Entire home

Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!

Photo gallery for Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!

A backyard with a swimming pool, wooden deck, and a staircase leading to a covered area.
A cozy room with a single sofa, a ceiling fan, a window with curtains, and a door.
A portable barbecue grill with a propane tank, set up in a garden with trees and greenery in the background.
A kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a framed picture on the wall.
A natural outdoor setting with a pond, rocks, and a wire fence.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Outdoor pool

    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Porch or veranda
  • Swimming pool
  • Kitchenette
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Barbecue
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Whitewater, WI
  • Place, Kettle Moraine Ranch
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Green Lake
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Old World Wisconsin
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Waukesha, WI (UES-Waukesha County)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!

Escape to your own quiet corner of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine—where the only neighbors are alpacas, goats, and stars. The Den is a private 1,500 sq ft house: two comfy bedrooms (king + queen), full kitchenette, AC, WiFi, and a big yard, perfect for coffee or campfires.

Step out and you’re on the trails—hike, ski, or snowshoe right from the door. Guests love eating fresh eggs from our chickens, spotting alpacas at sunrise, and watching fireflies at dusk. No shared spaces, no crowds—just peace.

Winter? Bring 4WD (we’ll send trail tips). Summer? Fire pit s’mores and goat cuddles. Midweek deals for remote workers—spots vanish fast in fall & winter.
Book now—your slice of the woods is waiting.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

Living Room, view to Kitchen
Cozy Woodland Cabin, pet-friendly and fenced in yard.
Lake Geneva
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (90 reviews)
Cozy Woodland Cabin, pet-friendly and fenced in yard.

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

default

Events

No events allowed

default

Pets

No pets allowed

default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

This is a quiet neighborhood, no parties or loud music allowed.

No additional guests.

Check in is required before 8 pm. If you need a late check in please contact us for special arrangements.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1518479vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Whitewater

Located in Whitewater, this holiday home is in a rural area. Old World Wisconsin and Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Green Lake and Mill Lake. Kettle Moraine Ranch and East Troy Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling.
View more Holiday homes in WhitewaterOpens in a new window
Map
Whitewater, WI

What's nearby

  • Kettle Moraine Ranch - 11 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Green Lake - 11 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Old World Wisconsin - 11 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Mill Lake - 12 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Middle Lake - 12 min drive - 10.3 km

Getting around

  • Waukesha, WI (UES-Waukesha County) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lauderdale Landing - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Barleys - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Nite Cap Inn - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Family Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Squidys - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!?

As of 19 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access! on 7 October 2026 start from NZ$1,122, 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.

Is Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Kettle Moraine Forest getaway w/Alpacas, fire pit & direct trail access! located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Green Lake, Mill Lake and Middle Lake. Don Jean Bay and Kettle Moraine Ranch 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. 60 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such an amazing property with great hosts. Highly recommend this for relaxing, comfortable getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stay in a lot of short-term rentals... this was by far the best and most hospitable one we've ever stayed at. Jarvis is the best host and our 1.5yo daughter loved the animals (Jeremiah and June were our favorites).
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is beautiful and clean. I have never stayed anywhere that was so well-appointed. The host thought of everything we might need, and then some! Jarvis was extremely friendly and responsive to our needs. I can't say enough about how wonderful this VRBO stay was, and I hope to be able to return soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time at The Den! Our kids loved hanging out with the animals. The accommodations were excellent and very clean. Our hosts were so welcoming, we felt like we were staying with friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The space is very relaxing and it offers everything you need. My daughter enjoyed feeding the farm animals. Jarvis and Chris were very welcoming and accomadating. The little extras like the fresh eggs and sourdough bread and cookies were wonderful. Can't say enough how cozy the place is. Perfect to get away from the everyday. Just bring boots or junkie shoes if you want to interact with the animals in the pen.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great space, Jarvis and Chris were very friendly and went above and beyond to make our stay very enjoyable. The little extra's (bacon and eggs, bread, cookies, toiletries) were a pleasant surprise. Would return again. One note: we did not realize that the host lived above the rental. We were looking forward to having an entire space to ourselves as we live in an apartment but Jarvis and Chris were very respectful of our privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a great experience we had. From a tour around the place and a warm welcome. We love staying in wooded areas around wonderful people and nature. Thank you guys for having us. Highly recommend and if we ever return to the area, we will be staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
For the third year in a row myself and my children had a phenomenal vacation! Jarvis and Chris are the most gracious hosts. Such a beautiful and inviting property!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect vacation!

We had a wonderful 2 weeks at the Den! It’s always hard to leave.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Family Get Away

Fantastic place! Beautiful house and surroundings. Chris and Jarvis are amazing hostess’s. Highly recommend. We will be back 😊
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Thanks for the great review and we are so glad you all had a relaxing getaway! Safe travels and we hope to see you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Unique & Welcoming!!

What an amazing place to stay! Stop by and see the animals with your coffee in the AM. The hosts were so helpful and responsive, we couldn’t ask for more! Check out Edge of Town diner for a spot on breakfast too!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family

Jarvis met us when we arrived. His home is in a beautiful setting and well kept.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Return trip to the Den

The Den is a magical place! We were already booked for a return visit, and were so pleased when we were able to come 2 days early.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

We were greeted by the owner and was given a tour of the property (beautiful). The accommodation's were clean and beds were very comfortable. They had bread and danish on the counter, eggs and a couple beers in the fridge. Would recommend this to anyone!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Outstanding experience

The high quality reviews are well-deserved! The abundance of natural beauty, access to animals and attention to details is an experience our family will never forget. Many thanks to the gentlemen running this place….exceeded our expectations!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Stellar VRBO

The Den at Nordic Ridge was exceptional in ALL categories. The accommodations and hospitality, ambience, connection to nature and interpersonal reset from our busy everyday lives. It truly is a STELLAR VRBO. One which you will want to return too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2021
We so enjoyed meeting you and glad you all had a great time! We look forward to seeing you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful and secluded rental

The Den is a lovely getaway from the world. You can hike right up to the Nordic trail in the Southern KM. The area has some fun sights/restaurants and the owners are very welcoming and knowledgeable. It really has a rustic feel with modern amenities. There are alpacas, chickens, goats etc. The dogs were fun to play with as well. I would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wisconsin retreat

We just can’t say enough about our stay at the Den! The pictures and descriptions really don’t come close to the amazing reality of the accommodations and surroundings. The hosts are welcoming and generous. We enjoyed all the animals, the gardens, and all the whimsical objects and surprises we found around every corner. We hope to be regular visitors!
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 July 2022
Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to to seeing you both again on another visit to the area!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent Hosts and Property

Jarvis and Chris host their VRBO at their stunning home, nestled in the Kettle Moraine Woods. They were the most gracious and kind hosts, and their property is full of peace and joy, serenity and opportunities to explore nature. We were dazed by hummingbirds and woodpeckers while also enjoying visits to their chickens, alpacas, and their sweet dog Sophie. We will absolutely return, thank you so much for a great weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The Den

What a weekend! Myself and my children just experienced the most relaxing weekend at The Den! Such a clean and beautifully maintained property with the most welcoming and accommodating hosts! My kids got to pick fresh chicken eggs, and a quail egg- then got to cook them right up fresh! We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really relaxing and lovely property for a couple or family. Visited with my wife and 2 kids (9 & 10). Didn't leave the property for the entire 3 days. Used the pool, walked around the neighborhood, and visited the animals A LOT. The house itself is very nice, tasteful and comfortable. Lots of extra touches make it nice, little bits of food, drink and fresh eggs. My son fell in love with an alpaca and cried when we left. So we will probably be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Stunning Property!

We loved every minute of our stay! The home and property are stunning! The grounds are immaculate with spectacular gardens and blooming flowers! We felt we awoke to a paradise! The house was sparkling clean and we wished we could have stayed longer! They had thought of everything from bacon and eggs to beverages and everything in between. Our daughter adored collecting eggs and visiting all their beautifully maintained farm animals. Hope we can come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

e

We had a lovely fall weekend! The accommodations are wonderful and very comfortable. fresh eggs, bacon, and toast (provided) for breakfast followed by several different hikes. We also visited Hippie Tom’s Serendipity Farm (it was open for business the weekend we were there) bought several items. The hosts are experts and can direct you with ideas. Wonderful stay at a beautiful house/farm!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 15 October 2020
It was great to meeting all of you and I’m so happy that you had a chance to enjoy many of our beautiful trails and meet a few of our local characters! Hope to see you all again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

So much to discover and enjoy!

We were met by our amazing hosts when we arrived and given a great tour of the whole property. From the beautiful gardens to the fun farm animals—the outdoor space was so well cared for and breathtaking. Chris and Jarvis thought of everything for our visit and were so generous and thoughtful. The bed and living area were very comfortable. Everything was clean as can be. Communication was perfect. Location was great for our visit to Alpine Valley Music Center. I would love to stay here again for another concert or even just for a quiet getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Better than Advertised - The Den is a Hidden Gem!

From stylish accommodations to considerate amenities and extra touches, Chris and Jarvis’ thoughtfulness comes through. Their concern for their guests began with a gracious welcome and extended to generous access to the animals and information about the area and their farm. You can choose privacy or participation; either way, you will feel welcome. We found the perfect combination for exactly the weekend we needed. Many thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Susan it was such a pleasure having you and your daughters spend the weekend at the Den. You were great gusts and we are happy you were able to unwind and reconnect! All the best!

About the host

Hosted by Jarvis Racine

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

We love the outdoors. Whether that's hiking, biking, skiing or just watching all of mother natures beauty! Our property sits on 6.5 acres in the rolling hills and trees of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Our location has allowed us a chance to enjoy the beauty of the forest and create a great little farm filled with chickens, goats and Alpacas!

What makes this property unique

Great views from all the rooms of the pond and forest with direct walk on access to the Nordic trail.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback