Entire home

The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available

2.0 star property
Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available

Exterior
Interior
Interior
Terrace/patio
TV, fireplace, DVD player, stereo
The Aurora in Grand Marais offers a serene retreat with modern Nordic design, inspired by traditional Scandinavian work buildings. This one-bedroom home features a spacious living area with panoramic windows, offering captivating views of the harbor and Lake Superior.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 480 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Beach view

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.

The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available

The Aurora is a free standing home in the heart of Grand Marais near the harbor. Designed by celebrated Minnesota architect David Salmela and newly constructed in 2018/19. This collection of modern homes has been featured in Mn. Monthly, Midwest Home, Arch Daily, and other publications around the globe. We have even won awards for this architecture as far away as Sweden. The Aurora is the smaller sister to The Sky House and the Horizon, two sibling properties to Aurora in the exclusive enclave called "tre søstra" which means "three sisters" in Danish. Aurora is one bedroom, one bath, plus a very nice sleeper sofa for one adult or two children, and floor bed for one. There is a roomy main living space that seems to float above the area buildings and has wonderful view of the harbor, the town, and Lake Superior. Although designed ideally as an upscale oasis for two, 4 people can stay here in a pinch. The Aurora provides an inspiring modern space that allows for privacy among those sharing the lodging, and also provides a captivating view from the great room area on the top floor of the Grand Marais harbor, the neighborhood, and the town close by. She has a desk area in the bedroom, a walk out blue stone patio from the bedroom, a planning desk in the hall, an all tile bathroom with walk in shower, a large entry area, a full laundry, a beautiful flight of stairs to the upper level, a balcony, panoramic windows, fully modern kitchen with top of the line appliances, lighted drawers and butcher block countertops; dining for 4 with 6 possible, a custom sofa that sleeps one adult, or two children, a custom floor bed for one, and a gas fireplace. Everything is in walking distance from our little micro community in the heart of Grand Marais. Every restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gallery and Grand Marais' famous beach are all within a very short stroll from your private residence. The home is designed in modern Nordic fashion based on the original Stabur design- a work building commonly seen in Northern Europe. This design culminates a timeline of Scandinavian and Nordic design that the Miller's began on the property next door that also honored northern work buildings in the roots of their designs. There is off street parking under a car port. There is an electric car charging station in the carport as well. There is a fully modern and capable kitchen, an architect designed built in sofa and contemporary gas fireplace. Note the unique skylight with modern light treatments and the push button electronic pop up television that you can leave hidden if you wish. There is also a balcony. The entire home has slate floors and modern cabinets. There is a utility room with full size washer and dryer. Everything about The Aurora is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. These homes have an incredibly small footprint both structurally and environmentally. The foundations were designed to take up as little of the yard as possible- by being small at the start and increasing as you go up just like the old Stabur upon which this design is based. The energy efficiency is profound because these are composed of structurally insulated panels which are incredibly efficient. No cost has been spared to make the Aurora the highest quality, most significant architectural addition to Grand Marais' beautiful landscape. We hope you will find it warm, welcoming, and a once in a lifetime experience in one of the world's most magical places. We have written a detailed guide to what we consider the most special "secret" places in the area. You can pick and chose your own adventures with it for reference depending on your tastes and the weather. That guide is available to you inside the home and also sent out via links to videos. Sauna is available on a first come first served basis for an extra fee and is Thanks so much for staying with us! As a returning customer please consider booking direct next time for the lowest possible price and best possible communication tools. Hopefully you saved our direct website info, otherwise our phone number will help us direct you there. If not, just try to find us on the web. Cheers and thanks again! Todd and Susan and can be booked on our direct site- message owner to verify availability prior to completing your reservation.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: No smoking on property.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the city center
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Fishing 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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 865 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Rules

See Rental Lease Agreement as part of this booking.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: $100 per dog- not included in the rate for the cab

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Stairs, baby gate available upon request. 4 people

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking on property.

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

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Aurora Stunning new Organic Contemporary Full View Harbor House
Aurora Stunning new Organic Contemporary Full View Harbor
The Aurora Life As Art Marais
Aurora Stunning new Organic Contemporary Full View Harbor House
Aurora Stunning new Organic Contemporary Full View Harbor House
The Aurora- Life as Art Grand Marais
Aurora Stunning new Organic Contemporary Full View Harbor
The Aurora- Life as Art Private vacation home
orp5b35048x
The Aurora- Life as Art Private vacation home Grand Marais

About the neighborhood

Map
Grand Marais, MN

What's nearby

  • Cook County Court House - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Grand Marais Art Colony - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cook County Public Tennis Courts - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • North Shore Health - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Pincushion Mountain - 6 min drive - 4.8 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 134 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dockside Fish Market - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Voyageur Brewing Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Fisherman’s Daughter - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Java Moose Espresso Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Gun Flint Tavern - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available located?

Located in the heart of Grand Marais, this vacation home is steps from Lake Superior, Superior National Forest, and North House Folk School. Grand Marais Art Colony and Cook County Court House are also within 5 minutes.

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Reviews

The Aurora- Award Winning- Sauna available Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jay S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at the “Aurora” was excellent! The property was exactly as described and the accommodations could not have been better. The location was a block from the main drag of Grand Marcias and convenient to all shopping and restaurants. The owners had thought of everything and all was of the highest quality. We would definitely return and we highly recommend a stay at the Aurora.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie J.

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

Perfect stay in Grand Marais

This was by far the best vacation rental we've ever stayed in. The house was lovely, clean, comfortable with every amenity imaginable, fabulous views of Lake Superior, and within walking distance of everything Grand Marais has to offer. The Scandinavian-inspired architecture of Aurora with it's multiple outdoor spaces gave us a peaceful setting for some much needed R and R. We hope to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Great place to stay! Awesome view. Owners very helpful.

Womderful stay! Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tom D.

Excellent!

Beautiful accommodations with great views of the harbor, sunrises and sunsets. Gracious, friendly, and non-intrusive hosts.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dana D.

Stunning! Better than amazing!

The house is amazing and the owners are great too! If you are picky/fussy about houses this is the one! I could not have asked for better!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ron O.

Beautiful, Unique Property; Gorgeous Lake Views!

We recently had the good fortune to spend some time at the Aurora and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Not only does this distinctive property feel calming and luxurious, but the restful view of the lake and harbor helped us come away feeling relaxed and restored. The pleasures of this little community are easily walkable: restaurants and breweries, shops, galleries, the harbor. The Aurora is equipped with everything you could possibly need for an enjoyable stay. The owners live nearby and clearly have a deep commitment to creating and maintaining the special feeling of these lovely “Three Sisters” homes. We will definitely return! Be advised that these 3 homes do involve exterior and interior stairs if that is a health/physical concern for you.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Alex C.

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

Great trip!

This is a wonderful place to stay in Grand Marais! The house is lovely and the view every morning is gorgeous. Plus, the location is excellent and within walking distance of great places to explore and dine in Grand Marais.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Julia B.

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

Great spot!

We loved our stay here, even with the dive bombing seagulls. Everything was extremely clean, working order, great location a d just can't beat the views. Only downside is the couch - although a beautiful design, extremely uncomfortable to sit on - and after a long day of hiking and a hot shower you'll want somewhere more comfortable to plop down!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

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

Great!

Great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil S.

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

Simple Elegance Up North

It was memorable to learn that the property was intentionally designed to be based on squares, no rounded corners or angles. As a result, the modern vibe and tastefully decorated interior made for a relaxing haven and the surrounding scenery of Grand Marias seemed to be a bonus. From the welcoming reception of the cherry blossoms to hiking the ‘secret’ trails, the entire experience was invigorating. A must “do again”.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

David E.

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

A Wonderful Stay…

This is a great location in Grand Marais, convenient to walk everywhere within minutes. The hosts were great at communicating, and gave helpful information prior to our arrival. The architecture is unique, and a wonderful way to experience Scandinavian simplicity! We would look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H., MN

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

Beautiful, clean, and very comfortable!

I enjoyed my sewing retreat at the Aurora so much! It was so cozy and modern, and had fantastic views of Superior! It was exactly what I was after.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

cindy g.

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

Grand Marais respite

Loved our stay in Aurora! Meticulous & thoughtful detailing throughout. Truly a break for us..the view of Lake Superior..so calming. Todd & Susan are excellent hosts/owners. Their investment in Three Sisters is an amazing contribution for Grand Marais!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Betsi B.

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

Winter stay in Grand Marais

The Aurora was a beautiful place to spend our time in Grand Marais. Loved being able to walk to everything in town and easy access to area trails. The property takes advantage of the views over the harbor. Very comfortable and beautifully designed.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barb P.

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

Beautiful

Pristine and beautiful home, super responsive hosts, view is spectacular. Try the sauna!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

aurora

great place
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

sue s., Minneapolis

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

The home was clean and well equipped with all we needed to cook meals, etc.

The grounds are lovely. We brought our 5 lb dog and she was welcomed everywhere!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas & Samantha D.

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

Great View

Great view and great location! Would book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Jess M.

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

Change of scenery

I booked a few days at Tré Søstre to get out of my home office and try a different remote work-experience. It was just what the doctor ordered. Working among the cries of seagulls and watching the boats go back and forth in the harbour. The shore was an easy walk to get get coffee and enjoy the water before logging on and then a quick walk for lunch at the Fisherman’s Daughter. Unfortunately road construction noise was a little annoying but is hopefully wrapping up soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great location

The aurora was everything and more than what I expected. Lovely place and I will be back at sometime.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tamara M., Minneapolis, USA

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

North Shore Visit

This is a beautiful property right in Grand Marais. Dog friendly and extremely well designed and equipped. One of the best VRBO properties that I have stayed at!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Conor C.

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

Beautiful home in my favorite part of the world.

The design of Aurora is really well done. It has such a complete design esthetic that is both very North Shore and yet also elevated & intriguing. Town is just steps away but it felt secluded at the same time. A fantastic spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amal O., Blaine

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

Wonderful experience!

My husband and I enjoyed our stay at Arora. Beautiful, clean, and well kept place. I love the design. Very peaceful place to spend your weekend, if I come back to Grand Marais will try to stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott Z.

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

Great location and wonderful views

We had a lovely 4 night stay at the Aurora. The views, natural light, and kitchen were all fantastic. The location was perfect, an easy walk to downtown, even in the middle of winter. During very cold stretches the boiler can be a bit loud, so bring earplugs if you’re a lighter sleeper.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

T B., St. Francis, MN

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

Amazing place to stay!

Unique design, amazingly beautiful, VERY clean, well stocked kitchen and plenty of fluffy towels, perfect location and views. Owners sent helpful information about the area and hiking trails. This was the perfect place to stay by ourselves especially this year (the year of COVID restrictions). Caretakers were diligent about shoveling snow. We would definitely go back and would recommend a stay at Aurora.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020