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Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around

Lakefront cottage in Ephraim with kitchen

Photo gallery for Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around

Property grounds
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher
Interior
Smart TV, books, stereo
Escape to Door County's charming shores at Arbor Cottage. Nestled in the heart of Ephraim Village, unwind with unforgettable sunsets and island vistas from your private waterfront area. Stroll to local shops, galleries, and Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor or enjoy a day at the beach within walking distance.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 656 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around

Please inquire for more pictures!

Arbor Cottage LOFT is nestled in the heart of the Village of Ephraim on the shores of Eagle Harbor. The "LOFT" is upstairs/attic of the original/historic cottage (circa 1853) and has been lovingly remodeled into a charming Scandi-inspired LOFT w/ its own private entrance. The LOFT has west-facing views to savor unforgettable sunsets, island & bluff vistas. Enjoy 100' of private lakefront area to swim, kayak, or just relax with a glass of wine and watch a fabulous sunset over Eagle Harbor!

Walk to all that is quintessential Door County: Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor, Anderson Dock, galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Whether it’s a day at the beach, boating on the waters of Green Bay, nature walks through Peninsula State Park, golfing, tennis, or just relaxing ... Arbor Cottage LOFT welcomes you!

Accommodations:
Scandinavian-inspired LOFT-living (upstairs - attic)
Private 100' foot waterfront area across the street (on Hwy 42)
Private Entrance
Living Room - facing west for unforgettable sunsets
Kitchen: w/drawer dishwasher/induction stovetop/convection-microwave (no oven)/Smeg refrigerator/coffee maker
1 bedroom: (King-firm hybrid/memory foam, sleeps 2), AC
1 bathroom (shower only-within pitch of roof-max 6'2" high) Hairdryer
Smart TV (Cable and WiFi)
Gas Grill

The owners have successfully rented "Arbor Cottage" VRBO for past 10 years. They have recently moved downstairs into the original cottage (winter 2025) and are now renting their private LOFT (remodeled for 2025 season). They live downstairs (w/ separate entrance) and are available for any assistance and local information for guests of the LOFT.

*Please note: the Russell's also purchased another cottage, "Lille Cottage" ~ fully renovated (retro style) and opened June 15, 2017 (vrbo 1060002). Lille Cottage is also available for rental and located on the border of Fish Creek and Ephraim (across from Hwy "A" entrance of Peninsula State Park).

Keywords: Cottage, Home, Cabin, Vacation Rental, Scandinavian, Loft

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 13 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • 4 indoor pickleball courts
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Outdoor pickleball court
  • Snow sports gear
  • Tennis
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bicycles
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 600 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Please note no cats are allowed.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Well-behaved dogs welcome We do not accept puppies

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Well-behaved children are always welcomed!

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly House Ephraim
Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly House
Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly Ephraim
Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly Open Year Around Ephraim
Historic Waterfront Familypet
Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly Open Year Around
Open Historic Waterfront Family/pet Friendly Open Year Around

About the neighborhood

Map
Ephraim, WI

What's nearby

  • Ephraim Public Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Peninsula State Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Peninsula State Park Golf Course - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Sister Bay Beach - 9 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Sister Bay Marina - 10 min drive - 9.0 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay Austin Straubel Intl. Airport (GRB) - 87 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Stabbur Beer Garden - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Husby's Food & Spirits - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Alexander's Restaurant - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around located?

Located in the heart of Ephraim, this cottage is steps from Eagle Harbor and Lake Michigan. Francis Hardy Gallery and Water Street Gallery are also within 10 minutes.

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Scandi-inspired Loft - Historic - Waterfront - Pet Friendly - Open year around Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 148 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 152 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P.

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

Beautiful little cottage!

Great location, has everything you need and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyle F.

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

Delightful

Such a quaint property with very very very friendly owners. Thanks for the stay Brad and Amy!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah F.

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

The perfect little cottage!

We loved this little cottage and the perfect view that came with it! Brad and Amy were amazing hosts!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

laura j.

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

Arbor Cottage

Wonderful stay at Arbor Cottage in beautiful Ephraim
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom N.

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

Cottage by the bay

This one was no doubt the cleanest VRBO we've ever stayed. The reception was warm and our stay was delightful. I HIGHLY recommend to consider this location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Terence M.

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

Perfect for a couple.

Owners were great from the start with good communication and responsive. Location was ideal for access to all that Door County offers. Its central location in the quaint town of Ephraim makes most of Door County’s destinations within easy striking distance. The loft is nicely and uniquely furnished, comfortably useable , with a nice view overlooking the lake. I would not hesitate to recommend or stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael O.

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

Fantastic Experience

This truly was a one of one experience as Brad and Amy are tremendous hosts and their Arbor Cottage is one of the most beautiful properties in all of Door County. My family and I cannot thank Brad and Amy enough for sharing their home with us and allowing us to have a phenomenal family vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Perfect Romantic Getaway

An excellent, spotless loft located right on 42, directly across from the lake. It’s centrally situated in Ephraim—between Fish Creek and Sister Bay—with great restaurants and beautiful state parks just a short drive away.Perfect for a couple, the space is cozy and charming. You can walk across the street to a private area for swimming during the day, watching sunsets in the evening, and stargazing at night. Public beaches, restaurants, and a great wine bar are all within easy walking distance.Brad and Amy were terrific hosts—friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. It’s also a dog-friendly spot, which was a big plus for us.Just a heads-up: the loft is accessible via stairs, so something to keep in mind if mobility is an issue.If you’re looking for a romantic, laid-back place by the lake, this is a fantastic option!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather K.

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

The perfect getaway!

The Arbor Cottage Loft was the perfect place to stay on our visit to Door County. The loft is cozy, decorated adorably, the bed is very comfortable, and other fun things like a towel warmer to make the stay special. My husband and I loved it! The location is within walking distance to different restaurants and some shops, otherwise centrally located between neighboring towns making everything a short drive north or south. The best part about the location is being able to walk across the road to a take in beautiful sunsets every night. Brad and Amy, the hosts, are very friendly and responsive, everything was smooth from start to finish. I will definitely be looking into staying here again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clare F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, such a clean and cozy spot to stay! Brad and Amy are wonderful hosts! Would definitely stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanetta N.

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

Great Getaway!

Loft was amazing! Super cute and comfy. Location is perfect to enjoy the water, restaurants, town, and parks. Hosts were so welcoming and really thought of everything! 5 stars across the board!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander P.

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

Amazing property and wonderful hosts!

We've stayed at Arbor Cottage multiple times and it's one of our absolute favorite places to visit! The cottage is amazing, beautiful decor and so well stocked. We felt so at home and the view is gorgeous! We loved watching the sunsets over the water each night. Brad and Amy are wonderful hosts and so helpful with suggestions on where to visit. We can't wait for our next trip to Door County and will definitely stay with them again. Thank you for wonderful memories at the Arbor Cottage!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Manny M.

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

Arbor Cottage in Ephraim, WI

Excellent property. House is well stocked. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb P.

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

Arbor Cottage

Excellent
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

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

just like home

we can’t say enough, good things about our arbor cottage experience and the owners. They even treated us to dinner one night because of some minor inconvenience on exterior work being done while we were there! We would highly recommend them for your next VRBOvacation.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne R.

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

Spectacular Property in a Great Location

Our group of four mature professional women had a fantastic time during our 3-night stay at the gorgeous, comfy, and light-filled Arbor Cottage. It is beautifully decorated in a style that reminded me of many travels in Scandinavia. It is absolutely sparkling clean! The Cottage kitchen was well-stocked with all the essentials (e.g cooking oils, spices) that one would need for cooking in if you like. Brad & Amy are gracious and friendly hosts who communicate immediately. In addition to all this, the location in downtown Ephraim could not have been better for exploring all that Door County has to offer. I have rented many properties during the past 20 years, and I honestly have to say that Arbor Cottage is one of the very best. I can't recommend it highly enough!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

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

Absolutely lovely!

Beautiful, clean, welcoming, much larger than I even expected, really more than a cottage! Furnishing/decor so warm and cozy! Location is unbeatable, view from the sun/sitting room is breathtaking! Brad and Amy could not have been more kind / accommodating when I had unexpected scheduling issues. Would love to go back!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Karen R.

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

Beautiful cottage in the center of Ephraim

The cottage is beautiful and comfortable. It is on the main highway, which can get busy with traffic.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

millie e.

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

Hosts were so kind and engaging w our grsndchildren

First time and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Heaven in Door County!

Brad and Amy are the ideal hosts who have created an exceptionally cozy and charming cottage complete with everything you need. I simply mentioned in a message some of the things we were hoping to do and when we arrived they had already researched and provided information (including personal favorites) so we could begin enjoying our experience right away. The view is gorgeous and the sunsets are spectacular! Thanks to their care and attention to detail we have memories galore to treasure.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristie M.

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

Wonderful Stay!

The cottage is beautiful! So nicely decorated and immaculate. Amazing view of Lake and stunning sunset!! Perfect location! We look forward to returning soon!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory L.

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

Outstanding hosts and property

Arbor Cottage is incredibly charming, cozy and comfortable. The hosts, Brad and Amy, couldn’t have been any more welcoming. The cottage is, as others have stated, incredibly well stocked. If you see an opening, book it. It’s fabulous any time of year.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

ALBERT & MONTSE C.

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

Amazing

The best rental we have stayed, lovely decoration, clean, and comfortable. The mattresses and the pillows were super comfortable. Brad and Amy are excellent hosts, they made us feel welcome. We will come back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine G.

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

Thanksgiving fun in Door County

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. The house was beautifully decorated for the holidays and super comfortable for our family during all our door county activities. House was super clean and welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn C.

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

Perfect!

Arbor Cottage was lovely! Amy and Brad were great and their attention to detail was super! The house is well appointed and centrally located for all Door County Activities. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022