Sawyer Harbor Retreat — Door County, Wisconsin logoSawyer HarborRetreat · Door County Book Direct
Sawyer Harbor
Sleeps 10 · Sturgeon Bay
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Pull an Adirondack up to the fire and look straight out toward Sawyer Harbor. Open water, open sky, and nothing between you and it — this is the view from your chair.
★ 5.0 · 189 reviews · Book direct

Sawyer Harbor · Sturgeon Bay · Door County

A private harbor-front retreat minutes from Sturgeon Bay.

A yard big enough for the whole group, a fire pit for everyone to sit around, and a gas fireplace for cool-weather weekends. Private dock, kayaks and a canoe, screened sun porch. Sleeps 10 · 2 bedrooms + loft · 2 baths.

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10Guests max
2 + loftBedrooms
2Full baths
DockKayaks & canoe
The cottage

Your own quiet arm of the bay.

Sawyer Harbor Retreat sits on a calm harbor near Idlewild — about 10 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay and 7 minutes to Potawatomi State Park. Coffee on the patio, a paddle from the dock, fire pit at dusk, gas fireplace when it turns cool. Rated 5.0★ by 189 guests.

  • Private dock · 4 kayaks + canoe (May–Oct)
  • Gas fireplace indoors · wood fire pit outside
  • Screened sun porch · large waterfront yard
  • Fully stocked, labeled kitchen & coffee bar
  • Gas + charcoal grills · Adirondack chairs
  • Wi-Fi · central air & heat · washer/dryer

Check dates & book Bedrooms & amenities

Big windows, harbor light, and a gas fireplace for the evenings when Door County decides to remind you it's still Wisconsin. Great for movie nights, puzzles, or just doing nothing.
Pull an Adirondack up to the fire and look straight out toward Sawyer Harbor. Open water, open sky, and nothing between you and it — this is the view from your chair.Video tour coming soon
Sawyer Harbor is a quiet arm of the bay — calm enough for kayaking with kids, clear enough to watch eagles fish from your chair. This view is the reason people come back.
01The harbor

Dock, paddles, quiet water.

Four kayaks and a canoe launch from your private dock on a calm harbor with less boat traffic. Watch eagles fish from the yard. Public boat launch is about a minute down the road if you bring a trailer.

  • Private dock on Sawyer Harbor
  • 4 kayaks + canoe (May–Oct)
  • ~1 min to public boat launch
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Pull an Adirondack up and let the fire do the rest. Sawyer Harbor evenings are built around this spot — long conversations, cold drinks, and a sky full of stars you forgot existed.
02Evenings

Fire pit, then the fireplace.

Pull the Adirondacks around the wood fire pit at dusk. When the evening turns cool, flip on the gas fireplace inside — no wood to haul. Screened sun porch for buggy nights.

  • Wood fire pit + firewood
  • Gas fireplace (switch)
  • Screened sun porch
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The kids discovered this space five minutes after arrival and didn't come down until dinner. Two queens, a futon, games, and books — it sleeps six and feels like their own world up here.
03For families

Room for everyone upstairs and down.

King suite and queen room on the main level (both step-free), plus a loft with two queens and a queen futon that sleeps up to six. Two full baths mean the group isn’t rotating through one shower.

  • 2 bedrooms + loft · sleeps 10
  • 2 full baths
  • Pack ’n play · games & books
This dock and shoreline along the harbor are the perfect launching point for a day of exploration on the canoe and kayaks we provide for your use.
04Made for the quiet season

Couples love the off-season here.

Most of our guests are couples, and many come in fall, winter and spring. The harbor is calm, Potawatomi trails are empty, and Sturgeon Bay’s coffee shops and the Maritime Museum stay open year-round.

  • ~10 min to Sturgeon Bay
  • ~7 min to Potawatomi State Park
  • Year-round fireplace weekends
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Gallery

All 43 photos

Same order as our listing. Tap any photo to view it full size.

Sit on the sofa and look straight through the floor-to-ceiling windows — fire pit, yard, and Sawyer Harbor are all right there. The view from inside is just as good as the view outside.Pull an Adirondack up to the fire and look straight out toward Sawyer Harbor. Open water, open sky, and nothing between you and it — this is the view from your chair.Big windows, harbor light, and a gas fireplace for the evenings when Door County decides to remind you it's still Wisconsin. Great for movie nights, puzzles, or just doing nothing.Pull an Adirondack up and let the fire do the rest. Sawyer Harbor evenings are built around this spot — long conversations, cold drinks, and a sky full of stars you forgot existed.Main floor plan: open great room, kitchen and dining, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the enclosed sun porch.Loft floor plan: two queen beds and a queen futon, sleeping up to six.The dock bench is where slow mornings actually happen. Coffee, open water, the canoe if you want it — Door County waterfront at its most effortless.This dock and shoreline along the harbor are the perfect launching point for a day of exploration on the canoe and kayaks we provide for your use.The Coffee Bar is stocked and the Cuisinart is ready. First one up sets the pot — Door County mornings start here before anyone heads to the dock, the hammock, or the fire pit.Gather at the farm table for dinner, slide to the kitchen for dessert, and notice the Coffee Bar is already set for morning. The open layout handles a full group without anyone getting in anyone's way.Wake up to harbor light filtering through the windows — water views from bed, king-size comfort, and a workstation if the week refuses to fully let go.Sink into the screened porch sectional, watch the trees through the windows, and let the day decompress at its own pace. Bugs stay out. The Door County breeze comes right in.Two beds tucked under the roofline with a window between them. The loft at Sawyer Harbor Retreat is a properly comfortable upper floor, not an afterthought.The whole main floor in one look — dining table for the group, stone fireplace going, kitchen right there, and the loft above. This is where everyone lands after a day on Sawyer Harbor.Sawyer Harbor is a quiet arm of the bay — calm enough for kayaking with kids, clear enough to watch eagles fish from your chair. This view is the reason people come back.The evening ends here — firewood provided, harbor just beyond the yard, and a sky full of stars if you stay long enough. Nobody goes inside early.The whole main floor in a single look — living room, dining table, kitchen, Coffee Bar, and a wall of windows bringing Sawyer Harbor in from every angle. Ten guests, one space, zero compromise.The driveway pulls you in and the cottage waits at the end — fire pit chairs already visible, Sawyer Harbor just past them. This is what a Door County arrival should feel like.Step into the screened porch and the stone fireplace is already glowing through the door. Bluetooth speaker on the shelf, seating for the group, and the yard right outside. The in-between place everyone ends up.The sign above the door says 'come sit on the porch' — it's not wrong. The sectional fits the group, the windows bring in the trees, and there's no good reason to leave once you're settled.A dedicated coffee setup with a Cuisinart brewer and shelves of mugs — because the best Door County mornings start before you've said a word to anyone. This is where that happens.The great room connects everything — sofa, staircase to the loft, kitchen around the corner, and the harbor through the windows. One open floor plan, ten guests, and nowhere to feel crowded.The main floor king bedroom is where the sign above the bed says 'Stay Awhile' — and for once, you might actually take the advice. Quiet, private, and the first real sleep you've had in weeks.The main floor king bedroom has a desk by the window that looks out over the yard toward Sawyer Harbor. Technically a workspace. Realistically, the best seat in the cottage for a slow morning.Rinse off after a day on Sawyer Harbor — the walk-in shower is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and fresh towels are stacked right outside on the built-in shelf.In fact, you don’t even need to bring your toothbrush. We keep extra amenities on hand in case you forget.Two bathrooms means the whole group isn't rotating through one shower. The second bath has a tub/shower combo and the same curated amenities — no second-class bathrooms at Sawyer Harbor Retreat.The master bathroom is located right en suite. We’ve filled each room with special touches, like extra toothbrushes, just in case you had to pack in a rush and forgot your own.We have taken care of every detail and always keep some extras on hand, so you can spend time on the more important things, like making memories with the ones you love!After a full day on the water, this is where you land. Queen bed, quiet corner of the cottage, ceiling fan, natural light. No complaints from anyone who's slept here.A washer and dryer are provided for your convenience while staying at Sawyer Harbor Retreat.The kids discovered this space five minutes after arrival and didn't come down until dinner. Two queens, a futon, games, and books — it sleeps six and feels like their own world up here.Welcome to our charming loft space, where you can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in a spacious room that accommodates up to six people. In the morning, wake up to breathtaking views of our serene harbor.The cottage is situated on south-facing land directly on Sawyer Harbor. You'll see Potawatomi State Park directly across the harbor.Hammock in the morning, fire pit at night, harbor whenever the water calls — from above, you can see the whole rhythm of a stay at Sawyer Harbor Retreat.Catch a glimpse of our scenic surroundings from our favorite vantage point as you swing away on this hammock, perfect for two.Spend a relaxing day in the beautiful backyard hammock, with gorgeous views of Sawyer Harbor.Sawyer Harbor Retreat is the perfect cottage for a Door County vacation. The south-facing windows give a beautiful view of the harbor and the large patio is perfect for relaxing under the umbrella.The screened-in sun porch is one our favorite rooms at the cottage. It's like an outdoor (ish) living room! It's great for cool mornings or quiet evenings.Open plan from front door to back windows — you never lose sight of the harbor from the main floor, whether you're cooking, eating, or just standing there with a coffee.The loft is where groups spread out — two queens, a queen futon, and enough floor for sleeping bags if someone really commits to staying. The kids usually claim it first.This year the water levels are lower than they have been in past years, but there is still good access for kayaks and canoes.A quiet queen bedroom with Door County's exact coordinates on the wall. Main floor, private, and a short walk to the coffee bar. The sign above the bed says exactly where you are.

Good to know

Before you book

  • Water access: the harbor shoreline is natural and marshy in spots. Great for paddling and wildlife, not a sandy swimming beach. For swimming, Otumba Park and Murphy Park beaches are nearby.
  • 2026 water levels are lower than in past years, so launching from the dock can take a little extra effort.
  • Fireplace is gas: a flip of a switch, no wood to haul. The outdoor fire pit is wood.
  • The loft is up a staircase; both bedrooms and both baths are on the main level.
  • No pets, no smoking; primary renter 21+. Keypad self check-in.
Guest reviews

What guests say

5.0

out of 5 · 189 verified guest reviews across direct, Airbnb and VRBO stays

★★★★★

“Great location! Very calming and the cottage was beautiful and comfortable! Beds were comfortable with more than enough extra pillows and blankets! Very clean and Dana was very accommodating on our schedules. Highly recommend!”
Ericka O · stayed Oct 2026

★★★★★

“Forgot your toothbrush? No problem! Dana’s pristine home is so well stocked that he even has toothbrushes out for your use. Everything was perfect, clean, well furnished, well stocked kitchen and bathrooms, soft sheets, great pillows. Great water pressure in the showers. Plenty of coffee and creamer, both keurig and a regular pot. AC and heat both cool or heat the house quickly. We enjoyed walking the well maintained grounds. …”
Hugh W · stayed Oct 2026

★★★★★

“the house was spacious and beautiful the yard and fire pit was large for enough people to sit around. Loved the sunroom which we sat in the mornings. Everything was great close to restaurants and shopping. The owner went way beyond and above to supply things most houses do not. Will definitely stay there againDorothy”
DOROTHY M · stayed Oct 2026

★★★★★

“OMG, absolutely fabulous. The setting was so beautiful and so was the home. Absolutely well stocked they thought of everything. Convenient to Sturgeon Bay downtown and also easy drive north along the beautiful coast and to Washington Island. Our friends that stayed with us raved about it.”
William B · stayed Sep 2026

★★★★★

“This property on Sturgeon Bay is beautiful with many cooking supplies, appliances, and general food items. The house was equipped with games, and the beds were comfortable. While water access was limited, we were able to enjoy the kayaks and great views; note that guests aren’t able to swim right by the property due to the marshes. …”
Kelly M · stayed Sep 2026

★★★★★

“We had a great stay for our family of 10 (several kids). The easy access to the outdoors was perfect for the kids to run around. Large dining table indoor and outdoors was ideal for meals. Dana was responsive and flexible. Can’t go wrong staying here- was lovely.”
Kate K · stayed Aug 2026

Quotes are from verified guests via our reservation system (OwnerRez); long reviews are shortened with “…”. Read all reviews →

Book direct

Check dates & reserve

Booking direct is the effortless option — same stay, no service fee. Rates vary by season; pick dates for your exact total including taxes and cleaning.

  • Check-in: 24-hour keypad self check-in
  • Guests: up to 10 · 2 bedrooms + loft · 2 baths
  • Pets: not allowed · No smoking
  • Primary renter 21+

Why book direct?

  • Book with Dana & Timothea — not a third-party platform
  • A direct line before and during your stay
  • Same cottage, same reviews — no OTA service fee

Questions first? Dana answers personally: text or call (920) 724-1610, or email dana@rockyshoresretreat.com.

Book direct here at sawyerharborretreat.com, or on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Live booking

If the calendar doesn’t appear, text or email us and we’ll get you booked.

Email to book
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FAQ

Questions

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is self-service with a keypad available 24 hours a day. Exact check-in and check-out times are shown on your quote and confirmed in your booking details. The address and door code are sent before arrival.

Are pets allowed?

No. Sawyer Harbor Retreat is pet-free, and smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property.

Is there parking?

Yes, free on-site parking in the driveway. The public boat launch about a minute away has trailer parking if you bring a boat.

Is there a dock and boat or kayak access?

Yes. The cottage has a private dock on Sawyer Harbor with four kayaks and a canoe, paddles and life jackets, typically available May through October. The public boat launch is about a minute down the road.

2026 note: harbor water levels are lower than in previous years, so some days launching from the dock takes extra effort and the shallows can be mucky. Ask us about current conditions.

What is included in the stay?

Bed linens and towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and spare toothbrushes, a fully stocked and labeled kitchen (cookware, spices, dishwasher, rice maker, blender), a coffee bar with drip and Keurig, gas and charcoal grills, fire pit with Adirondack chairs, a screened sun porch, Wi-Fi, central air and heat, a fireplace, washer and dryer, games and books, and a pack ’n play.

Is there Wi-Fi? Can I work remotely?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included and the main bedroom has a desk. If you need a specific upload speed for video calls, ask us before booking.

How many people does it sleep, and what are the beds?

Up to 10 guests:

  • Main bedroom (main level): king bed with en-suite walk-in shower.
  • Guest bedroom (main level): queen bed, next to the hall bath (tub/shower).
  • Loft (upstairs): two queen beds and a queen futon, sleeping up to six.

Listings count this as 3 bedrooms (including the loft), 5 beds and 2 full bathrooms.

All FAQs →

Your harbor weekend is a few taps away.

Dock, kayaks, fire pit and a quiet harbor — minutes from Sturgeon Bay. Grab your dates before someone else does.

Check dates & book

Book direct here at sawyerharborretreat.com, or on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Questions?

Ask Dana
Usually replies quickly by text.

Text (920) 724-1610Call · Email