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"Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!

Holiday home with kitchen, near Lake Michigan

Photo gallery for "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!

Living area
Room
Exterior
Exterior
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 479.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Sister Bay Beach
  • Place, Sister Bay Marina
  • Place, Ephraim Public Beach

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Living Room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!

"Birch" is a private retreat, part of a lovely cottage hidden behind an ornate garden gate; It is a cozy and comfortable private apartment for 2-4 guests comprising of two large and well-appointed rooms with modern touches within a ridiculously charming Door County setting! The "Green Gables" the property in which it is set, is a picturesque spot in the north part of Ephraim, with its own beautiful award-winning gardens, and is within easy walking distance to galleries, shops, mini-golf, breakfast and pizza, or a short drive from Ephraim village and the water. "Birch" gets lots of natural light from a large picture window at the front and from a sliding patio door at the back, which opens onto a small garden area with summery flowers. There's plenty of more open green space outdoors and around the Green Gables property. One large room has an elegant King bed, while the living room has a true Queen sofa-bed. The living room has a large and attractive library of books plus a 49" TV (with cable, Netflix, and Amazon Prime). All the bedding is non-allergenic. There is a very spacious walk-in shower enclosure within an ensuite bathroom. The apartment also is equipped with modest kitchenette facilities consisting of a microwave, fridge, toaster, coffeemaker and simple tableware/utensils. A contemporary dining table and four chairs completes the apartment, a lovely place to unwind and from which to explore Door County. In response to COVID-19, cleaning and sanitizing will be thoroughly undertaken, and guests are asked and to be ready to put on masks just when entering and exiting the building. Thank you!

If this unit is rented, please consider the neighboring (and again, private) larger unit, VRBO #1658362. For larger parties, booking both units at once provides for an amazing family experience.

As of Spring 2022, GREEN GABLES now has TWO OTHER great vacation rentals set within the same gorgeous acre and a half of lush gardens! Please visit the other two listings...

Brand new VRBO listing 2724012 is a spacious gorgeous home with full kitchen for 2-4, and VRBO listing 2798225 is a stunning romantic lodge-style retreat that is truly special. Ideal for a couple, though there's also a sofa bed too. Please do check them out! Green Gables is GROWING (both in the garden, and in great places to stay....!)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Ephraim

Located in Ephraim, this holiday home is in a rural area. The Skyway Drive-In Theatre and Historic Noble House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Egg Harbor Fun Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Ephraim, WI

What's nearby

  • Sister Bay Beach - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Waterfront Park - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Sister Bay Marina - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Ephraim Public Beach - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Peninsula State Park Golf Course - 10 min drive - 5.8 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 90 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Stabbur Beer Garden - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Husby's Food & Spirits - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!?

As of 31 October 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined! on 30 November 2025 start from NZ$472.99, 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 "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is "Birch Retreat" - cuteness and elegance combined! located?

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tedra M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very charming and quiet place to stay. Great location near town!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Good, clean place to stay in Door County!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love staying at this location. This is my 3rd stay. The location is so convenient. Colin has thought of everything to make our stay wonderful. Comfy bed and fluffly big towels, and lovely shower with plenty of water pressure. There's a Keurig coffee maker, an electric teapot, a microwave, and fridge. So welcoming. We will stay there on our next trip to DC for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Lacey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay and owner was great to work with. It’s a bit dated interior and not much of a “kitchenette.” It’s just the bathroom sink—but worked out fine for the purpose of our stay. Also very very clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith N.

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

Loved and Definitely Returning

Such a great front fate
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackson K.

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

Great

Very nice a clean space
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Charles R.

Disliked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Disappointment

Needs kitchen facilities. Owner should be more available. Apartment next door is very noisy. Too expensive for cottage offered.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

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

Great Location and very Comfortable

The perfect spot in Door County-close to many of our favorite places and very cozy and comfortable property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon O.

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

Cozy stay at Birch Retreat

Comfortable, clean, private retreat in Ephraim for the weekend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug B.

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

Winter Get Away

Very comfortable and cozy - great location to explore the entire peninsula!

10/10 Excellent

Mark J. E.

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

A nice cottage in a great location

The property was very well maintained and updated. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Candice M.

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

Charming Getaway

We really enjoyed our stay here! The property has an amazing location in Door County.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

David D.

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

English Charm + Wisconsin Welcome

Lovely home, very well appointed and maintained- we found Birch Retreat to be the perfect place to begin & end our 5-night in Door County. We thoroughly enjoyed the property and highly recommend it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

Weekend Trip

Everything was wonderful! The place was nice and clean! Close to all the towns in Door County!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie O.

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

Charming!

Perfect space for a long weekend! Great location to explore Door County
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlin S.

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

Lovely home and gardens!

The gardens were a delight and the apartment was lovely for our long weekend in Door County. The host was very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandy Y.

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

Perfect Stay!

The Birch Retreat was adorable, well appointed, and exactly as presented on the site. Colin, the host, was easily accessible, very helpful and friendly. The grounds were beautiful and the location perfect for getting around Door Co. Definately book it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet P., Milwaukee

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

Lovely

This is my second time in the Birch Retreat. The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is in a great location. Colin is a gracious host. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terese

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent property. We found it clean, quiet and very comfortable. Communication with Colin was easy and quick in responses. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca N.

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

Peaceful

Comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

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

Beauty and Bliss

My husband and I stayed at The Birch in Ephriam. The setting was so beautiful with lovely gardens welcoming the guests through the gates/arbor covered with lush, green Virginia Creeper vines (which turn a brilliant red in fall. Easy access to both the rental and WiFi. A binder, provided by the host, contains everything you need to know about this lovely space. The rooms are large and impeccably clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie S.

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

A Secret Garden Getaway

The birch Retreat at Green Gables was a wonderful stay for our fun girl trip! It was a bright, cozy place to come back to from our adventures. And the highlight was strolling through the breathtaking gardens around the property (Door County has it’s very own Monte Don)! Running into Colin was a delight and we hope to return in the future to see how he continues to put his stamp on Green Gables. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

4/10 Poor

Sanee B.

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

Comfortable but musty

Nice, comfortable property but stay was diminished by water condensation on living room window, limited view and musty odor in both rooms -won’t stay again and would avoid if you have mold allergies
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack N.

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

Romantic Getaway

My wife and I celebrated a month being married at the Birch Retreat and it was perfect for us. We had planned all our meals to be eaten out, which worked because the Birch does not have a kitchen, but does have a small fridge/microwave/silverware/plates etc. We were happy to have found a place close to many shops and restaurants without the crowd. The shared gardens were beautiful, we enjoyed drinks outback amongst the flowers, which felt like our own private sanctuary. Colin, the host, was pleasant and welcoming!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica E.

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

Girls Weekend

Spent the weekend in Door County with a friend. The communication with Colin prior to arrival was excellent along with maps and directions. The place was very clean and decorated super cute. Plenty of space for the 2 of us. Shame on me for not realizing the unit doesn’t have a kitchen but enough to get by for a few days. My only suggestions are a couple wine glasses and a fridge with a separate freezer compartment for ice. We had to buy ice for our happy hour cocktails. Ephraim is centrally located to many of the other towns and a short ride to Sister Bay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Colin Welford

Host profile image
I am a musician - an orchestra conductor of ballet and Broadway musicals, a pianist and composer - originally from Manchester, England. I first landed in the U.S. (more than a few years ago!) as a grad student in Miami. Since then, music-making has led me to visit (or live in) all sorts of places on five different continents: From Shreveport to Budapest, The Philippines to Swaziland. Of course, along the way I've enjoyed, encountered, or endured hospitality of all styles: a room-for-rent in a stranger's house (100% language barrier included), corporate apartments, a corrugated-tin shack in the jungle, hotels ranging from 5 to 0 stars, cruise-ships, dive-boats and leaky barges, private island mega-mansions, African desert tents - and more lately, a very high floor in a glass and steel skyscraper! I had been working in vibrant Chicago where I was the Music Director of "Hamilton" for almost three years. At the same time I frequently found myself heading North to Door County, WI - a very special and different place, with all the 'small-town' charm and ways of a bygone era; whether during its pristine white winters, fresh springtime greens, its exciting summer buzz, or the stupendous fall colors.

I like meeting people of all ages and from different places and walks of life, and am interested in art, architecture and history, while being ever on the lookout for completely new experiences. I enjoy scuba-diving (I’m a licensed PADI Assistant Instructor - although I’m probably a bit rusty), longer-than-planned hikes, creating music & lyrics and outrageously improbable plot-lines for new comedic musicals, escape rooms, chess, puzzles, campfires (but NOT at Green Gables!), playing games on my iPhone that keep me up all night, foreign films, LEGO, and reading.

Languages:

English

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