Bay View, Vacation Rental House
BackWhen considering a vacation rental, the specific details of the property are paramount. The Bay View cabin, located at 1116 Gessert Road in St Germain, Wisconsin, is not a standalone entity but a distinct component of the larger Estrold Resort. This context is crucial for potential renters, as the experience is a blend of private cabin living combined with the amenities and atmosphere of a multi-unit resort. Positioned on a gentle rise, the property offers compelling views of Little St. Germain Lake, a feature frequently sought by those planning Wisconsin getaways.
The Positive Aspects of the Bay View Experience
The primary draw for this holiday home is its scenic location and well-appointed interior. Guest feedback consistently praises the cabin's atmosphere, often describing it as a comfortable and handsome structure perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor activities. The living room, which the resort's official site details as a 15' x 24' space, serves as the heart of the cabin. It features large picture windows that frame the lake, allowing natural light to fill the knotty pine interior. A significant highlight is the red brick, wood-burning fireplace, a coveted amenity for visitors during the cooler months, creating a cozy ambiance that defines the classic Northwoods experience.
The layout is designed to accommodate groups, making it a strong candidate for a family vacation. It includes three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with a stated capacity for up to nine guests. The kitchen is described as spacious and functional, featuring a pass-through counter to the dining room that includes bar seating, promoting a social atmosphere during meal preparation. The dining table itself is noted as being particularly large, suitable for group meals or evening activities like board games. Furthermore, the cabin includes a private driveway with ample parking and an attached garage, which is a practical benefit for guests needing to store recreational equipment.
Outdoor and Resort Amenities
Beyond the cabin's walls, the private outdoor space is a significant asset. A dedicated fire pit is located behind the home, also overlooking the lake, providing a private setting for evening campfires. Access to the water is facilitated by a set of stairs with railings leading down to a private pier, complete with a bench for seating—an amenity exclusively for Bay View guests. This direct and private access to the lake is a key feature for any lakefront property.
As part of the Estrold Resort, guests at Bay View have access to a wider range of facilities. The resort spans 7.5 acres on the shores of Little St. Germain Lake and offers a variety of shared recreational options. These include a sandy beach with a gradual slope safe for children, a tennis court, a basketball area, a playground, and a game room with ping pong. The resort also provides a canoe and offers kayaks, a paddle boat, and pontoon boats for rent. For anglers, the 956-acre lake is a prime location for fishing panfish, walleye, bass, pike, and musky, and the resort provides a fish cleaning house. Notably, each cottage rental includes the use of a 14' fishing boat, adding considerable value for those interested in water activities. These extensive accommodation services elevate the stay from a simple cabin rental to a full resort experience.
Points for Consideration and Potential Drawbacks
While there are many positive attributes, any prospective renter performing careful travel planning should be aware of certain limitations and quirks. The most significant is the cabin's bedroom configuration. To access the back bedroom, one must walk through the middle bedroom. This "walk-through" or "tandem" layout can be a serious privacy concern for certain groups, such as multiple couples traveling together. For a single family with children, this might be less of an issue, but it is a critical detail that impacts the suitability of the cabin for different guest dynamics.
Another point of consideration is the basis for its stellar reputation. The property holds a perfect 5-star rating online, but this is derived from a very small number of reviews. While the feedback is glowing, the limited sample size, with some reviews being several years old, means it may not fully represent the current guest experience. Potential visitors may want to look at recent reviews for the Estrold Resort as a whole to get a broader sense of property management and maintenance standards. This approach is a common strategy for those working with a travel agency to vet properties.
Finally, the setting itself presents a trade-off. While the cabins at the resort are noted for not being situated directly on top of each other, offering a degree of separation, Bay View is still part of an active resort environment. Guests seeking absolute solitude and quiet may find the presence of other vacationers and the sounds of resort activities—such as boats on the lake or children at the playground—to be a departure from a truly isolated cabin rental experience. Additionally, the stairs leading down to the private pier, though described as easy and equipped with railings, could pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues.
Conclusion
The Bay View vacation rental at Estrold Resort offers a compelling package for the right kind of traveler. It is ideally suited for families or close-knit groups who value scenic lake views, comfortable and spacious common areas, and the amenities of a full-service resort. The cozy fireplace, large dining area, and private outdoor spaces are significant advantages. However, the decision to book should be made with full awareness of its primary drawback: the unconventional bedroom layout that requires passing through one room to reach another. For those who can accommodate this quirk and who enjoy the communal energy of a resort, Bay View stands as a strong option for a memorable Northwoods cabin experience on Little St. Germain Lake.
