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Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road!

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The Refuge Log Home
Private Waterfront
3-Season Porch
Woods
Living Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Sister Bay, WI
  • Waterfront Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Sister Bay Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Sister Bay Marina
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Menominee, MI (MNM-Menominee-Marinette Twin County)
    ‪144 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1st Floor Master

1 King Bed

2nd floor bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2nd floor Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2nd floor Bunk room

2 Single Bunk Beds

2nd floor Combination Bedroom / TV Room

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

1st floor Ensuite

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

2nd Floor Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road!

The Refuge Log Home is nestled in a beautiful, wooded 5 acres across the street from Lake Michigan and is 4 miles east of Sister Bay in Northern Door County, WI. Listen to the waves from the home or take a few steps down the road to our private property with 100ft of shoreline. Enjoy the water from an Adirondack chair, a canoe or kayak, or wade right in! The wooded setting is quiet and sheltered and the lake may be viewed from the separate waterfront property.

Have fun exploring the woods. Deer are frequently seen. if you're lucky, you might spot a turkey family, an owl, or the newly discovered porcupine that occasionally makes an appearance. Spend your evenings around the fire enjoying the incredible stars. The home is located on a peaceful dead-end street with light car and foot traffic. It is less than ten minutes to downtown Sister Bay, a wonderful town with fun shops and great restaurants to explore and enjoy. Sand Bay Beach is just five minutes away and the villages of Baileys Harbor, Ephriam and Fish Creek are close too.

These two properties, woods and water, are the perfect getaway for family and friends!

The open floor plan is spacious and comfortable. The whole family can gather around the stone fireplace. There are many cozy places to retreat to for some quiet relaxation. Enjoy the outdoors from the front porch or the screen porch in back. Or grab a book from the bookcase and head up to a window seat in an upstairs dormer for some quiet reading.

The home has four private bedrooms, one on the main floor with a King size bed and three more upstairs. The large bonus room with three sky lights over the garage is perfect for movie nights or reading. The built-in bunks in the bunk room are always a thrill for kids! Please note that the 2nd floor bunk room does not have doors to close it off from common areas.

The Refuge is a true retreat any time of year. Whether it's enjoying the long days of summer on the screen porch, the crisp Fall nights around the campfire, hunkering down on a cozy wintry night by the fire, or spotting the first sounds and sights of Spring, we sure you will enjoy your stay.

Property manager

Gary & Kitty Brendemuehl
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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Interior

Rustic, cozy log home vacation retreat near Sister Bay.

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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
10.0 out of 10, (91 reviews)
Rustic, cozy log home vacation retreat near Sister Bay.

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guest is required to sign and abide with the rental agreement terms. Photo ID is required. Minimum age to rent is 25.
Security deposit of $300 required.
No events/parting, pets, smoking, fireworks allowed. Quiet Hours between 10pm and 7am

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

Sister Bay

Located in Sister Bay, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Frykman Studio Gallery and Linden Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sister Bay Marina and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sister Bay, WI

What's nearby

  • Waterfront Park - 10 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Sister Bay Beach - 10 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Sister Bay Marina - 11 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Peninsula State Park - 20 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Newport State Park - 24 min drive - 19.4 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 100 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skip Stone Coffee Roasters - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato Sister Bay - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Husby's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sister Bay Bowl - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Log Home on 5 acres private beach-steps down the road! located?

This family-friendly Sister Bay holiday home is located near the beach, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Sister Bay Beach. Waterfront Park and Sister Bay Dog Park & Community Garden are also within 6 miles (10 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. 151 out of 154 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 154 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 154 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 154 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 154 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robin P.

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

Weekend getaway

Overall, the property is wonderful. Did a family weekend here and it is exactly as discribed. We recommend and we will come stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda D.

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

Girls Weekend Getaway

This property was Beautiful. House was perfect for our Girls weekend. We had 5 young adults and 3 adults. The house had more than enough space for all of us. Kitchen was FULLY stocked. Far enough away from all the crowds but close enough to enjoy all the amenities Door County has to offer. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha Z.

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

Fall fest!

A beautiful home in a good location with lots of space. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

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

Another beautiful memory made

The property was absolutely Beautiful and we were definitely in our element. We were very comfortable and spent an evening reliving old memories and making new ones.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara M.

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

Wonderful location

We have been spending time in Door Co for over 40 years, and this has to be one of the best cottages we have ever rented. Great location, quiet, and access to private little beach area was enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

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

A Cosy Family Getaway

The Refuge is just that. We (6 adults) were in the area for a family wedding and we loved coming “home” after wedding-related events and curling up by the fire and relaxing. The house had everything we needed and more! We loved the lakeside views from the beach and had a wonderful time exploring beautiful Door County.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liz U.

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

Bachelorette Getaway

Overall impression of this property was that we didn’t stay long enough to enjoy all it has to offer. The amount of kitchen supplies and other small necessities you would have never thought to bring, they had there for you. The lock for the cabin is very user friendly. The lighting is a little tricky but you get used to it. We did have to make 2 beds upstairs (queens) upon our arrival [all the bedding was there, just not made]. There is only 1 TV in the cabin and is upstairs in back room. Wish they had one in the main living space for background/ games or movies. This cabin will be a repeat booking cabin for a few of the ladies in the group with their families. We may turn this into our annual weekend away. Short drive to multiple locations. Our longest drive was 30 minutes and that was to the Wine Tour Trolley.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curtis S.

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

Lovely stay in a beautiful cabin!

A lovely stay in a beautiful home. We had a great weekend and enjoyed the fire pit at both the house and the beach each night! The kitchen was completely stocked with any kitchenware needed to make dinners and breakfasts together for our group. Great place to hang out as a family in between seeing many beautiful sights in Door County.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

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

Happy high school reunion for four friends

Wonderful warm and cozy place for a reunion. Well-equipped kitchen, lovely screened porch, access to rocky beach, and welcome solitude. Hosts are great communicators.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb S.

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

Roomy cabin in the woods

We had a great time at The Refuge. The house was beautifully secluded in woods and wildflowers. The property's private access to the lake just down the road from the house offered an awesome spot to sit and watch the water and the moonrise. The house was very spacious, the kitchen well stocked, and dining on the back enclosed porch pretty darn magical. Also appreciated the quality mattresses.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa G.

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

Quiet and nature filled

This home is beautiful, surrounded by trees, birds and everything green. Inside is wood and you truly feel in nature. All needs are met in terms of kitchen items, furniture is comfortable and you can choose to eat inside or in enclosed porch. We loved our stay and highly recommend The only tricky part is finding path to beacbeach, but there is a map! Enjoy!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin L.

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

Quiet cabin in the woods

Loved our stay. It's such a cozy home in a very quiet location, yet a short, beautiful drive to downtown Sister Bay. As a serious cook, I thought the kitchen was very well equipped, I always travel with my knife though. Charming touches throughout, and really loved the window over the kitchen sink that let in so many sounds of nature, and the great sunroom. Tons of space for the kids upstairs. The owners, Gary & Kitty, communicated wonderfully. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary a.

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

Beautiful

One of our best stays in Door County ever--beautiful home with every thoughtful amenity provided. Even though Memorial Day weekend was a little cold, we spent so much time on that wonderful screened porch. Outstanding!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny H.

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

Wonderful experience in a beautiful location

This property was a bit more north than we usually stay in Door County, so it took a bit longer to get to, but it was worth it. So much natural beauty and just a short drive into Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, and Rowleys Bay. The street has several other houses on it but the home itself is further back on the property so we never heard any noise from the neighbors and felt very secluded and private the whole time. Although the house is not on the water, you could hear Lake Michigan in the distance, which was lovely. The rental also includes beach/waterfront access just a short walk away. Our young kids loved exploring the backyard and the path to the lake! Despite not having any snow during our trip, the cabin itself had plenty of warm, cozy, winter vibes. We loved playing all of our favorite childhood games and checking out the collection of books in the main living space. Plenty of options for sleeping, good kitchen space, simple decor, excellent puzzle table. Everything we needed! We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful getaway

The house was lovely; super clean and comfortable - a room for each of 5 guests. The woods and private beach were a wonderful bonus. It would also be a great house if you had young kids - bunk beds and games and books.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn S.

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

Serene Destination

Living in the city, it takes a little time to get used to the quiet. It is so good to be able to unwind and relax. The location is perfect to access Door County venues and activities. The cabin amenities make it easy to enjoy your stay and not have to worry about supples. Very enjoyable stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim H., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

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

Family and Relaxation

This is a lovely home/cabin in the woods with a water front property just a short walk down the road. The kitchen was amazingly appointed with everything you need. We enjoyed a morning stroll on the paths around the property, an afternoon nap in the Adirondack chairs by the water and a fire in the pit by the cabin in the evening. It’s quiet, relaxing and very peaceful. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte P.

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

We adored the Refuge!

This lovely home fit our family perfectly. We loved the layout, the land and the private beach access. We were in town for a wedding, so didn't get to spend as much time in the space we wanted to for bonfires, grilling, and game nights. We hope to be back soon to do so!! Overall the building was beautiful and clean, small dip in rating as it wasn't when we landed, but Gary took care of it instantaneously. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judith L.

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

Refuge

Wonderful log cabin. Spacious with many bedrooms. Had a great time. It was a cousin’s weekend together lots of fun
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Molly R.

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

Friends stay

Beautiful location and home. Spacious, well stocked kitchen, library. Lake area provided wonderful views of lake. Nice fire pit. Close to Sister Bay and great shopping and restaurants.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

carol s.

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

Family time

Great place . Perfect for our stay. Very well equipped and perfect in every way
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

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

Great family location

Enjoyed the accommodations….convenient for local attractions and shopping.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

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

Beautiful Property nestled in the woods,

We had a great stay. Our first time to Door County. It is beautiful this time of the year. The property is in a great location to use as home base for the sights and scenes of Door County.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison S.

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

Lovely, Quiet Private Space

The house was great for our family of five. Lots of space to gather together or spread apart. The wooded lot is super private which we loved. Very close to Sister Bay downtown. The mattress downstairs was great. So nice to sleep well on vacation. 😊 Might be a strange thing to comment on but we’re rented other VRBO cabins where the mattresses are terrible. I also appreciated the ability to access the garage for dry fire wood and replenish supplies such as paper towels as needed. It’s the little things. ❤️ Definitely recommend the stay. 🎉
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Kathy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Family retreat weekend

We were very happy with the cabin - clean and lots of room to gather. The only thing we were a little disappointed with was the access to the lake - we thought when we booked it was right on the water with views from the cabin. Lovely woodsy cabin with trails - enjoyed our stay!😊
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gary & Kitty Brendemuehl

Host profile image
The Refuge Log Home is Owned and Operated by Gary & Kitty Brendemuehl. We have been married for 43 years and are blessed with three children and 6 grandchildren.

Why they chose this property

For our 40th wedding anniversary we stayed at The Refuge. The area is wonderful, quiet and peaceful and surrounded by nature! And it’s only 5 miles to resturants, shops and other activities in Sister Bay. We enjoyed hiking in the parks and taking the grandkids to the beach. We enjoyed our time together so much that we started looking for our own home away from home. When The Refuge became available, we knew that this was the place for us and we purchased it.

The Refuge was built in 2005 by the original owners. It was their family vacation home and vacation rental for 15 years. Many families made great memories over the years, and we are working carefully to help create memories that will last a lifetime.

We hope you will stay with us soon!

What makes this property unique

The open floor plan is spacious and comfortable. The whole family can gather around the stone fireplace. There are many cozy places to retreat to for some quiet relaxation. Enjoy the outdoors from the front porch or the screen porch in back. Or grab a book from the bookcase and head up to a window seat in an upstairs dormer for some quiet reading.

The home has four private bedrooms, one on the main floor with a King size bed and three more upstairs. The large bonus room with three sky lights over the garage is perfect for movie nights or reading. The built-in bunks in the bunk room are always a thrill for kids! Please note that the 2nd floor bunk room does not have doors to close it off from common areas.

The Refuge is a true retreat any time of year. Whether it's enjoying the long days of summer on the screen porch, the crisp Fall nights around the campfire, hunkering down on a cozy wintry night by the fire, or spotting the first sounds and sights of Spring, we sure you will enjoy your stay.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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