Entire home
Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 676.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Sleeping area 3
1 Double Futon
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.
A 1930's-era classic lake cottage, with log siding, a two story limestone fireplace, wrap-around screened-in porch with views of the lake, knotty pine panelling and open cedar beams. This two bedroom cabin-style vacation home has one bedroom with a queen bed and one with twin beds and an extra sink. There is also a double futon. The screen porch has canvas awnings for shade or privacy. The Great Room has mid-century rattan furniture, and a built-in hutch with mid-century pottery. The kitchen is small, but it has a full-sized fridge, a 4 burner stove, microwave, toaster, two compartment sink, a crock pot, electric griddle and a blender. If you have a bit of nostalgia for the Summer Vacations you had as a kid, this is the place for you! If you're looking for ultra-modern, this may not be the right fit for your family.
The floors are pristine maple in the Great Room and the bedrooms, Marmoleum in the kitchen and LVT in the bath. In addition to the stone fireplace, there is also a gas-powered furnace, or two window AC units for less than perfect conditions. The generously-sized shower is all tiled in, with a light and tall shower head. All doors are triple-thick knotty pine, and the hardware is original hammered bronze. There are some vintage light fixtures: a wagon wheel chandelier in the Great Room, wrought iron & mica lighting on the porch, and some fun mid-century table lamps. There is a Dutch door between the kitchen and the porch, a long picnic table on the porch that seats up to 8, with seating for another 4-6 in the dining area.
Lake Ripley is a lovely 420-acre lake, with an average depth of 44 feet. There are 2 public boat landings, 1 public (drive--1 mile) and one private (walk--.4 mile) beach, and a swimming and fishing pier, within 1/2 a block's walk. There are also 2 single kayaks for your use, with paddles and lifejackets. Easy walk to the pier with kayaks on provided carts, 1/2 block away.
The Glacial-Drumlin and Cam-Rock bike trails are just a few miles away, and it is an easy bike ride into the charming village of Cambridge, with several good coffee shops and restaurants to chose from. Fort Atkinson and Lake Mills are each just 15 minutes away, with fun things to see and do in each town, and Madison is only 30 minutes away, with a vast number of ethnic restaurants, pubs and classic eating establishments.
The floors are pristine maple in the Great Room and the bedrooms, Marmoleum in the kitchen and LVT in the bath. In addition to the stone fireplace, there is also a gas-powered furnace, or two window AC units for less than perfect conditions. The generously-sized shower is all tiled in, with a light and tall shower head. All doors are triple-thick knotty pine, and the hardware is original hammered bronze. There are some vintage light fixtures: a wagon wheel chandelier in the Great Room, wrought iron & mica lighting on the porch, and some fun mid-century table lamps. There is a Dutch door between the kitchen and the porch, a long picnic table on the porch that seats up to 8, with seating for another 4-6 in the dining area.
Lake Ripley is a lovely 420-acre lake, with an average depth of 44 feet. There are 2 public boat landings, 1 public (drive--1 mile) and one private (walk--.4 mile) beach, and a swimming and fishing pier, within 1/2 a block's walk. There are also 2 single kayaks for your use, with paddles and lifejackets. Easy walk to the pier with kayaks on provided carts, 1/2 block away.
The Glacial-Drumlin and Cam-Rock bike trails are just a few miles away, and it is an easy bike ride into the charming village of Cambridge, with several good coffee shops and restaurants to chose from. Fort Atkinson and Lake Mills are each just 15 minutes away, with fun things to see and do in each town, and Madison is only 30 minutes away, with a vast number of ethnic restaurants, pubs and classic eating establishments.
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (171 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Toddlers must be watched closely--cottage quirks!
Events
No events allowed
Groups under 10 may visit in daytime. Quiet: 9PM
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
$35 fee, under 65#total, crated when you are away
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely NO smoking within 30 feet of cottage
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
Note from host: Groups under 10 may visit in daytime. Quiet: 9PM
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 recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Cambridge
Located in Cambridge, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Aztalan State Park and Lake Kegonsa State Park, while Cambridge Historic School Museum and Hi-Way Outdoor Theatre are cultural highlights. Lake Ripley Lanes and Hinchley's Dairy Farm are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Cambridge, WI
What's nearby
- Lake Ripley Lanes - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
- Lake Ripley Park Beach - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
- Cambridge Historic School Museum - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - 36 min drive - 45.2 km
- Camp Randall Stadium - 37 min drive - 46.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Cambridge Taphouse - 4 min drive
- Kilt Man's Smoke House - 12 min drive
- Cambridge Winery - 5 min drive
- rockdale bar - 9 min drive
- Hering's Lake Ripley Inn - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
12 October 2020
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barry C.
26 July 2018
Fantastic rental with great owners!
Barry C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
8/10 Good
Barbara B.
15 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great gift to ourselves for recent illness.
Barbara B.
Stayed 22 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Cathryn U.
14 October 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fall weekend getaway
Cathryn U.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cathryn U.
20 October 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Cottage for a Fall weekend getaway
Cathryn U.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Margaret B.
14 August 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake Ripley Cottage
Margaret B.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Teresa L.
6 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was just as described and I loved that it was well stocked. Very quaint, lovely.
Teresa L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ivan V.
23 November 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful haven from a busy fast-paced world. It’s like stepping back in time a bit,.
Ivan V.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rachel I.
2 August 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Cabin on the lake
Rachel I.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Diane D.
11 October 2017
Relaxing by the lake
Diane D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kelly B.
23 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming Cabin with Lake Access
Kelly B.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Beth W.
14 September 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cabin by the lake
Beth W.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
sarah d.
8 May 2019
Cozy cabin for chilly spring weather
sarah d.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Trish D.
23 September 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cottage get-away
Trish D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Archival
8/10 Good
Barb D.
19 August 2017
Overall it was a very nice relaxing vacation.
Barb D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carol D.
2 August 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake living
Carol D.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Pamela L.
30 June 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful getaway cabin!
Pamela L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019
Archival
4/10 Poor
Dana W.
19 August 2017
Lake Ripley Cabin
Dana W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gregory H.
30 June 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Gregory H.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kara W.
22 June 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Summer Getaway
Kara W.
Stayed 28 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Maria G.
17 September 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Wisconsin Getaway!
Maria G.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer A.
24 September 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Rustic Cabin
Jennifer A.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Judy L P.
17 September 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank You!!!
Judy L P.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barbara K.
12 September 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming 1930’s cottage
Barbara K.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christina N.
8 September 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute and Cozy Cabin
Christina N.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
About the host
Hosted by Steve Tesmer or Jill Kessenich
Jill Kessenich and her husband Steve Tesmer are both designers. Steve designs websites, and is in three bands, in which he plays the dobro, and Jill currently runs a non-profit that was one of her major design projects. They have a dog named Bailey, who is a good traveler and houseguest. They like to do household & cottage projects, paddling, hiking and playing music in their band, Jill & the Jax.
Why they chose this property
Love the way it sits high on the lot, with views of the lake. Love the CCC-style architecture with wrap-around porch, big stone fireplace, knotty pine panelling, and pristine maple floors. Reminds me of State and National Forest lodges scattered around the US.
What makes this property unique
If you have a bit of Nostalgia for the vacations of your childhood, this is the place for you! Mid-century furnishings and pottery, great wrap-around screened in porch, knotty pine panelling, and stone fireplace.
Languages:
English
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