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Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch

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Welcome to Thenell's Cottage
Spacious living area with a sleeper sofa
Working wood burning fireplace inside
Living area
Plenty of seating for everyone

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi
  • Water view

Explore the area

Map
Sturgeon Bay, WI
  • Door County Historical Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Sturgeon Bay Bridge
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Potawatomi State Park
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Sturgeon Bay, WI (SUE-Door County Cherryland)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Common Area

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch

Welcome to Thenell's Cottage, hosted by Simple Life Rentals! This rustic log cabin is conveniently located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, just steps away from the bay. Gorgeous views await you in this cottage that sleeps 4. Enjoy the sunset views over the bay from the main room or the screened-in front porch. You will have panoramic views of Potawatomi State Park and the Sherwood Point Lighthouse. You can hear the waves lapping the shore as you cozy up around the fire pit, or you can choose the wood-burning fireplace inside for those chilly evenings. There is plenty of space for the kids to run and play outdoors. There is a bar and grill restaurant within walking distance of the cottage. Enjoy a tranquil getaway just minutes from the many attractions Door County has to offer!

Set behind the home, youlll find Thenel's Beach House--a great rental option for additional space to
sleep up to 6. Adding modern amenities and a spacious, updated living space, the Beach House
provides an ideal setting for family group gatherings when renting both homes.

Property Features:
+ Waterfront, just steps from the house to enjoy the water
+ Located in the heart of Sturgeon Bay
+ Fire pit (please bring local firewood)
+ Screened-in front porch
+ Charcoal grill (guests provide charcoal)
+ Chairs and a picnic table by the bay
+ Wi-Fi (due to the rural nature of Door County, WIFI and cell phone coverage and service can vary)
+ TV with cable and DVD player located in the living room
+ Indoor wood fireplace (please bring local firewood)
+ Electric baseboard heat in the main living room
+ 3 fans provided
+ Fully equipped kitchen (see below)
+ Traditional coffee maker with filters

Sleeping Accommodations:
Bedroom 1 (first floor) - Queen bed, sleeps 2
Living room - Sleeper sofa, sleeps 2

Kitchen Amenities:
Microwave, fridge, stove, oven, toaster
Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes
(No dishwasher)

Loft: extra space for games, reading, and relaxing

Water Access:
+ Easy beach access steps from the home
+ Swimming conditions: Protected shallow water + Beach is a little rocky and great for swimming
+ Shoreline: Rocky shoreline with gentle slope to the water. Water shoes are recommended.
+ Water Depth: To 6+ ft depth at 150 ft from shoreline
Note: There is no dock on the property.

Surrounding Area:
Bar and grill restaurant within walking distance
Close to George Pinney County Park and Frank Murphy Park
A grocery store is within a few miles

Amenity + damage protection waiver includes:
• Bed linens, pillows, blankets, and bathroom towels. (Please bring your own beach towels)
• A starter pack of essentials which includes toilet paper, paper towel, dish soap, hand soap, and garbage bags. Due to septic systems, we do not provide facial tissue. One each of travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash per full bathroom.
• PEACE OF MIND damage protection covers up to $1000 per stay for accidental damage that is reported prior to departure (excludes any pet damage).

Home Truths:
No air conditioning
No washer or dryer (closest laundromat is just 15 minutes away)
Loft sleeping spaces have been removed; this space is no longer an approved sleeping area.

This property is located in a quiet community with neighbors and is geared towards quiet family vacations. Due to the proximity of neighbors, we cannot accommodate loud parties, including bachelor, bachelorette, or other rowdy gatherings.

Door County Tourism Zone Commission Permit #33-56-0063-07

Please be aware that you must sign a terms and conditions agreement, which will be sent to you separately, to finalize your reservation.

Property manager

The Simple Life Hospitality
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Water view
Fireplace

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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

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sturgeon Bay

Located in Sturgeon Bay, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Door 44 Winery and Red Oak Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. The Garden Door and Door County Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Water tubing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Sturgeon Bay, WI

What's nearby

  • Sunset Park Beach - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Door County Historical Museum - 11 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Sturgeon Bay Bridge - 12 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Door County Maritime Museum - 12 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Potawatomi State Park - 28 min drive - 18.3 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bridge Up Brewing - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Door County Coffee & Tea Co. - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Buffet - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of George K. Pinney County Park and Lake Michigan. Choice Orchards is 2 mi (3.2 km) away.

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 23 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 37 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Wonderful place to stay. Good fishing places.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

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

Just as we remembered

This is our second stay here...we just love this cabin and the location. Nothing fancy about it, which is what makes it perfect. Can't wait to visit it again. ♡
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley B.

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

Wonderful cottage

This was the perfect stay for me and my boys ( 6 and 9). The view was spectacular and we enjoyed the small beach. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Anna S.

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

Exploring the Door County

Very convenient location if you are planning to spend a few days just exploring, like we did for the first time. Definitely pleasant feelings while staying at the cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy T., Louisville

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

Cottage Serenity

This humble cottage has the perfect ambience for a restful vacation. Love the water's edge access, the window light and screened front porch with wonderful views. Beds are comfy and furniture fits all of your needs. Added bonus of lakeside fire pit and provided firewood was great!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

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

25th Anniversary Getaway

Quaint little cottage that was quiet and just what we were looking for. Weather turned cold this weekend and it was a little chilly till we got the heaters up and running combined with the wind dying down. Bed was firm but we’ve had worse. All in all a good stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

nita h.

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

Beautiful visit

Our stay at the Thenell cottage was better than staying at a 5 star resort! The serene water views were breathtaking. The nostalgic cottage was quaint and clean. We neglected to pick up coffee along our way and were relieved to see that coffee was provided. After spending a long weekend, it was hard to pull ourselves away from the peace and tranquility that the Thenell cottage offered. We'll be back next Fall!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Jane S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Thernell Cottage

The location is amazing. Right on the water. Cute cottage but I don’t see how the owner would want guests standing on a chair to turn on the kitchen lights. I’m not the first to comment. It should be corrected. Also could be cleaner. An occasional sweep of the window frames would be good: many dead bugs.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Candace C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Getaway

We really enjoyed the rustic cottage by the lake. Lots of early 20th century charm and character with original windows and open loft. Great for younger small families or a couple. Requires some planning and forethought to manage the nighttime ventilation and bugs, but nothing unexpected in an old woods cottage. Our kids loved the change of pace and opportunity to experience something different. Great location for July 4th with different fireworks shows visible in the distance every night from the shore and fire pit. Host was very responsive leading up to our stay and the beds & linens and furniture were all clean well-maintained and comfortable. Thanks for having us!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kellie B.

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

A perfect little cottage

This was a great stay for our family of 4. We loved being right on the water - definitely bring water shoes! The "beach" is shared access with another cottage, but it was just fine for our needs. Wifi and verizon coverage at the cottage was pretty good, though the cable did cut out a few times during some intense storms (to be expected). The firepit was right on the water with 4 comfy chairs, and the charcoal grill was nice and clean. We were a little nervous about past reviews mentioning bugs and leaks upstairs, but we didnt experience any of these issues beyond the occasional bug (to be expected this time of year), and the loft area upstairs was dry and clean. Overall, it was a very cute cottage, and a perfect stay for 2 adults and 2 kids!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Fall Getaway to Door County

For several years my wife and I wanted to explore Door County...primarily based on conversations with friends who had previously visited this area. We chose this property due to not only to its location right on the water just north of Sturgeon Bay, but also for the Rustic nature of the cabin. If you are looking to be pampered with all the modern amenities of a 5 star hotel, this is not for you...but if you appreciate a 1920's cabin that has been extremely well restored and has everything you need to have a fantastic stay...then this is about as good as it gets. You will be literally a "stone's throw" from the lake, and in the evening, the sunset is probably the most spectacular I have ever seen ( and that includes over the ocean, which is not an exaggeration, I assure you. When we were there the weather was perfect, md 60"s in Sept and made for a perfect "Getaway"
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Greg M.

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

Beautiful Location

The Thenell Cottage is exactly that - a quaint little log cottage right next to the water (10 feet from water). It has one small bedroom and large loft with two beds. Bathroom is on porch (which seemed weird) but it’s a full screened in porch. Good size for max 4 people in my opinion. Kitchen is small but adequate. WiFi was surprisingly good. Has nice fire pit with wood on site. Small beach entrance to water but not water craft on site so be prepared to rent or bring your own. No AC so open windows and use fans to be comfortable. Overall it’s a beautiful property and I would probably stay again (as long as I get the bedroom)!! Loft space was difficult to walk around in - constantly be on guard not to bump your head. About 10 min drive from downtown Sturgeon Bay which is awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Sue P., Dayton

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

This cabin is a classic charmer on Sturgeon Bay!

The rustic feel of this cabin is a real draw! It sits on Sturgeon Bay ~ 20 ft from the water. The knotty pine walls and ceiling set a relaxing tone. The "neighborhood" is warm & inviting - one needs to understand the limits of the electrical & septic systems. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - for the bathroom on the screened in porch is very workable. There were minimal towels for the kitchen & bathroom - there is no paved path for the 50 yd trek from the parking area to the cabin door. We received minimal check-in information - actually none until we inquired on the day of check-in. The TV did not work as the cable was down - there are minimal channels for view/ing. The mowing done the day before we departed left cut grass everywhere which got caked all over our shoes & luggage - what a mess! The headboard is wedged between the bed & the wall - creating all kinds of noise even when one simply rolls over in bed. In spite of these annoyances - this was a charming & relaxing accommodätion which we really enjoyed. Thje Birmingham Bar is "Operation Central" for this property - what a fun place!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Molly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Authentic 1930's cabin with charming details

This is a charming and authentic 1930's cottage/cabin - small and quaint with just enough modern updates to preserve the character and make it functional and cozy. The upstairs loft is very small, and suitable really only for children (ceilings are low, stairs are tight and small). Though they will find it delightful. The main bedroom is just large enough to accommodate, but smaller than the pictures make it look. The living room is spacious and well-appointed. Couch is super comfortable, and all furnishings throughout the house are newer and well maintained. The bathroom is very small, and my 6' husband was too tall to fit under the showerhead. That isn't really a solvable thing given the structure/architecture of the cabin. It's workable, but be aware. We were only able to access a couple of tv channels, but that isn't really what we were there for. The property is right on the water with magnificent views of the bay, sunset, the stars. The bonfire pit is right on the water's edge and so much fun to have. We really enjoyed our stay. Management was easy to work with and well communicated - we never saw anyone, but were totally fine with that and didn't require assistance.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

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

Pleasant stay, great location

Overall we had a very pleasant stay at the cottage. It was clean when we arrived and there was more space than we had imagined there being! The cabin was cozy. We enjoyed the fire pit outside with the nice view. We weren't sure how it would fare with no A/C but propping the windows open the first night was just fine. We used the heater the next night and both worked well to heat/cool the cabin as needed. The water heater was also amazing! Three of us showered after one another in the morning and it was still scorching hot! The kitchen had mostly everything that was stated except for the coffee grounds :( we ended up going to a local coffee shop in the area. The one thing I would suggest to improve is a small leak in the ceiling. The first night it did end up thunderstorming pretty bad and there was a leak in the cabin ceiling by the fireplace (hopefully they can get that fixed!) it caused a puddle of water on the floor. Food/wine : The first night we went to Sonny's pizza for dinner, good quality and lots of drinks to choose from. The Downeast peach cider on tap was delicious. Door 44 was close by and probably the best quality winery in the area (from the ones we visited)! I would not recommend Door Peninsula Winery, even though they had free tastings, they tasted cheap and overall not good quality (aka tourist trap). Pelletier's fish boil was great, a bit of a drive but in a cute area with nice shops to visit in the surrounding area. Big thank you to the host. I think we would stay here again if we had the chance, lots more to do in the area that we didn't get to
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful property!

So much fun in this rustic cabin on the lake - we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

4/10 Poor

amy r.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

4699 Bayshore Drive

Unfortunately I cannot give the 5 star request that you are asking for. I give 2 stars and that is for location only. we were set to check in Saturday the 30th. It was an 11 hour drive for us. when we were about 20 minutes out from the cabin I had reached out about having no check in instructions. My first thought was because I filled out the super hog information out incorrectly. But after reading the other reviews, it seems this is an issue. I messaged multiple times that I needed instructions on how to enter the property with no response. We literally had no where to go as it was late into the evening. Thank goodness a gal at the Best Western took pity on us and gave us their last room. $200 later we at least had a bed for that evening. At 12:17am, check in instructions finally arrived in my inbox. The hosts messaged us at that time saying they had sent them over earlier in the week. Which could be a possibility,but after reading the other review with same issue, I have my doubts. No offer to compensate or make up for this in any way. Somehow they were able to message us at midnight, but not at 9:00pm when we were stuck with no code. Such a huge dissappointment, But we were on vacation so we were ready to reset and get started at the cabin the next morning. Only to be let down again. we are charged a cleaning fee and expected to find a clean cabin. Absolutely not the case. I would like to make it clear that we understand that we are in a cabin and that it would be rustic but the amount of cobwebs and dead bugs and filth under the bed and around the stove area was unbelievable. nobody could sleep in the loft area for how dirty it was. if the owners or management company is paying a cleaning service between visits, please know that they are not doing their jobs. Again, I understand about bugs and spiders, we live at a lake back home- but my gosh, a cleaning crew with a swifter knocking down webs between bookings would do a wonder for your business. A storm rolled in one night which led to a leak in the living room all over my daughters belongings as we had to use the sofa bed instead of the unusable beds upstairs. Management supposedly did send someone over to fix it, but what was interesting in reading over the other reviews is that this is not the first time this has occurred or had been addressed. I have more to write, but limited space left. If you are looking for a place to stay in Sturgeon Bay I would consider an alternative.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Florence H.

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

Great stay on the lake!

The view and the beach (with swim shoes) are awesome. We also enjoyed the rustic cottage. The Birmingham bar restaurant on top of the alley is quite convenient and fun for food and drinks.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey G.

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

Beautiful spot 😍

You cannot beat the location and simple charm of this cottage! We will definitely be back. Thank you for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Charles L.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Sink was clogged our entire stay, 2 towels for 5 days, the bugs inside covered all the curtains,

No response to our requests- not able to use bathroom sink due to clogged, , dirty, bugs everywhere, 2 towels for five days, nothing in the cabin dried out, limited cable, left 2 days early, terrible accommodations.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kyle N.

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

Simpler time

This cottage is in a dream location. The water is calm and the sunsets picturesque. Ther cottage is cozy and simple not distracting from the scenery.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Matthew L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location - wish they had cleaned

Overall this cabin is awesome. The rustic feel and waterfront location makes for a perfect quiet getaway. However, the cabin had clearly not been cleaned prior to our arrivals. There were cob webs, spiders, and dead bugs everywhere. A minor cleaning would have made a big difference. It bothers me that I’m paying a cleaning fee but the cabin was not cleaned for me. I plan to request my cleaning fee back. I had to kill spiders in the bedroom before we went to bed, which is not a comforting pre bed routine. Like I said, overall a great location and rustic cabin. I just wish they had cleaned the place before I got there.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacy G.

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

Wonderful Mini-moon

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our brief getaway. The property was perfect for us, the shoreline is gorgeous. We built a fire on the water one night, and enjoyed the screen porch watching the lake views while it was raining. The property is stocked with all the essentials, cozy and relaxing. It was an amazing fall week, we enjoyed biking at Penninsula State Park and touring the coastline in our boat. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Larry E.

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

Fall Trip

A small, cozy cabin right by the water. We enjoyed exploring the nearby area during the day, sitting by the water in the warm afternoons and then relaxing in front of the fireplace at night. It was a great place for our fall vacation. * One small thing - a ceiling light in the kitchen had an on/off pull cord you needed to pull horizontally, but my wife couldn't do it because she couldn't reach it!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by The Simple Life Hospitality

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