Waterfront Door County Retreat | Cottage in Sturgeon Bay
3 Bedroom Cottage in Idlewild, Sturgeon Bay
☀️ Summer at Sawyer Harbor Retreat — A Waterfront Favorite in Door County
Sawyer Harbor Retreat shines in summer, offering a peaceful waterfront escape on Sawyer Harbor with easy access to kayaking, boating, golf, hiking, and everything Door County is known for. Guests consistently describe the home as spotless, calm, well-stocked, and incredibly comfortable—the kind of place you look forward to coming back to after a full day outdoors.
Located just minutes from Sturgeon Bay, Potawatomi State Park, and Idlewild Golf Course, this is an ideal home base for families, couples, and friend groups looking to enjoy Door County at a relaxed pace.
🌊 Waterfront Living & Summer Fun
Right on Sawyer Harbor, the calm waters are perfect for:
• Kayaking & canoeing
• Wildlife watching (eagles, deer, turkeys, and more)
• Morning coffee with harbor breezes
• Sunset views over the water
The peaceful harbor setting means less boat traffic, making it especially great for families and guests who value quiet mornings and tranquil evenings.
🚤 1 Minute to the Public Boat Launch
Bringing a boat or water toys?
The public launch just down the road offers:
• Easy access for boats, trailers, and kayaks
• Ample parking
• Quick in-and-out harbor access
This unbeatable convenience lets you spend more time on the water—and less time driving.
🌞 Designed for Easy, Comfortable Summer Living
Inside, the cottage is bright, airy, and thoughtfully laid out for warm-weather stays:
• Large windows with harbor views
• Open living space perfect for gathering
• Cozy seating for movie nights after sun-filled days
• Well-equipped kitchen for cooking, grilling, and picnics
• Peaceful bedrooms for restful nights
• Dedicated desk in master bedroom for remote work stays
Guests frequently comment on how clean, organized, and well-stocked the home is—making it feel effortless from the moment you arrive.
✪ What Guests Consistently Love
(Curated from Sawyer Harbor Retreat reviews)
• Spotless, extremely clean home
• Exceptionally well-stocked kitchen (organized, labeled, quality cookware, spices & condiments)
• Peaceful, private waterfront setting
• Beautiful lake views — especially sunrise & sunset
• Comfortable beds with high-quality linens
• Thoughtful décor that feels cozy but uncluttered
• Firepit with provided firewood
• Kayaks, yard games, and outdoor seating
• Wildlife sightings right from the yard
• Clear instructions, excellent guidebook, stress-free check-in
• Super responsive, proactive hosting
• Quiet location that’s still close to Door County attractions
☕ Morning Coffee, Lake Breezes & Starry Nights
Start your day on the patio with coffee as the sun rises over the harbor. Spend afternoons kayaking, exploring nearby parks, or relaxing in the large waterfront yard. Evenings are for grilling, fireside conversations, s’mores, and stargazing.
This home is designed for slowing down and reconnecting—whether that’s with family, friends, or nature.
✪ 2026 Water Level Note
Water levels in Sawyer Harbor are lower than in previous years, which may affect kayak launching depth at the dock. Kayaks and canoes are still available for guest use; launching may require a bit more effort depending on conditions.
🍽 Fully Equipped Kitchen + Dining
The heart of the home, the kitchen is a guest favorite:
• Fully stocked with cookware, dishes, and essentials
• Dedicated coffee station
• Gas and charcoal grills for summer cookouts
• Dining space ideal for meals, games, and late-night conversations
Many guests say the kitchen is better stocked than expected, making longer stays especially comfortable.
🛋 Bright, Cozy Living Area
Gather in the open living and dining space featuring:
• Vaulted ceilings for an airy feel
• Large harbor-facing windows
• Smart TV for movie nights
• Board games and books for unplugged fun
Perfect for relaxing after a full Door County day.
🛌 Bedroom Layout (Sleeps Up to 10)
Main Bedroom – King Bed (Main Level)
• Water views
• Ensuite bathroom
• Dedicated desk/workstation
• Ceiling fan
Guest Bedroom – Queen Bed (Main Level)
• No stairs
• Full bathroom adjacent
• Extra blankets and charging access
Sleeping Loft – 2 Queen Beds + Futon
• Sleeps up to 6
• Favorite space for kids and groups
• Games, books, and cozy seating
🌳 Spacious Waterfront Yard + Dock
Enjoy:
• Private dock (water levels vary seasonally)
• Large grassy yard for games
• Firepit with seating
• Patio dining with umbrella
• Dual grills (gas + charcoal)
Ideal for outdoor meals, relaxing in the sun, and peaceful evenings by the fire.
📍 Close to Everything — Yet Quiet & Relaxing
• 10 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay
• 7 minutes to Potawatomi State Park
• 5 minutes to Idlewild Golf Course
• 1 minute to a public boat launch
You’re close to beaches, wineries, orchards, parks, shopping, and dining—while still enjoying a calm, private waterfront setting.
🌞 Why Sawyer Harbor Retreat Is Perfect for Summer
If you’re looking for:
• A peaceful waterfront home
• Easy access to kayaking, boating, and outdoor fun
• A clean, comfortable, and well-stocked stay
• A quiet retreat that’s still close to Door County highlights
Sawyer Harbor Retreat delivers a summer experience guests return for again and again.
Book early—summer dates fill fast in Door County.
Waterfront Door County Retreat is located in Idlewild. Waterfront Door County Retreat provides accommodation, featuring Balcony/Terrace, Accessibility, Bedding/Linens, among other amenities. This Cottage features Balcony/Terrace, Accessibility, Bedding/Linens, to make your stay a comfortable one.
Waterfront Door County Retreat has 3 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 10 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Cottage because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Cottage, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Cottage has a friendly neighborhood, and the Idlewild has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Cottage in Idlewild, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Ceiling fan
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Heating
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Air conditioning
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Hair dryer
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Towels provided
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Bathtub or shower
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2 bathrooms
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Sofa bed
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Bed sheets provided
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3 bedrooms
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Dining table
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Living room
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Fireplace
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Toaster
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Coffee/tea maker
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Microwave
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Stovetop
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Refrigerator
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Oven
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Ice maker
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Dishwasher
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Washing machine and dryer
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Laundry facilities
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Car required
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Onsite parking
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No pets allowed
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
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Wheelchair accessible
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Smoke-free property
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Sailing nearby
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Snowmobiling nearby
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Sledding nearby
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Water sports equipment
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Kayak on site
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Water skiing nearby
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Hunting nearby
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Golf nearby
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Jet skiing nearby
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Wildlife and game walks nearby
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Marina nearby
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Books
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Games
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Smart TV
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Unit size: 1336 sq ft (124 sq m)
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On the lake
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On the waterfront
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In a rural location
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Near the bay
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Near a hospital
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Desk chair
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Desk
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Children's books
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Travel crib
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Playground
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi, with speed of 25+ Mbps
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Furnished patio
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Yard
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Dock
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Garden
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Charcoal grill
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Firepit
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Deadbolt lock
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Close to skiing
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
Reviews
