See all properties
Entire home

"Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

Photo gallery for "Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

Living area
Property grounds
Dining
Exterior
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6162.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Ephraim, WI
  • Sister Bay Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Sister Bay Marina
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Ephraim Public Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Menominee, MI (MNM-Menominee-Marinette Twin County)
    ‪150 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom

2 Queen Beds

Downstairs living room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

First Floor powder rm

Toilet

Upstairs bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

"Plum Retreat" is a private, and cozy-and-yet-spacious portion of an adorable cottage hiding behind an ornate garden gate, and sleeps 2-6 guests over two levels. The property is part of the picturesque "Green Gables" property in the north part of Ephraim, and is within easy walking distance to galleries, shops, mini-golf, breakfast and pizza, and a short drive from Ephraim village and the water. Green Gables itself has the flavor of a romantic bygone Americana era, and boasts beautiful manicured and award-winning gardens and additionally (in the past, and in the future!) another very large enclosed rear garden area (currently under exciting development). The property is suitable for couples or families and at night it's dark and quiet for stargazing. The house oozes feel-good charm, with lots of windows and natural light, architectural details, and plenty of space indoors and out, to play and relax in. Outside there's a fantastic patio lounge area and professional grill to enjoy, and inside a formal fireplace invites you to curl up on the sofa-bed (with an old record playing on the vintage stereo/record player)? Full kitchen, with oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, toaster etc. Upstairs there are two very large bedrooms (one with a king bed, the other with two queens), and there's a true queen sofa-bed downstairs. All the bedding is non-allergenic. Wi-fi, a 49" TV with cable channels, Netflix and Amazon Prime in the living room, and a washer and dryer upstairs. The space works well for families, or two small families to share, or just for a couple looking for a romantic or memorable Door County vacation. In response to COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing will be thoroughly undertaken. Thank you!

GREEN GABLES now has FOUR great vacation rentals set within a gorgeous acre-and-a half of lush gardens! Please visit the other three listings...

In addition to THIS listing ( "Plum Retreat") please check the nearby (and also private) "Birch" Retreat, listed as VRBO # 1656219. "Birch" sleeps up to 4 people (2 in one king bed and a further 2 in a queen sofa bed). For large parties, booking both Plum and Birch together is an option that would provide a truly wonderful and flexible experience. Two other NEW vacation rentals have just been listed for 2022. VRBO listing 2724012 is a spacious gorgeous home with full kitchen for 2-4, and VRBO listing 2798225 is a stunning romantic lodge-style retreat that is truly special. Ideal for a couple, though there's also a sofa bed too. Please check them out!

Property manager

Colin Welford
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Living area

"Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
10.0 out of 10, (66 reviews)
"Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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

Ephraim

Located in Ephraim, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The Skyway Drive-In Theatre and Historic Noble House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Peninsula State Park. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Egg Harbor Fun Park are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Ephraim, WI

What's nearby

  • Sister Bay Beach - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Waterfront Park - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Sister Bay Marina - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Ephraim Public Beach - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Peninsula State Park - 9 min drive - 6.3 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 90 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skip Stone Coffee Roasters - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato Sister Bay - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato Wood-fired Pizza and Grille - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at "Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is "Plum Retreat" is spacious, warm & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Eagle Harbor and Lake Michigan. Bay Ridge Golf Course and Francis Hardy Gallery are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 71 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 71 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 71 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 71 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

PJ J.

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

Plum Cottage, Door County

Wonderful place to stay. The patio and gardens are very pleasant, and being expanded (so we'll need to return). Felt like I was in a spacious manor, yet had all the modern conveniences. Ultimately, this is a place to decompress + venture out into Door County.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Michelle Z.

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

Fun Wedding Weekend

The house was very nice. It was clean, just a couple minor suggestions. The coffee maker was difficult to use, it worked twice - eventually but not the third time we tried to use it. I would suggest purchasing a coffee maker with a pot and single cup. Also, the tv worked fine but we could not get any local news channels or sports, namely the Badger game. It was not a big issue but.....
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cara K.

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

Fabulous

Highly recommend. The most beautiful flower gardens surround.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

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

Perfect place

Beautiful retreat! Owner was super available with any questions. Perfect location - outdoor space is beautiful. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Great stay!

Our stay was wonderful. Great central location, the property was clean and a good fit for our family. Colin, the owner, is very nice and thoughtful. The grounds are beautiful! We would certainly stay again. The full bathroom upstairs is shared with doors between the two bedrooms, but since the sinks are in the bedrooms it worked out great for us, and there’s a half bath on the first floor. It was a really great stay - we loved it. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole V.

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

Beautiful property!

Plum Retreat was perfect for our stay in the Door County area with our family. Very spacious for the 6 of us, meticulously clean and extremely comfortable furniture/beds! The gardens are beautiful and we wish we would’ve had more time to stay and just enjoy being at the property. The host was readily available, although we didn’t have a single issue with our stay. We will definitely stay here again on a return trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mary r.

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

Girls/ Birthday Weekend

Cozy, quaint, relaxing. 4days of eating at great restaurants, beautiful sights. The kitchen had everything needed, fireplace was wonderful to end our day. Beds were comfortable and beautiful grounds.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

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

Relaxation

Had a great fun time catching up with each other, shopping and eating tasty food!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori Z.

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

Charming!!!

Plum Retreat was spacious and immaculate. Colin emailed the check in code a few days prior to arrival and entering the unit was so easy. It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted with fresh flower arrangements from the garden! Some special touches in addition to coffee pods and a well stocked kitchen were a bag of ice in the freezer and half and half pods in the frig, air freshener in the bathroom. The primary bed was super comfortable, Wi-Fi worked fast, the furnishings in the living room were also very comfortable. Nice outdoor seating and a beautiful garden to explore. Loved our stay and look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

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

A Rental You Can Call "Home"

We can't say enough about our delightful stay at the Plum Retreat! It was spacious but cozy and homey and allowed our ladies group to have a place to call "home" on our weekend away from our families. Comfy beds, amenities (like facial wipes, coffee and creamers), cozy fireplace, and its own Netflix account are just some of the extras that we so appreciated. Host Colin is personable and very responsive via message or phone. What a gem of a VRBO!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia G.

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

Great place!

Plum Retreat was a great place to stay. Clean, welcoming, full of amenities and comfort. Beautiful gardens. Unlike lots of rentals, this is larger than the photos show. We’ll be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kurt P.

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

Beautiful!

My wife walked in the house and said, "This place is beautiful." We had a wonderful stay. The house was clean and well lit. The outside was nicely decorated with flowers. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation. We hope to make it back next year.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt N.

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

As Adevertised

We picked this property over all others available based on location and uniformly high ratings. Very central location that made it easy to get to all planned activities between Newport, Penninsula Park and Baileys Harbor. Very clean and comfortable accommodations. Very helpful and responsive host/owner. We highly recommend to others.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

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

Girls getaway

Very spacious! Nice location! Quiet and zen, nice outdoor space.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Door County Stay

This rental was clean, comfortable, and up kept. It was a very good and centralized location. Colin was very easy to work with and will rent from him again, when we get back up to Door County!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

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

Wonderful stay

Enjoyed a comfortable and cozy stay! Lots of attention to details, including labels on light switches and kitchen drawers. Unit was quiet and clean. Great location! Thanks, Colin!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin T.

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

Great location extremely clean

2nd time we have been here . Great spot .
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle B.

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

Loved it!!

We stayed in the plum house and it was so nice. Even better than the photos. We stayed in winter and it was lovely..would go back and stay in the summer time..I imagine the gardens are amazing. Great place to stay and great experience with the owner. Thank you !!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda L., De pere

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

Plum cottage did not disappoint!!!

Everything that was written about the plum cottage was 100% spot on. Communications with Colin were quick and timely. The cottage was fully equipped with not one thing that we could think of that was missing. The beds were extremely comfortable. And we look forward to coming here in the summer to see the beautiful gardens. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

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

Weekend getaway

Wonderful stay in a great location right between Ephraim and Sister Bay. Very comfortable stay, we really enjoyed the fireplace and vintage record player. Would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

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

Lovely and restful locale

We escaped to Door County for two nights post-Thanksgiving and the Plum Retreat was the perfect spot for us. This spotless, quiet, and beautifully decorated space afforded us a wonderful and comfortable weekend. Colin was an amazing and responsive host. He even brought over a few necessary cooking items that were not provided in the kitchen as we hosted dinner parties both evenings. The main level common area is roomy, well laid out, and allows for views of the gardens from every window. The two upstairs bedrooms provided a bright and expansive respite after our late evenings entertaining. While we were only at the Plum Retreat for two nights, we heartily recommend it.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Ladies Weekend

What a breath of fresh air! Plum cottage was the perfect place for our weekend getaway. Situated in a prime Door County location close to everything. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable, and large windows provided a lot of natural light and views of the spectacular flower gardens. Colin was a wonderful host. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim T., De Pere, Wisconsin - United States

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

Comfortable, organized and beautiful

We loved our long weekend. Plenty of space in the home and tastefully decorated with beautiful gardens that are evolving .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Naomi P.

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

Magical property in central location

Colin was a wonderfully responsive host and has created the perfect Door County vacation rental. This was a sister trip with 5 adult sisters and we loved everything! The beds were very comfortable, the home very clean and the location was close to everything we wanted to do in Door County. The gardens are spectacular and deserve a review of their own! We would all recommend this property and would love to stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Colin Welford

Host profile image
I am a musician - an orchestra conductor of ballet and Broadway musicals, a pianist and composer - originally from Manchester, England. I first landed in the U.S. (more than a few years ago!) as a grad student in Miami. Since then, music-making has led me to visit (or live in) all sorts of places on five different continents: From Shreveport to Budapest, The Philippines to Swaziland. Of course, along the way I've enjoyed, encountered, or endured hospitality of all styles: a room-for-rent in a stranger's house (100% language barrier included), corporate apartments, a corrugated-tin shack in the jungle, hotels ranging from 5 to 0 stars, cruise-ships, dive-boats and leaky barges, private island mega-mansions, African desert tents - and most recently, a very high floor in a glass and steel skyscraper! I had been working in vibrant Chicago where I was the Music Director of "Hamilton" for almost three years. At the same time I frequently found myself heading North to Door County, WI - a very special and different place, with all the 'small-town' charm and ways of a bygone era; whether during its pristine white winters, fresh springtime greens, its exciting summer buzz, or the stupendous fall colors.

I like meeting people of all ages and from different places and walks of life, and am interested in art, architecture and history, while being ever on the lookout for completely new experiences. I enjoy scuba-diving (I’m a licensed PADI Assistant Instructor - although I’m probably a bit rusty), longer-than-planned hikes, creating music & lyrics and outrageously improbable plot-lines for new comedic musicals, escape rooms, chess, puzzles, campfires (but NOT at Green Gables!), playing games on my iPhone that keep me up all night, foreign films, LEGO, and reading.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests