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THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

Exterior
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining
Smart TV, fireplace, books, stereo

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6163 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Ephraim, WI
  • Place, Eagle Harbor
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Bay Ridge Golf Course
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Francis Hardy Gallery
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Ephraim

At this holiday home you'll be within a 20-minute walk of Eagle Harbor and 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Lake Michigan. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and a fireplace. .Home features 1.5 bathrooms, a patio and a sofa bed. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a dining area and a fenced private garden are also available. .This smoke-free holiday home offers a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities. .Sights within a 30-minute walk of this Ephraim holiday home include Bay Ridge Golf Course and Francis Hardy Gallery.
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What's nearby

  • Eagle Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.1 km
  • Bay Ridge Golf Course - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Francis Hardy Gallery - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Sister Bay Beach - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Sister Bay Marina - 5 min drive - 4.7 km

Getting around

  • Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 90 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Stabbur Beer Garden - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Husby's Food & Spirits - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Boathouse on the Bay - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.

"Plum Retreat" is a private, and cozy-and-yet-very-spacious portion of an adorable cottage hiding behind an ornate garden gate, and sleeps 2-5 guests over two levels. The property is part of the picturesque "Green Gables" property in the north part of Ephraim, and is within easy walking distance to galleries, shops, mini-golf, breakfast and pizza, and a short drive from Ephraim village and the water. Green Gables itself has the flavor of a romantic bygone Americana era, and boasts beautiful gardens and is adjacent to a much larger, exciting, and Smithsonian listed garden project, “The Secret Garden,” unique in Door County! The property is suitable for couples or families and at night it's dark and quiet for stargazing. The house oozes feel-good charm, with lots of windows and natural light, architectural details, and plenty of space indoors and out, to play and relax in. Outside there's a fantastic patio lounge area, and inside, a formal fireplace invites you to curl up on the sofa-bed (with an old record playing on the vintage stereo/record player)? Full kitchen, with oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, toaster etc. Upstairs there are two very large bedrooms (each with a king bed), and there's a true queen sofa-bed downstairs. All the bedding is non-allergenic. Wi-fi, a 49" TV with cable channels, Netflix and Amazon Prime in the living room, and a washer and dryer upstairs. The space works well for families, or just for a couple looking for a romantic or memorable Door County vacation. If this is booked, and your party is small, please consider VRBO listing #1656219, nearby. Thank you!

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,750 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.

Property is also known as

House

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

The closest beach to THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. is Ephraim Public Beach (3 km).

Does THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities, a BBQ and children's books, it's no surprise that THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

No, THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens.?

No, pets are not allowed.

THE ESSENCE of DOOR COUNTY, spacious & beautiful, and surrounded by gardens. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth K., Combined Locks, WI 54113

Liked: Cleanliness
This was a wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D., Rochester, MN

Liked: Cleanliness
Plum Retreat is so cozy and comfortable, we felt right at home. The house is very clean and the owner thought of everything! It was just perfect for us 4 friends. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, comfortable beds, spacious place and beautiful gardens. If morning light bothers you, bring a sleep mask as both bedrooms have skylights.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara C.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property was beyond beautiful! We had a lovely stay. It was also the cleanest place I have ever stayed. The beds were so comfortable. We can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property was clean and well maintained and spacious and comfortable for our family of four. The fireplace was a welcome addition for our cooler chilly nights. The place had absolutely everything we needed. We will return! Thanks to Colin for offering such a lovely space.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

PJ J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Plum Cottage, Door County

Wonderful place to stay. The patio and gardens are very pleasant, and being expanded (so we'll need to return). Felt like I was in a spacious manor, yet had all the modern conveniences. Ultimately, this is a place to decompress + venture out into Door County.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Michelle Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun Wedding Weekend

The house was very nice. It was clean, just a couple minor suggestions. The coffee maker was difficult to use, it worked twice - eventually but not the third time we tried to use it. I would suggest purchasing a coffee maker with a pot and single cup. Also, the tv worked fine but we could not get any local news channels or sports, namely the Badger game. It was not a big issue but.....
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cara K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous

Highly recommend. The most beautiful flower gardens surround.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect place

Beautiful retreat! Owner was super available with any questions. Perfect location - outdoor space is beautiful. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay!

Our stay was wonderful. Great central location, the property was clean and a good fit for our family. Colin, the owner, is very nice and thoughtful. The grounds are beautiful! We would certainly stay again. The full bathroom upstairs is shared with doors between the two bedrooms, but since the sinks are in the bedrooms it worked out great for us, and there’s a half bath on the first floor. It was a really great stay - we loved it. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful property!

Plum Retreat was perfect for our stay in the Door County area with our family. Very spacious for the 6 of us, meticulously clean and extremely comfortable furniture/beds! The gardens are beautiful and we wish we would’ve had more time to stay and just enjoy being at the property. The host was readily available, although we didn’t have a single issue with our stay. We will definitely stay here again on a return trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mary r.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls/ Birthday Weekend

Cozy, quaint, relaxing. 4days of eating at great restaurants, beautiful sights. The kitchen had everything needed, fireplace was wonderful to end our day. Beds were comfortable and beautiful grounds.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxation

Had a great fun time catching up with each other, shopping and eating tasty food!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming!!!

Plum Retreat was spacious and immaculate. Colin emailed the check in code a few days prior to arrival and entering the unit was so easy. It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted with fresh flower arrangements from the garden! Some special touches in addition to coffee pods and a well stocked kitchen were a bag of ice in the freezer and half and half pods in the frig, air freshener in the bathroom. The primary bed was super comfortable, Wi-Fi worked fast, the furnishings in the living room were also very comfortable. Nice outdoor seating and a beautiful garden to explore. Loved our stay and look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Rental You Can Call "Home"

We can't say enough about our delightful stay at the Plum Retreat! It was spacious but cozy and homey and allowed our ladies group to have a place to call "home" on our weekend away from our families. Comfy beds, amenities (like facial wipes, coffee and creamers), cozy fireplace, and its own Netflix account are just some of the extras that we so appreciated. Host Colin is personable and very responsive via message or phone. What a gem of a VRBO!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place!

Plum Retreat was a great place to stay. Clean, welcoming, full of amenities and comfort. Beautiful gardens. Unlike lots of rentals, this is larger than the photos show. We’ll be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kurt P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful!

My wife walked in the house and said, "This place is beautiful." We had a wonderful stay. The house was clean and well lit. The outside was nicely decorated with flowers. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation. We hope to make it back next year.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt N.

Liked: Cleanliness

As Adevertised

We picked this property over all others available based on location and uniformly high ratings. Very central location that made it easy to get to all planned activities between Newport, Penninsula Park and Baileys Harbor. Very clean and comfortable accommodations. Very helpful and responsive host/owner. We highly recommend to others.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls getaway

Very spacious! Nice location! Quiet and zen, nice outdoor space.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Door County Stay

This rental was clean, comfortable, and up kept. It was a very good and centralized location. Colin was very easy to work with and will rent from him again, when we get back up to Door County!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay

Enjoyed a comfortable and cozy stay! Lots of attention to details, including labels on light switches and kitchen drawers. Unit was quiet and clean. Great location! Thanks, Colin!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location extremely clean

2nd time we have been here . Great spot .
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved it!!

We stayed in the plum house and it was so nice. Even better than the photos. We stayed in winter and it was lovely..would go back and stay in the summer time..I imagine the gardens are amazing. Great place to stay and great experience with the owner. Thank you !!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda L., De pere

Liked: Cleanliness

Plum cottage did not disappoint!!!

Everything that was written about the plum cottage was 100% spot on. Communications with Colin were quick and timely. The cottage was fully equipped with not one thing that we could think of that was missing. The beds were extremely comfortable. And we look forward to coming here in the summer to see the beautiful gardens. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023