, the woods and the quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cozy cabin
While it sub zero temps outside, the cabin was toasty warm and cozy. We enjoyed the wood burning fireplace a great deal. The kitchen was very well stocked and all the beds and furniture was comfy. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cabin
Highly recommend. Fantastic communication with the host. Our group of 6 (two seniors 80+, two teens, and two 40-somethings) so enjoyed our stay and the amenities were great. Flat entry access to the cabin, first-level bedroom and bathroom, & easy access shower made this property extra delightful for my parents. The fireplace was so cozy - especially on our very snowy and cold long weekend visit. We easily made all our meals during our 3-day stay. The breezeway between the cabin and garage was a great "winter gear & stuff" storage area and space to get ready/undo for the outdoors. Loved the space for 6 to eat very comfortably and for family games/puzzles. Had a great time relaxing here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter retreat
Lovely warm home that worked perfectly for our family Christmas getaway. We just needed snow to make the setting perfect! The Starlink internet was great too!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amethyst B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfy winter stay
We stayed there between Christmas and New Year's, holing up to play board and video games, making cozy foods, and watching the occasional snow fall from the big windows. The host was prompt with answers to questions and made us feel welcome.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Fall Weekend
This cabin in the woods was the perfect base for a lovely weekend in Door County. We loved the cozy cabin vibe and the fireplace was the perfect way to relax after our days of hiking and exploring in the fall leaves. Very comfortable and more than enough room for our family of 5. It was clean and well supplied with kitchen items and basics. The host was very responsive and helpful with Door County suggestions. Will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ellison Bay Northwoods Cabin
This property was located in a wooded area and you could not see the neighbors house thru the forest. We saw deer right outside our kitchen window often in the forest. The property on the outside does need a little landscaping work because it did have some overgrown weeds in the front entrance way which made it look very uninhabitable. But the inside was very clean and comfortable for the most part. Some of the mattresses need to be replaced they are a little too worn out. One bathroom was recently updated but the other bathroom upstairs needs to be remodeled. The kitchen was very nice and was very stocked with dishes and pots and pans and utensils. This property was located in a very quiet area and it was a distance from Sisters Bay Egg Harbor and all the restaurants. Overall we enjoyed this property very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

glory l.

Liked: Cleanliness
FAB
This lovely home is well appointed. Kitchen has everything you would possibly want. Very comfy beds, plenty of dressers/closet space. Birds and deer right up to the patio off the dining room and love the large windows to see all of the surrounding beauty, very private!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls getaway
Loved our stay at Private Retreat in the Woods! And so convenient for our day trips to explore Door County. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul W., Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
This house was perfect for our three couples. Well stocked, clean, rustic, charming. The host Karl responded immediately to questions. A definite stay for our group next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Get Away
Beautiful cabin in the woods! We loved sitting on the back deck. It was clean and very cozy. I needed to talk to the owner and he was very responsive. He called me back right away. I would definitely recommend this cabin to family and friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Surprise Proposal
We were in Door County for a surprise engagement for my daughter. It went perfectly. We hosted family at the house. That, too, went very well. The property is clean, nestled into a beautiful wood-surrounded setting. Well-appointed. No concerns. Very accommodating owner. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy place in the woods
Clean and cozy place in the woods. Far enough away for quiet, yet close enough to everything for fun. House was equipped with everything we needed for a pleasant stay
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Shari F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couples getaway
We enjoyed our stay. There was adequate room for all 6 of us. We had everything we needed. We plan to reserve this peaceful cabin in the woods again next year ! Overall a great place.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy retreat
Our family loved our stay in this cozy home and cannot wait to return!! It was the perfect getaway and place to stay while visiting Door County. Wonderfully equipped as a home away from home with a cozy nature feel. The location with a short walkable distance to Rowleys Bay Resort and the beautiful bay made it just perfect! Also a short car ride to Fish Creek and Sister Bay shopping and restaurants not to mention the beautiful State Parks. Karl was a great host responsive to all our questions. This adorable home was quite a blessing!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Door County Long Weekend
Wonderful location! The cottage was spotless, had everything we needed, and was well maintained. Also, quiet with plenty of surrounding nature. Perfect place to rejuvenate. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem in Door County
This beautiful property is tucked away in a wooded area that is walking distance to Rowley’s Bay where you can go fishing, rent canoes and kayak’s (DC Adventures or Cole’s rentals) or just sit on the pier and watch the cormorants, eagles, pelican’s and other wildlife. The area is quiet and very relaxing—far enough away from all touristy areas of Door County so you don’t have to deal with traffic and lots of people, but close enough that it’s just a quick ride to great restaurants, shops, galleries, etc. I recommend checking out Newport State Park, Ellison Bay Pottery, Island Orchard Cider, Kick Ash Coffee, and Hugel Haus—all in Ellison Bay. The cabin is large and nicely decorated. It’s clean and comfortable. The kitchen is a really nice size and is well-stocked with utensils and cookware. I especially enjoyed drinking coffee on the back deck every morning and sky gazing at night. We were lucky enough to be there during a meteor shower. The host was readily available throughout the rental process and during our stay and provided lots of ideas for places to visit and nearby activities. We hope to return again next year.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat H.

Liked: Cleanliness
RELAXING!!!
Our stay in Door County was wonderful! the house was so quiet and very nice if we ever come back would stay there again! the bakery at the resort very nice and our host was very understanding as we had a few health problems come up but it all worked out well! Thankyou!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great trip
We had a wonderful stay. Thank you so much for having us. The house is very close to a resort, so we enjoyed a morning walk for coffee and the bakery. We took advantage of the closemess of the lake to fish and kayaking.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Private yet accessible!
We loved this wooded cabin in Door County! Easy access to all sorts of activities in nearby towns or perfect for quiet days and nights “in”. Being a family and spending time on the water, it was tough to not have access to the laundry in the home, but it was well communicated ahead of time. Well-stocked kitchen, even games and puzzles available, fun for all ages! Lovely neighborhood (quiet) roads for walks that lead to the water and trails!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday week get away
Our group of 8 (3 adults, 5 teenagers), all had plenty of room to share this beautiful, clean, spacious home for the 4th of July holiday week. Comfy beds, more than enough towels for everyone, a well-appointed kitchen to make meals at home, and situated on a peaceful residental road. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

NANCY S., Brentwood

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house in excellent location
My husband and I found the house comfortable and in a great location on the peninsula. It is in a quiet spot that is private yet close to everything that we needed. We rented bikes in Fish Creek and had them delivered to the house--rode them down the short road to beautiful Rowleys Bay on the lake and the Rowleys Bay Resort with its lodge and wonderful bakery and restaurant. The heating in the house was quick and efficient for the cool mornings and the air conditioning was wonderful at night for sleep! We used the upstairs air conditioning in the bedroom and did not need it in the living area--although it is available. Bathrooms were adequate, especially the new commodious one downstairs with a big shower! Beds were comfortable, towels were thick and soft, kitchen had good supplies--even a coffee grinder for coffee beans from Kick Ash Coffee in Ellison Bay. I loved the lock on the front door, so easy to use instead of keeping track of a key! And Karl was easy to work with and available. We love this area in the upper peninsula--the quiet end--and will return again as we have year after year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jiuzhu Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quite get away
Best place to enjoy a vacation with family. Very spacious and have everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Izabela M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommend
The house was very comfortable, clean, and well equipped. It was a home away from home. It is located in a quiet neighborhood, in a short driving distance to restaurants and stores. There are great trails through the woods near the house. These trails are not shown on google maps so I recommend checking out a trail map (VRBO didn't let me include a link to the trail map here). There were 6 of us in the house but the house would be very comfortable for 8 people. The owner was very attentive and responsive. If we go back to Door county, we would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sophia O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place!
Quiet area, close to the bay to listen to the ice creak, great fireplace. Lovely place for a winter retreat
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023