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Beautiful Waterfront Cottage

Photo gallery for Beautiful Waterfront Cottage

A room with a large window overlooking a lake, a wooden bench, a sofa, and a wooden chest.
Two Adirondack chairs facing a lake with a forested island in the background.
A two-story house with a green roof, surrounded by trees and a grassy yard.
A sign for Schwandt Cottage, a vacation rental, with contact information and logos for VRBO and Airbnb.
A living room with a red leather chair, a grey sofa, a wooden dining table with chairs, a wooden door, and a floor lamp.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lake Michigan
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Ellison Bay, WI
  • Place, Peninsula State Park
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Cana Island Lighthouse
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Place, Egg Harbor Beach
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful Waterfront Cottage

The Sweet Cottage on the Bay....

Schwandt Cottage, in beautiful Gills Rock, is the perfect place for rest, rejuvenation and relaxation. The cottage was once owned by one of the fishing families of Door County and it was built in the mid 1920’s. It has been painstakingly restored to one of the quaintest, most delightful cottages in the area.

Gills Rock is in northern Door County, away from the hustle and bustle of some of the other towns in the County. It is significantly quieter, with less traffic. It is certainly possible to come to Schwandt Cottage and stay a week without leaving....it is just hard to leave after you get there, regardless of the season.

The view is outstanding! From the living room, the deck, the kitchen, and the private beach, guests can watch the changing moods of Green Bay, local fisherman coming and going, the incredible sunset which always provides an outstanding skyscape at the end of the day, and an occasional glimpse of a freighter passing the Door.

Please also note that the cottage is small. It has two bedrooms.....one with a queen size bed, the second with a twin. There is a hide-away bed in the living room. It will be rather tight for five adults. If it is two adults and three kids, it would be fine.
A 3-day minimum is required beginning on Sept. 14-Nov. 6. Please check our calendar for availability. A 3-day minimum is also required in April and May 2021. One-week rentals in June, July and August are required, beginning on Saturday.

Please note that pets are not permitted. While we understand that your pet may be an important part of your family, we respectfully ask that you not bring your pet. Since many people stay at our cottage, we cannot risk having a pet that may cause someone who is allergic to dogs and/or cats be uncomfortable.

Keywords: Cottage, Waterfront, Quaint, fully-furnished, private beach, fire pit, fireplace, Internet, cable television, garden, decorated, garden, private, quiet, away from the crowds, beautifully decorated, private beach, swimming, sunset,
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 133165
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, a first aid kit, 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

About the neighborhood

Ellison Bay

Located in Ellison Bay, this cottage is on the beach. Linden Gallery and Frykman Studio Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Deer Run Golf Course and Sister Bay Marina. Trueblood Performing Arts Center and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
View more Cottages in Ellison BayOpens in a new window
Map
Ellison Bay, WI

What's nearby

  • Newport State Park - 8 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Sister Bay Beach - 14 min drive - 20.1 km
  • Peninsula State Park - 24 min drive - 29.1 km
  • Cana Island Lighthouse - 34 min drive - 40.7 km
  • Egg Harbor Beach - 40 min drive - 50.3 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay Austin Straubel Intl. Airport (GRB) - 117 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cuesta Coffee - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Uncle Tom's Candies - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mink River Basin - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Blue Bear Ellison Bay - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Island Orchard Cider - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Waterfront Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage?

As of Oct 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage on Oct 10, 2026 start from $417, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Waterfront Cottage?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Waterfront Cottage located?

Nestled on the beach, this Ellison Bay cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Michigan, Europe Lake, and Northport Pier. Newport State Park and Ellison Bluff State Natural Area are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect cottage in a wonderful setting by the lake.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2026
Thank you, Aaron. We hope you will visit us at some point in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cosy Home Right on Lake Michigan. Secluded but near places to eat, boat tours & plenty of things to do. Host was very helpful with suggestions. Beds comfortable & well stocked amenities. Wonderful outside seating with wood available for a fire to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. We can’t wait to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This charming cottage gave us a lovely getaway. It's right on the water with plenty of seating, a hammock for 2, and a fire pit. We started each day with coffee by the lake and made a fire every night using the wood pile provided. It's a beautiful, peaceful place we hope to return to!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2026
Jennifer! We are glad you found us. We would welcome you back when it works for you to visit northern Door!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming, well-appointed waterfront cottage located in the quieter part of Door County away from the crowds. Start your day with coffee on the back porch and then end your day with a bonfire while watching the sun set over the bay. Excellent communication with the host from start to finish. I’d happily rent this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 29, 2026
Good morning, Karen....we are thankful that you enjoyed your stay at our cottage. Hopefully, you were able rest and relax while you were there. It is a place of peace. Enjoy the fleeting days of summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect, just wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 29, 2026
Billie...somehow, I missed your comments until now. We are thankful for you returning multiple times to our sweet cottage on the bay. Enjoy the fleeting days of summer!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect cozy getaway

Amazing views, with everything we needed for a weekend away. We were delighted to stay at Schwandt Cottage and hope to be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2020
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at our cottage in Gills Rock. And...you had the bonus of great leaf color! We welcome your return....
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location of this cottage is absolutely amazing and the property itself is a well maintained cozy space. Georgi was very communicative and everything was convenient and clear. Would absolutely come back and stay here!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 30, 2025
Thank you for the kind review. We are so glad you found us! It has been a special place for our family and our guests since 1998. We would welcome your return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Getaway

The place was perfect for a lovely getaway. Enjoyed swimming and lounging on the shore.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 2, 2025
Thank you for selecting our cottage for your Door County visit. We hope you return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Quiet Getaway

Very cozy cottage in a stunning environment, peaceful and beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 25, 2023
Thank you for selecting our cottage for your Door County visit! We hope you return someday. May the memories that you created last for years to come!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views of waterfront. Cottage property beautifully maintained inside and out. Host's were so friendly and accommodating. Loved it!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Another great stay.

This was our third stay at the Schwandt cottage and it was as wonderful as ever. The cottage is comfortable and cozy and we never tire of the amazing view, especially the famous Door County sunsets. We have already booked next year’s visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great summer getaway

Nice, clean, cozy cottage with beautiful lake view. Enjoyed swimming out front, sunsets, and evenings by the firepit. Walkable to shops, restaurant and passenger ferry to Washington Island. We hope to stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 1, 2020
Thanks for selecting our cottage for your visit to Door County this summer. We will welcome your return....
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing Sunsets

The cottage was perfect! It was delightful to enjoy the sunsets over the lake and soak in the peacefulness of the area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Lake Experience

House is located in quite area with great view of lake and sunset. Nice fire pit by lake. Wish I could have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 4, 2021
Thank you for selecting our cottage for your fall Door County visit. We hope that you will be able to return at some time in the future. Hopefully, you made lasting memories.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Enchanting cottage in Gills Rock

Lovely cottage by the bay with beautiful garden and welcoming vibes. I can’t say enough wonderful things about our stay at the cottage. It offers a charming and welcoming stay with views of gorgeous sunsets. The hosts thought of everything were a joy to communicate with. We loved it so much we are coming back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 9, 2024
We are so glad that you found us! Hopefully, lasting memories were made. Thank you for the kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The Cutest Cottage in Gills Rock.

The Schwandt Cottage is a great find. Gills Rock is a quiet village and the water view sunsets are spectacular. Georgi is awesome to work with very thorough and accommodating. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 27, 2020
Thank you so much for the kind review! We are so glad you found us, too! We will welcome your return. Safe travels and be well.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful location

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the sweet cottage in Gills Rock. The bay is just a few feet away and there are many chairs outside to relax in while one watches the sunset. The home was clean, comfortable, well decorated and stocked with everything one might need. The location provides privacy and serenity as the home is north of the Door County hustle and bustle.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2024
Ammie, Thank you for the kind review. We hope you had a restful few days and are returning home rejuvenated! We hope you return sometime once again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great getaway!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary! We spent our evenings at the fire pit overlooking the gorgeous lake. Such peaceful, quiet, beautiful surroundings! The hosts were also very responsive to questions & proactively reaching out to make sure we knew about their home & the things to do in the area. Great experience all around!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 16, 2021
We are glad that you found us! The photo that you sent of the sunset was amazing. Happy anniversary! And, cheers to many more!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Another great visit

This was our second stay at the Schwandt Cottage and we have already booked again for next year. The cottage is the perfect low-key get-away, nestled just feet from the shores of Green Bay in quiet and serene Gills Rock, away from all of the hustle and bustle of Door County. The view from the awesome new picture window is breathtaking.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 16, 2022
Jon, we are glad that you found us! Thank you for being a "repeat" guest. We enjoy hosting people like you and your wife who appreciate the quietness of Gills Rock.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Gills Rock Retreat

As advertised....Beautiful view setting steps from Green Bay. Great for a couple getaway. No AC made it a bit sticky on the hottest weekend of year, but bay breezes and multiple outdoor shade options compensated. Some occasional construction noise from house being built next door.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2020
Thank you for selecting our cottage for your Door County get-away. The weather during the past week has been unusually warm for Door County. Typically, the two ceiling fans and open windows have been sufficient with the cooling bay breezes. The small bedroom does not have a ceiling fan. With the heat that we experienced this week, we have decided to add one in this bedroom, too. It will be installed in mid-August by a local electrician. The construction noise is temporary and will disappear as soon as the home is completed. We contacted the owner 10 days ago and requested that their contractors be respectful of the neighborhood. We are sorry for the inconvenience that you experienced. Hopefully, you created lasting memories while you were in Door County.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful and relaxing

My husband and I stayed at this lovely cottage for our 25th wedding anniversary. The cottage itself is charming with everything you need to feel right at home. The views are incredible, especially the sunsets, which we enjoyed each evening. We hiked, (we particularly recommend Peninsula State Park), took the ferry to Washington Island and enjoyed exploring the nearby towns. This was our first trip to Door County and we will definitely be back! Thank you to Mike and Georgi!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Charm and the most amazing views!

This was our second visit to Schwandt Cottage and it was like coming home again. The charming cottage has everything you need for a cozy and comfortable stay. We made most meals in the adorable kitchen, but also enjoy being close enough to walk up to the Shoreline for drinks and dinner. It’s hard to leave when you have the best view in Door County right out your back door. Evenings by the fire on the shore, watching the fabulous sunsets, cannot be beat. Our friends saw our sunset photos and said, “It’s so beautiful, it doesn’t even look real!” Communication with the owners is top notch. This sweet cottage has our hearts!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 25, 2020
Thank you. Thank you for the kind review. We are so glad that you find our cottage a place of peace. We will welcome your return....
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Secluded getaway with great views

We had a great week in Door County. The cottage is removed enough from busy towns to create a relaxing atmosphere - and the views (and sunsets) from the back deck simply can't be beat. The property owners are friendly and responsive, even checking in on us midway through the week. The only words of caution we could offer is that the only bathroom is through one of the bedrooms, creating the potential for waking the occupant during the early morning hours. Additionally, the cottage is older and has a musty smell, which we were able to overcome with open windows and a diffuser. Overall, we had a great time staying at the cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2020
Andy...thank you for selecting our cottage for your Door County visit. We are hopeful that you created long lasting memories.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful sunset views, great location on Gill's Rock!!

Lovely Door County cottage located at the end of Gill's Rock, decorated in charming cottage décor and filled with everything you need including tips from the owners who know the area well! We enjoyed a glass of wine on the water's edge during sunsets, the ferry to Washington Island, dinner at The Shoreline, ice cream and smoked fish at Charlies Smokehouse and coffee at Gill's Rock Coffee (all walking distance from the cottage). Based on the owner's recommendation, we enjoyed Cherry Pie at Bea's Homemade down the road and other cherry treats from Seaquist Orchards . This cottage is the perfect get-away for anyone who wants to be on the water with an awesome view, easy access one of the top restaurants in Door County as well as a charming convenience store bakery and coffeeshop. The owners were quick to respond with recommendations and any questions. Thanks Georgi and Mike . . . .we'll be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2020
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for selecting our cottage for your Door County excursion. Hopefully, you made lasting memories that will sustain you until your next visit to northern Door. Wishing you all the best...
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cottage, quite area, peaceful, gorgeous waterfront views, tasteful decor and comfortable beds. All amenities & essentials were included except for washcloths. Only recommendation for improvement would be some bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, etc as the water has a strong sulfur smell. Overall, great place to stay while in DC.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Mike and Georgiana Schwandt

Host profile image
Georgi and Mike Schwandt are pictured with their grandchildren near the garden at their cottage in Gills Rock. We love spending time at our cottage. We can't be there all of the time...so, we are pleased to share it with you. Guests have been coming since 1999....the comments in our Guest Book reflect satisfied visitors.

Why they chose this property

We looked and looked for the perfect location to purchase our Door County vacation home. Finally, when we found our cottage in 1998, it seemed to be the perfect place to spend time with our family and friends. However, it needed lots of work because it was quite distressed. So we rolled up our sleeves...and began the overhaul! Gills Rock is peaceful...and beautiful. In 1999, our first guests came to visit and since we have many guests each year from all of the United States....some returning year-after-year. We hope that you will consider our cottage your for your next Door County vacation.

What makes this property unique

Our cottage is on the end of the peninsula...a stone's throw to everything that you may want to do while visiting in Door County. The beauty of Gills Rock, however, is that it is much, much quieter than the other Door County villages....with all of the beauty and recreation at your fingertips!

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