This newly renovated 5,600 sq ft. luxury destination property is perfect for corporate retreats, small weddings and family gatherings. The five acre, secluded waterfront retreat features walking trails around the perimeter, a natural limestone patio for beach activities and manicured gardens throughout the property for private conversations. Beautiful large rock shorefront where you can sit, swim or sunbathe.
Look out over land, water, and sky from every main room of this home. Easy access from the kitchen and dining and living area to the deck and screened porch! The great room features a double sided fireplace, formal and informal living room spaces and dining areas, plus an open kitchen. Kitchen is a cook's dream with every appliance, cookware, and serving ware you could want! Enjoy spacious living with intimate gathering places.The Master Bedroom includes a walk-in closet, private bath with whirlpool tub, and a separate seating area with TV. An added treat is the bunk room with private bunk cubbies. While a kid's dream, the older folks love it too! New in 2020: renovated family fun room with tv, game table, comfortable spots to relax with large window overlooking the lake!
Special Notes from our Guestbook:
"Best vacation EVER!! It was absolutely amazing. Tons of room for all of us. Screen room was amazing in the morning" - M. Family
"We all truly enjoyed our stay. The property is spacious and lovely. The beds were comfortable (you never know with VRBO). Thank you so much for opening up your beautiful home!" - Z. Family
"Thank you for allowing us to have a great family vacation. The bedrooms allowed everyone to sleep comfortably. The kitchen and dining area allowed us more than enough room to prepare the meals and eat with all at one sitting. We loved the quietness of the location our grandchildren to play and not disturb the neighbors. The road is not busy so our family took bike rides. We had a great time and if we ever come back to Washington Island we would love to stay here again" - M. Family
"We had a wonderful time! Loved the bunk house, tons of space, the grill and beautiful yard. Thank you for labeling the light switches and for the stacked wood for the outside fireplace. The paper products provided for bathrooms and kitchen and other extras like puzzles. There is enough individual space and the hot water was :). Thank you for the opportunity to stay here!" - S. Family
"Outstanding! Beautiful home and location! Thank you for sharing your home with us, we feel very thankful to be able to experience life on the island!" - Corporate Group
Great destination property includes: • Property is secluded on 5 acres • Walking trails & large wrap around driveway for kids and activities • Lakefront access to Lake Michigan • Limestone steps and rock beach area • Pier with swimming ladder • Nearby activities & attractions
Island businesses and attractions are open – • Restaurants • Shops • Beaches • Parks • Washington Island Ferry – Note Schedule changes seasonally: https://wisferry.com
••• Update for our 2026 Guests - Please note we are limiting our rental availability for 2026. If you would like to inquire about certain dates we will review each one individually.
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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
Note from host: Events must be discussed with property owner.
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
About the area
Washington Island
Located in Washington Island, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Pottawatomie Light and Cana Island Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Trueblood Performing Arts Center and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.) - 177 min drive
Restaurants
Mann's Food Store - 12 min drive
Jackson Harbor Soup - 19 min drive
Red Cup Coffee House - 11 min drive
Albatross - 11 min drive
Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination!?
As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination! on 16 Apr 2026 start from AU$2,806, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination!?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Initiative's Retreat - Ultimate Lakefront Destination! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and 1.3 mi (2 km) from Percy Johnson County Park. Mountain Park Lookout Tower and Trueblood Performing Arts Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was the perfect place for our adult children to stay while on Washington island for our son’s wedding. Lots of space and very well equipped kitchen. Pictures don’t even do it justice!! We had a 10/10 experience!
Was spacious enough for 9 adults and 8 kids. Dock and jet ski lift were great. Was isolated enough but close enough to things. Great for biking and hiking.
Once on the island spotty cell and data service.
GARY S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2020
It was our pleasure to host your family reunion. Regarding the spotty internet and cell phone coverage, unfortunately this is beyond our control as it is an island connectivity issue. Most people actually prefer this as it allows folks a much needed disconnect. There is a reason why we call our home "a return to Mayberry, luxury style."
Rented this house for a family vacation. Perfect location and perfect size house for what we needed. Kids really enjoyed the bunk house (I ditched my wife one night to sleep in one...). Large kitchen area was great for cooking for 12 people. Location on Washington island was amazing. Back deck area was used all day long. The house complimented a busy, yet relaxing type vacation.
Chris G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thank you for your thoughtful review Chris! Those bunks are pretty cozy! We would be honored to have your family back at our property anytime!
Excellent place for large family looking for a calm relaxing gathering. We had 6 grandkids from age 5 - 10 playing outside during the day and playing games in the evening. The outside fireplace was great for s’mores and the kitchen fireplace was great for taking the chill off at night. We never used the AC the week we were there. Water pressure hot water was great when we had several people taking showers at the same time. The large interior area allowed room for us to be together and also allowed us room to have private space. We will definitely use the place again if we vacation on Washington Island in the future.
Rod M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Rod - thank you so much for your review. It sounds like you all had a special week with your family. We are proud that our property could offer you the space and amenities to enhance that experience! You are welcome back anytime!
Our family came together to celebrate our parents' 50th wedding anniversary. We had a lovely time swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding off the dock. At night we gathered around the large table and played games for hours, just enjoying each other's company. During the day we biked, and ate at various island restaurants. We also loved our day excursion to Rock Island!
We thoroughly enjoyed our week celebraring and making memories in this idyllic home. ❤️
Beautiful home on the water! Very peaceful. Owners and staff were amazing
Laying on the porch listening to the water
Amazing trip to finish our summer
Thank you
We had the best time here. The house and property are gorgeous, but the best thing was the beach! It’s shallow, clear and beautiful. Perfect for the little ones in our group! We didn’t have to worry too much about them because it doesn’t get deep until pretty far out! Wonderful stay and quick responses from the owners if we needed anything! We hope to return next year!
What a perfect home for our group of 15. Comfy beds and pillows, games and movies, and a wonderful screened porch for rest and conversation.
Just over a mile from the county park with a sand beach. The kids loved the water and waves.
No air conditioning was no problem with the fans and a nice breeze coming through the windows at night.
Thanks for making your home available!
Beautiful property. Hosts made everything very hospitable. Top notch.
Anthony Z.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thank you! We strive for a 10 experience and appreciate the kind words!
About the host
Your host
Why they chose this property
!)
What makes this property unique
This is an exclusive property meant to serve as a destination retreat with Lakefront shoreline, walking trails, biking, local beaches (sand and stone!), meant for relaxation and kick back nature enjoyment.