Thenell's Cottage

Thenell’s cottage was such a wonderful stay! The cottage has what you need and is clean and comfortable. Pictures can’t capture how gorgeous the property is.
Staying during a heat wave we were nervous about the lack of air conditioning but the cross breezes with the windows open kept it comfortable the entire time. Fans were provided and were helpful!
Our favorite part of the stay was the beach! My kids loved swimming in the bay, the water off of the beach was shallow and calm. It’s very rocky so water shoes are a must!
Stunning location, cute and comfortable space, we definitely plan to be back!

Aliya - Posted: 7/5/2026

Exactly as it is described, Thenell Cottage is clean, cozy and comfortable. Having visited my Grandparents cottage growing up, this rustic cottage felt very familiar. The waterfront location is everything. The sunsets are beautiful. We are looking forward to a trip back.

Kelly - Posted: 6/29/2026

The view was OUTSTANDING, and the sunsets are to die for. The cabin itself was very homey and made for a really relaxing time. The privacy was great as well, making it a very romantic stay with my girlfriend. Not far from any of Door County's hotspots as well. As a couple, I can't think of a more perfect place to stay in the area! We will be back! It sometimes felt a little cramped in certain parts of the cabin, causing me to stub my toes a fair amount, but that is partly due to my clumsiness. Overall, though, there is absolutely NOTHING that would make me not want to stay here again! :)

Young - Posted: 6/24/2026

We absolutely loved our little cabin by the water. The weather allowed us to leave the doors and windows open all night and enjoy the breeze and sounds of the waves. We never had any concerns, the neighbors were amazing yet very private. We would 100% stay here again. Thank you so much!

Laurie - Posted: 10/6/2025

Hello Laurie,
We’re so happy to hear you had such a peaceful and enjoyable stay by the water! It sounds like you made the most of those perfect Door County evenings. We’d love to welcome you back for another relaxing getaway anytime!
Warm regards,
The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

I wish we booked a longer stay. The location was amazing and right on the water. We could hear the waves with the windows open. Picturesque and cozy!

Rachel - Posted: 9/28/2025

Hello Rachel,
Thank you so much for your review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the beautiful waterfront setting and relaxing atmosphere. We’d be thrilled to have you back for a longer stay next time.
Warm regards,
The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Marie S. - Posted: 9/24/2025

Beautiful views and wonderful place for a fire on the bay! As prior reviews mentioned, needs a deep cleaning. But if you like rustic old cabins it’s for you. Needs a new toilet and coffee maker.

Stuart - Posted: 8/24/2025

We love hearing you got to enjoy the beautiful bay and fire pit, it’s one of our favorite parts, too! We’re sorry to hear a few things didn’t feel quite up to par, and we’re actively addressing those areas to improve the experience for future guests. Thanks so much for the helpful feedback!

Simple Life Rentals staff

it’s a very cozy wood cabin with modern amenities. perfect location on the lake. Just minutes from the Sturgeon Bay, which is convenient for any last minute grocery shopping, but still feels like you are miles away from the city. we loved the outdoor sitting and the fire pit. we were OK without the AC, but it might be an issue for some people. please replace your coffee maker. it takes over an hour to make a pot of coffee. it would be nice to add a big pot for cooking pasta.

Irina - Posted: 8/22/2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the cozy cabin feel, modern amenities, and especially the beautiful lakefront location. It’s great that you were able to relax by the outdoor seating area and fire pit, those are truly special features of the home. We’re also glad the convenient location near town added to your stay while still giving you that peaceful getaway experience. We appreciate your thoughtful suggestions regarding the coffee maker and adding a larger pot for cooking. Your feedback is helpful as we continue looking for ways to enhance the guest experience. Thank you again for staying with us, we’d love to welcome you back anytime!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This property was just as described. A lakeside cottage perfect for a getaway. It was close to everything that Door County has to offer without being in the middle of it. We had the windows open and got a wonderful cross breeze from the lake going inside. We had to get some firewood as we forgot to bring some but other than that, our stay was everything we wanted.

Suzanne - Posted: 8/20/2025

Hello Suzanne, Thank you so much for your review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the lakeside setting and the peaceful breeze from the lake. It’s wonderful to know the cottage met your expectations, and we’d be happy to welcome you back anytime! Warm regards, The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

It was a lovely little cabin right off the water, so a perfect location. It was quiet with beautiful sunset views. We loved using the fire pit each night.

Wendy - Posted: 8/4/2025

Hello Wendy, Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back soon! Warm regards, The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

The location was perfect for exploring Door County and the cottage was clean and cozy.

Michelle - Posted: 7/21/2025

We love that you loved it! Clean, cozy, and close to everything, sounds like a win! Thanks for the kind words.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Excellent location, right on the water, rustic charm, perfect for the two of us.
A/C would have nice during our stay, the weather warmer than expected

Jeff - Posted: 7/16/2025

Hello Jeff,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We truly appreciate your feedback and will be sharing it with the owner and our team. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future.
Warm regards,
The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Conveniently near Sturgeon Bay, this classic style log cabin was exactly what the description says. Getting there after the sunset was a challenge. There are not a lot of signs heading to the property, which makes it the first adventure upon arrival. The spaces are cozy, clean and conveniently stocked with dishes and pans. The cold water from the tap has a smoky appearance (possible dissolved solids) but we found drinking water nearby. The nights are peaceful and the wind and breeze across the operable windows brings comfort even after very warm days. Overall the stay was amazing!

Bernardo - Posted: 7/7/2025

Hello Bernardo, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the cabin and peaceful surroundings. We appreciate your feedback and are always looking for ways to improve the guest experience. Hope to welcome you back again soon! Warmly, The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Peaceful and private sanctuary right on the water. Great place to disconnect from life!

Heather - Posted: 6/14/2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so glad you found the home to be a peaceful and private retreat. It truly is a special place to unwind and recharge. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for another relaxing getaway! 🌿💙

Simple Life Rentals staff

My significant other and I enjoyed our stay at this beautiful cabin! Perfect location and hearing the water at night was very soothing. It really is a cabin, which is the type of stay we were looking for but can understand it wouldn’t be for everyone! Floors can be cold so bring slippers. Sunset views are unmatched! Will be staying again in the future.

Jessica - Posted: 6/2/2025

Hello Jessica, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear you and your significant other enjoyed your stay and that the cabin’s charm and peaceful lake sounds made it a memorable getaway. Great tip about the slippers! We’d absolutely love to welcome you back again for more sunsets in the future. Warm regards, The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

This cabin is charming and steps from the bay. We loved having a fire pit beside the water and watching the sunset each night. Expect the typical issues that come with a cabin… cobwebs and dust. It could use a deep cleaning, but we just think of these things as part of the country charm. The kitchen sink is tiny. That makes cleaning dishes, even plates, a messy task. If you plan to cook bring your own scrubby or brush. There are only a couple wash cloths available. Being charcoal for the grill. It’s not gas. We had a hard time getting the house key back in the lock box. To avoid this issue just enter the code again right before you lock the box and it’s easy as pie to secure. One suggestion for the owners… move the bed into the living room by the fireplace. Then guests can enjoy a fire at night and views of the bay in the morning. Place smaller beds in the bedroom for kids or to store luggage. It would also be great to have a mirror beside an outlet. We enjoyed the cabin!

Anna - Posted: 5/28/2025

Hello Anna,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the charm of the cabin and the beautiful bay views, especially the sunsets by the fire pit. It’s wonderful to hear you had such a peaceful stay. We really appreciate your suggestions and will definitely keep them in mind for future improvements. We’re thrilled you had a great time, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!
Warm regards,
The Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Jason A. - Posted: 11/25/2024

Cabin right in the water was exactly what we wanted. Sat to watch sunset each night. Lovely space that provided privacy and quaintness while being close to Door county activities of choice. Definitely recommend.

Erin - Posted: 10/9/2024

Erin, Thank you so much for your kind words and the 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience during your stay. We hope to welcome you back in the future!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We enjoyed a wonderful 4 day stay. Lots to do and see. From lighthouses to beaches to zip lining. Also enough time to enjoy evenings at the cottage, with a nice fire off the lake. The indoor fireplace is equally amazing.

Laura - Posted: 9/8/2024

Thank you for your review, Laura We are so happy you loved the cottage and its convenient location. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Great location for door county. On the water within 10 feet. Didn't need air conditioning as the nights were cool and air flow through the place was great. We are bigger people so the bed was our only issue. This is a water front cabin from yesteryear and we appreciated that. Parking was top notch. Great bar at the top of the property within walking a short distance. The beach is too rocky and cold. A short drive gives you a top notch beach, beautiful sand, no crowd, warmer Lake Michigan. The beach is White Fish Bay in Valmy. The bar" Happy Hour" in Valmy serves the best fried chicken around.

Douglas - Posted: 8/16/2024

hank you for your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the location and the beautiful waterfront setting. It’s great that you were comfortable with the cool nights and the natural airflow. We’re sorry to hear that the bed wasn’t quite to your liking; your feedback is valuable and will be considered for future improvements.
We’re glad you appreciated the parking and the nearby bar, and thank you for the tip about White Fish Bay and the "Happy Hour" bar in Valmy—those sound like fantastic recommendations for future guests!
We hope you had a memorable stay overall and would love to welcome you back in the future.

Simple Life Rentals staff

My husband, two boys (ages 9 & 10) and I enjoyed Thenells Cottage. Being right on the water made for constant fun for the kids— they didn’t mind the chilly water at all (bring water shoes)!! My husband and I enjoyed the views and sunsets. So beautiful!
It was a bit warm in the cottage the first two days we were there but the fans helped. Also, it does cool off in the evenings making it tolerable. We were very surprised at how close we were to the surrounding areas we wanted to visit— such as Egg Harbor & Sister Bay etc.
Thank you from our little family, we will be back!

Samantha - Posted: 8/7/2024

Thank you for the wonderful review, Samantha! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cleanliness, amenities, and location of Thenell's Cottage. It truly is a treasure. We’d love to host you again --- anytime!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We booked a last minute stay, and the cabin worked extremely well for our trip. We could easily bike to Sturgeon Bay or Egg Harbor, and launch longer rides to other sites we wanted to visit. The cabin was cozy, comfortable, and has a great location--feet from the bay, with great sunsets.

Jefren - Posted: 8/2/2024

Thank you for your review Jefren! You made our day. Thank you also for the private suggestion provided. We love having the opportunity to improve for future guests. We are thrilled that you loved your stay, and we loved hosting you!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Great rustic cabin only feet from the water! Loved listening to waves all night. We had a juvenile eagle and it's mom in a tree near the front porch, two egrets landed on the shore one morning in front of the cabin and numerous gulls diving for crayfish. Great location if you're planning stops in Green Bay or in northern Door County. The bar and grill up the road is a great place to meet and to talk with locals.

Patricia - Posted: 7/27/2024

We appreciate your review, Patricia! Our team and the home owners are so grateful you enjoyed your stay, including all of the natural beauty surrounding the property. Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of hosting you!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This is our second stay here...we just love this cabin and the location. Nothing fancy about it, which is what makes it perfect. Can't wait to visit it again. ♡

Laura B. - Posted: 6/3/2024

Thank you, Laura!! Come back and stay soon, we love having you!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We really enjoy this rustic log cabin on the water. Being that we went Oct 13-15, the weather was cooler and we did have one day of rain. The cabin features a fire place (bring you own wood!) and some base heaters in the living room area, which made it warm enough for cool 40's to 50's weather outside. We wish the weather would have been just a bit nicer for a fire outside, but it's really in a lovely spot. We had everything we needed to have a lovely stay!

Kim - Posted: 10/15/2023

Thank you for all your feedback to us, Kim! We are glad that you had a great overall stay and enjoyed the cabin. We hope to have an opportunity to host you again!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Quaint little cottage that was quiet and just what we were looking for. Weather turned cold this weekend and it was a little chilly till we got the heaters up and running combined with the wind dying down. Bed was firm but we’ve had worse. All in all a good stay.

Scott W. - Posted: 10/9/2023

We appreciate your feedback, Scott! Thank you. Glad that you had a great stay at the cottage!

Simple Life Rentals staff

For several years my wife and I wanted to explore Door County...primarily based on conversations with friends who had previously visited this area. We chose this property due to not only to its location right on the water just north of Sturgeon Bay, but also for the Rustic nature of the cabin. If you are looking to be pampered with all the modern amenities of a 5 star hotel, this is not for you...but if you appreciate a 1920's cabin that has been extremely well restored and has everything you need to have a fantastic stay...then this is about as good as it gets. You will be literally a "stone's throw" from the lake, and in the evening, the sunset is probably the most spectacular I have ever seen ( and that includes over the ocean, which is not an exaggeration, I assure you. When we were there the weather was perfect, md 60"s in Sept and made for a perfect "Getaway"

James W. - Posted: 9/28/2023

This made our day! Thank you, James, for all your wonderful feedback and kind review. It was our pleasure to host you, and we are so happy you had a great stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

great location. great little cabin.

Cory - Posted: 9/17/2023

Thank you, Cory!!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Paying for the view

Angelica - Posted: 8/15/2023

We are glad you enjoyed the views and your overall stay. Thanks for your feedback, Angelica.

Simple Life Rentals staff

The location is amazing. Right on the water. Cute cottage but I don’t see how the owner would want guests standing on a chair to turn on the kitchen lights. I’m not the first to comment. It should be corrected. Also could be cleaner. An occasional sweep of the window frames would be good: many dead bugs.

Jane S. - Posted: 8/6/2023

We appreciate your feedback, Jane. Thank you for sharing your concerns and we have shared your feedback with our operations team. Glad you enjoyed the cottage and location.

Simple Life Rentals staff

This was a great stay for our family of 4. We loved being right on the water - definitely bring water shoes! The "beach" is shared access with another cottage, but it was just fine for our needs. Wifi and verizon coverage at the cottage was pretty good, though the cable did cut out a few times during some intense storms (to be expected). The firepit was right on the water with 4 comfy chairs, and the charcoal grill was nice and clean. We were a little nervous about past reviews mentioning bugs and leaks upstairs, but we didnt experience any of these issues beyond the occasional bug (to be expected this time of year), and the loft area upstairs was dry and clean. Overall, it was a very cute cottage, and a perfect stay for 2 adults and 2 kids!

Kellie B. - Posted: 8/3/2023

Thank you, Kellie! We appreciate your kind feedback so much. We are glad you had a great stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Eine exzellente Nichenerfahrung zwischen Glamping und Haus. Die Lage und die Nähe zum See sind herausragend. Ein Lagerfeuer bei Seeblick in unbedingter Ruhe ist einfach grandios. Ganz Door County und vor allem die State Parks sind optimal zu erreichen. In der Umgebung gibt es viele Bauernmärkte. Der Kühlschrank ist leider etwas älter und daher auch gut hörbar, verwundert waren wir bei dem Preis über alte Aluminiumkochtöpfe und die Dünne Ausstattung mit Geschirr, Besteck und Kochutensilien. Dass Fenster nie geputzt werden und sich in den Zargen Mückenreste stapeln ist uns an anderen Stellen in den USA immer wieder ausgefallen. Mit wenig Anstrengung könnte man die Reinigungsroutine anpassen. Fazit: für den Preis haben wir etwas mehr Liebe zu Detail erwartet, würden aber wegen des Idylls unbedingt wiederkommen.

Martin - Posted: 7/12/2023

Thank you for your feedback, Martin. We appreciate it. We always take reviews seriously and follow up accordingly. It would be our pleasure to have an opportunity to host you again, and we are so glad to hear you had a good overall stay!!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We really enjoyed the rustic cottage by the lake. Lots of early 20th century charm and character with original windows and open loft. Great for younger small families or a couple. Requires some planning and forethought to manage the nighttime ventilation and bugs, but nothing unexpected in an old woods cottage. Our kids loved the change of pace and opportunity to experience something different. Great location for July 4th with different fireworks shows visible in the distance every night from the shore and fire pit. Host was very responsive leading up to our stay and the beds & linens and furniture were all clean well-maintained and comfortable. Thanks for having us!!

Candace C. - Posted: 7/5/2023

It was our pleasure to work with and host you! Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Wonderful place to stay. Good fishing places.

James - Posted: 6/21/2023

Very convenient location if you are planning to spend a few days just exploring, like we did for the first time. Definitely pleasant feelings while staying at the cottage.

Anna S. - Posted: 10/10/2022

Thanks, Anna for your feedback! We are glad to hear you had a good stay.

Simple Life Rentals staff

There were cobwebs every where. I found 20 spiders immediately entering the cabin. I just started counting them as I was putting away my luggage. The bedroom was so small we couldn’t bring our luggage in. There were no curtains on the whole front of the house, which is where I would have to change because the bedroom and bathroom were so small. Only two towels were left for us for our entire week stay. Mine kept falling off of the hook in the bathroom, and I just had to keep shaking it off, so that was kinda gross. The heaters took forever to get the place warm. I honestly don’t know how people would be able to stay here in winter. We had to keep the heaters on low because if we turned them up at all the fuses would blow. I had to turn off every light in the main part of the house just to blow dry my hair. I sat in a wooden kitchen chair all week because I was scared to sit on the couch or fabric chairs. There was a ton of dead bugs behind one of the cushions on the couch, which led me to believe that a spider was feasting there. Ultimately the place needs to be cleaned top to bottom to keep up with the spiders. And the heaters need to be fixed or electric needs to be updated. Beautiful views, great location but will be staying somewhere warm and clean in the future.

Jennifer - Posted: 9/30/2022

Thank you, Jennifer, for letting us know of your concerns with the spiders/bugs. This time of the year is extremely challenging with a rustic environment, located in wooded and water area to keep the bugs & spiders all out. We appreciate you sharing your feedback on this and have engaged professional extermination services to help manage this spider activity for us. We strive to provide full transparency on all listings, and do indicate what is provided for the properties regarding essentials, towels, etc. Sorry for any inconveniences caused if that was missed during your booking process. It would have been our pleasure to help direct you towards additional towels during your stay if we had been made aware. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed the location and views

Simple Life Rentals staff

Cozy cottage. Fantastic fireplace.

Chris - Posted: 9/25/2022

Thank you, Chris! Your feedback means a lot to us and hope we can host you again!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We had a wonderful stay at Thenell Cottage! The cabin was beautiful and well stocked, and the location was stunning. Highly recommend this place for anyone who is having a weekend getaway in Door County.

Namrata - Posted: 9/18/2022

We're glad to hear that you love and enjoyed your stay. Looking forward to hosting you here again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

see what I wrote on the previous page.

Philip - Posted: 9/3/2022

"We enjoyed the peaceful, bayside location right next to the water. We felt at home there from the beginning. Used the fireplace and the fire pit often and liked wading on the stony beach- -water shoes were a must. Stayed home most evenings to watch the sunsets. This is the Sturgeon Bay/ Door County I remember from my childhood. Will stay again as soon as we can visit, all the way from Brooklyn!"


Thank you, Phillip, for sharing such a wonderful experience with us! We appreciate this feedback you sent to us so very much. We look forward to hosting you again on your next big trip back out to DC!!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Beautiful cottage right on the lake as advertised. Very quiet and relaxing with all amenities except air-conditioning however it was comfortable without it during the summer months. Would book again!

Julian - Posted: 8/22/2022

So happy to hear you enjoyed your time at the cottage!! We would love to be able to host you again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Overall we had a very pleasant stay at the cottage. It was clean when we arrived and there was more space than we had imagined there being! The cabin was cozy. We enjoyed the fire pit outside with the nice view. We weren't sure how it would fare with no A/C but propping the windows open the first night was just fine. We used the heater the next night and both worked well to heat/cool the cabin as needed. The water heater was also amazing! Three of us showered after one another in the morning and it was still scorching hot! The kitchen had mostly everything that was stated except for the coffee grounds :( we ended up going to a local coffee shop in the area. The one thing I would suggest to improve is a small leak in the ceiling. The first night it did end up thunderstorming pretty bad and there was a leak in the cabin ceiling by the fireplace (hopefully they can get that fixed!) it caused a puddle of water on the floor. Food/wine : The first night we went to Sonny's pizza for dinner, good quality and lots of drinks to choose from. The Downeast peach cider on tap was delicious. Door 44 was close by and probably the best quality winery in the area (from the ones we visited)! I would not recommend Door Peninsula Winery, even though they had free tastings, they tasted cheap and overall not good quality (aka tourist trap). Pelletier's fish boil was great, a bit of a drive but in a cute area with nice shops to visit in the surrounding area. Big thank you to the host. I think we would stay here again if we had the chance, lots more to do in the area that we didn't get to

Ashley L. - Posted: 8/19/2022

Thanks, Ashley for all the feedback shared! We are happy you enjoyed your overall stay and the time in Sturgeon Bay. We hope to host you in the future here or another property, thanks!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This humble cottage has the perfect ambience for a restful vacation. Love the water's edge access, the window light and screened front porch with wonderful views. Beds are comfy and furniture fits all of your needs. Added bonus of lakeside fire pit and provided firewood was great!

Wendy T. - Posted: 8/12/2022

So happy you enjoyed your time here, Wendy! Thank you so much for this feedback we sure hope to host you again!

Simple Life Rentals staff

So much fun in this rustic cabin on the lake - we will be back!

Verified traveler - Posted: 8/11/2022

Thank you for sharing this feedback and for the 5* review on Thenell's Cottage. We hope to see you again soon!

Simple Life Rentals staff

The view and the beach (with swim shoes) are awesome. We also enjoyed the rustic cottage. The Birmingham bar restaurant on top of the alley is quite convenient and fun for food and drinks.

Florence H. - Posted: 7/31/2022

Thank you, Florence! Glad you enjoyed your stay.

Simple Life Rentals staff

You cannot beat the location and simple charm of this cottage! We will definitely be back. Thank you for everything!

Lindsey G. - Posted: 7/21/2022

We look forward to seeing you again soon and thank you for sharing these positive comments.

Simple Life Rentals staff

This cottage is in a dream location. The water is calm and the sunsets picturesque. Ther cottage is cozy and simple not distracting from the scenery.

Kyle N. - Posted: 6/23/2022

Thank you! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay at Thenell's Cottage.

Simple Life Rentals staff

It was great.

Joseph - Posted: 6/20/2022

Wonderful and cozy cabin right on the water, great for a weekend getaway!

Katie - Posted: 6/5/2022

Overall this cabin is awesome. The rustic feel and waterfront location makes for a perfect quiet getaway. However, the cabin had clearly not been cleaned prior to our arrivals. There were cob webs, spiders, and dead bugs everywhere. A minor cleaning would have made a big difference. It bothers me that I’m paying a cleaning fee but the cabin was not cleaned for me. I plan to request my cleaning fee back. I had to kill spiders in the bedroom before we went to bed, which is not a comforting pre bed routine. Like I said, overall a great location and rustic cabin. I just wish they had cleaned the place before I got there.

Matthew L. - Posted: 6/3/2022

Thank you for your feedback. We would like to earn a 5* review on your next stay, so please stay with us again soon.

Simple Life Rentals staff

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our brief getaway. The property was perfect for us, the shoreline is gorgeous. We built a fire on the water one night, and enjoyed the screen porch watching the lake views while it was raining. The property is stocked with all the essentials, cozy and relaxing. It was an amazing fall week, we enjoyed biking at Penninsula State Park and touring the coastline in our boat. Thank you for a lovely stay!

Stacy G. - Posted: 10/31/2021

So glad you had a great stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

A small, cozy cabin right by the water. We enjoyed exploring the nearby area during the day, sitting by the water in the warm afternoons and then relaxing in front of the fireplace at night. It was a great place for our fall vacation. * One small thing - a ceiling light in the kitchen had an on/off pull cord you needed to pull horizontally, but my wife couldn't do it because she couldn't reach it!

Larry E. - Posted: 10/24/2021

We're very happy to hear you had such an enjoyable experience and enjoyed your fall vacation. We appreciate your feedback about the light. There is a plan to replace it soon. We would welcome the opportunity to host your for a future stay.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Our family had an excellent time in this property. It was cozy and comfortable. Being so close to the water was amazing along with the fabulous view.

Edward J. - Posted: 10/22/2021

So glad you had a great stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We had a lovely stay at Thenell Cottage. It was very clean and the best part was the proximity to the lake. Very cozy spot.

Casey - Posted: 10/17/2021

Thank you for the great review, Casey! We are glad you enjoyed the cottage and the location! We enjoyed having you as guests and would happily host you again!

Simple Life Rentals staff

My husband and I enjoyed our time at Thenell cottage. The cottage itself showed some age and had a few “quirks”—kitchen lights that can only be turned on by climbing on a chair or being tall, a dining table w a sticky coating which paper towels and plates stuck to, a bathroom with a sink which barely drained and no outlets for a hair dryer or curling iron, and lots of cobwebs on the ceiling, dirty windows and traces of dead bugs in the window tracks. The living room area was very comfortable w nice furniture and TV set up. We didn’t use the loft area, but it was furnished nicely, if a little warm. The cabin by itself would only rate a 3, but the location was awesome! Steps out the door lay a beautiful view of the bay w rocky steps down to the water where my husband fished every morning and late afternoon! Beautiful Adirondack chairs surrounded the fire pit where we enjoyed several evening fires (firewood provided by the host). The beach area was rocky but provided access to the clear water—too cool to swim this time, but would be great in the summer! We were close to downtown Sturgeon Bay, but also close enough to Egg Harbor to drive in for dinner. The old cabin (est. 1937) needs a little TLC, but it sits on a 5 star lot! Would go back, for sure!

Theresa S. - Posted: 10/9/2021

We thank you for this feedback!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This sweet little cabin is perfectly decorated and comes with a gorgeous view right on the water!

Mark - Posted: 10/3/2021

We are go glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and the view. We hope to host you again in the future!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This place is amazing and beautiful! The views and sunsets were incredible!

Suzanne T. - Posted: 10/1/2021

We're so happy to hear you had a great stay and got to experience the beautiful sunsets!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We enjoyed our stay at this cute cabin right on Lake Michigan.

Wendy - Posted: 9/16/2021

This place was super charming and well worth the price! Best for a 4 person getaway.

Rachel - Posted: 9/13/2021

We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! We hope to see you again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Beautiful cabin right on the water with a great view of the sunsets. Can sit inside and hear the waves. Short walk up to Birmingham’s for dinner & a beverage. We had a wonderful time at Scott & Wendy’s home!

Ryan - Posted: 9/11/2021

Ryan, thank you for the great review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your time at the cabin.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Had a great stay, definitely a historic, rustic cottage. Waterfront location can’t be beat, we rented a kayak and had a blast on the lake. Photos don’t show the more recent improvements, like the screened in porch is now part of the inside of the cottage.

Megan - Posted: 9/6/2021

Thanks for the great review Megan! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your stay.

Simple Life Rentals staff

This little cabin was too cute and literally right on the lake. We were able to enjoy coffee outdoors and hang outside during the evenings. The location is easy to get to other parts of Door County like Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, etc. The only downside is no A/C so it would get fairly warm during the day, so please be sure to bring extra fans. Great experience though and cannot wait to be back!

Jessica - Posted: 8/29/2021

Thank you for the great review Jessica. We look forward to hosting you again!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Amazing location!!! We loved sitting out on the chairs in the morning enjoying the waves and the geese. The fire pit was a perfect way to relax in the evenings. Our toddlers frequently snuck next door to use Birmingham’s play set and loved playing fetch with their dog. Just a heads up that it’s a rustic, historic cabin so if you’re looking for high tech amenities or lots of updates, this may not be a good fit for you. The location can’t be beat though and my family truly enjoyed it.

Cheryl - Posted: 8/27/2021

Location. Location. Location!!! Make sure you pop in and have a Spotted Cow at Birmingham Restaurant, Brad and crew will take care of you! Loved sipping coffee on the Adirondack chairs in the morning. Loved the Lake and the sights around Sturgeon Bay!

Maryanne - Posted: 8/8/2021

We're very happy to hear you had such a wonderful stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We loved our stay! We awoke to the sound of the waves hitting the rocks just steps from the front door. We enjoyed our coffee in the Adirondack chairs every morning, and the fire pit at night! The trees are perfectly spaced for a hammock and we brought our own SUP and kayak. We recommend water shoes, as the rocks can be sharp. We made great memories here! Thank you for an amazing stay.

Angela - Posted: 8/2/2021

Hi Angela,

We're so happy to hear you had such a wonderful, relaxing getaway! Thank you for the tip about the water shoes- we'll pass this great tip on for future guests.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Good spot on the lake!

Nfn - Posted: 7/26/2021

Clean, comfortable, private, steps away from the water and a fire pit. This rental was exactly what we were looking for! Great location for exploring the area, walking distance from Birminghams bar, restaurant, bait and convenience store. We had a bumpy start but the hosts were very responsive and corrected everything immediately. No AC but they provided fans and that was all we needed. They do have portable AC units if needed. We started and ended each day out by the water, we will all miss the sound of the water!

Lori - Posted: 7/24/2021

The property was even more beautiful and cozy than the pictures depicted it to be. A glass of wine next to the fire watching the sun set and the moon rise was exactly what we needed. We would definitely return to this beautiful cabin.

Michael F. - Posted: 7/22/2021

Thank you!

Simple Life Rentals staff

The location is amazing!!! hearing the water all night is a dream. We started our day with coffee overlooking the water and ended it with a fire by the water each night. The cottage is perfect for a family of 4. Everything you need and nothing you don't. It was super clean and check in and out was a breeze.

Carrie - Posted: 7/20/2021

Scott and Wendy have an amazing location whether you want to sit and relax by the lake or explore all door county has to offer. Even on rainy days the cottage is a great place to relax and unwind.

Jordan - Posted: 7/10/2021

Thanks Jordan! We are glad you enjoyed your stay.

Simple Life Rentals staff

The location is wonderful! Huge yard, right on the lake.

Troy R. - Posted: 7/7/2021

Great! Thank you so much.

Simple Life Rentals staff

We enjoyed the central location on the peninsula to drive to our activities as well as just lighting a fire on the beach and enjoying the sunset. The waves lulled us to sleep every night. Thanks for a great stay!

Dennis O. - Posted: 6/30/2021

So glad you enjoyed the wonderful location, thank you for your kind feedback!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We had a great stay at the cottage. We played football, had a fire, made dinner and swam in the lake. After a long day out it was a very peaceful homestead.
The cottage is quaint and perfect for a small group. We would definitely be back! You can’t beat the sunset views.

Samantha - Posted: 6/13/2021

Samantha,

Thank you for staying with us. We are glad you enjoyed the home and the great sunset!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We stayed for Memorial Day weekend. The cabin was charming and comfortable and had everything we needed. The best part was being so close to the lake and enjoying a campfire each evening. This is a great spot for people who appreciate old things. It feels like stepping back in time.

Kathleen C. - Posted: 6/1/2021

Kathleen, We are so glad that you enjoyed the rustic home!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Scott’s place is the perfect cabin by the water. My favorite thing about this place was the location, the lake is literally a few footsteps away. The sound of the waves at night is really soothing. The cabin itself was very cozy. The cabin does not have heat but the host provides a space heater that works very well and there is a fireplace with plenty of firewood at your disposal. My husband and I did not mind the effort that it took to heat the place up with the heater and fireplace because we liked “roughing it” for a few days but someone who isn’t expecting it may be disappointed with how cold it can get if you aren’t staying on top of tending to the fireplace. Overall a great stay.

Zijada - Posted: 10/18/2020

Thank you for staying with us! I'm so happy that you enjoyed that cabin!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This place was amazing. It was just what my mom and mother in law needed. Cute, lake front, centrally located but private and steps from the water. I totally recommend this beautiful property.
.

Lyn - Posted: 10/6/2020

Lyn,
Thanks for the review, we appreciate it. I am so happy to hear to your mom and mother in law had a relaxing time. We would love to host you all again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

We came up for an autumn, week-long retreat and were not disappointed. This rustic, beautiful cabin is steps away from the water which gave us gorgeous sunsets and was a delight to wake up to. We used the cozy, indoor fireplace every day, and loved relaxing indoors with a book, puzzle or movie. A great trip, and we look forward to returning in the future.

Ryan - Posted: 10/2/2020

This place was fantastic and right on the lake! It's a quiet quaint place!

Rebecca - Posted: 9/20/2020

I'm so happy you liked it!!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This was the perfect stay for me and my boys ( 6 and 9). The view was spectacular and we enjoyed the small beach. We would definitely stay there again.

Kelley B. - Posted: 9/9/2020

Kelley, We are so happy that you and the boys enjoyed your stay! We would love to host you guys again if you are ever back in the area. Thanks!!

Simple Life Rentals staff

This is a charming and authentic 1930's cottage/cabin - small and quaint with just enough modern updates to preserve the character and make it functional and cozy. The upstairs loft is very small, and suitable really only for children (ceilings are low, stairs are tight and small). Though they will find it delightful. The main bedroom is just large enough to accommodate, but smaller than the pictures make it look. The living room is spacious and well-appointed. Couch is super comfortable, and all furnishings throughout the house are newer and well maintained. The bathroom is very small, and my 6' husband was too tall to fit under the showerhead. That isn't really a solvable thing given the structure/architecture of the cabin. It's workable, but be aware. We were only able to access a couple of tv channels, but that isn't really what we were there for. The property is right on the water with magnificent views of the bay, sunset, the stars. The bonfire pit is right on the water's edge and so much fun to have. We really enjoyed our stay. Management was easy to work with and well communicated - we never saw anyone, but were totally fine with that and didn't require assistance.

Molly M. - Posted: 9/7/2020

Thank you for your review. We appreciate all of your feedback. Thanks for staying with!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Great little waterfront cabin for our family of four getaway. We took our two small boys up for the weekend and were so impressed with the location and privacy! The loft couldn’t have been more perfect for them to sleep (as the listing says it does get hot up there, but if you can open up the cabin and get some fans moving the air it’s definitely fine). The kids loved swimming and digging at the beach area, and if we all wore water shoes the rocks weren’t much of an issue. We enjoyed bonfires each night with the picturesque view of the water. The rustic charm and mostly private location made up for any “home luxuries” we might have missed. It was a great adventure for our family and we made a lot of memories!

Mandy - Posted: 8/22/2020

Mandy,
Thank you for the nice review! I am so happy that your family enjoyed the cabin. It sounds like you had good weather so you could use the water as well! We would love to host your family again for your next weekend away.
Thanks for staying with us!

Simple Life Rentals staff

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway this is it! Amazing views of the bay, a small beach, and outdoor fire pit were our favorite things. The quaint cabin is comfortable and location is very convenient for day trips to other areas in Door County.

Heather - Posted: 7/25/2020

An incredibly picturesque cabin right on the water, with its own little beach and yard. Felt like I was almost in a houseboat when inside it is so close to the water. Cabin is very quaint and charming. Traditional feel, but still very clean and functional. A great spot for a getaway.

Philip - Posted: 7/15/2020

Scott was awesome with quickly answering any questions I had about my stay. The property was beautiful and right on the water. Very happy with my stay!

Pauline - Posted: 7/12/2020

Thank your for your kind words. We're glad you enjoyed the property and would love to host you again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

A quaint little cabin with unmatched views. Our daughters enjoyed the loft space! Great location.

Lesley - Posted: 6/28/2020

Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Beautiful spot! Charming cabin. We loved our stay

Rebecca - Posted: 6/22/2020

We're glad you loved your stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

C’était un vrai plaisir de se mettre autour du feu dans le jardin le soir pour admirer le coucher de soleil. La maison est rustique, beaucoup de charme, des améliorations sont en cours, séjour très agréable ! Scott et son équipe sont hypers réactifs et très agréables

Marie-Catherine - Posted: 6/17/2020

Merci Beaucoup, Marie Catherine!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Beautiful place on the water

Hammad - Posted: 6/2/2020

Thank you for staying with us Hammad! We're glad you enjoyed your stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff

We loved our stay at this cabin .

valerie W. - Posted: 10/30/2019

Glad you enjoyed your stay! We'd love to host you again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Stayed here for several days on our honeymoon. The master bedroom was a bit smaller than anticipated, but it was a lovely little cabin. The fireplace was a welcome feature, and the WiFi was better than we expected. The views from the porch and fire pit were beautiful. Would stay here again.

Luke C. - Posted: 10/1/2019

Congratulations on your marriage! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and glad you enjoyed the view, it's something spectacular!

Simple Life Rentals staff

Our stay at the Thenell cottage was better than staying at a 5 star resort! The serene water views were breathtaking. The nostalgic cottage was quaint and clean. We neglected to pick up coffee along our way and were relieved to see that coffee was provided. After spending a long weekend, it was hard to pull ourselves away from the peace and tranquility that the Thenell cottage offered. We'll be back next Fall!

nita h. - Posted: 9/26/2019

Thank you for such a lovely review, the spot is really something special. We are glad you loved it and would be happy to welcome you back next year!

Simple Life Rentals staff

The cottage on the lake was a perfect location and sunset view. We had a wonderful time in the area for a few days and would highly recommend.

Amy - Posted: 9/9/2019

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciate the feedback. We would be happy to welcome you back again! - Simple life Rentals

Simple Life Rentals staff

A cute and clean little cottage with beautiful scenery! Perfectly located to enjoy all the amenities in door county. We also enjoyed visiting the local bar which is within walking distance and offers food nightly; a major perk for us.

Sharon - Posted: 9/7/2019

Thank you for your review and feedback, we appreciate it greatly. I hope you will consider staying with us again, you were a pleasure to host. Simple Life Rentals

Simple Life Rentals staff

It was pretty easy.

Marcie B. - Posted: 9/6/2019

Thank you, Marcie for your stay! We are glad that you had a relaxing time. -Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

The rustic feel of this cabin is a real draw! It sits on Sturgeon Bay ~ 20 ft from the water. The knotty pine walls and ceiling set a relaxing tone. The "neighborhood" is warm & inviting - one needs to understand the limits of the electrical & septic systems. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - for the bathroom on the screened in porch is very workable. There were minimal towels for the kitchen & bathroom - there is no paved path for the 50 yd trek from the parking area to the cabin door. We received minimal check-in information - actually none until we inquired on the day of check-in. The TV did not work as the cable was down - there are minimal channels for view/ing. The mowing done the day before we departed left cut grass everywhere which got caked all over our shoes & luggage - what a mess! The headboard is wedged between the bed & the wall - creating all kinds of noise even when one simply rolls over in bed. In spite of these annoyances - this was a charming & relaxing accommodätion which we really enjoyed. Thje Birmingham Bar is "Operation Central" for this property - what a fun place!

Sue P. - Posted: 9/4/2019

Thank you, Sue, for this review of "Thenell Cottage." This 100+-year-old cabin is full of charm and fun. We apologize for receiving the check-in information late, sometimes spam can make things challenging. Sorry, also, about the issue with the lawn mess. Thank you for the tip about the headboard. Overall, it sounds as if you had a lovely adventure that created memories! - Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Great location and beautiful views of the sunset.

Sarah - Posted: 8/25/2019

Thank you Sarah for your stay and review of "Thenell Cottage." -Simple Life Rentals

Simple Life Rentals staff

The Thenell Cottage is exactly that - a quaint little log cottage right next to the water (10 feet from water). It has one small bedroom and large loft with two beds. Bathroom is on porch (which seemed weird) but it’s a full screened in porch. Good size for max 4 people in my opinion. Kitchen is small but adequate. WiFi was surprisingly good. Has nice fire pit with wood on site. Small beach entrance to water but not water craft on site so be prepared to rent or bring your own. No AC so open windows and use fans to be comfortable. Overall it’s a beautiful property and I would probably stay again (as long as I get the bedroom)!! Loft space was difficult to walk around in - constantly be on guard not to bump your head. About 10 min drive from downtown Sturgeon Bay which is awesome.

Greg M. - Posted: 8/5/2019

We are glad you enjoyed your stay! It is a small, quaint cottage with a spectacular view! It was built in the 1930s, so the bath was a bit of a later addition! There is a brand new sleeper sofa that is an option instead of the loft as well! We'd love for you to stay with us again.

Simple Life Rentals staff

Loved the waterfront! Wished we weren’t so busy and could’ve enjoyed the beautiful fire pit!

Darla - Posted: 7/28/2019

Thank you, Darla for this quick review and your stay at "Thenell Cottage-Steps from the Bay!" We hope that next time you visit, you all can enjoy the fire pit! - Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Enjoyed the location and the view.

Morris S. - Posted: 7/26/2019

Thank you, Morris, for your review of "Thenell Cottage"! We are happy that you enjoyed our location and this special view. We appreciate that you took the time to write a nice review! -Simple Life Rentals Team

Simple Life Rentals staff

Amazing cabin at a wonderful location.

Svyat - Posted: 6/23/2019

So happy your enjoyed your stay!

Simple Life Rentals staff