Beautiful Waterfront Cottage

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Schwandt Cottage on a lovely summer day....

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 569.7 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Beach view
Fireplace
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Ellison Bay, WI

Northport Pier
‪4 min drive‬
Newport State Park
‪10 min drive‬
Sister Bay Beach
‪15 min drive‬
Escanaba, MI (ESC-Delta County)
‪233 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

The Sweet Cottage on the Bay....

Schwandt Cottage, in beautiful Gills Rock, is the perfect place for rest, rejuvenation and relaxation. The cottage was once owned by one of the fishing families of Door County and it was built in the mid 1920’s. It has been painstakingly restored to one of the quaintest, most delightful cottages in the area.

Gills Rock is in northern Door County, away from the hustle and bustle of some of the other towns in the County. It is significantly quieter, with less traffic. It is certainly possible to come to Schwandt Cottage and stay a week without leaving....it is just hard to leave after you get there, regardless of the season.

The view is outstanding! From the living room, the deck, the kitchen, and the private beach, guests can watch the changing moods of Green Bay, local fisherman coming and going, the incredible sunset which always provides an outstanding skyscape at the end of the day, and an occasional glimpse of a freighter passing the Door.

A 3-day minimum is required beginning on Sept. 14-Nov. 6. Please check our calendar for availability. A 3-day minimum is also required in April and May 2021. One-week rentals in June, July and August 2021 & 2022 are required, beginning on Saturday.

Please note that pets are not permitted. While we understand that your pet may be an important part of your family, we respectfully ask that you not bring your pet. Since many people stay at our cottage, we cannot risk having a pet that may cause someone who is allergic to dogs and/or cats be uncomfortable.

Keywords: Cottage, Waterfront, Quaint, fully-furnished, private beach, fire pit, fireplace, Internet, cable television, garden, decorated, garden, private, quiet, away from the crowds, beautifully decorated, private beach, swimming, sunset,

Property manager

Mike and Georgiana Schwandt

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Beach view

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Apple Unit with large windows towards the water, outside patio with a fire pit

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ellison Bay

Located in Ellison Bay, this cottage is on the beach. Ellison Bay Pottery Studios and Linden Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Northport Pier and Deer Run Golf Course. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Ellison Bay, WI

What's nearby

Northport Pier - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
The Clearing Folk School - 7 min drive - 7.4 km
Newport State Park - 10 min drive - 9.0 km
Sister Bay Marina - 15 min drive - 15.7 km
Sister Bay Beach - 15 min drive - 16.1 km

Getting around

Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 117 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mink River Basin Supper Club - ‬7 min drive
‪Charlie's Smokehouse - ‬2 min walk
‪Island Orchard Cider - ‬7 min drive
‪The Point Grille - ‬45 min drive
‪Kick Ash Products - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Waterfront Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Waterfront Cottage located?

Nestled on the beach, this Ellison Bay cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Northport Pier. Newport State Park and Grand Traverse Island State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Pam S.

16 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Sunsets

The cottage was perfect! It was delightful to enjoy the sunsets over the lake and soak in the peacefulness of the area. Highly recommend!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen R.

28 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enchanting cottage in Gills Rock

Lovely cottage by the bay with beautiful garden and welcoming vibes. I can’t say enough wonderful things about our stay at the cottage. It offers a charming and welcoming stay with views of gorgeous sunsets. The hosts thought of everything were a joy to communicate with. We loved it so much we are coming back next year.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie M.

23 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and relaxing

My husband and I stayed at this lovely cottage for our 25th wedding anniversary. The cottage itself is charming with everything you need to feel right at home. The views are incredible, especially the sunsets, which we enjoyed each evening. We hiked, (we particularly recommend Peninsula State Park), took the ferry to Washington Island and enjoyed exploring the nearby towns. This was our first trip to Door County and we will definitely be back! Thank you to Mike and Georgi!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ammie E.

7 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the sweet cottage in Gills Rock. The bay is just a few feet away and there are many chairs outside to relax in while one watches the sunset. The home was clean, comfortable, well decorated and stocked with everything one might need. The location provides privacy and serenity as the home is north of the Door County hustle and bustle.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon K.

13 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay.

This was our third stay at the Schwandt cottage and it was as wonderful as ever. The cottage is comfortable and cozy and we never tire of the amazing view, especially the famous Door County sunsets. We have already booked next year’s visit.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan Y.

25 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Quiet Getaway

Very cozy cottage in a stunning environment, peaceful and beautiful.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon K.

15 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great visit

This was our second stay at the Schwandt Cottage and we have already booked again for next year. The cottage is the perfect low-key get-away, nestled just feet from the shores of Green Bay in quiet and serene Gills Rock, away from all of the hustle and bustle of Door County. The view from the awesome new picture window is breathtaking.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rachel J.

3 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic Cottage

Had an amazing time here! The owner is extremely friendly, communicative and has thought of every need for guests. The location is close enough to the excitement during the day and a wonderful retreat at night. The water views are breathtaking. If you enjoy lake life, this is the perfect location.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

12 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

This was our third visit to this charming cabin on the lake. Every visit is just as lovely as the first one. The cabin is spotlessly clean and perfectly furnished and supplied with everything you need to feel right at home. Evenings by the fire watching the sunsets are simply magical. Communication with the owners is seamless. More than 5 stars! Truly perfection!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Doreen M.

16 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming peaceful cottage

The cottage provided the serenity that allows one to truly relax. The location was perfect! Close to the water and far from The crowds! It was clean, well supplied, and just the right size! Thank you!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maryellen R., Arlington Heights, IL

5 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolute bliss!

We've enjoyed Georgi and Mike's cottage before, but this was an especially wonderful visit. The location is just such a little slice of heaven. I get mesmerized staring at the bay. Perfectly cozy with every comfort you need plus a to-die-for view and a great fire pit. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michele S.

16 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best

Lovely little cabin in the best location. Nicely stocked, very clean and wonderfully appointed. We loved it so much we’re coming back next year!

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Meg C.

15 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary! We spent our evenings at the fire pit overlooking the gorgeous lake. Such peaceful, quiet, beautiful surroundings! The hosts were also very responsive to questions & proactively reaching out to make sure we knew about their home & the things to do in the area. Great experience all around!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jon K.

9 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Is this heaven?

We’ll, it certainly isn’t Iowa. What a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate and enjoy the stunning beauty of Lake Michigan and northern Door County. The cottage is cozy and comfortable and the setting is breathtaking. We are already looking forward to a return visit next fall

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Phillip E., Duluth, MN

4 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Lake Experience

House is located in quite area with great view of lake and sunset. Nice fire pit by lake. Wish I could have stayed longer.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peggy W.

20 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway.

We loved staying in Georgi and Mike’s adorable cottage! The location was perfect for us…remote & peaceful on the water, Charlie’s Smokehouse with amazing smoked fish, bike trails, DC boating tours, gift shops and Maritime Museum all within walking distance. The cottage was very clean and very well equipped meeting all of our basic needs. The bed was quite comfortable. The hosts are very accessible if needed. After staying at various locations along the peninsula throughout the past 10 years, we quickly felt that we have finally found the area (Gill’s Rock) and cottage that best suits us! We prefer peaceful, calming settings within nature. The sunsets, bayside water, and outdoor sitting areas provide just that. Yet cherry orchards and cute little historic villages are within easy driving distance. Yes, Georgi and Mike’s sweet little “Schwandt cottage” offers all the things necessary to allow us to drive away feeling fulfilled. Looking forward to return trips! Thank you so much!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debra R., Jefferson, Wisconsin

11 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pure relaxation

This cabin is perfect for a couple. The water is so close, you can hear it all the time and the view is magical. Georgi has looked after every detail to make your stay comfortable and easy. Sitting on the shore can’t be overrated. Walking distance to a good restaurant is a bonus. We’ll be back.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Morgan S., Bluffton

1 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best view in Door County

I love Door County ... the Door holds a very special place in my heart. The cabin is in the perfect location to watch the sky turn from blue to red, pink and purple as the sunsets (pictures do not do it justice). The cabin is clean and well cared for.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Vicki P.

9 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relax Central

My teenage boys and I really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, inside was super cozy and the gorgeous view of the lake right outside the front window made us feel like we were still enjoying the outside. The location of the cottage allowed us to explore places we may not have normally ventured to and it was only a 15 minute drive to Sister Bay/Ephraim/Fish Creek.

10/10 Excellent

Linda W.

1 Nov 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Peaceful Get Away

This quaint cozy cottage was the perfect peaceful get away we needed. The water view was breathtaking and added just the right touch to our fall vacation. This Gills Rock location also offered a quiet but beautiful background of amazing fall colors . From the outdoor fire pit to the indoor fireplace , we were able to enjoy our visit while staying warm and comfortable. The owners were a pleasure to communicate with and always responded quickly back. Would highly recommend for a perfect Door County vacation getaway.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

28 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charm and the most amazing views!

This was our second visit to Schwandt Cottage and it was like coming home again. The charming cottage has everything you need for a cozy and comfortable stay. We made most meals in the adorable kitchen, but also enjoy being close enough to walk up to the Shoreline for drinks and dinner. It’s hard to leave when you have the best view in Door County right out your back door. Evenings by the fire on the shore, watching the fabulous sunsets, cannot be beat. Our friends saw our sunset photos and said, “It’s so beautiful, it doesn’t even look real!” Communication with the owners is top notch. This sweet cottage has our hearts!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Milwaukee USA

28 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely, classic cottage with charm and great views

This is one of those places I almost hate to give a glowing review because I want to keep it all to myself. But then the owners are so lovely, that I simply must. (Even sent a lovely welcome package with gifts) We booked this jewel box as a short (too short) stay to get away from our home because we couldn't take our usual fall trip to Maine. Let me tell you the views in the part of Door Co. rival Maine and being steps away (literally) from the quaint village of Gills Rock was a bonus. The place is small, but with plenty of room for 2-4 people. The bed was comfortable. The kitchen well-equipped which was great because we weren't eating out much, and also love to cook. The outdoor areas have lots of seating and yes, the sunsets are wonderful. We were delighted to be able to see that the dock for the passenger ferry was almost right next door so we could watch the boats come and go. Oh, and nights were star-filled with the Milky Way visible as well as the occasional falling star. If you are looking for some huge, modern vacation home experience, this isn't for you. But, if you want to experience a sense of place and live a little of how Door Co. used to feel, this is the place for you. We can't wait to stay here again!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Stacy S., Buffalo Grove

27 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relax at the Rock

From the minute of booking to the very end of our stay was easy. Definitely would recommend this little cottage on the lake for quiet, peaceful and relaxation. Will definitely be back!

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

19 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect ending

We loved everything about the property and location. It was nice to be a short drive away from the busier areas of Door County and we enjoyed ending each night with a beautiful sunset, then bonfire. The cottage had everything you could want/need and was the perfect size for the two of us. Georgiana was a pleasure to deal with!! We will definitively be back!

8/10 Good

Vicki E.

1 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great summer getaway

Nice, clean, cozy cottage with beautiful lake view. Enjoyed swimming out front, sunsets, and evenings by the firepit. Walkable to shops, restaurant and passenger ferry to Washington Island. We hope to stay there again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Mike and Georgiana Schwandt

Georgi and Mike Schwandt are pictured with their grandchildren near the garden at their cottage in Gills Rock. We love spending time at our cottage. We can't be there all of the time...so, we are pleased to share it with you. Guests have been coming since 1999....the comments in our Guest Book reflect satisfied visitors.

Why they chose this property

We looked and looked for the perfect location to purchase our Door County vacation home. Finally, when we found our cottage in 1998, it seemed to be the perfect place to spend time with our family and friends. However, it needed lots of work because it was quite distressed. So we rolled up our sleeves...and began the overhaul! Gills Rock is peaceful...and beautiful. In 1999, our first guests came to visit and since we have many guests each year from all of the United States....some returning year-after-year. We hope that you will consider our cottage your for your next Door County vacation.

What makes this property unique

Our cottage is on the end of the peninsula...a stone's throw to everything that you may want to do while visiting in Door County. The beauty of Gills Rock, however, is that it is much, much quieter than the other Door County villages....with all of the beauty and recreation at your fingertips!

Languages:

English

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Beautiful Waterfront Cottage

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Convertible bed(s)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property