Renovated Vintage 1970s Lake Cottage in Iola—30 Min to Chain O'Lakes

The Selmer Cottage sits along a quiet stretch of shoreline on Selmer Lake in Iola, tucked into the kind of Wisconsin landscape that doesn't try to be anything other than what it is—clear lakes, tall pines, and summers that still move at their own pace. The midcentury details and vintage character aren't a design choice so much as a preservation of feeling.

We believe a vacation rental is more than just a place to sleep—it is the setting for the moments you'll carry with you long after you leave. Part of Anthology Stays, this restored 1970s lakeside cottage near Iola, Wisconsin was made for the summer memories you still think about.
You know those summers. Picking up nightcrawlers at a roadside bait shop on the drive in. Spending the whole day on the water, never once changing out of your swimsuit. Cribbage at the picnic table while the sun dropped slow behind the trees across the lake. Citronella candles flickering on the porch, a bonfire going until the sparks were the only thing keeping anyone awake, the slight sting of sunburn as you finally turned in with the windows open and the smell of the lake coming through.

That’s what’s waiting for you here.

The cottage is small (700 square feet), and cozy in the way that puts everyone in the same room, around the same table, in the same conversation. The bedrooms are compact, with just enough space for the essentials. If you're looking for a spacious lake house with room to spread out, this probably isn't your place. But if a modest, character-rich cottage on a quiet lake sounds like exactly enough, you'll feel right at home.

On warm nights the windows stay open. There's no central air conditioning, just a lake breeze carrying the smell of the water and the kind of sleep that follows a full day outside. Iola is ten minutes down the road when you need to stock up—groceries, a bag of ice, whatever you forgot to pack. Waupaca is a 25-minute drive, and the Chain O' Lakes is 30, with miles of connected water to explore by boat.

ABOUT THE COTTAGE:

Sleeps up to 4 adults comfortably, or up to 6 guests if at least 2 are children.

1 dog allowed, up to 50 pounds, with prior approval ($50 flat fee per stay).

3 Bedrooms + 1 Full Bathroom
- Bedroom 1: Queen size bed, ceiling fan
- Bedroom 2: Bunk bed with double bed on bottom, twin bed on top, ceiling fan
- Bedroom 3: Queen size bed, tower fan
- Bathroom: Full compact bathroom with shower stall

KITCHEN AMENITIES:
Fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, blender, drip coffee maker, electric kettle, cookware, dishes, utensils, glassware, children’s plates/cups, and cooking utensils for making simple meals after long days on the lake.

ESSENTIALS PROVIDED:
- Linens: Bed linens, pillows, blankets, bathroom linens, kitchen linens, and beach towels.
- Starter Pack: 2 rolls of toilet paper, paper towel, dish soap, laundry detergent, and garbage bags.
- Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash supplied in each bathroom.
- Note: Due to state health and safety licensing guidelines, all pantry items must be removed between guests. Please bring cooking essentials you might need such as cooking oil/spray, salt, pepper and other spices, sugar, etc. as legally we are prohibited from providing them to guests.

OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT:
The outdoors are the heart of the experience here. Selmer Lake is no-wake and small by design —the kind of lake that rewards morning coffee on the dock, afternoon swims, fishing at sunset, and long evenings around the fire. Like most natural Wisconsin lakes, aquatic plants are part of the shoreline experience here, something most Midwest lake kids will remember well.
- Private dock + floating raft
- Fire pit + lawn chairs
- Outdoor dining area
- Propane grill
- Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding
- Quiet, no-wake lake ideal for relaxing and reconnecting

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
- Pets are not allowed.
- There is no dishwasher.
- Must climb stairs