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Get Calming Lake Superior Vibes at the Brownstone Cottage in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Wait…what?

Yup, The Brownstone Cottage. This week, we’re introducing our newest addition to Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

For those of you who have been long-time guests, you’re probably familiar with two of our locations – Seagull Bay Motel and Bay West. And you may have even noticed The Brownstone Cottage nestled in the woods by Bay West. But up until early August, this was a private residence.

If you’re new to our blog and Seagull Bay, we’re so glad you’re here. We’re excited for you to experience our newest location.

The Brownstone Cottage is something Isaac and I (Mollie) have had our eye on for a while, and were thrilled when it came available. It has all the charm and calming vibes you’d expect of a small cottage tucked in the woods next to Lake Superior.

Before we dig into the details, here’s a little backstory of The Brownstone Cottage.

A New Place for You to Stay In Bayfield, Wisconsin at Seagull Bay

Something that our guests don’t often realize is that Seagull Bay is made up of multiple properties.

We have the Seagull Bay Motel, and just around the corner is Bay West. And now The Brownstone Cottage.

Each place has its own story and unique vibe.

Seagull Bay – A Lakeside Motel is the original property that started with a single cottage in the 1940s. It was built by Alfred Duquette.

In 1957, Alfred passed it down to his son Donald and his wife Cecilia. Their guests requested more modern lodging. So they listened and converted one of the cottages into a 3-room motel. They were the first to install amenities we now take for granted (like indoor plumbing) in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Bay West was originally the home of Bayfield’s last door-to-door milkman and his family in the 1960s and 70s.

It was later purchased by Sue and Gerald DePerry who added the second-floor rooms, calling it Dreamcatcher Lodging.

In the late 1990s, Seagull Bay changed hands and was purchased by Mike and Jeanne Goodier. They also purchased Bay West and combined it with Seagull.

During the time that the DePerry’s owned Dreamcatcher Lodging, they also built a small cottage so Sue’s mother could live nearby. This is now The Brownstone Cottage. It sits just below Bay West and is tucked into the woods next to The Brownstone Trail.

It just might be one of my new favorite places to offer guests. Here are all the details.

Get All the Chill Lake Superior and Bayfield Vibes When Staying at The Brownstone Cottage

The first thing you’ll notice when driving down to The Brownstone Cottage is how secluded it is. It’s tucked away on the side of a ravine surrounded by large cottonwood trees over a century old.

Its leaves are the perfect camouflage, hiding this cottage away from everything else. Here, you’ll feel like you’re all by yourself within the city limits of Bayfield.

private in porch of Brownstone Cottage

You enter the cottage through a private screened-in porch decorated with a classic lakeside nautical theme. There’s a day bed inviting you to take a long afternoon nap. The wicker patio furniture begs you to grab your coffee and favorite book.

The kitchen and living room are open with a clean and classic vibe. The kitchen is fully-equipped and ready for you to bake delicious blueberry muffins with the fresh blueberries you just picked from Erickson Orchards.

Separating the kitchen and living room is a dining room table perfect for board games with a sliding glass door leading to your private deck. The deck is fully-furnished and waiting for you to dine alfresco while listening to the rustle of the trees. You even get a nice peek of Lake Superior from here.

There’s a large yard, fire pit, and private access to The Brownstone Trail – guiding you along the Lake Superior shoreline into downtown Bayfield.

living room of Brownstone Cottage

The living room invites you to cozy up on the couch and look out onto the lake through another set of sliding glass doors. It comes equipped with a gas fireplace, perfect for cold winter nights.

The Brownstone Cottage sleeps up to six people. There are two bedrooms, each with a queen bed. The living room couch pulls out into a full-size bed. There is a full shared bath and a private powder room off the primary bedroom.

The Brownstone Cottage at Seagull Bay is perfect for families, a couples getaway, or a weekend with your besties. If you want a private home nestled in the woods, but right in town, The Brownstone Cottage is for you.

It’s got all the feels of a relaxing Bayfield, Wisconsin getaway with the Seagull Bay charm you expect.

Bayfield, Wisconsin Is the Perfect Year-Round Escape

There’s nothing like summer in Bayfield. Its comfortable temps make exploring our beautiful landscape easy. And there is a whole list of activities for you to choose from.

The list goes on and on… But if you really want to get away from the hustle and bustle, visiting Bayfield this fall or any time in the off-season is the ultimate quiet getaway.

In the fall, you’ll feel Bayfield starting to slow down. The pace is more relaxed and its beauty really shines. The forests light up with hues of yellows, oranges, and reds. The lake has the most vibrant blue hue, complementing the big white puffy clouds floating in the sky.

The cooler temps are ideal for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures. The orchards are in their prime and decorated with delicious apples ready to be picked and cider to be sipped.

Honestly, I think fall is the best time to visit Bayfield.

But there is also something serene about winter. The snow dresses Bayfield just like a bride showing its elegance. It sparkles on sunny days.

The ski and snowshoe trails are a winter wonderland. In the quiet winter, Bayfield encourages you to take it slow and breathe the fresh air.

In the spring, there is much anticipation of warmer weather, blossoms, and the excitement of summer activities. But spring also has an undiscovered charm.

The pace of town isn’t in full swing yet. But the undeniable beauty of Lake Superior and Bayfield still shines. The trails open early – thanks to our sandy soil, perfect for the hiker or biker itching get outdoors.

No matter when you decide to visit Bayfield, Wisconsin, you’ll be greeted like a long-lost friend.

And at Seagull Bay, you will find an old-school charm and calming vibe at any one of our three locations.

Experience the Same Seagull Bay Charm at All Three Locations in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Queen sized bad room and bathroom of Brownstone Cottage

All of our locations have a certain uniqueness about them.

Seagull Bay Motel has more of a classic lakeside motel feel to it.

Bay West is more modern.

And the Brownstone Cottage begs you to sit back and relax, bathing in the trees surrounding it.

But no matter where you stay, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and amazing staff. Have a comfortable and fuss-free Bayfield, Wisconsin getaway when you stay with us at Seagull Bay.

Stay at The Brownstone Cottage and start planning your relaxing getaway. BOOK NOW.

Restoring a slice of Bayfield just for you!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

September 28, 2023

Get the Most Out of Your Bayfield, Wisconsin Getaway

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To help you plan the ultimate Bayfield vacation, we’ve created a seasonal guide filled with the best our area offers.

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