Private Waterfront Cottage - Kayaks - Firepit | House in Sturgeon Bay
3 Bedroom House in Idlewild, Sturgeon Bay
Welcome to Sawyer Harbor Retreat – Your Waterfront Door County Escape
Discover the perfect all-season getaway at this cozy waterfront cottage on Sawyer Harbor, just minutes from Sturgeon Bay, Idlewild Golf Course, and Potawatomi State Park. Ideal for families, couples, and groups, the home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and space for up to 10 guests.
Enjoy peaceful mornings by the water, days filled with outdoor adventure, and relaxing evenings around the fire pit. Whether you’re here for kayaking, hiking, golfing, fishing, or simply unwinding with loved ones—Sawyer Harbor Retreat is designed for comfort, connection, and memory-making.
✪ What Guests Consistently Love:
• Spotless, extremely clean homes
• Exceptionally well-stocked kitchens (labeled, organized, quality cookware, spices, condiments)
• Peaceful, private waterfront settings
• Beautiful lake views — especially sunrise & sunset
• Cozy, comfortable, and thoughtfully decorated interiors
• Super responsive, proactive hosting
• High-quality linens, towels, and bedding
• Firepit with provided firewood
• Kayaks, yard games, and outdoor seating
• Wildlife sightings — deer, wild turkeys, eagles, cormorants
• Clear instructions, excellent guidebook, stress-free check-in
• Great location — quiet but close enough to Sturgeon Bay and Door County attractions
• Perfect for families, friend groups, and peaceful retreats
✪ Morning Coffee, Lake Breezes & Starry Nights
Start your day on the back patio with coffee as the sun rises over the harbor. Spend afternoons kayaking, canoeing, or relaxing in the large yard. Evenings are for fireside chats, s’mores, and stargazing. With a huge outdoor space, including yard games, and a peaceful waterfront setting, this retreat is designed for slowing down and savoring time with the people who matter most.
✪ 2025 Water Level Note
Water levels in the harbor are lower than in previous years, which may affect kayak launching depth at the dock. Our kayak launch is located at the end of the property and cannot be moved into deeper water. Kayaks and canoes are still available for guest use—just be aware that launching may take a bit more effort depending on conditions.
✪ Fully Equipped Kitchen + Dining
The heart of the home, our warm and inviting kitchen, is stocked with everything you need—from coffee mugs to casserole dishes. Cook family meals, prep picnic lunches, or grill brats on either the gas or charcoal grill. A dedicated coffee station helps you start each morning right, and the dining area is perfect for meals, puzzles, and late-night conversations.
✪ Bright, Cozy Living Area
Gather in the open living and dining space featuring:
• Large windows overlooking the harbor
• Vaulted ceilings for an airy feel
• Cozy gas fireplace
• Smart TV for movie nights
• Board games + books for unplugged fun
This is the perfect spot to reconnect and unwind.
✪ Bedroom Layout
Main Bedroom – King Bed (Main Level)
Relax in a spacious primary suite with:
• King bed with fresh linens
• Water views through south-facing windows
• Ensuite bathroom
• Dedicated desk/workstation
• Ceiling fan
Ideal for remote workers or anyone needing a quiet retreat.
Guest Bedroom – Queen Bed (Main Level)
A comfortable, no-stairs room with:
• Queen bed
• Fresh linens + extra blankets
• Nearby outlets + charging
• Full bathroom directly adjacent
Sleeping Loft – 2 Queen Beds + Futon
A favorite hangout for kids and groups, the loft features:
• Sleeping space for up to 6
• Ceiling fan
• Board games, cards, books
• Cozy, semi-private layout
✪ Spacious Waterfront Yard + Dock
Your stay includes:
• Private dock (with lower 2025 water levels)
• Large grassy yard for games
• Waterfront seating + fire pit
• Patio dining with an umbrella
• Dual grills (gas + charcoal)
Perfect for outdoor meals, lawn games, relaxing in the sun, and quiet nights by the fire.
✪ Close to Everything—Yet Peacefully Tucked Away
This location offers the perfect balance of quiet and convenience:
• 10 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay
• 5 minutes to Idlewild Golf Course
• 7 minutes to Potawatomi State Park
• 1 minute to a public boat launch
Whether you’re hiking, boating, shopping, or dining, you’re never far from Door County’s best attractions.
🌲 Why Guests Love Sawyer Harbor Retreat
(Curated specifically from Sawyer Harbor reviews.)
🌊 Relaxing Waterfront Experience
• Peaceful location directly on the water
• Wonderful views and tranquil mornings
• Serene, quiet neighborhood perfect for unwinding
🍽 A Kitchen Guests Rave About
• Extremely organized, fully stocked kitchen — often beyond expectations
• Plenty of dishes, cookware, coffee supplies, and extras
• Makes cooking during the trip easy and enjoyable
🛌 Clean, Cozy & Comfortable
• Spotless, well-maintained home
• Comfortable beds, quality bedding
• Cozy ambience — great for reading retreats, relaxing weekends, or family time
🌳 Outdoors & Activities
• Guests LOVE the firepit setup (firewood included!)
• Great yard space for games and gatherings
• Wildlife sightings enhance the outdoor experience
• Proximity to beaches, state parks, orchards, and local markets
🚗 Convenient but Quiet Location
• Close to town but still peaceful and private
• Perfect “home base” for exploring all of Door County
• Easy access to Washington Island ferry, Lambeau Field, trolley tours, etc.
🤝 Hosting & Communication
• Excellent communication — fast, friendly, and proactive
• Clear guidebook that answers almost everything
• Guests consistently describe the experience as “stress-free”
✪ Excellent Year-Round Fishing
Sawyer Harbor is a local favorite for both summer boating and winter ice fishing. With a nearby public launch offering space for boats, ATVs, and trailers—you’ll have easy, year-round access to fantastic fishing.
Private Waterfront Cottage - Kayaks - Firepit is located in Idlewild. Private Waterfront Cottage - Kayaks - Firepit provides accommodation, featuring Accessibility, Security/Safety, Fireplace/Heating, among other amenities. This House features Accessibility, Security/Safety, Fireplace/Heating, to make your stay a comfortable one.
Private Waterfront Cottage - Kayaks - Firepit 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 House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, 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. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Idlewild has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House 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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2 bathrooms
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Bathtub or shower
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Hair dryer
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Towels provided
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3 bedrooms
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Bed sheets provided
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Sofa bed
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Dining table
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Living room
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Fireplace
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Stovetop
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Spices
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Dishwasher
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Refrigerator
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Microwave
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Oven
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Toaster
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Ice maker
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Washing machine and dryer
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Laundry facilities
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Onsite parking
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Car required
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No pets allowed
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Smoke-free property
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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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Kayak on site
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Mountain biking nearby
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Sledding nearby
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Water skiing nearby
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Snorkeling nearby
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Water sports equipment
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Marina nearby
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Fishing nearby
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Power boating nearby
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Sailing nearby
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Hunting 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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Near a hospital
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Near the bay
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In a rural location
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On the waterfront
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On the lake
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Desk
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Desk chair
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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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Yard
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Garden
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Charcoal grill
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Dock
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Furnished patio
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Firepit
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Deadbolt lock
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher
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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
