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Newly-renovated home with the Sedums in bloom for the first time in Sept 2021!

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroomSleeps 4102 sq m

Popular amenities

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Free WiFi

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

10:30 AM

Explore the area

Sister Bay, WI

Eagle Harbor17 min walk
Sister Bay Marina5 min drive
Ephraim Public Beach6 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

We had the best fall getaway with my sister and daughters at Spruce Retreat. Cozy, quaint, quiet location close to beaut...

Lois S.

Oct 27, 2023

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway.

A brand-new renovation transformed this log home into an artistic, luxurious and beautiful hideaway, featuring a single very large open-plan space with cathedral ceiling,. There is a full kitchen with dining area, inviting gas fireplace-and-surround with large-screen Roku TV (with cable, Netflix, Hulu, HBO etc), ample and comfortable seating, and a King-sized bed with luxury linens. Modern creature comforts include remote-controlled fireplace, ceiling fan, electronically controlled heating and AC, and subtle lighting to help create memorable evenings. This romantic and fun space feels at once totally private, and elegantly spacious. An eclectic mix of furnishings and art-work throughout complements the rich colors of the log-beamed home, colors which were chosen to reflect the Nordic heritage of the local area. A large bathroom with a walk-in shower complements the main space. Through French doors you can pass from the kitchen area onto a 15' x 9' external deck that looks out towards the neighboring woods - ideal for sitting outside for breakfast looking for deer, or on restful Door County evenings. Three other large picture windows look out to the newly created raised rock-gardens, planted with flowering trees, native perennials and literally thousands of spring bulbs. While my primary aim was to create the ultimate romantic experience for a couple, the queen sofa bed can provide sleeping for two extra guests (suitable for children for instance)...although it should be understood that although the whole place is large and spacious, there are not separate bedrooms. I wanted to create a place where guests can really spread out and enjoy the feeling of freedom and space, not only while outdoors exploring Door County, but indoors too. N.B. As this is the very first season that the house has been available for rent there are no reviews (yet!). However, my two well-established vacation rentals nearby, also on the "Green Gables" property, have been give almost entirely 5-star ratings by more than 100 groups of guests. Please check out the PLUM RETREAT, which sleeps up to 6, and BIRCH REREAT which sleeps 2-4. There is also a SECOND brand NEW vacation home at Green Gables this year: the APPLE RETREAT, a beautiful, light-filled and spacious home with full kitchen, sleeping 2-4, great for small families or 1 or 2 couples. Please explore these to read guests' positive feedback:

Plum Retreat: www.vrbo.com/1656362 (Lots of great reviews)
Birch Retreat: www.vrbo.com/1656219 (Lots of great reviews)
Apple Retreat: www.vrbo.com/2724012 (This one, like SPRUCE, is new for 2022, so no reviews yet)

I hope you'll choose Green Gables either this year or in the future. If you love gardens and are looking to truly relax, you've found the right place! It is in a superb location from which to get around Door County!

Property manager

Colin Welford

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Fireplace

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Microwave

Living/dining area

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:30 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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Ephraim

Located in Ephraim, this holiday home is in a rural area and next to a golf course. 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. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including wildlife walks.

Sister Bay, WI

What's nearby

Eagle Harbor - 17 min walk
Waterfront Park - 5 min drive
Sister Bay Marina - 5 min drive
Ephraim Public Beach - 6 min drive
Peninsula State Park - 9 min drive

Restaurants

‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik - ‬5 min drive
‪Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor - ‬4 min drive
‪Boathouse on the Bay - ‬5 min drive
‪Blue Horse Beach Cafe - ‬13 min drive
‪Wild Tomato Sister Bay - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. ?

As of 29 June 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. on 2 July 2024 start from AU$735.83, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. ?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is NEW! "Spruce Retreat" is a beautiful and romantic hideway. located?

Situated in Ephraim, this golf holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Eagle Harbor and Lake Michigan. Bay Ridge Golf Course and Francis Hardy Gallery are also within 2 miles (3 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

Lois S.

27 Oct 2023

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

Perfect

We had the best fall getaway with my sister and daughters at Spruce Retreat. Cozy, quaint, quiet location close to beautiful Peninsula State Park. Spruce retreat has everything you need. We had as much fun staying in as we did going out. Highly recommend for a perfect stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom P.

22 Oct 2023

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

Door County Getaway

2nd time staying at this property. Everything was perfect. Love the location and the cottage is beautifully decorated and equipped. And this year's visit was perfectly timed to enjoy fall colors at their peak.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Staci H., Milwaukee, WI

18 Oct 2023

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

Anniversary Trip

Beautiful, cozy, clean location. Super comfortable furniture and bed. Felt like a home away from home.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hal B.

14 Oct 2023

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

Spruce Retreat

Very inviting and comfortable space.... Loved the private deck, and spacious inside...

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gordon L.

10 Oct 2023

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

Spruce

Cozy, comfortable and inviting.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey B.

9 Oct 2023

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

Spruce getaway

Stayed here for our anniversary weekend and it was just what we wanted. Lovely, quiet, supremely comfortable. We’ll be back!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aimee S.

25 Sept 2023

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

Perfect weekend getaway

We loved The Spruce. The place was perfect for our stay. Very clean and spacious. The location was great for getting around Door county. We would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

24 Sept 2023

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

Another wonderful stay in Door County

We enjoyed our stay at Green Gables. The property is well appointed, spacious, and very clean. We love the beautiful landscaping. How perfect it will be for weddings and family gatherings. Colin is a gracious host. We had a relaxing, very comfortable time. Would definitely stay here again and again.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

15 Sept 2023

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

Spruce Retreat is a Gem!

Wonderful location, property and host!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jay F.

20 Aug 2023

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

Beautiful place, close to everything, wonderfully appointed

We had a wonderful stay at the Spruce. Like they always do, pictures just don't do Spruce justice. The photos of Spruce are great, but when you walk in the front door, its just better. Everything is labeled perfectly, nothing was needed for our stay of 4 nights. Colin thought of everything. Looking forward to when the outside landscaping is completed, it will look amazing. I would suggest a few lounge chairs for the new crushed limestone in the currebtly being-completed backyard landscaping. Loved the porch and rocking chairs, used then every day. Hoping to be back for another stay yet this year and definitely will be back next summer.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Steven K., Burlington

3 Aug 2023

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

Ruths Bday

everything was good

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill G.

2 Aug 2023

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

Terrific Stay

Everything about our stay was great. Our host was very responsive and greeted us both coming and going. His property is gorgeous, as is all of the area around that he is working on. The unit itself is well put together, very clean and extremely comfortable. It had everything we could have asked for.The landscaping all around is amazing. The location is just perfect in the middle of so many fun great places. We definitely would love to return and see all of the changes and results of Collins hard work developing this wonderful property including an actual botanic garden. Cheers till next time.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon F.

29 July 2023

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

Top notch across the board

We loved everything about our stay in the Spruce cabin. The space is beautifully appointed (the pictures don't do it justice) was perfectly clean and comfortable and was the perfect place for our family of 4. We met Colin while we he was landscaping the property - he was extremely kind and clearly takes a lot of pride in his properties. We had an amazing stay, and can't wait to come back next year!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason D., United States

16 July 2023

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

Family Vacation

Nice place to stay. Easy to get too and from places. Cozy and quiet.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan D.

9 July 2023

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

Birthday Trip

Came up for a surprise little vacation for my husband. We loved the property! Was in the middle of all the towns. So close to everything! Colin was very helpful and the property was everything we had hoped for. Will certainly come back!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

1 July 2023

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

Spruce Cabin at Green Gables

One of the nicest places we’ve stayed in over the years! Clean, comfy. Two sofas (1 is a hide-a-bed). Comfy king bed. It’s an open concept large space with gas FP, full kitchen w/dishwasher. Colin has taken on a huge project of landscaping his entire property. He was easy to work with, very nice guy. Hope to return next year.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole M.

3 Apr 2023

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

Peaceful and quiet romantic getaway!

So warm and welcoming and very private!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

26 Jan 2023

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

Fun winter get-away

Everything as advertised, host very responsive. Perfect location

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria B.

18 Dec 2022

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

Cozy Cabin Getaway

The Spruce Retreat was the perfect spot for a cozy winter vacation! The interior was larger than expected and had a comfortable cabin feel without being too rustic. The location was great as well, as it's very close to restaurants and activities but still isolated enough that we had a family of deer pass through the yard one morning! We can't wait to come back in the warmer months to take advantage of the outdoor space.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kay A.

8 Dec 2022

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

Perfect fall getaway

We loved everything about the property and the region we were visiting for the first time. We felt this was the perfect time of year to visit Door County for the first time and this lovely cottage was the BEST place to stay for the weekend.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jordan F.

23 Nov 2022

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

Cozy downtime

Had an exceptional stay at this property, looks even better than the photos portray! Will definitely be back in the summertime.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessi B.

16 Oct 2022

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

Cozy and perfect location

We enjoyed our weekend stay. It was so cozy and had nice amenities. This place was also in the perfect location. We will be back :)

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

C S.

6 Oct 2022

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

Fresh, interesting and charming!

The Spruce is one of the loveliest spaces we have ever enjoyed! All of Green Gables is on its way to being a highly sought after get away. The gardens are already enticing and we’ll be back to see them burst into their Spring beauty! Colin is a gracious and engaging host with a background as interesting as Green Gables!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark G.

2 Oct 2022

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

Great weekend. Lovely place.

Clean, spacious, great location, and landscaping provides a beautiful touch. Thank you.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tom P.

17 Sept 2022

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

A Perfect Get-Away

The property exceeded our expectations and we set some pretty high standards. Not only was it just as advertised in the VRBO listing but the accommodations went way beyond what we hoped for. The owner checked in on the evening of our arrival to make sure that everything was okay -- nice touch!!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Colin Welford

I have owned and lived at Green Gables for about 3 years. Prior to this I was the Music Director to the award-winning musical Hamilton, in Chicago. My career has been as a conductor of major Broadway musicals, either in New York, London, Chicago or LA. (Billy Elliot, Wicked, The Who's Tommy). I was the worldwide Music Supervisor for 13 productions of The Lion King and before that, conductor of English National Ballet. Now I move rocks, plant thousands of spring bulbs and play the organ REALLY loudly at the local Ephraim Church. I'm certainly not retired, but working hard.....it's just something new and different, yet very creative. Please check out the Green Gables website (going live in early April, 2022). There you can see all four vacation homes AND the stunning new Events garden I have been building!

Why they chose this property

If you love nature, or gardens, the feeling of relaxation, or of stepping a little back in time (while still enjoying all the modern day creature comforts)then Green Gables might be for you. It's a very spacious, elegant place. Casual and yet really charming. It's bursting with color and interest, and a bit of fun, both indoor and outdoors. In terms of location, it's hard to imagine a more convenient spot in door county, situated in the quiet oasis halfway between historic Ephraim and busy Sister Bay.