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Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.

Photo gallery for Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.

Welcome!
Driveway and parking pad
Main Entrance
Walk-thru porch
Enter here

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 676.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Cambridge, WI
  • Lake Ripley Park Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Cam-Rock Park Area
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Cambridge Winery
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Sleeping area 3

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.

A 1930's-era classic lake cottage, with log siding, a two story limestone fireplace, wrap-around screened-in porch with views of the lake, knotty pine panelling and open cedar beams. This two bedroom cabin-style vacation home has one bedroom with a queen bed and one with twin beds and an extra sink. There is also a double futon. The screen porch has canvas awnings for shade or privacy. The Great Room has mid-century rattan furniture, and a built-in hutch with mid-century pottery. The kitchen is small, but it has a full-sized fridge, a 4 burner stove, microwave, toaster, two compartment sink, a crock pot, electric griddle and a blender. If you have a bit of nostalgia for the Summer Vacations you had as a kid, this is the place for you! If you're looking for ultra-modern, this may not be the right fit for your family.

The floors are pristine maple in the Great Room and the bedrooms, Marmoleum in the kitchen and LVT in the bath. In addition to the stone fireplace, there is also a gas-powered furnace, or two window AC units for less than perfect conditions. The generously-sized shower is all tiled in, with a light and tall shower head. All doors are triple-thick knotty pine, and the hardware is original hammered bronze. There are some vintage light fixtures: a wagon wheel chandelier in the Great Room, wrought iron & mica lighting on the porch, and some fun mid-century table lamps. There is a Dutch door between the kitchen and the porch, a long picnic table on the porch that seats up to 8, with seating for another 4-6 in the dining area.

Lake Ripley is a lovely 420-acre lake, with an average depth of 44 feet. There are 2 public boat landings, 1 public (drive--1 mile) and one private (walk--.4 mile) beach, and a swimming and fishing pier, within 1/2 a block's walk. There are also 2 single kayaks for your use, with paddles and lifejackets. Easy walk to the pier with kayaks on provided carts, 1/2 block away.

The Glacial-Drumlin and Cam-Rock bike trails are just a few miles away, and it is an easy bike ride into the charming village of Cambridge, with several good coffee shops and restaurants to chose from. Fort Atkinson and Lake Mills are each just 15 minutes away, with fun things to see and do in each town, and Madison is only 30 minutes away, with a vast number of ethnic restaurants, pubs and classic eating establishments.

Property manager

Steve Tesmer or Jill Kessenich

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Toddlers must be watched closely--cottage quirks!
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Events

No events allowed
Groups under 10 may visit in daytime. Quiet: 9PM
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
$35 fee, under 65#total, crated when you are away
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely NO smoking within 30 feet of cottage
1)1-2 dogs 65#net; crate-trained; in crate when owner's away. 2)Fireplace use in Spring and Fall only, please. 3)No parties over 10, quiet time by 9PM
Minimum stay: 7 days

Important information

You need to know

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
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Groups under 10 may visit in daytime. Quiet: 9PM
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cambridge

Located in Cambridge, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Aztalan State Park and Lake Kegonsa State Park, while Cambridge Historic School Museum and Hi-Way Outdoor Theatre are cultural highlights. Lake Ripley Lanes and Hinchley's Dairy Farm are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Cambridge, WI

What's nearby

  • Lake Ripley Park Beach - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Cam-Rock Park Area - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Cambridge Winery - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Dancing Goat Distillery - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Jefferson Speedway - 7 min drive - 6.7 km

Getting around

  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kurt's Never Inn - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Hering's Lake Ripley Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cambridge Winery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kranky's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lake Ripley Family Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls.?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Classic cabin/cottage with big screen porch, stone fireplace, knotty pine walls. located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lake Ripley Park Beach and Lake Ripley Lanes. Cambridge Historic School Museum and Cam-Rock Park Area are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cabin with Lake Access

We had an excellent stay at Lake Ripley. The listing was as described and felt like home. The cabin was rustic, with a charming, comfortable wrap-around porch perfect for relaxing or entertaining. There is convenient, nearby access to the lake, the town of Cambridge, and CamRock Park, where we walked our dog. The host, Jill, was friendly and responsive and answered all our questions. We tried kayaking for the first time (provided), and it was super fun! We would recommend it, and we hope to return!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great gift to ourselves for recent illness.

Very comfortable, welcoming and relaxing.
Stayed 22 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ivan V., Orlando, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is a beautiful haven from a busy fast-paced world. It’s like stepping back in time a bit,.

We loved our time at the cottage! We completely relaxed in the quaint environment it provides. The fireplace was like daily therapy for us. But we also appreciated the great Wi-Fi. This is a simple and lovely place to get away from life-as-normal.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cabin by the lake

We loved this cabin. It has such a comfortable and charming energy to it. There was plenty of space inside, but that massive porch was a game changer for relaxing evenings. Comfy bed. The shower is tricky, but manageable. Tons of knick knacks and decorations give the interior character and history.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Ripley Cottage

Wonderful get away in Cambridge, WI with a view of Lake Ripley. A log cabin cottage with an amazing wrap around screen porch. A perfect get away for our family of five and Irish Doodle. Can't wait to comeback!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol D., Phoenix

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake living

This cottage is within steps of Lake Ripley. It’s adorable, comfortable, well-stocked, and conveniently located to the lake. We had a great time having our morning coffee on the screened in porch which has a bit of a view of the lake. Although the bathroom and kitchen are small everything worked. I cooked many meals in the kitchen and the on demand hot water system ensured we had plenty of hot water. The hosts were very quick to respond to the two questions I had. And here’s the best part; the listing is entirely accurate…what you see is what you get. There are no surprises. We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gregory H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

We stayed 1 month and did not want to leave. Jill & Steve were great hosts. Absolutely awesome time. Loved the cottage.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Teresa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The cabin was just as described and I loved that it was well stocked. Very quaint, lovely.

My husband and I were very pleased with this property. I am always looking to stay at a place that has nostalgia and character. This property delivered. The hosts had an abundance of supplies and were very accommodating. I'm a happy girl after having stayed there!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kara W., Tucson, Arizona

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Summer Getaway

The cabin is fantastic! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, perfect location, amazing screened in porch and everything that we needed. While it is rustic, I found it very charming and perfect for a month in Wisconsin!
Stayed 28 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cathryn U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cottage for a Fall weekend getaway

A very quaint cottage, perfect for a nice weekend getaway in the Fall. Loved the fireplace! Nice and cozy. Easy check-in process! Nice area!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brad H., Fort Atkinson

Everything was GREAT. Wonderful place.

Excellent place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Trish D., Milwaukee, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little cottage get-away

This cottage was adorable: cozy with its giant stone fireplace and wrap-around screen porch with cushioned rocking chairs; funky with its fun decor; and functional with lots of amenities for cooking and kayaking on the nearby lake. We loved just hanging out on the porch watching the bustling little neighborhood go by on their golf carts and dog walks. It was an interesting area -- more populated than we expected but we got used to it and everyone we came across was very friendly. We took advantage of its proximity to the Glacial Drumlin bike trail for some fantastic bike rides (we brought our own bikes) during our stay, too.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Maria G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Wisconsin Getaway!

My boyfriend & I travel to the lovely state of WI regularly, as we live in Chicago and can't wait to make WI out home state, and this was our very first getaway in Cambridge and being right off Lake Ripley, and it was AMAZING! Jill. & Steve's cabin was our perfect home for the weekend, and their space truly made it feel like our space. This cabin is a gem with location, the best screened in porch , vintage decor, truly the best home right off the water in the most beautiful, chill town of WI that we just discovered. Jill & Steve were the most amazing hosts and we can't wait to book with them again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Cathryn U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall weekend getaway

This was a very cozy cottage! Perfect for a chilly fall weekend! The fireplace was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Rustic Cabin

This cabin is fantastic, very cozy with a wonderful porch. So many little touches that create a welcoming and comfortable experience. We didn’t want to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Judy L P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank You!!!

Thank you for opening your lovely cottage in n Cambridge, WI; my hometown. I’ve admired the Cottage for years and it was fabulous to see the inside. Our stay was much more than we expected; clean, homey, filled with amenities. My friend and I enjoyed our stay very much. Our grill issue, Steve promptly came to our rescue - which we deeply appreciated. We grilled out several times and really enjoyed our evenings on the screened in porch, which is so nice to sit and chat with friends. Thank you 🙏!!!

10/10 Excellent

Barbara K., Minneapolis, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming 1930’s cottage

A true, old-fashioned, summer home in the lovely Lake Ripley neighborhood, complete with a wrap-around porch, stone fireplace and outdoor bonfire..

10/10 Excellent

Christina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and Cozy Cabin

Lovely cabin stocked with everything we could possibly need. Will definitely be back. Many thanks for sharing your home.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Barry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great as always!

This is our 4th year at the cabin and we wouldn't stay anywhere else. The location is perfect and the screened in porch is fantastic. The views, although set back from the lake, are still great and very relaxing. Already looking forward to our stay next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rachel I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Cabin on the lake

We have 3 little ones and the beech and pier were perfect for them. They enjoyed the slide and jumped off the pier about 20,000 times. The large screened in porch was our favorite and made s'mores in the small fire pit they had all ready for us. Great time and we plan on coming back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Pamela L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway cabin!

We enjoyed a fantastic vacation staying at this cabin! We received a warm welcome from the owner, Steve, who gave us a tour and answered any questions we had. The cabin is rustic and tastefully decorated. It is quite beautiful in our opinion! We especially LOVED the screened-in porch where we spent our early mornings drinking coffee and late nights just enjoying the outdoors minus the bugs! It was a great addition. We also appreciated having our little Yorkie welcomed there. Kayaks were a plus as my two older children came later in the week and enjoyed some time on the lake. Thank you, Jill and Steve, for offering your lovely cabin for others to enjoy! Kudos to you for all you did to make this vacation extra special. We hope to return next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easy days

We had a very laid back time at the cottage making using the fireplace in the evening and playing dominos. The bedrooms were small, but the public areas were great with plenty of room for us to spread out. The screen porch was used both morning and evening. We had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

sarah d., Northfield, USA

Cozy cabin for chilly spring weather

This rustic cabin was a warm retreat during a week of wet weather in May. It is well supplied with kitchen basics and cookware, warm bedding, and toiletries. The kitchen was bigger than it looked in the photos, with more counter space than expected. It was very adequate for basic meal preparation and cleanup. The big porch is lovely; we were glad to have a couple of days at the end of our stay to enjoy it.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Janet T.

Wonderful Cabin

We so enjoyed our stay at this cabin! It is very clean and well kept up - and we loved how it's decorated. We went kayaking, had meals on the screen porch, played games (some fun and unique ones are provided), sat by a crackling fire, and walked along the lake. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Susan T.

Girls' Weekend Get Away

Very comfortable setting for our group of girlfriends, who have an annual fall weekend trip to reconnect with each other and continue to make new memories. The lakeside house was clean, easy to find, and we had plenty of kitchenware, linens to use. Felt very welcome with the owner meeting us upon arrival.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

About the host

Hosted by Steve Tesmer or Jill Kessenich

Host profile image
Jill Kessenich and her husband Steve Tesmer are both designers. Steve designs websites, and is in three bands, in which he plays the dobro, and Jill currently runs a non-profit that was one of her major design projects. They have a dog named Bailey, who is a good traveler and houseguest. They like to do household & cottage projects, paddling, hiking and playing music in their band, Jill & the Jax.

Why they chose this property

Love the way it sits high on the lot, with views of the lake. Love the CCC-style architecture with wrap-around porch, big stone fireplace, knotty pine panelling, and pristine maple floors. Reminds me of State and National Forest lodges scattered around the US.

What makes this property unique

If you have a bit of Nostalgia for the vacations of your childhood, this is the place for you! Mid-century furnishings and pottery, great wrap-around screened in porch, knotty pine panelling, and stone fireplace.

Languages:

English