Cabin

Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin

Photo gallery for Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin

View from the end of the dock.  The retreat cabin is on the lower level.
Kitchen
Dining Area with a view of the lake
Dining area and front door.
Foyer and entrance to the kitchen.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6950 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Gordon, WI
  • Nelson Lake
  • Upper Eau Claire Lake
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Kelly Lake
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 3

1 Child Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon

Master

1 Queen Bed

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

main

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin

Due to the Corona (Covid-19) pandemic, special precautions will be taken this season and for as long as necessary. A major upgrading of the cleaning procedures will include thorough disinfection of all surfaces including knobs, light switches, handles and all surfaces. Because I am nearly 79 years old now, I am being especially cautious and very thorough. It will be possible for guests to stay here without any contact with others or myself. The cabin is below and separate from my living quarters. We will be able to converse at a distance and able to avoid close contact at all times. I am asking guests about their health and whether or not they have contracted the virus or recovered. I expect all guest to provide accurate health information and to keep in touch after their stay concerning their health. I will provide disinfectants for guests use.

If an individual has contracted the virus or needs to isolate because of possible contact with an infected person, Clearwater Retreat Cabin my be rented at a reduced rate as a place to self isolate. Please contact me to discuss this possibility.

As of April 5, 2020, there has only been one confirmed case of Covid 19 in Bayfield County. I hope we continue to be one of the cool spots and I will keep you posted about the prevalence of the virus.

Clearwater Retreat Cabin is located at the end of a deadend road adjacent to a forty acre forest reserve. The secluded setting is among towering pines with great views to the lake. The unit is located on the lower level of my home and has a walk out entrance to the patio overlooking the lake. The 265 ft of frontage on Lower Eau Claire Lake has a sandy gently sloping bottom which provides safe and pleasurable swimming and water activities. The cabin's elevation provides spectacular views of the lake during the day and sunsets during the evening. A canoe and two kayaks are available for use without charge and a motorized pontoon boat is available for rent. There is also a pontoon boat available for rent on a daily or weekly basis.

The main bedroom has a queen sized log bed. Additional sleeping arrangements are in the large living room with a luxury queen size futon and sectional sofa and a roll away bed. A large picture window allows an unobstructed view of the lake. An outdoor patio with table and chairs allows for outdoor dining with food cooked on the provided charcoal grill. A large fire -pit allows for evenings before the fire and making s'mores. A fully furnished kitchen and laundry room complete the accommodations.

The words "Eau Claire" are French for "clear water" which describes the beauty of these fabulous lakes. Lower Eau Claire Lake is the last of 11 lakes in a chain which can be accessed by means of the only hand operated lock in North America. Abundant wildlife and great fishing are just outside your door. Other recreational activities such as canoeing the fabulous Brule River are just a short drive away.

Property manager

Wm. Craig Warrick

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pets are not allowed on the furniture.

Important information

You need to know

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Barnes

Located in Gordon, this cabin is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Chequamegon National Forest and Pigeon Lake Field Station. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Map
Gordon, WI

What's nearby

  • Upper Eau Claire Lake - 10 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Bony Lake - 10 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Turtle Lake - 19 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Kelly Lake - 24 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Round Lake - 57 min drive - 59.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Enchanted Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Barnes Trading Post Inn - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Cedar Lodge Steakhouse & Grille - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Windsor - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mike's Sportsman Saloon - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful Secluded Northwoods Retreat Cabin located?

Nestled on the beach, this Gordon cabin is within 6 mi (10 km) of Upper Eau Claire Lake, Bony Lake and Cathrine Lake. Birch Lake and Pickerel Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 55 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

8.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

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

Great Little Northwoods Stay

We enjoyed our stay at Craig’s house. Very cute northwoods setting. Thank you we will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

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

Wonderful!

We had a superb time staying here! The place was perfect for us and the Lake was beautiful! The space had everything we needed and was very clean! The Lake water was crystal clear and we loved the ability to rent the pontoon! Craig was fantastic and went well out of his way to make our stay great! Thanks Craig!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie p.

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

Great time

Fun
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth F.

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

July 2024

Location is beautiful. Lake access is steep but well worth it. The house is adorable and very well equipped with most everything you’d need. The owners do live above and movement can be heard. Didn’t bother us. Would suggest motion lighting by stairs for better visibility to the door for nights.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Fantastic views

We were looking for something peaceful in the Northwoods and this was perfect. It was very comfortable, clean and quite. The views were fantastic and the sunset incredible.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ginny R.

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

Perfect Northwoods experience

Our family had a terrific time staying in this lower unit of the owner's home. Our host was terrific and engaging and our rental unit was very clean and nice. We LOVED the location, the views, the wildlife, and the relative solitude of the lake. Our teens had a wonderful time boating, tubing, wakeboarding and fishing. Only wonderful things to say about this stay and we hope to be back some day!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Charlene C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Nice but unexpected

The rental was generally clean and the host was very friendly. However, as first time online rental customers, with the understanding that the difference between VRBO and other apps, is that with VRBO you are leasing the complete structure or property, we were surprised to find upon arrival that the rental was the basement level of a two story structure with the owner’s permanent residence on the second floor. We leased the space for three nights but only stayed for two. Having now read previous reviews and additional information the owner had listed for the property, it’s clear that the rental is in fact the basement level of the owner’s permanent residence. What is misleading though is that one of photographs online shows a beautiful sunset overlooking the lake from the deck. That picture is from the owner’s deck, not the porch of the rental property which is located under the deck. We were sold on this rental because of that photo. We suggest the photo taken from the owner’s deck be removed and replaced with a photo of the porch area of the rental space. That would clearly show the rental space is in fact a basement level. As a rental property that touts access to the dock and lake, we found the stairs to be treacherous and unsafe. I also suggest VRBO take steps to ensure properties that share the rental space with an owner’s residence be clearly labeled as such without having to read reviews or the detailed information provided by the owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris h.

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

Eau Claire Lake

The renter’s unit is in the lower duplex and the owner lives upstairs. Craig the owner was very responsive to any concerns we had and was willing to help me with my boat. Even though he lives upstairs it is very private nice outside covered patio. The only concern I had was there are very many steps down to the dock.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trevor G.

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

Peaceful vacation

We had a fantastic experience with this property. It’s nestled on a huge lake with the clearest water I’ve ever been to, amongst a forest of tall pines. The views of the lake were breathtaking and our host, was very kind and attentive throughout our stay. He’s got the friendliest little dog who made friends with my family. We rented his pontoon boat one day and went out on the lake and I was able to capture a photo of an amazing eagle that nests nearby. Stargazing was amazing as well due to no excessive light pollution. The only thing we were not happy with was the steps down to the lake are old rough cut cedar and are a bit rickety. I mentioned it to our host and he did replace the tread boards on one of the steps right away. The only improvement I think he should do is to overhaul those steps and add a railing to the other side as well to make it more safe and secure. Otherwise no complaints, Craig was very hospitable and we felt very welcome and comfortable staying there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron K.

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

Excellent location.

Great quite location. Breath taking views of nature. Host was very friendly and helpful. I recommend renting the pontoon for $60 a day that the host has on site.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

George S.

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

Clearwater cabin

It was quiet and clean with great views. Everything was there. The steps to the dock are a challenge, but worth it. I would stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

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

Feb weekend

We had a great stay
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Rebecca R.

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

Great time in a quite cabin on the lake.

Had a great time just resting and relaxing. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael John C.

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

Relaxing and Quiet

We came to Wisconsin to relax and enjoy the north woods and this was the place. Beautiful lake and woods. The weather was perfect. Our place was clean and spacious. We loved it.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Keegan B.

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

Cozy cabin in the woods

We had a great stay. It's a beautiful property on the lake and just what we needed. Loved the fireplace heater! We would have like better quality kitchen supplies (pots, pans, etc) and it was a bit cob-webby but otherwise it was very pleasant! Craig was very informative and easy to reach.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

JOE C.

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

GREAT

Just as expected
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

2/10 Terrible

Maureen M.

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

Not what vrbo stated

The 1st thing: this is a basement... description NEVER made that clear. 2nd: several things in disrepair, I.e., kitchen faucet broken in pieces. Only sprayed water... broken piece on counter. Lot of water waste trying to fill up bottles, etc. Floors dirty and patio/furniture filthy and undesirable for use. Charcoal grill was filthy from months ago... coals were old and soggy and not cleaned out. 3rd: Stairs to dock treacherous for any age. 4th: The resident upstairs snored loudly. 5th: cabinetry I.e. kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, and silverware were not organized in any fashion. Felt awkward at times. 4th: Many dangerous overhangs from upper deck was not designed for a lower unit at all. 5th: Nothing neat and tidy no welcoming as guests or pride in property. 6th: owners dog loose and unable to shoo home... followed and jumped on our dogs making walking our dogs impossible.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Pat P.

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

Great place

Had a good time place is cozy. Lot of steps to lake. Pontoon was a pleasant suprise
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

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

Perfect place in the Northwoods

I was attending an event in Superior and wanted a place that wasn’t too far away, but also on the lake. This place worked well for me. I was usually gone most of the day, but it was nice waking up and looking at the lake, and enjoying sunsets there as well. The stairs down to the dock are kind of steep, so may be an issue for some. He also had a pontoon(to rent) and kayaks as well. It’s located on a beautiful lake. The place was very clean as well and provided basic needs- dishes, linens, etc. I was having a hard time finding a place, so when this one showed up I didn’t read the reviews before booking. So I was a little worried when I found out the place was his basement that had been refinished. You do have your own entrance, but I think it would be good to have a better description. He does live upstairs, and I could hear him walking around at times, but it didn’t bother me. I was up there on my own, so I did appreciate knowing I wasn’t all alone at a property I was not familiar with. He was easy to communicate with and answered questions I had right away.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laurie D., Marshalltown

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

Very Nice Place

This is our second stay at Clearwater Retreat and we are already talking about coming back again. This is a very nice apartment style cabin with everything we needed in a BEAUTIFUL location. We love to fish so we really enjoy the pontoon boat. The owner is onsite which we think is very nice. We had our privacy but also the security of knowing someone was there if there was a problem. Added bonus, we caught an enormous 22 inch, 8 lb small mouth not far from the dock.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joshua J.

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

Great stay for our family

We knew we were renting a lower level of a house, but barely knew the owner was there. He gave us plenty of space and privacy. The lake was sandy, clear, and perfect for the kids to swim and fish in. Craig was easy to work with. Had a perfect end of summer stay! Thanks for everything our family is so grateful! See you next summer!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Not what we expected

I didn't read the listing or the prior reviews as thoroughly as I should have. We did not realize until too late that this rental space is the basement of the onwers permanent home. According to the listing, "the cabin is separate from my living quarters". I don't consider a basement to be sepoarate from a home. The interior was comfortable and clean, but frequent noise by the owner and his visiying family upstairs was a big distraction. There must be a main floor bedroom above the bedroom in the rental space because snoring from upstairs kept me awake most of the 4 nights we were there. My wife slep on the couch in the livingroom and our daughter on the verynoisy squeaky futon. We were also not impressed with the amount of trailers, downed trees, and what appeared to be a lot of junk laying about the property, inclusing the bank to the lake. The 53 steps to the dock are sub-par at best and should be rebuilt entirely. They are not be safe for young children to navigate alone. Parking was diffucult at times for a full sized pickup. In spite of all the negatives, we did manage to have a good time during our stay. We did day trips to several places, leaving mid morning and returning late afternoon/early evening. Had excellent food and friendle service at The Barnes Trading Post. After all factors are considered, we would not have rented this space as it's not a cabin...it's a basement. I've learned to be more diligent when looking for future vacation rentals.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Roland W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Fishing Trip

The host was nice and polite. The cabin, although on the lower level, with no to very little view of the Lake, was very Clean and comfortable. We could have used another bedroom. The Internet, TV, appliances worked fine. Past reviews of hearing the hosts walking upstairs above us, were quite accurate. The fishing boat was broken, we used the 16 ft. Pontoon boat. Although old and somewhat beat up, the pontoon boat did the job and was better than what the fishing boat would have been. We did depart a day early, the fishing, which is why we went to the Lake, was POOR. Did not keep one fish. We were very disappointed with the fishing, but did a lot of sitting on the boat enjoying this beautiful lake . We must assume this is not a fishing Lake or the fish are available only in the Spring and Fall. Nevertheless, we made the best of our trip.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diana G.

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

Perfect little place for a quick getaway

Craig was a great host. The lower cabin was clean and had everything we needed to have fun. A gentle sandy beach for swimming, clear water, great fishing, a dock to tie up our boat, kayaks, and a giant floating mat for the kids. Since the host lives there, we expected to share the home with him - he and his dog were always friendly. Close to ATV/UTV trails, 30 minutes to CAMBA mountain bike trails, and just over an hour to some great micro breweries in Duluth. Well stocked kitchen provided plenty of utensils to make good home cooked meals. The stairs to the lake were a workout, but we had great breezes and beautiful views up on the bluff.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

2/10 Terrible

Brett D.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Not a cabin, not secluded - just a guy’s basement, and expect him to be home. And watching.

‘This is not a secluded cabin in the woods. It is a man’s walkout basement, the lower level of a home that he will be in while you are there; loudly walking around, opening & shutting doors, hanging out on his deck with other gentlemen, and seemingly being aware of everything that you do while you are there. When I arrived, it was to find a yard filled with vehicles and the owner and a few other gentlemen sitting on the upper deck. All seemingly watched us as we unpacked our car, while making comments about us (“Is it just the gal and kids?” “Were they both little girls?”) Given that it was indeed just me and my children that day, with my husband meeting us the next day, it was an INCREDIBLY uncomfortable experience and did not leave me feeling completely safe. Down on the dock and in the water is great. It is a nice shallow area, great for kids wanting to play in the water. However, the steps down to the dock are exceedingly steep and only have a railing on one side, with no railing on the final section down to the dock. While on the dock, the owner was often visible - at one point shortly after going to the dock to swim with my kids, I saw the owner standing in the opening of his patio door, looking down at the water with binoculars. He also took many opportunities while we were down there to yell at us from his dock - really reinforcing that he was always around and always watching. Once it was to let us know that we could use the float mat, another it was to ask to make sure my child didn’t throw any rocks into the water, yet another to let me know that my dogs could be down on the dock with us - his passive aggressive way of letting me know that the dogs were barking in the cabin. We had a friend and her 2 children over during the day to join my kids playing in the water for a couple of hours. While there, the owner came down to our level to ask whether they were going to be staying (no), and to request that he wanted to be informed anytime that we were planning on having visitors which is not required. The cabin itself was fine during daytime hours. However, the futon- the 2nd bed option-creaked LOUDLY with the slightest weight/movement when laid out. We were woken up early both mornings that we were at the cabin. 5am the first morning and 6am the second from the owner walking around, his dog barking, and loud guests on his deck at 7am. After the second night we chose to leave the cabin, despite having it rented more days.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Wm. Craig Warrick

Host profile image
I am a retired educator. I built the home and cabin myself and have continued to upgrade as my kids have grown and moved on.

Why they chose this property

Unique location at the end of a dead end road with a great view of the lake and wonderful sunsets. 40 acres of woods in which to wander and enjoy. Very clear water and wonderful dock and swimming in the white sand bottomed lake. Boats available for guest use.

What makes this property unique

This retreat is very wild. We have bears visiting from time to time, eagles overhead on a daily basis, raccoons, and other wildlife including spiders and snakes!
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