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Murphy Cottage

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Murphy Cottage has been in the family since 1968.
Murphy Cottage
Miscellaneous
Bedroom #1:  First Floor: Queen Bed. Lakeside of the cottage.
Bedroom #2:  First Floor:  Full sized bed.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 142300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Gillett, WI
  • Shawano Lake
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • USAIR Motorsports Raceway
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Shawano Speedway
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Murphy Cottage

The Murphy Cottage on Moshawquit Lake is a great destination for family vacations in the summer or getaways year-round. The Cottage has been owned by the Murphy family for the past 57 years and has provided priceless summer memories every year for family and friends. The cottage has over 2,300 square feet which include 4 bedrooms (with an additional loft sleeping space) and 2.5 bathrooms.

Moshawquit Lake is a 300-acre lake, which the department of natural resources identifies as 97% sand. The lake frontage has a gradual water entrance with a nice hard sand bottom with healthy native lake plants in the lake.

Moshawquit Lake is a private lake, which does not permit outside boats being brought onto the water, which has helped to prevent widespread invasive species from taking over the lake, which has occurred in many other Wisconsin lakes. During the summer vacation season months (June 1st - October 15th) guests do have the option to rent the cottage pontoon boat. The boat operators must provide proof of Wisconsin Boater Safety Certification in order to legally operate any watercraft on Wisconsin waters, including the cottage pontoon boat. Operators must also know and follow the Moshawquit Lake boating rules. The pontoon will rent out for $400/stay. A gas can is available in the cottage shed for your use. Pontoon renters are responsible for your own gas usage. The Thunderbird C-Store is only 1 1/2 miles away. You may only use premium gasoline in the pontoon. Many return guests have appreciated the opportunity to rent and use our pontoon, since rental of a pontoon of our size (on nearby lakes, our lake is closed to outside boats), can cost $400/day or more and up to $1,200/week.

During the 2025 summer vacation season months (June 1st - Mid-September) the cottage rents for $485/night. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests in 12 (with exceptions for children < 2 yrs. old). You can leave a check for any additional guests that were not anticipated when you booked on VRBO. A 6-night minimum stay is required for the summer months through mid September.

The month of May and Early Fall ( September 15 - October 31 ) cottage rental rate drops to $295/night. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests in 12 (see above). A three-night minimum stay is required for the month of May and Early Fall ( September 15 - Oct 31 ).

Late October ( October 16 - 31 ) cottage rental rate drops to $245/night. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests in 12 (see above). A three-night minimum stay is required for the month of May and Early Fall ( September 15 - Oct 31 ).

Late fall through late spring (November 1 - April 30) the cottage rate reduces to $245/night base rate with a two-night minimum stay required. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests is 12 (see above).

For the Thanksgiving week holiday period, the rate is $230/night with a four-night minimum stay required. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests in 12.

For the holiday period before Christmas Eve through New Years Day, the rate is $485/night with a three-night minimum stay is required. Nightly base fee covers groups of up to 8 people. Murphy Cottage can accommodate up to 4 additional guests for a fee of $25 per person per night. Maximum number of guests in 12 (see above).

10% discount for stays > 7 nights.
30% discount for monthly stays (> 30 nights).

Enjoy the lake with 3 paddle-boards, 3 kayaks, 1 rowboat, 1 canoe, and water toys, or just relax on the raft as all are available for you to use during your stay. Resident eagles have called the lake home for decades and live among the tall pines across the lake. The loons on the lake like their privacy, but are fun to observe from a distance. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Wisconsin wildlife on the lake. Grab your fishing pole in the morning or evening and head out onto the water to try your luck! Don't forget to grab a great book to read at your leisure while relaxing at the Murphy Cottage!

While staying at the cottage you are a short 15-minute drive to reach Shawano, where you will find 3 grocery stores, a Walmart, and several other local establishments. Travel to Green Bay is 45 minutes for a Packer game, then come back to the Lake and relax!

A large deck faces the water, which provides plenty of outside gathering space, with 3 picnic tables and chairs to grill out and enjoy your meals outside together.

A fire pit is available to finish your day with a campfire under the stars in the evenings.

Pet Friendly. Dogs are $25/ night/ pet. Maximum of 2 “cottage friendly” dogs. Dogs must be leashed while out in the cottage yard. Owners must pick up and dispose of all pet messes.

Sheets, bedding, pillows, towels, and beach towels are all included.

2 refrigerators are available in the kitchen. Sorry, no dishwasher. Kitchen table to seat 8. Outside seating for meals, can seat 12.

All you have to do is pack your bags, head to the Lake, and relax for a bit!

Property manager

Lynn & Victor Murphy
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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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

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
With additional fee of $25 per night for each dog
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The cottage has an outdoor video system provided for property and occupant safety.

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

Gillett

Located in Gillett, this cottage is on a lake. While the natural beauty of Shawano Lake and Green lake can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Pine Hills Golf Course. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at USAIR Motorsports Raceway or Shawano Speedway. With kayaking, power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Gillett, WI

What's nearby

  • Shawano Lake - 14 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Menominee Casino Resort - 16 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Menominee Casino Resort - 19 min drive - 17.0 km
  • USAIR Motorsports Raceway - 25 min drive - 22.6 km
  • Shawano Speedway - 27 min drive - 23.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Brothers' Pub - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Cove - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Cotton Patch Supper Club - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Thunderbird Club - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Classic's Restaurant & Lounge - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Murphy Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Murphy Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Murphy Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Murphy Cottage located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Shawano Lake, Menominee Logging Museum and Menominee Casino Resort. Menominee Convention Center and Menominee Casino Resort are also within 12 miles (20 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. 66 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

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

Home away from home

It was very accommodating. All the extras were there to make us feel at home. There were games movies to extra blankets and a basket of extra toiletries.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

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

Relaxing Winter Weekend

Everything was as described. Spacious and well appointed, quiet and relaxing. Good communication and easy chrck in/check out. We are hoping to find a long weekend this summer to go with our sons and other family.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anita H.

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

Shawano adventure

We went up to check out the barn quilts. We had a great time and the cottage was a great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb K.

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

Cousins (Joly) Weekend

Wow!! is all we need to say. Was just beautiful, well stocked. They even had the perfect weather for us lol
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara S.

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

Magical Moshawquit

Returning to Moshawquit Lake after 20+ years was an incredible treat; we were so pleased to find it mostly unchanged. We are so grateful to the Murphy's for sharing their home. It was so peaceful to be there as summer turns to fall. (And the dogs have never been happier!)
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

tim g.

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

Fantastic

This place has everything you need . Family outing and we had a great time. Nice and clean- plenty of room - beautiful views. Definitely will be going again. Ready to book for next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

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

Murphy cottage getaway

Has everything you could ever want in a perfect lakeside setting, hoping to do this again next year
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren K.

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

Relaxing trip

Enjoyed fishing and time with family.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan G.

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

Family cottage week

Our second time staying at The Murphy cottage. We all had a great time once again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Shangri-La

This was the third summer that our family stayed at the Murphy Cottage. Like the previous two years, this cottage was paradise! Lynn and Victor were very accommodating and as usual, very responsive to our questions or needs. The cottage itself was neat and clean and included everything needed to make our stay comfy and cozy. The kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were immaculate and spacious. There's also plenty of room for dining either inside or on the spacious deck. Outside, the property is wonderful. The clear beautiful water is just steps from the cottage. Water toys are plentiful and include kayaks and paddleboards which we used on a daily basis. We swam in the lake daily and took advantage of the pier, the deck and the dock. We suggest renting the pontoon as it gives you another perspective of the lake's beauty. Peaceful nights were spent by the bonfire eating s'mores and pudgy pies while enjoying each other's company. We are so grateful for this trip, this place, and our time together. We made family memories that will last a lifetime, you will too! Our suggestion is, if your dates are available, book the Murphy Cottage! Thank you, Lynn and Victor, for sharing your beautiful cottage with us!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susie H.

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

“50th” wedding anniversary vacation with family.

This cottage has everything you need for a week of fun! From kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, pontooning and even water basketball, our family enjoyed every minute of it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Memorable

This lovely cottage on this beautiful lake had everything our family, ages 6 all the way up to 68, to make some real lasting memories! Kayaks, paddle boards and the raft were a huge hit. Fishing right off the dock, wonderful. The view from the huge deck, glorious. My kids and grandkids sitting on the floor playing the many available board games at night, verses being on their phones, tablets and gaming devices, PRICELESS!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

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

Perfection!

Our getaway to the Murphy cottage was amazing. Lynn and Victor have a perfect vacation rental. The cottage is generously stocked is every department. The kitchen has everything! There are plenty of books and board games. Plenty of space indoors and outdoors for groups. We rented their pontoon and were able to get out only once (due to weather). We enjoyed watching the eagles soar. The next door neighbor is very nice and our dogs enjoyed playing with his pups. I honestly can't find 1 negative about this property and we hope to vacation there again in the future. Thank you Lynn and Victor for sharing your cottage with us.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew K.

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

Happy Cottage

The property owners have done a fantastic job seeing to it that this is place for friends and family to gather and make memories. The property is clean and stocked. Its super spacious with lots of rooms and bathrooms for everyone to spread out. It has two refrigerators too! Whether you and your family/friends enjoy being on the deck, sitting by the fire, fishing, boating or swimming, they have it all right there for you to use. The neighbors are friendly too. Take an extra day off and go enjoy a long weekend at this VRBO!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Duane R.

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

Annual Spring Family trio

We had a wonderful time, fishing, swimming, kayaking and relaxing. The cottage was clean, spacious and very welcoming! We would definitely come back on our family trip to the cottage again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill V.

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

Great place!!

Our stay at Murphy Cottage was fantastic!! The place is nice and clean and very spacious!! This was our 2nd time staying there with our family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

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

Murphy cottage vacation

This was our 2nd stay at the Murphy cottage and there is no need to look any where else. It has everything you could possibly need to have a perfect vacation. The hosts are great to communicate with, the house is always clean the lake is perfect the neighbors are nice. If you have the chance to go there take it.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Julie W.

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

Family vacation

We loved our time at Murphy Cottage. So many amenities provided & enjoyed the use of the pontoon! We made many fun memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Paradise!!!

This was the second time we stayed at this beautiful cottage. Lynn and Victor were very accommodating and very responsive to all off our questions and needs. The cottage itself was neat, clean and included everything needed to make our stay cozy and comfortable. The kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms are spacious, immaculate and filled with amenities. There's plenty of room for dining both inside the cottage or on the lake front deck. Outside is where the fun begins! The clear beautiful water is just steps from the cottage. Water toys are plentiful and include kayaks and paddleboards which we used on a daily basis. We swam in the lake every day and took advantage of the pier, the deck, and the dock. We suggest renting the pontoon as it gives you another perspective of the lake's beauty. Our peaceful evenings were enhanced by lots of laughter as we enjoyed each other's company while making s'mores and pudgie pies in the bonfire every night. Our fun was made even more special as we invited our neighbors to join us. During the week, both next door neighbors were very kind and generous. We are so thankful for this trip, this place and our time together. We made family memories that will last a lifetime, you will too! Our suggestion is, if your dates are available, book the Murphy Cottage. Thank you, Lynn and Victor, for sharing your beautiful cottage with us!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jen M.

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

Family Vacation

The Murphy Cabin is perfect for family gatherings when you have a lot of people involved. There is plenty of space, kitchen has everything you need. The deck with all the tables make it a perfect place to eat meals. They have a variety of water activities for the kids and adults to do. Vic and Lynn are great people and easy to work with! We always enjoy our time here. Beautiful place to create family memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

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

Book it - you won’t be sorry!!!

Clearly a family get away with everything one requires to disconnect (tho tech is good for remaining connected if necessary) and enjoy each other and nature. Town isn’t far away for supplies, if needed, and cute shops on rainy days. We took in the Sun Drop/Twigs University museum which was an unexpected delight testing all the sodas made there. We hope to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samuel R.

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

Nice place

Me and my kiddos had a great time!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grace M.

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

Perfect work trip!

Some of my nurse friends and I had a quick getaway at the Murphy Cottage, and it was so fun. Just what we needed. Will definitely be back for the summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill V.

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

Wonderful Place to Stay!!

We were really impressed with the cleanliness of this cottage. The cottage was spacious and was perfect for our family. We loved it and will definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff R.

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

Always a great time and property!

The home and location are excellent for our visit. The hosts are very accommodating and will respond immediately to any communications.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

About the host

Hosted by Lynn & Victor Murphy

Host profile image
A little bit about ourselves. My husband Victor grew up on Moshawquit Lake as his family built the cottage when he was born when they realized that traveling with 7 children was going to be a bit more challenging. I have been enjoying the lake since I was 19-years-old when I began dating Victor, so it is as much my favorite place to be as it is his. When Victor's parents both passed away, we made the decision to purchase the property from his 6 siblings, and now we are their hosts when they come to the lake.
Our children have grown up on the lake also, as it is only a short 40-minute drive from our home. They have had the luxury of spending time on the lake with their 23 first-cousins and numerous other second cousins as the Cottage provided the large family with a place that everyone headed to on most weekends of the summer. I was blessed with an amazing Mother and Father-in-law who had an open door, bare-foot (including many sandy feet), come as you are and the more the merrier attitude. It was not uncommon that if we weren't at the cottage, that we would get a phone call asking us to get over there as quick as we could...." and, oh by the way could you pick up this or that at the grocery store on your way up."

Victor is a Teacher and has taught Physical Education, Special -Education, and coached track, football, and basketball most of his teaching career. I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (working with "at-risk children") and a Nurse Educator (with Bellin College) in the Green Bay area. I am also passionate about Mission Work and I lead a group of 24 healthcare professionals to Guatemala every year for Bellin College, where we serve 4 villages along the east coast of the country.

We aim to make our guests and return friends feel very welcome during their stay. We want you and your guests to have a carefree stay. So, we truly do try to create a stay where we have thought of what we like to have available when we rent other's homes through VRBO.

Why they chose this property

Well, it is our favorite place to be, so we would like to think that you would enjoy it as much as we do. Some of the highlights of our cottage are that we have 55 years of "stuff" there. Paddleboards, kayaks, a canoe, and tons of water toys. We also offer the use of our Pontoon boat to interested guests for an additional rental fee of $300/week. If you have ever rented a pontoon, you are well aware that they do not rent cheaply, at approximately $400/8 hour day.

We have great access to the water, which has great water conditions and no water "itch" that can be found on other lakes. We have very nice fishing on the lake and that extends into ice fishing. During the winter, we love to snowmobile from the cottage too.

What makes this property unique

Probably that would be the access to the pontoon. But we also try to anticipate our guest's needs and have those items available for you (and we also take suggestions too). We in addition make ourselves available to you through the app called WhatsApp. This allows us to share with you a brief video tutorial on the operation of the pontoon, but it also gives us anywhere access to you, even if we are traveling while you are at our cottage. Many renters have found this helpful when they have those moments of not being able to locate something in the cottage or suggestions of things to do while at the Cottage.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests