A Waterfront Home for All-Seasons in Door County!
Cottage in Door County, WI
10 guests · 5 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
About this cottage rental
Welcome! We know you'll love our waterfront home as you make memories with friends and family.
Kill Kare is a complete and modernized cottage, available to rent throughout the year. Just two miles from the city limits of Sturgeon Bay, you'll feel refreshed and relaxed here. The water is shallow, situated on an area of the bay called ''the flats''. It's known for great fishing, boating, and swimming. During some years, it's possible for an average height adult to walk over 300 yards into the bay before it is over his or her head. Additionally, there is a sand bar, often exposed, about 75 yards off shore, which is a great place to bring the children for a fun diversion. (During the Winter the bay freezes over entirely - perfect for skating, broomball, snowshoeing, or hiking.)
There are no inhabited dwellings on the lots adjacent to Kill Kare, so it truly is a secluded environment. Potawatomi State Park is just across the bay, so the view is unhampered.
There are no city lights to dim your nighttime view of the stars as you gather around the bonfire on the beach. The driveway is long and tree-lined, isolating you from Highway BB and any traffic noise.
''Kill Kare'' is the name that our grandfather, Louis H. Nebel, gave to this wonderful getaway on Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula. Maybe his love of Shakespeare prevailed, envisioning a place where all cares, worries would be killed. He was Door County's first electrical contractor, and though his residence was only two miles away in Sturgeon Bay, like any businessman, he valued his retreat place. The cottage has been our family gathering place ever since, a place where four generations now have forged their fondest memories.
Our grandfather originally purchased this property in November of 1922...for $750! He paid his mortgage off in two years. Then, in 1935 he secured a mortgage of $5,400 to construct the first phase of the building.
Over the years Kill Kare grew in a piecemeal fashion--adding a sun porch and a small upstairs loft. Then, in 1999, our mother, Helen Nebel, saw to it that the building would be expanded and renovated to serve future generations. When she died in 2002 her will specified that the cottage somehow stay in the family, with rentals allowed to provide for upkeep and taxes - but not as an income property, per se.
*Today Kill Kare is a modernized 4 plus bedroom home, secluded and situated on over 100 feet of private sand beach, available for year-round rentals. You'll gather a sense of our family's history here, and perhaps you'll start to gather a sense of your own. We just love this place, reserving enough family time each year to keep the sense of home and heritage alive. And though most of us no longer live in Door County, we make routine pilgrimages back home - to kill our cares. You'll see why.
Kill Kare is a complete and modernized cottage, available to rent throughout the year. Just two miles from the city limits of Sturgeon Bay, you'll feel refreshed and relaxed here. The water is shallow, situated on an area of the bay called ''the flats''. It's known for great fishing, boating, and swimming. During some years, it's possible for an average height adult to walk over 300 yards into the bay before it is over his or her head. Additionally, there is a sand bar, often exposed, about 75 yards off shore, which is a great place to bring the children for a fun diversion. (During the Winter the bay freezes over entirely - perfect for skating, broomball, snowshoeing, or hiking.)
There are no inhabited dwellings on the lots adjacent to Kill Kare, so it truly is a secluded environment. Potawatomi State Park is just across the bay, so the view is unhampered.
There are no city lights to dim your nighttime view of the stars as you gather around the bonfire on the beach. The driveway is long and tree-lined, isolating you from Highway BB and any traffic noise.
''Kill Kare'' is the name that our grandfather, Louis H. Nebel, gave to this wonderful getaway on Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula. Maybe his love of Shakespeare prevailed, envisioning a place where all cares, worries would be killed. He was Door County's first electrical contractor, and though his residence was only two miles away in Sturgeon Bay, like any businessman, he valued his retreat place. The cottage has been our family gathering place ever since, a place where four generations now have forged their fondest memories.
Our grandfather originally purchased this property in November of 1922...for $750! He paid his mortgage off in two years. Then, in 1935 he secured a mortgage of $5,400 to construct the first phase of the building.
Over the years Kill Kare grew in a piecemeal fashion--adding a sun porch and a small upstairs loft. Then, in 1999, our mother, Helen Nebel, saw to it that the building would be expanded and renovated to serve future generations. When she died in 2002 her will specified that the cottage somehow stay in the family, with rentals allowed to provide for upkeep and taxes - but not as an income property, per se.
*Today Kill Kare is a modernized 4 plus bedroom home, secluded and situated on over 100 feet of private sand beach, available for year-round rentals. You'll gather a sense of our family's history here, and perhaps you'll start to gather a sense of your own. We just love this place, reserving enough family time each year to keep the sense of home and heritage alive. And though most of us no longer live in Door County, we make routine pilgrimages back home - to kill our cares. You'll see why.
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Door County, WI
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
Great location for exploring door county, easy bike ride to town and park. Nice view and plenty of space. Big kitchen and plenty dishes, etc for preparing meals. We had a great time. Nice and quiet area. Clean house, would definitely stay again!
10.0
This was the perfect cottage for our family! It was a quiet, peaceful lake and location yet close to Sturgeon Bay. The kids loved the sandy beach and swimming right in front of the cottage.
The cottage is spacious, clean and well organized. The owner is easy to work with and very accommodating. There were water/sand toys for the kids, life jackets, water shoes and kayaks. Lots of outdoor seating, picnic tables and 2 grills. You don’t need to bring much along.
My 4 y/o granddaughter asked if we could visit again.
So, yes we’ll be back next summer.
8.0
All in all a great place to stay. However, if you plan on sitting around the campfire and having a good time past 8:30 PM, the neighbor has sensitive ears, and will not so politely ask you to be quiet!
8.0
We thought there would be a little more walkability. We were hoping to do a little wandering around the lake/ woods
10.0
We enjoyed the stay a lot and had good quality family time. Thank you!
10.0
We had such a wonderful time at Kill Kare! Our kids (5 and 7) loved playing in the sand on the private beach and making s'mores around the fire each night. The sunset was amazing! The house is nicely stocked with everything we needed to cook breakfast and lunch (we ate out at night). Tom, the host, was kind and responsive. We had one small issue and he resolved it quickly. Highly recommend!
10.0
Beautiful place, we loved it.
10.0
Our family enjoyed our stay in Door County. The cabin had plenty of space both indoors and out for our family gathering. Unfortunately for us, bad outdoor air quality due to Canadian wildfires hit during our vacation and we couldn't enjoy the outdoors quite as much as we had planned. However--the lake was still clear and refreshing and kids and adults both enjoyed the lake when we could! It was perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and enjoying time on the beach.
10.0
This is the third year in a row that our group has stayed at this property and it always delivers! We love the lakefront views, the private beach, and the general lake house vibes. Tom is an amazing host, and we can't wait to come back next year!
10.0
Couldn't have asked for a better view and spot to relax. Fireplace right on the water and the house was bigger than expected
10.0
Great place to stay with an AMAZING view of the bay. Everything thing you need is here. We had a fantastic time and can hardly wait go back. Nice and clean and we LOVED the history of the home. Highly recommend.
8.0
Showers not clean on arrival.
10.0
Loved the firepit
10.0
Would return
10.0
We have done VRBO several times. This was the best stocked kitchen. The view from inside the home looking out to the water is all you need to start your morning. We were lucky last sunday to see the northern lights Perfect ending!!
10.0
Great location and great house. Everything you needed was there.
10.0
Family trip
This was a great lication for a family reunion.
10.0
Heaven on Earth
We’ve staying at Kilkare in the past and every time we stay we fall in love more. It’s the perfect private retreat but close to all the amenities.
Thanks for being great hosts! Until next time!!
10.0
Amazing place!
This place is great! My sisters and cousins and I rented this property for the second year in a row, and hope to have many more memories here in the years to come! Tom was a great host, very communicative and accommodating. The property is right on the water with lovely beach to enjoy. Plenty of room and beautiful views from the house. We hope to return again next year!
10.0
Amazing location for large family or group
What an amazing location this house is at, right on the inland bay, the most beautiful sunsets (we raced home each evening to catch it). The home was lovely, so spacious, tons of rooms, clean and cozy. Tom couldn’t have been more communicative! We can’t wait to go back!
10.0
Tranquil and Cozy
It was so nice staying at Kill Kare.
It is right on the water and the cabin is so spacious. We had 12 total ages ranging from 90 to 1 yo. It was comfortable for all of us, and the babies loved racing in the house or playing in the sand.
We had a blast with the kayaks and canoes as well. It was too far from the rest of the peninsula either and we loved that it felt tucked away. Also we had a fire every night on their beach fire pit.
Just really beautiful and relaxing!
10.0
Relaxing getaway
Had a wonderful week staying here. Beach was a little rocky, but enjoyed swimming, fishing & taking the boat out. It was great having the beach right out back with no stairs for the kids. Beautiful views of the lake & sunsets. Plenty of room for everyone as well.
10.0
A Special Place
Kill Kare is really a special place. The house and property are amazing and the location is a great starting point to visit all that Door County has to offer. There is so much to do do and see with kids/friends/family, but you can happily spend whole days at the house enjoying the water, views, and fun that can be had there.
Reading through the guest book it's great to see so many people say they have been coming here for many years and I hope to do the same with our friends and family.
10.0
Great space
The house was awesome very spacious even for the group of ten we had. Property is waterfront and has a nice private beach area and fire pit to hang out on. Definitely would stay again!
10.0
Peaceful little cottage.
Property was just as described. Definitely a laid back cottage vibe which we loved. Small beach area perfect for small kids. Appreciated having access to kayak, canoe and row boat as well as floats and beach toys. Great fire pit. Quiet and peaceful spot with lots to do in the area if you want to explore, bike ride etc. Inside space great for games and gathering, with a well stocked kitchen. We felt very lucky to have grabbed a last minute cancellation.
8.0
Family Vacation
Plenty of bedrooms; comfortable beds. The best “stocked” place I’ve ever rented. Pier and beach area excellent for all ages. Great location. The only drawback would be no air conditioning. Fans did the job most of the time, but had a couple pretty humid days. Loved the property.
10.0
Wonderful Tranquil Setting
Started the week with just my husband and I and ended the week with children and grandchildren. Great house, fit everyone’s needs. Favorite part was to sit in the early morning with a cup of coffee in front of the big bay window. Would definitely rent again. House was VERY clean when we arrived, Betty does a wonderful job!
10.0
Too long since last stay on the peninsula!
My wife and I have both had experiences in Door County, from our younger days, and my Father lived in Baileys until last year. We started coming up for long weekends a few years ago, and reestablished our love for that area. Now the entire family has fallen in love with the peninsula, and we are considering trying to find a property/condo or some place for my wife and I to recreate. Tom, and his cottage were incredibly hospitable. The location, was just far enough from town that it felt secluded, yet was close enough to "modern conveniences"...We all enjoyed the stay, but there isn't a single biting fish in that stretch of water! Lol.
10.0
Excellent Stay
The property was amazing and communication from the owner was terrific. We enjoyed our stay and would go here again!
10.0
Perfect getaway!
What a great weekend away! The cottage was extremely clean, cozy, and inviting. Loved enjoying the beach and fire pit during the day. The views of the lake are beautiful. Couldn’t have asked for better communication with the owners, very easy process . Hoping to come back in the winter again. We are extremely grateful for our trip!
10.0
Relaxing get away
Had a great time relaxing, hiking, and enjoying the fire pit! Kids loved the sand and are already asking when we can go back!
10.0
Perfect Getaway
This lake house is everything we were hoping for! It's right on the water with a private beach and amazing views and sunsets; it's also beautiful inside and out, and has all of the modern conveniences you'd want, but it's not fussy or so fancy you feel uncomfortable there.
10.0
Great stay
We had a wonderful time! The property is beautiful! More than we expected!
10.0
Relaxation Awaits!
As soon as we pulled up to the property and saw the amazing view of the lake, we knew this was the place for us. Fire pit was awesome, plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the view and watch the kids swimming. Fishing off the dock was great. Stocked kitchen, comfy living room, plenty of puzzles and board games to enjoy. Large dining room table fit all 12 of us. So peaceful and relaxing! Loved our time at Kill Kare!
10.0
Great place
Would go back!
10.0
Our stay was wonderful!
This is a wonderful property with an even better location! Tom was so helpful and quick with responding to messages. We loved all the rooms upstairs for the kids and the outdoor space was fantastic. Kitchen was well-stocked, and the front room so cozy. Can’t wait to return again in the future!
10.0
Family Vacation
We enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing week with family. Thank you for sharing your family home with us! Tom was very quick to respond to correspondence, and allowed us to check in a bit early on Saturday, which was greatly appreciated! This was our 2nd stay at Kill Kare, and we felt like we were home!
10.0
Gorgeous setting
We had a wonderful time in this little house on the water. We especially loved how EVERYTHING was provided -- kayaks, canoes, lifejackets, sand toys for the kids, etc. We were all able to relax, unwind, and take in the beautiful views. We did have an unpleasant encounter with the neighbor to the north who was very protective of his waterfront, so if you stay at the house be sure to keep to your side of the beach. Also be sure to use bug spray when walking near the house!
10.0
Lovely home, great location
This home is a fantastic location right on the water. We had a great time with our family with 3 young children. Highly recommend.
10.0
Incredible View!
This is a cozy and immaculate setting for family gatherings - right on the waterfront! Property owner answered all questions. This is a beautiful spot for all seasons!
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Door County?
The average price for a rental in Door County is $468 per night. This rental is $441 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at A Waterfront Home for All-Seasons in Door County!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is A Waterfront Home for All-Seasons in Door County! pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at A Waterfront Home for All-Seasons in Door County!?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and laundry.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Door County
Explore all rentals in Door CountyDoor County travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu