Entire home

The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season.

Photo gallery for The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season.

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Snow and ski sports
Snow and ski sports

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Duluth, MN
  • University of Minnesota Duluth
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • College of St. Scholastica
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Miller Hill Mall
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Murphy Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season.

The house known as the 'Captain's Quarters' sits at the forest's edge, set back from the road and tucked into a very private estate. A four year build, (completed in 2008), it is filled with modern luxuries such as a gourmet kitchen, beautiful bluestone gas fireplace, radiant heated floors, a spa bath, air conditioning and wifi internet. Though the amenities are modern, the 'feel' of the home is steeped in an old world charm and beauty. Built with a love for the art, nothing was overlooked. From the heavy Douglas fir timbers, to the ornate cast iron radiators, much was borrowed from days gone by and re purposed here. Details in brass, marble, red wood, granite, copper, maple, limestone, and stained glass are to be found throughout.
This home was designed with friends and family in mind, and so is very social and entertains beautifully. It is truly a pleasure to experience!
The house is surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. White pines tower above mossy cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Wild life big and small weave through the trees. Sweeping cedars huddle and lean into each other. Colorful maples surround it all, both glowing over, and shading the acreage. There's even a pretty forest pond for the frogs and ducks, and ice skating come winter, that sits below a cozy 'lighthouse' on the bluff. And now we have a large pond nestled between the cliffs and the house with a beautiful pavilion to sit and enjoy the ducks and dragonfly's go by. Not to mention all the birds coming and going. (five bird feeders)
The property adjoins hundreds of acres of diverse designated 'green spaces' that are woven with miles of walking and cross country ski trails. And if you like e-bikes, we have those available too. And Hartley Recreational area but a short peddle away.
This house is located in the perfect part of Duluth. While being only minutes away from Lake Superior and Downtown one way, and the malls and airport the other, there is still an absolutely enchanting feel to it all.
(There was a video made which we used here for you to 'get a feel for the place'. Click the video tab to view.)

Property manager

Douglas McCorison

Languages

English
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 30
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
Please provide information about yourself/group and what brings you to the area upon booking
Additional cost of $30 per night per person for more then 6 people.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Duluth

Located in Kenwood, a neighbourhood in Duluth, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Manitou Fish Camp and North Shore Scenic Railroad are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Superior and Pokegama Carnegie Wetlands State Natural Area. Travelling with kids? Consider Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium, or check out an event or a game at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling.
Map
Duluth, MN

What's nearby

  • University of Minnesota Duluth - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • College of St. Scholastica - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Duluth Entertainment Convention Center - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Aerial Lift Bridge - 8 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Miller Hill Mall - 10 min drive - 6.9 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Superior Dining Center - UMD - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Trail's Edge / "Captain's Quarters" Is A Gorgeous Retreat, In Any Season. located?

Located next to a golf course, this slopeside Kenwood cottage offers ski-in/ski-out access within 2 miles (3 km) of Hartley Park and Nature Center and Chester Park, and is convenient for winter activities, such as snowmobiling. College of St. Scholastica and University of Minnesota Duluth are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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. 170 out of 176 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 176 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 176 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 176 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 176 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan O.

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

Trip with Dad

3 60 sisters stayed with our aging parents. We loved the dining area for eating and games and the kitchen's complete utensil supplies. Steps into living room were tough for Dad, but that space was lovely as well. Enjoyed our time there!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa W.

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

Lovely home and property

Charming house with great kitchen and spacious yet cozy. Kids enjoyed playing in the yard and watching the deer, birds and squirrels. Close enough to everything yet private.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan R.

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

Great place to stay!

The house and property are beautiful! This coupled with being so close to so many locations makes it a perfect spot for your stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

Treasure of a Find

This property was a high point of our family's stay in Duluth. A beautifully constructed home in a peaceful location. It was clean, well-provisioned, and a joy to visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica L.

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

Best cabin in Duluth

If you love architecture, serenity and wildlife, and want to be just 10 minutes outside Duluth - this is the cabin for you. Doug is an amazing host, with the most beautiful and gorgeous cabin you ever will get the pleasure of staying in. The rooms are comfortable, the patio space and the gazebo are so relaxing. This is our second time staying here and it just keeps getting better.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Amazing

Pictures didn't do it justice. Doug is amazing. We made amazing family memories. Had fun exploring the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

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

Perfect place to celebrate a 90th birthday

We had a great celebration. My father-in-law wanted to stay there due to the craftsmanship of the home. It did not disappoint. You can tell a great deal of love and skill went into the build. We loved the hiking trail out by the gazebo and the ducks in the pond. Location is close to things to do in Duluth but never felt like it. It felt secluded in the woods. Our host, Doug, was also very kind and interesting to chat with.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitchel M.

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

Our grandson's graduation

Perfect in every respect.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

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

Our favorite place

Doug’s house is the best spot for a weekend away with friends and family. The architecture of the house is beautiful with a great little backyard. It’s our home away from home and the best house in Duluth!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathan 'Scott' J.

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

A TRULY STUNNING HOME

My wife and I -along with a couple of close friends- were able to stay at this amazing property for a long weekend, and we were stunned by the beauty of this home. Inside, outside and surrounding property/grounds were all impeccable. Don't think twice about booking here. If your dates are available, just DO IT. You will NOT regret it!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia B.

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

Heavenly

We had family from 5 to 80… it was an absolutely perfect week. The house is better than pictured. The beds are dreamy… I cannot possibly describe how perfect our experience was! I’m so grateful to the owner and the lovely caregivers for creating this perfect hideaway just minutes from downtown Duluth. We will be back- hopefully soon!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary T.

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

Connect with nature

The property was beautiful. There were so many places to relax and take in nature. The house is meticulously designed. Doug was amazing - he was so helpful and made sure we had everything we needed. The craftsmanship of the home and property was out of this world
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodi S.

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

Extended family weekend get away

This property is absolutely beautiful. It is designed to fit into its surrounding and display the beauty of the Northwoods. The craftsmanship of the builder/owner is amazing and a true delight to explore. Peaceful stay and would stay again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

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

Magical Stay at a Woodland Craftsman Getaway

Our stay surpassed our expectations in every way! This property is truly one-of-a-kind with customized craftsmanship, a beyond-equipt chef's kitchen and outstanding on-site amenities including the Wildlife Pond, Outdoors Pavilion and Secluded Private Hiking Trails. We visited with our two kiddos and my parents and we all had a restful, comfy and relaxing stay. Doug was gracious and informative, sharing details of his custom build with my Dad, a cabinet-maker with an appreciation for craftsmanship. We did family hikes on the property trails ever day and enjoyed an evening around the firepit on the Pavilion. Being surrounded by so much beauty was a wonderful accent to our Duluth stay and we hope to return soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol P.

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

Relaxing New Years Holiday

Six of us had a great time reconnecting at Doug's retreat. All the amenities needed for gourmet meals, trails through the woods for exploring, comfortable spaces for cocktail hour. It's the whole package!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Joan B.

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

Captains Quarters -Beyond our Expectations

Our family booked this house to celebrate my retirement. This place exceeded our expectations! The home was spacious enough for us (5 adults and 2 kids). Comfortable beds and the kitchen was very well appointed with quality appliances and dishes. We enjoyed the outdoor deck, fire pit area, and pavilion. The wildlife was quite interesting; deer, fox, bears, bobcat, ducks with ducklings, squirrels, and birds. Doug was there if we needed anything and we appreciated the opportunity to make this our home for the week!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

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

Wedding weekend

Stunning one of a kind property. Stayed here with family for my sons Duluth wedding. It was the perfect home away from home. Spotless and very well stocked with everything you might need. Doug was a gracious host and always responded quickly to any of our questions.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carmen O.

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

Wonderful getaway for family of all ages!

With family living in three different states, we took a trip up to Duluth for some quality time. Doug’s cabin was the perfect spot for this! We really loved how close we were to nature and got to see all sorts of wildlife, yet it was still a quick drive to the other exciting parts of the city. The cabin was well stocked, very clean, and just as advertised on the listing. Would absolutely recommend to other families or friend groups looking for a great Midwest getaway, I hope to make a return visit someday!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle N., Iowa Falls

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

The Perfect Getaway

Doug's home was absolutely marvelous! This was a family getaway for a long weekend, to celebrate our parent's 60th birthdays and 40th wedding anniversary. The 3 bedrooms and one murphy bed was perfect for our family of 8 (7 adults, 1 infant). My husband and I are already talking about coming back with friends to explore Duluth's breweries and bike trails.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bruce K.

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

Wonderful property

Clean home well stocked with essentials. Great location close to town Very private with very nice gazebo and your own pond. Owner is on site but in his own home. Only big issue is lack of water pressure. Hard to get shampoo out of hair with a trickle of water pressure.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna P.

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

75th birthday surprise

This was a beautiful place to celebrate my husband’s birthday with his family from 3 states. The location is quiet and relaxing and our dogs had a great time chasing the very savvy chipmunks. The girls enjoyed walking the trails. The house is beautiful and well appointed. Doug is a wonderful host and loves sharing his property with people. His dog Emmet is great too. Thank you Doug for a memorable weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

A relaxing time in nature

We spent 3 nights at the gorgeous Captain's Quarters with my spouse, 2 kids and my parents for a total of 6. The photos do not do the home or property justice with the extra amenities on the property including a pond, covered pavilion deck and on property marked hiking trails. The location is very convenient to get to either Canal Park or head north towards the north shore. Kitchen is well stocked with high quality appliances and dishes. All bedrooms have wonderful views of the property. There was plenty of wildlife to entertain everybody and the owner was friendly, helpful and available for any questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

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

Outstanding!!!

Finally found the perfect VRBO vacation escape! What a true pleasure to stay in this fine home in the woods. The best of everything, enclosed in the finest craftsmanship and wood working I’ve seen and surrounded by nature, water, boulders and woods. The host was a pleasure to meet and gave us great info so we could make the best use of our precious getaway time. We stretched our budget to stay here because the photos were so inviting. When we arrived, we knew we had chosen wisely. Rarely is a place better than expected, and this special place was. Doug, thanks for making your fantastic oasis available for us to enjoy too! ❤️❤️
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi V.

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

Attention to every detail

Wow! Myself, my husband, my mother and my daughter stayed at the Captain’s Quarters for three nights and did not want to leave. You can tell this property was and continues to be a labor of love for Douglas. Much attention has gone into every detail of this property; during our time there we kept asking each other if we had noticed this or that detail. Douglas is wonderful and a wealth of information. I hope you get the chance to meet his dog Emmett, he loves people and is a good boy. Douglas, we look forward to staying at your property again and are excited to see your latest project once it is completed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Justin C.

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

Family vacation

I’ve rented properties around the world. Sometimes they meet expectations. The Captain’s Quarter in the woods of Duluth is that rare, 5-star property that exceeds expectations. Doug, the host, was friendly and helpful, immediately responsive. We were 8 adults and a 1-year-old and were so comfortable and at home throughout the gorgeous, custom house that we had to push ourselves to leave by noon each day. The attention to details, architectural and culinary, is rare and appreciated. The only minor issue were the mosquitos, but Doug provides repellent and gizmos that clear bugs away outside. We were fascinated by the array of wildlife and lush landscaping, the rock outcroppings and wooded trails. Listen, this special place is for sale. It may not be available much longer. If you are lucky enough to book, you will surely love it as much as we all did.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Douglas McCorison

Host profile image

Languages:

English