Secluded, Lakeside Cottage on the Bluff | Cabin in Ellison Bay
1 Bedroom Cabin in Gills Rock, Ellison Bay
Surrounded by woods and crystal clear water, Nordcliff Cottage is a minimalist retreat perched above Lake Michigan, with sweeping views of Washington, Plum, and Pilot Islands. Built in the 1960s, and equipped with modern furnishings and decor, this Scandinavian-inspired cottage offers a serene, calming space where natural light floods the open loft, inviting relaxation and connection with the tranquil lakeside setting. A sand beach with public access is just steps away.
Nordcliff Cottage blends original mid-century details with a clean, modern aesthetic. Inside, you’ll find warm woodwork, a striking wood fireplace, and vintage bathroom fixtures that preserve the spirit of the original build. The open, minimalist layout features a lofted sleeping area that comfortably sleeps up to four. The kitchen includes modern appliances, dishes, and utensils for easy meal prep.
Large windows fill the space with natural light and frame stunning views of the lake. On clear nights, you’ll have front-row seats to the stars. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Isle View Park’s public sand beach and access to Newport State Park—Wisconsin’s only designated dark sky park—where you can hike forest trails, discover hidden beaches, and truly disconnect.
This is a three-season cottage. Summer days are usually tempered by lake breezes, with fans available as needed. In spring and fall, temperatures can run cooler—perfect for cozying up by the fireplace. Cell service may vary depending on your provider, but the Starlink internet connection is fast and reliable. Ellison Bay and Gills Rock are a quick 10-minute drive, with Sister Bay about 15 minutes further down the road.
Nordcliff is ideal for nature-loving couples or friends seeking a quiet, design-forward escape. You’ll hear waves rolling against the bluff, wake to sunrises over the water, and feel completely removed from the rush of everyday life—while still being a short drive to Sister Bay’s restaurants, coffee shops, and markets.
Things to know before you book:
The cottage has an open, lofted layout—there are no private bedrooms.
The bathroom is simple and rustic, in keeping with the original architecture.
Dogs are welcome.
Due to the bluffside location and open design, the home is not suitable for young children.
Come experience a one-of-a-kind stay where design, nature, and stillness meet.
ABOUT THE HOUSE:
Sleeps up to 4 guests
1 dog allowed, up to 50 pounds, with prior approval. There is a pet fee.
1 open loft bedroom with queen bed and twin daybed
1 full bathroom downstairs—toilet separate from walk-in shower stall
Upstairs sleeping area: Queen bed, twin daybed, ceiling fan, room darkening shades, tower fan, clothes storage
Downstairs sleeping area (under stairs, in living room): Twin daybed, room darkening shades
Secluded, Lakeside Cottage on the Bluff is located in Gills Rock. Secluded, Lakeside Cottage on the Bluff provides accommodation, featuring Pet Friendly, TV, Child Friendly, among other amenities. This Cabin features Pet Friendly, TV, Child Friendly, to make your stay a comfortable one.
Secluded, Lakeside Cottage on the Bluff has 1 Bedroom , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Cabin because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Cabin, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Cabin has a friendly neighborhood, and the Gills Rock has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Cabin in Gills Rock, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Toilet paper
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1 bathroom
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Towels provided
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Shampoo
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Hair dryer
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Soap
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Shower
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Bed sheets provided
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1 bedroom
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Dining table
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Fireplace
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Toaster
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Coffee/tea maker
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Oven
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Refrigerator
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Kitchen island
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Lobster/crab pot
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Dishwasher
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Microwave
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Stovetop
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Wheelchair-accessible parking available
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Onsite parking
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1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
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Welcoming dogs only
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Pet friendly
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Wheelchair-accessible parking
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
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Hardwood flooring in public areas
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Upper floors accessible by stairs only
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No elevators
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1 on-site accessible parking spaces
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Smoke-free property
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Hiking nearby
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Hiking/biking trails nearby
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Marina nearby
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Wildlife and game walks nearby
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Power boating nearby
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Kayaking nearby
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Sailing nearby
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Fishing nearby
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Cycling nearby
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TV
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Books
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Recycling
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English
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French
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On the lake
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On the waterfront
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Free WiFi
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Garden
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Outdoor furniture
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Firepit
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Barbecue grill
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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First aid kit
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Deadbolt lock
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Fire extinguisher
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
