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Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock

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Beautiful Lake Michigan Views
Exterior
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
5 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Ellison Bay, WI
  • Place, Northport Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, The Clearing Folk School
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Newport State Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Escanaba, MI (ESC-Delta County)

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock

Teskie's Cottage is a 1700 sq. foot home located at 970 Cottage Rd in Gills Rock.

Air-conditioned, picturesque and freshly updated, this appealing waterfront cottage has a front row seat to the amazing view over Green Bay (no access to the water), a large master bedroom downstairs, and four additional bedrooms upstairs. A spacious kitchen, living room with a pellet stove in the 6 foot stone fireplace, and sitting/reading room complete this quaint Door County cottage. Laundry facilities provided also. A large yard provides space for children to run around.

Built by Lily and Frank Sr. Teskie in the early 1900's, the cottage was once used as a boarding house for visiting fishermen. The hand-cut granite fireplace in the living room adds to its charm, and was constructed by Frank Sr. out of local stone. The breathtaking view includes the town of Gills Rock from the picture window in the living room, and unending, spectacular sunsets.

Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks from the front yard around the fire pit, grill out on the private sunny patio, or enjoy a book under the shady cedar trees in the yard. If you've been looking for a private yet convenient place to relax and enjoy Door County - this is it!
The much-beloved Shoreline Restaurant, a charming Coffee Shop at Gallery Ten art gallery with Wi-Fi, Charlie's Smokehouse (and Ice Cream!), the Island Clipper Ferry Line to Washington Island, a sprinkling of gift shops, and a spacious park with playground (pet-friendly) are all within walking distance.
Within 5-25 min. driving, so much more - parks, galleries, shops, churches, water activities, hiking, bicycling, wildlife/bird watching, theater events, sunrise/sunset vistas, beaches

Payment via credit and debit cards.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Ellison Bay

Located in Ellison Bay, this cottage is on a lake. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Trueblood Performing Arts Center and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Ellison BayOpens in a new window
Map
Ellison Bay, WI

What's nearby

  • Northport Pier - 4 min drive - 4.7 km
  • The Clearing Folk School - 7 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Linden Gallery - 8 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Newport State Park - 10 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Ellison Bluff State Natural Area - 10 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Charlie's Smokehouse - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Mink River Basin - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Island Orchard Cider - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Blue Bear Ellison Bay - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Shoreline Restaurant - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock?

As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock on 30 Apr 2026 start from £166, 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 at Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Cottage Nestled in Picturesque Setting, Gills Rock located?

This family-friendly Ellison Bay cottage is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Michigan and Northport Pier. Newport State Park and Grand Traverse Island State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 87 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Amenities

5.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Brian G.

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

Great location and stay

A great place to be that suited our needs with a family of young children. Much to do in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin K.

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

Family getaway

Peaceful place and beautiful accommodations. Perfect for sitting outside or visiting inside.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig O.

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

Gills rock cabin

Nice place
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gulnar g.

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

Beautiful view

We loved the location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Damion D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Location

My family and I were in the area for a wedding and found this great little cottage location with a view of the water. Could not have found a better spot for our family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurel F.

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

Idyllic Shoreline Setting, Charming Comfy Cottage

Perfect campfire spot & comfortable al fresco dining in an idyllic setting w/ shoreline yard & an amazing view. The charming coastal cottage is clean and comfortable. Host is welcoming, responsive, & communicates well. Would happily stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

barbara l.

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

Relaxing

Rustic with charm. Beautiful view of Green Bay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl S.

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

Cozy Cottage

2nd time staying here. Christina is great. Very comfortable, clean, and great atmosphere. Will come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula S.

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

Fall 50

Nice place to stay at the beginning of the race
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Kevin N.

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

Quick trip

Decided on a last minute trip to an area we love. Had a great time. The property has a great view right on the water. Thank You
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia T.

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

5 outta 5

We stayed the entire week at the property and it was superb!!! Beautiful morning views with coffee and awesome evenings by the fire. Good quiet location to be before and after running all over door county. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayne O.

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

Location of a gem

If you want quiet and pretty water views this is the place. It’s clean and quaint. If you want luxury then this is not the place for you. Close to catch the ferries to Washington Island; a must place to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Jerome H.

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

Short stay

love the location and we where very pleased with the property. We only used the main floor it was just the two of us. We went up to Charlies up the street and ended up eating smoked Salmon instead of steaks for dinner its amazing. Jerome and Zita
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristen O.

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

Lakefront property!!

The proximity to Hedgehog Harbor was incredible! So much water fowl—gulls, terns, pelicans—action to watch!! Magnificent sunsets, even with the wildfire haze! Wonderful history of this house. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would like to return. :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Brelynn K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Okay

Could definitely use a good deep clean. Lots of bugs and spiders/ webs. Also some mice. Place was nice otherwise with nice sunset view.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pattie H.

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

House With A View - Quiet and Relaxing

If you are looking for a quiet get away - with an incredible view look no further. Comfortable home with a picturesque view of Hedgehog Harbor. Enjoy lakefront campfires and cookouts - walk to historic fishing village - a short drive to Sister Bay where you can shop - dine - putt putt golf - drive go carts and see the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Restaurant. Enjoy the best of both worlds. Quiet accommodations in Gills Rock on the lake - minutes to Sister Bay and all of Door County where there is a lot to do. Door County and this property will leave you with memories that will stay long after your vacation has ended.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Karn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely property - great access to fun winter activities.

Our first night was cold due to an apparent miscommunication, but once things were smoothed out it was a great place to stay. The manager was responsive and helpful when we were able to connect. We would certainly go again! A fall trip is on our minds. One important tip: there's very very spotty cell service and few cell providers whose service is consistent, especially this far out. Without WiFi it's hard to communicate/clarify plans, and in the off season the options for businesses with open WiFi are fewer. We'll manage our plans differently next trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Terrance f.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Interesting home

The home is in a very nice area. Lake Michigan is right outside the backyard. Very nice views very quiet and peaceful. It’s the home that needs a major remodel. It’s an older home and it needs a lot of love. The window A/Cs all need new/clean filters and they run very loudly. The chimney has an insert that’s bigger than the chimney hole so it sits out on the unprotected flooring. We saw a few spider webs and a bit of dust throughout. If you like rustic this place for you. It was ok but we will not be staying there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jessica W.

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

Overall nice stay for the price

Older cabin, exactly as it appears in the listing. No bathroom on the level with the bedrooms. One of the bedrooms could not be utilized due to a missing window - it was freezing in the room. Communication response regarding this issue was non-existent so we just made due. Cleaning could use a step-up, as there were dust mites under the beds (hard floors with easy access so not sure why these have been skipped). Location was ideal and sounds of waves was relaxing! Beds were comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Mayte G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Not clean

Our crews arrived to unmade beds, beers in the sink, bathroom garbage full, dog hairs on the bed and bedding. Didn’t look or smell clean. 0 out 10 for the cleaning. Everything else, was ok.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tim C.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Bad start, good finish

Check in was a bit dicey. Upon arrival, we found it had not been cleaned and certain expecrations not met (key on table, WIFI not present, side storm door was open, coffee table was flipped upside down on couch, used towel in bathroom, etc). A quick phone call to manager was well received. She was very apologetic and quickly offered to make things right. The nex day, housekeepers were in and cleaned and took care of issues. Remainder of stay was quite confortable and acceptable.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heath Z.

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

Hidden Gem

Way up at the top of very top of the peninsula is this absolute steal of a rental in Gills Rock. Situated right on the bay, this is a quaint former fishing cottage. The stairs creak and there’s even a pellet fireplace. For the price (compared with most other rental units in Door County), this place cannot be beat. I don’t know what previous guests mean about the cleanliness — I thought it was perfectly clean. The views of the bay are incomparable. The neighborhood quiet. Take a ten minute walk into Gills Rock proper and have a seriously great meal at the Shoreline Restaurant, pick up some smoked salmon at Charlie’s, and hop on the passenger ferry to Washington Island. Bring some fishing gear and fish from the pier in Gills Rock. Back at the unit, have a fire, curl up by the TV, watch the stars, watch boats go in and out of the bay…really a magical place to get away. Don’t miss this one!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

K H.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Location-great. 5 mins from the Washington Island ferry and close drive the all the little towns along the way. Cleanliness-needs A LOT of help. Definitely an old cottage vibe with lots of dirt, random hairs, dead and live bugs. Looked like black dog hair in the fridge. I had to find some spray and clean the fridge before I put any food in it. Main floor bedroom smelled like a dog had been in there. (I am very allergic and sensitive to dogs). We only used forks and a couple knives so I washed those before use. Also, there was a random butter knife laying on the floor by the fireplace? The windows are filthy. The side door doesn’t shut very well and one of the bathroom doors doesn’t shut with the knob so there’s a small hook on the door to keep it somewhat closed. The outside is fine, but lots of overgrown weeds and vines in what looks like used to be a little patio. There’s a nice little fire pit with some chairs and then a patio table with chairs. Bring your own firewood. Would’ve been a cool view of the bay but right next to the property a big old excavator was parked in the way. I didn’t have time to get pictures of our stay because we weren’t there most of the time. I understand wanting to keep the original charm of the place, but there’s a lot of things that could be updated and fixed. Overall, not a terrible stay, but would not recommend for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Do not let photos fool you - this property is in very poor condition and was FILTHY. We arrived about 8/9pm to discover that there were no clean sheets - or sheets that fit the beds properly and had to wash whatever we could find. There was laundry left in the washer and dryer, a previous renter’s food under the kitchen table, dirt and grime in the fridge and freezer, cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, dead bugs on the mattresses along with stains, a thick layer of grime and dirt on the window AC units that also blew out dead bugs upon turning them on, house was so musty my son had to take allergy medication to breathe while inside, a previous renters tooth paste dried on the bathroom sink, a loose toilet seat that shifted drastically upon sitting down, the water never got past Luke warm while showering, the water itself was GREY, barely any windows had screens or could open due to being painted shut. None of the floors were clean and all rugs in the home had dust dirt and debris on them, the table was sticky and had to be scrubbed, dirty dishes in the cupboards with a sign explaining how to sanitize them prior to use. There was a nail poking up through the stairs which I cut my foot on needing medical attention, a strip of raised wood at the top of the stairs that my five year old tripped on and almost fell down the stairs. It had a nice view and was close to where we wanted to be. We will never stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

M Honora K.

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

A charming bit of history

Got to meet Lyle who grew up in this house and gave us a sense of the family history. He by the way, was very quick to answer our call for fireplace pellets. The house could use some upkeep and exterior clean up but was comfortable and cozy. Loved having the grill and more importantly, the firepit outside allowed a view of the star filled night sky. Amazingly, blissfully quiet and peaceful. A wonderful get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Lyle Teskie

Host profile image
I live in the Milwaukee area with my husband and 3 small kids. I run a small business as well as this vacation rental. I hope everyone can get a chance to enjoy the beautiful Door County and the many things it has to offer.

Why they chose this property

This property was built by my great grandfather, and I grew up living here. The original house burned down when my grandfather, Frank, was a small boy (who also grew up in the home). The current house was rebuilt by members of the community who came together to help, with the lumber from a church in Ephraim that had been dismantled.

Growing up my parents also owned the 5 cottages across the street and my father ran a charter fishing business in the summer and upholstery business in the winter. The office was in the front room of our home and the boat was docked at the dock (at the time it was owned by my grandfather Frank). Before my parents bought it, my great grandmother and great grandfather ran it as a bed and breakfast for visiting fisherman. If you look above the doors upstairs, you can still see the room numbers, 1-4.

We purchased this property from my father in 2021 to keep it in the Teskie family. We are working on repairs and upkeep as well as updating. We are doing this slowly because want to keep our rates low because we believe that Door County should be a place where everyone can stay and enjoy it's natural beauty and fun activities.

We hope you enjoy your stay and are always pleased to accommodate you!

What makes this property unique

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