Entire home

PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home!

Holiday home with kitchen, near Lake Michigan

Photo gallery for PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home!

Living area
Exterior
Living area
Room
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4130.1 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)

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

Common area 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home!

The APPLE RETREAT is one of two wonderful recent renovation. I spent most of 2021 creating an elegant and charming place to enjoy in all seasons. A private entrance leads to three over-sized rooms, a very large living room with beamed 14-ft cathedral ceiling, all with great windows and light. The living room TV has AmazonPrime, Hulu, Cable etc, and there are also some board games, books etc. A dining-room/kitchen with table for six and a large kitchen island complements the beautiful full kitchen, with microwave, dishwasher, oven and fridge/freezer. Finally there's a very spacious bedroom with King bed and luxury linens, with closet space and en suite bathroom (with tub/shower combo). The home also has a separate powder room. Outside, there is a pretty, enclosed private covered porch immediately outside the dining area, separated from it by three large picture windows. Great for relaxing outside on the evenings. In the daytimes, light streams into the living room and dining areas, making the place feel spacious and relaxed. This impression of space is greatly enhanced by the cathedral ceilings in both the living and dining rooms - rising to 14 feet at their peak. Most of the floors are in an elegant wood finish; the bedroom is carpeted. The house sleeps up to 4: That is: 2 in the King bed, and then a high-end Queen sofa-bed in the living room provides sleeping for 2 more when needed. Rather than creating additional smaller bedrooms, I decided to keep the place generous in proportion, so that guests can really spread out and not feel cramped. The landscaping round the house and in the whole Green Gables complex is almost an obsession for me, and continually a work in progress! - and is already quite stunning. For instance, I planted over 30,000 spring bulbs at Green Gables by hand last Fall!

My two more traditionally-styled vacation rentals nearby (also on the Green Gables property) have also been give almost entirely 5-star ratings by more than 100 groups of guests, and you can read these at the links below. These are the PLUM RETREAT, which sleeps up to 6, and BIRCH REREAT which sleeps 2, and up to 4. Finally, the other newly-renovaterd vacation rental at Green Gables is the SPRUCE RETREAT, a richly furnished, colorful and spacious home, with full kitchen, sleeping 2-4; Oozing with romance and character, it’s great for a couple's romantic getaway, or for a young family. Please explore these to read guests' positive feedback, and discover all that "Green Gables" has to offer.

Plum Retreat: www.vrbo.com/1656362 (Lots of great reviews)
Birch Retreat: www.vrbo.com/1656219 (Lots of great reviews)
Spruce Retreat: www.vrbo.com/2708225 (This one, like APPLE, 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! Its location is perfect from which to get around Door County!

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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 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. Francis Hardy Gallery and Frykman Studio Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Bay Ridge Golf Course and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sister Bay, 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.) - 89 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Stabbur Beer Garden - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Husby's Food & Spirits - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wild Tomato - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is PEACEFUL, SPACIOUS, AND ROMANTIC - your Door County home away from home! 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

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. 65 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Taryn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our time! Very clean, great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin A.

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

Was clean roomy great location

Was lovely
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin C.

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

Excellent Stay!

Our stay was cut short by one night due to the severe storms that came in a day before and knocked power/water out for 36 hours. Colin was great at communicating with me and keeping us up to date so we were able to salvage one night and still celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary in the town of Ephraim! Already looking to book our next stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen J.

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

One-night stay in Ephraim

Exactly as pictured! Clear check-in instructions, beautiful, clean home. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alyson W.

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

Cute spot, great location

We came for our third wedding anniversary and it was a lovely stay! We loved being able to cook in the kitchen, and the location was perfect for all the activities we wanted to do. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Everything was great ... a little pricey for one night stay with taxes and cleaning added is the only thing otherwise very nice clean and everything you need
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

laura f.

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

Lovely home in a great location!

The Apple Retreat was a wonderful place to stay for a weekend in Door County! It was centrally located, very clean, had comfortable couches and a bed and felt like a little home away from home! I would absolutely recommend a stay in any one of Colin's properties!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

lydia s.

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

Ephraim, Door County Wisconsin

Beyond perfect! Impeccable, spacious, comfortable, cozy, stocked and beautiful. Would recommend without hesitation and hope to be back soon. Thank you Colin.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sue A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Not your fault but we had no power our last night from a storm and it was still out the next am when we checked out.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth P.

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

Comfortable and convenient property

We attended a wedding at Northern Haus and this property was a 4 minute drive; making it a very convenient location to stay. Very pleasant surroundings inside and outside. Nice amenities and beautiful gardens! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip A., Buffalo Grove, Illinois (USA)

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

Enjoy the beauty of Green Gables in Ephraim

We loved the beauty of the architecture and the many gorgeous gardens at Green Gables. Every amenity one could think of was provided at this completely restored vacation home, as well as many extras not necessary but so appreciated. We had an enjoyable and relaxing stay and look forward to a return visit.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea G.

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

Relaxing Door County Weekend

We were very pleased with the location of this rental, being that it was easy to find yet traffic was very quiet. The house was gorgeous, spacious, and welcoming! The view out of the master bedroom was beautiful! We enjoyed our stay very much, and found the central location of the rental on the peninsula made it easy to get around to wherever we wanted to go.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

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

Great location and space!

My mom sister and I stayed in late August. The location was perfect and the space was wonderful. Thoughtfully designed and decorated. Really enjoyed seeing all of the monarchs come to the flowers right outside the windows when sitting in the front room.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

Comfortable and convenient

This property works perfectly for us. We are seniors who spend much more time in our lodging than when we were younger. This has a pleasant prospect of trees changing color across the road. The furniture is comfortable for lounging or for reading your computer at a table. The bedroom door closes so one person can sleep while the other is up. AND it's convenient to restaurants, stores, and state parks for hiking.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and clean 1 bedroom cottage. Kitchen is fully equipped. Extra Pillows and blankets also provided. Would recommend. FYI.. the “Apple” (this cottage) and the Alpine are connected and at times you can hear the patrons in the other cottage… but it’s not bad.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Very clean, spacious, somewhat quiet. Main travelled road in front of property. One person slept in living room at front of unit and trucks, hot rods, police with sirens and loud people hampered sleep. Did not explain a joined property with another vrbo unit attached. This would have been helpful. All in all we three enjoyed the location. Maybe a few large evergreens in front of property could help noise factor
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Beautiful flower gardens. Host is so kind. Told about a concert he was giving and it was very enjoyable. Kitchen well stocked with items you need. Rooms are large. We stayed a week and will return for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was perfect! Great location. Very quiet. Very nice!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip A.

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

November 2024 Apple Retreat

The property is amazing and the host, Colin is great. Can’t wait to return in spring when all the flora is in full bloom.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bart V.

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

Great

Great
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin C.

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

Absolutely Fantastic

Perfect in every way! If you’re looking for a place to stay in Door County with a short drive to all the towns, this is the place! We enjoyed our getaway weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl H.

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

Fall colors

My husband & I enjoyed our stay in your beautiful home. Very clean, with all the amenities you’d need. Close to wonderful shops & restaurants. Would come back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jim B.

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

Apple Retreat Experience

Very smooth check-in/check-out experience. Clean, comfortable, spacious, and well equipped property. Very handy location to the Door County hot spots. Host is onsite, always a good thing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eva F.

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

Weekend away

Great family stay! Beautiful property
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michong P.

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

A perfect place to stay in Door County

A perfect place to relax and refuel soul and body. Beautiful gardens add an amazing element.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Colin Welford

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests