Escape to Thenell's Cottage, nestled between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. Enjoy panoramic views of Potawatomi State Park from the main room or screened-in front porch, perfect for sunset watching. Relax around the firepit with bay views or cozy up by the indoor wood fireplace on chilly evenings. Take a stroll down to beach access just steps away from this charming cottage.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Water view
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cottage to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch
Welcome to Thenell's Cottage, hosted by Simple Life Rentals! This rustic log cabin is conveniently located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, just steps away from the bay. Gorgeous views await you in this cottage that sleeps 4. Enjoy the sunset views over the bay from the main room or the screened-in front porch. You will have panoramic views of Potawatomi State Park and the Sherwood Point Lighthouse. You can hear the waves lapping the shore as you cozy up around the fire pit, or you can choose the wood-burning fireplace inside for those chilly evenings. There is plenty of space for the kids to run and play outdoors. There is a bar and grill restaurant within walking distance of the cottage. Enjoy a tranquil getaway just minutes from the many attractions Door County has to offer!
Set behind the home, youlll find Thenel's Beach House--a great rental option for additional space to sleep up to 6. Adding modern amenities and a spacious, updated living space, the Beach House provides an ideal setting for family group gatherings when renting both homes.
Property Features: + Waterfront, just steps from the house to enjoy the water + Located in the heart of Sturgeon Bay + Fire pit (please bring local firewood) + Screened-in front porch + Charcoal grill (guests provide charcoal) + Chairs and a picnic table by the bay + Wi-Fi (due to the rural nature of Door County, WIFI and cell phone coverage and service can vary) + TV with cable and DVD player located in the living room + Indoor wood fireplace (please bring local firewood) + Electric baseboard heat in the main living room + 3 fans provided + Fully equipped kitchen (see below) + Traditional coffee maker with filters
Kitchen Amenities: Microwave, fridge, stove, oven, toaster Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes (No dishwasher)
Loft: extra space for games, reading, and relaxing
Water Access: + Easy beach access steps from the home + Swimming conditions: Protected shallow water + Beach is a little rocky and great for swimming + Shoreline: Rocky shoreline with gentle slope to the water. Water shoes are recommended. + Water Depth: To 6+ ft depth at 150 ft from shoreline Note: There is no dock on the property.
Surrounding Area: Bar and grill restaurant within walking distance Close to George Pinney County Park and Frank Murphy Park A grocery store is within a few miles
Amenity + damage protection waiver includes: • Bed linens, pillows, blankets, and bathroom towels. (Please bring your own beach towels) • A starter pack of essentials which includes toilet paper, paper towel, dish soap, hand soap, and garbage bags. Due to septic systems, we do not provide facial tissue. One each of travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash per full bathroom. • PEACE OF MIND damage protection covers up to $1000 per stay for accidental damage that is reported prior to departure (excludes any pet damage).
Home Truths: No air conditioning No washer or dryer (closest laundromat is just 15 minutes away) Loft sleeping spaces have been removed; this space is no longer an approved sleeping area.
This property is located in a quiet community with neighbors and is geared towards quiet family vacations. Due to the proximity of neighbors, we cannot accommodate loud parties, including bachelor, bachelorette, or other rowdy gatherings.
Door County Tourism Zone Commission Permit #33-56-0063-07
Please be aware that you must sign a terms and conditions agreement, which will be sent to you separately, to finalize your reservation.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Cable/satellite channels
DVD player
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On the waterfront
Things to do
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing 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)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Sturgeon Bay, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Door 44 Winery and Red Oak Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. The Garden Door and Third Avenue Playhouse are also worth visiting. Water tubing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hunting nearby. Visit our Sturgeon Bay travel guide
Is Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront Log Cabin | Sunset Views, Fire Pit, Screened Porch located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of George K. Pinney County Park and Lake Michigan. Choice Orchards is 2 mi (3.2 km) away.
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This is our second stay here...we just love this cabin and the location. Nothing fancy about it, which is what makes it perfect.
Can't wait to visit it again. ♡
Quaint little cottage that was quiet and just what we were looking for. Weather turned cold this weekend and it was a little chilly till we got the heaters up and running combined with the wind dying down. Bed was firm but we’ve had worse. All in all a good stay.
Scott W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jane S.
6 Aug 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Thernell Cottage
The location is amazing. Right on the water. Cute cottage but I don’t see how the owner would want guests standing on a chair to turn on the kitchen lights. I’m not the first to comment. It should be corrected. Also could be cleaner. An occasional sweep of the window frames would be good: many dead bugs.
This was a great stay for our family of 4. We loved being right on the water - definitely bring water shoes! The "beach" is shared access with another cottage, but it was just fine for our needs. Wifi and verizon coverage at the cottage was pretty good, though the cable did cut out a few times during some intense storms (to be expected). The firepit was right on the water with 4 comfy chairs, and the charcoal grill was nice and clean. We were a little nervous about past reviews mentioning bugs and leaks upstairs, but we didnt experience any of these issues beyond the occasional bug (to be expected this time of year), and the loft area upstairs was dry and clean. Overall, it was a very cute cottage, and a perfect stay for 2 adults and 2 kids!
For several years my wife and I wanted to explore Door County...primarily based on conversations with friends who had previously visited this area. We chose this property due to not only to its location right on the water just north of Sturgeon Bay, but also for the Rustic nature of the cabin. If you are looking to be pampered with all the modern amenities of a 5 star hotel, this is not for you...but if you appreciate a 1920's cabin that has been extremely well restored and has everything you need to have a fantastic stay...then this is about as good as it gets. You will be literally a "stone's throw" from the lake, and in the evening, the sunset is probably the most spectacular I have ever seen ( and that includes over the ocean, which is not an exaggeration, I assure you. When we were there the weather was perfect, md 60"s in Sept and made for a perfect "Getaway"
It was a lovely little cabin right off the water, so a perfect location. It was quiet with beautiful sunset views. We loved using the fire pit each night.
Wendy N.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
21 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property was just as described. A lakeside cottage perfect for a getaway. It was close to everything that Door County has to offer without being in the middle of it. We had the windows open and got a wonderful cross breeze from the lake going inside. We had to get some firewood as we forgot to bring some but other than that, our stay was everything we wanted.
Beautiful views and wonderful place for a fire on the bay! As prior reviews mentioned, needs a deep cleaning. But if you like rustic old cabins it’s for you. Needs a new toilet and coffee maker.
This was the perfect stay for me and my boys ( 6 and 9). The view was spectacular and we enjoyed the small beach. We would definitely stay there again.
My significant other and I enjoyed our stay at this beautiful cabin! Perfect location and hearing the water at night was very soothing. It really is a cabin, which is the type of stay we were looking for but can understand it wouldn’t be for everyone! Floors can be cold so bring slippers. Sunset views are unmatched! Will be staying again in the future.
Very convenient location if you are planning to spend a few days just exploring, like we did for the first time. Definitely pleasant feelings while staying at the cottage.
This humble cottage has the perfect ambience for a restful vacation. Love the water's edge access, the window light and screened front porch with wonderful views. Beds are comfy and furniture fits all of your needs. Added bonus of lakeside fire pit and provided firewood was great!
Conveniently near Sturgeon Bay, this classic style log cabin was exactly what the description says. Getting there after the sunset was a challenge. There are not a lot of signs heading to the property, which makes it the first adventure upon arrival. The spaces are cozy, clean and conveniently stocked with dishes and pans. The cold water from the tap has a smoky appearance (possible dissolved solids) but we found drinking water nearby. The nights are peaceful and the wind and breeze across the operable windows brings comfort even after very warm days. Overall the stay was amazing!
Our stay at the Thenell cottage was better than staying at a 5 star resort! The serene water views were breathtaking. The nostalgic cottage was quaint and clean. We neglected to pick up coffee along our way and were relieved to see that coffee was provided. After spending a long weekend, it was hard to pull ourselves away from the peace and tranquility that the Thenell cottage offered. We'll be back next Fall!
We really enjoyed the rustic cottage by the lake. Lots of early 20th century charm and character with original windows and open loft. Great for younger small families or a couple. Requires some planning and forethought to manage the nighttime ventilation and bugs, but nothing unexpected in an old woods cottage. Our kids loved the change of pace and opportunity to experience something different. Great location for July 4th with different fireworks shows visible in the distance every night from the shore and fire pit. Host was very responsive leading up to our stay and the beds & linens and furniture were all clean well-maintained and comfortable. Thanks for having us!!
The cabin was nice and right next to the water as we had wanted. The access to the bathroom is from the porch and not from inside the cabin itself. There is baseboard heat in the living room but not in the rest of the cabin. All of this, although not explained in the description, would have been acceptable but, when we arrived, the roof had leaked through the loft and into the living room below. The management company was very accommodating and moved us to another cabin.
The Thenell Cottage is exactly that - a quaint little log cottage right next to the water (10 feet from water). It has one small bedroom and large loft with two beds. Bathroom is on porch (which seemed weird) but it’s a full screened in porch. Good size for max 4 people in my opinion. Kitchen is small but adequate. WiFi was surprisingly good. Has nice fire pit with wood on site. Small beach entrance to water but not water craft on site so be prepared to rent or bring your own. No AC so open windows and use fans to be comfortable.
Overall it’s a beautiful property and I would probably stay again (as long as I get the bedroom)!! Loft space was difficult to walk around in - constantly be on guard not to bump your head. About 10 min drive from downtown Sturgeon Bay which is awesome.
The rustic feel of this cabin is a real draw! It sits on Sturgeon Bay ~ 20 ft from the water. The knotty pine walls and ceiling set a relaxing tone. The "neighborhood" is warm & inviting - one needs to understand the limits of the electrical & septic systems. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - for the bathroom on the screened in porch is very workable. There were minimal towels for the kitchen & bathroom - there is no paved path for the 50 yd trek from the parking area to the cabin door. We received minimal check-in information - actually none until we inquired on the day of check-in. The TV did not work as the cable was down - there are minimal channels for view/ing. The mowing done the day before we departed left cut grass everywhere which got caked all over our shoes & luggage - what a mess! The headboard is wedged between the bed & the wall - creating all kinds of noise even when one simply rolls over in bed.
In spite of these annoyances - this was a charming & relaxing accommodätion which we really enjoyed. Thje Birmingham Bar is "Operation Central" for this property - what a fun place!
This is a charming and authentic 1930's cottage/cabin - small and quaint with just enough modern updates to preserve the character and make it functional and cozy.
The upstairs loft is very small, and suitable really only for children (ceilings are low, stairs are tight and small). Though they will find it delightful. The main bedroom is just large enough to accommodate, but smaller than the pictures make it look. The living room is spacious and well-appointed. Couch is super comfortable, and all furnishings throughout the house are newer and well maintained. The bathroom is very small, and my 6' husband was too tall to fit under the showerhead. That isn't really a solvable thing given the structure/architecture of the cabin. It's workable, but be aware. We were only able to access a couple of tv channels, but that isn't really what we were there for.
The property is right on the water with magnificent views of the bay, sunset, the stars. The bonfire pit is right on the water's edge and so much fun to have. We really enjoyed our stay. Management was easy to work with and well communicated - we never saw anyone, but were totally fine with that and didn't require assistance.
Overall we had a very pleasant stay at the cottage. It was clean when we arrived and there was more space than we had imagined there being! The cabin was cozy. We enjoyed the fire pit outside with the nice view.
We weren't sure how it would fare with no A/C but propping the windows open the first night was just fine. We used the heater the next night and both worked well to heat/cool the cabin as needed. The water heater was also amazing! Three of us showered after one another in the morning and it was still scorching hot!
The kitchen had mostly everything that was stated except for the coffee grounds :( we ended up going to a local coffee shop in the area.
The one thing I would suggest to improve is a small leak in the ceiling. The first night it did end up thunderstorming pretty bad and there was a leak in the cabin ceiling by the fireplace (hopefully they can get that fixed!) it caused a puddle of water on the floor.
Food/wine :
The first night we went to Sonny's pizza for dinner, good quality and lots of drinks to choose from. The Downeast peach cider on tap was delicious.
Door 44 was close by and probably the best quality winery in the area (from the ones we visited)!
I would not recommend Door Peninsula Winery, even though they had free tastings, they tasted cheap and overall not good quality (aka tourist trap).
Pelletier's fish boil was great, a bit of a drive but in a cute area with nice shops to visit in the surrounding area.
Big thank you to the host. I think we would stay here again if we had the chance, lots more to do in the area that we didn't get to
Unfortunately I cannot give the 5 star request that you are asking for.
I give 2 stars and that is for location only.
we were set to check in Saturday the 30th. It was an 11 hour drive for us. when we were about 20 minutes out from the cabin I had reached out about having no check in instructions. My first thought was because I filled out the super hog information out incorrectly. But after reading the other reviews, it seems this is an issue. I messaged multiple times that I needed instructions on how to enter the property with no response. We literally had no where to go as it was late into the evening. Thank goodness a gal at the Best Western took pity on us and gave us their last room. $200 later we at least had a bed for that evening. At 12:17am, check in instructions finally arrived in my inbox. The hosts messaged us at that time saying they had sent them over earlier in the week. Which could be a possibility,but after reading the other review with same issue, I have my doubts. No offer to compensate or make up for this in any way. Somehow they were able to message us at midnight, but not at 9:00pm when we were stuck with no code.
Such a huge dissappointment, But we were on vacation so we were ready to reset and get started at the cabin the next morning. Only to be let down again.
we are charged a cleaning fee and expected to find a clean cabin. Absolutely not the case. I would like to make it clear that we understand that we are in a cabin and that it would be rustic but the amount of cobwebs and dead bugs and filth under the bed and around the stove area was unbelievable. nobody could sleep in the loft area for how dirty it was. if the owners or management company is paying a cleaning service between visits, please know that they are not doing their jobs. Again, I understand about bugs and spiders, we live at a lake back home- but my gosh, a cleaning crew with a swifter knocking down webs between bookings would do a wonder for your business.
A storm rolled in one night which led to a leak in the living room all over my daughters belongings as we had to use the sofa bed instead of the unusable beds upstairs. Management supposedly did send someone over to fix it, but what was interesting in reading over the other reviews is that this is not the first time this has occurred or had been addressed.
I have more to write, but limited space left. If you are looking for a place to stay in Sturgeon Bay I would consider an alternative.
The view and the beach (with swim shoes) are awesome. We also enjoyed the rustic cottage. The Birmingham bar restaurant on top of the alley is quite convenient and fun for food and drinks.