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Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC

Photo gallery for Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC

A red house with a porch, a mailbox, and a lawn.
Property video
A kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
A bathroom with a toilet, a sink, a towel rack, a window with a view, and a ventilation unit.
Living room with couch, table and seating.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Sister Bay, WI
  • Place, Frykman Studio Gallery
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Corner of the Past Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC

Road Taken Author’s Retreat is conveniently located halfway between Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay and Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim. Adjacent to the Summer Kitchen, Reclaimed Door County, and Spa at Sacred Grounds and across the street from Island Lavender Farm. Two bedrooms (1 queen and two twin beds), one bath cottage with furnished kitchen providing access to Northern Door County favorites. Shopping, dining, and nature areas are within walking distance. High-speed internet/WiFi and smart TVs in each bedroom. Maximum of 4 guests including children. Shared front porch and back deck accessible by walking around cottage. 3-night minimum Memorial Day weekend through Halloween.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Close and lock windows, turn off air conditioner. Put any used towels in the bathtub
Take any garbage and recycling to bins outside next to the white Peninsula Music Festival building.
Wash dishes used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No camping on property. Campfires are permitted within the metal ring.
Park in designated "Road Taken Author's Retreat" parking spaces to the left of the walkway.
Only flush toilet paper. Use trash for wipes (even if labeled flushable), and other related items.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4521788vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Ephraim

Located in Ephraim, this cottage is near the beach. Cana Island Lighthouse is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Peninsula State Park. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Peg Egan Performing Arts Center are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
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Map
Sister Bay, WI

What's nearby

  • Frykman Studio Gallery - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - 2 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Sister Bay Beach - 3 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Corner of the Past Museum - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Ephraim Public Beach - 5 min drive - 4.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Husby's Food & Spirits - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sister Bay Bowl - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sip - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC?

As of 27 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC on 26 Oct 2026 start from AU$572, 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 Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Road Taken Author’s Retreat: 2-bedroom cottage in North Ephraim with WiFi, AC located?

Situated near the beach, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Frykman Studio Gallery and Lake Michigan. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Eagle Harbor are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 8 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute place with a great location!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Cozy nice location for exploring North Door County

Easy to access and cozy place for familybto stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy to find, very clean and cozy. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2025
Glad you enjoyed your stay! We welcome you back anytime for your Door County retreat.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, very comfortable and clean. It was stocked with everything that we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2025
So glad you enjoyed your stay and we were stocked with what you needed.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had such a wonderful stay! The house was clean, well appointed, tons of extras ( we played at least 6 games of ransom notes) and the location was fantastic. Quiet and felt secluded (we saw deer almost nightly) while easy drive to attractions and walkable to great breakfast options. Would love to stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

clean and comfortable

Very well kept , beds extremely comfortable. Location excellent close to Sister Bay and Fish Creek alot of excellent restaurants near by.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
Thank you Don!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tedd J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kitchen was extremely well stocked with all housewares and spices, oils etc.Deck was great to chill on.Quiet.Lots of hot water.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Justin H.

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

Great property with a great location

Overall, this was a great property and location for our family vacation to Door County! The only issue was when we checked in, the property wasn't totally ready yet. However, we contacted the property manager and she took care of the issue right away. The rest of the stay was fantastic.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

katie s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Krista Knigge

Host profile image
Krista and Corey, both Wisconsin farm kids, bought this cottage after Corey’s father passed away at 69, reminding them to cherish life’s moments. Corey’s family used to visit Door County after milking cows in Manitowoc County. They would pick cherries, grab a quick lunch, and rush back for evening milking. Krista first visited Door County with Corey when they started dating. She grew up on a dairy farm in Omro, where Knigge Farms became the first U.S. farm to milk cows with robots in 2000 (check out Knigge Farms on Facebook for tours, just 2 hours south).

The couple made several property improvements themselves, starting by removing a tree that had pushed into the foundation (guests can use the stacked firewood from that endeavor for a bonfire!). With help from friends and contractors, they lifted the house, poured a new foundation, replaced support beams, re-roofed, removed asbestos, insulated, added siding, and even added a bedroom and back porch. They kept the charming oak hardwood floors and quaint vibe of the cottage and also transplanted Krista’s favorite Hostas from Mukwonago and are constantly battling deer and rabbits to protect them. 😉

Passionate about food, they admire Door County’s culinary talent and enjoy a good meal with friends. One of their side gigs involves delivering Hoard’s Dairyman Creamery cheese from Fort Atkinson to select Door County restaurants, offering the chance to meet local proprietors. Krista and Corey also served on the Alice in Dairyland Door County Host Committee, connecting with residents and business owners to showcase Door County’s agriculture and tourism to candidates competing for the role of Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador.

Why they chose this property

Ephraim (pronounced Eee-frum by locals) is a peaceful community rooted in traditional Moravian values. Until 2016, it was the last dry village in Wisconsin, but now restaurants can serve beer and wine with meals—though you'll need to venture out of town for a brandy-old fashioned or other spirits. We love northern Door County for its stunning views, hiking, biking, kayaking, unique restaurants, and amazing food. The vibrant theater and music scene is incredible, and we recommend checking The Peninsula Pulse for event updates and local business highlights. When Corey wrote his first book, On a Wisconsin Family Farm, we rented a room along Ephraim's shoreline, sticking chapter titles on post it notes to the walls as the book came together. When searching for our ideal Door County home, we found a cozy cottage and knew this was the place for us. Corey’s second book, The Wisconsin Farm They Built, was largely written on the front porch, inspiring the name Road Taken Author’s Retreat for our cottage.

What makes this property unique

Krista and Corey stay on one side of the cottage and we rent the Author's Retreat which has its own interior space and separate entry. Quiet setting with wooded backyard, conveniently located between Ephraim and Sister Bay. Enjoy a peaceful front porch sit and bike/walk to great Door County shopping and dining.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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