Your Door County home away from home.
Several years ago, we spent our honeymoon in Door County and immediately fell in love with its peace, charm, and quiet magic. From that first visit, we dreamed of having a retreat of our own here. In the fall of 2024, that dream became a reality when we purchased this cozy cottage tucked away in the woods — and The Dreaming Tree was born.
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To us, The Dreaming Tree is more than just a house. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories. Whether it’s families gathering, friends unwinding by the fire pit, or parents enjoying a well-earned break, we hope this home offers the same sense of comfort and calm that first drew us to Door County.
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Your stay truly makes this place possible. Every visit helps us care for, maintain, and continue improving The Dreaming Tree, and we’re incredibly grateful you chose to be part of its story.
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We manage the home ourselves and work with trusted local cleaning teams and spa technicians to ensure the space is clean, comfortable, and exactly as pictured. If anything ever falls short, we’re always available and happy to make it right — no call centers, no chatbots, just real people who care.
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Because we’re a self-managed rental home, guest reviews are very important and carry a significant amount of weight. If you enjoyed your stay, a 5-star review helps support small, independent hosts like us. If something wasn’t quite right, please reach out to us to we can make it right - we truly appreciate the chance to improve.
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We hope The Dreaming Tree becomes a place you return to year after year — your home away from home. Each visit helps shape this space, and in doing so, makes you part of the dream that brought it to life.
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From our family to yours,
Thank you so much for being a part of this dream.
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– Corey & Sheri
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Some things to know..
Check in/out
Checkin time: 3PM (Note: Smart-lock code will not work until check-in time)
Check-out time: 10AM
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If you'd like to check in earlier (or check out later), please reach out to us in advance. Early check in & check out is available for a small fee (if available).
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Checking Out:
Please ensure hot tub temp is lowered to 90 degrees, the diverter jets are in the open/flowing position (via the small knobs along the inside edge of the hot tub - they should be pointing at the black lines) and the cover is closed and secured with all four latches.
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Please dispose of any food waste in the outside garbage bin.
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Safe travels!
WiFi
Name: TheDreamingTree
Password: cherrypie
Although extremely rare, ​if for some reason the wifi is not working, it can be reset by unplugging it, then plugging it back it. The wifi router is located next to the sofa in the loft.
Woof!
As fellow dog lovers, we’re happy to offer a dog-friendly stay at The Dreaming Tree. To help us continue providing this amenity for future guests, we kindly ask that you review and follow the pet guidelines outlined in our Rental Agreement and always clean up after your pet so everyone can enjoy a clean, tidy lawn.
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For your convenience, pet waste bags are located in the utility drawer in the kitchen and can be discarded in the garbage bin located on the side of the garage after use.
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If your pup gets anxious when left alone — or simply enjoys having their own cozy space — you’ll find a collapsable kennel available in the laundry room.
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Recycling/Garbage
Trash and recycling bins are located on the side of the garage.
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Trash and recycling pickup is every Monday so you may see the garbage truck stopping by to collect their loot. The garbage truck will back into the driveway and retrieve the bins, so no need to move them.
Setting the Mood
Patio lights are controlled by a timer plug/switch that is located to the right of the storage bin on the patio.
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If for some reason the lights are not turning on, you may need to push the "Reset" button on the outlet. The lights only work when it is dark outside.
What's Cookin'?
A grill is available if you're craving an outdoor home cooked meal. Please be sure the propane tank is turned completely off after use, and because of the abundance of wildlife in the area, please be sure to clean/remove all food debris from the grates and outside areas. We don't want to attract any of those big fluffy dogs!
If needed, there is a spare propane tank in the bin on the patio.
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Kid Stuff
Traveling with young kiddos can be tricky (we know from experience). To help with that, we've provided a baby gate, a high chair, and a pack-and-play, all located in the closet in the upstairs bedroom. We ask that you supervise their use and understand that you are using them at your own risk.
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GAMES:
Board/card games are located next to the TV stand in the loft and there are outdoor games, bag toss boards, footballs, and basketballs in the storage bin on the patio.
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The Red Light!
There is a red septic system alert light located in the laundry room next to the dryer. Although very rare, if this light turns on at any point during your stay, please contact us immediately.
What the red light means:
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This house uses a holding tank for waste and requires periodic pumping. The red light is an early warning that the tank is nearing capacity and needs to be pumped. Reaching out to us right away allows us to take care of it quickly and helps prevent any disruption to your stay.
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Regular pumping occurs every 3rd Monday. If this is scheduled to occur during your stay, we will notify you in advance so that vehicles can be positioned to allow for the service truck to reach the below-ground tank behind the garage.
Fire Pit & Fireplace
The Dreaming Tree is located in a wooded area so fire safety is extremely important, for your safety and for the surrounding forest.
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Fire Pit Rules:​
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Check for local fire restrictions. If a burn ban is in effect, the fire pit may not be used.
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Only burn firewood.
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Keep fires small and manageable.
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Never leave a fire unattended.
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Before leaving the area or going to bed, fully extinguish the fire with water until ashes are cool.
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No fires during high winds or very dry conditions.
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Wood-Burning Fireplace:
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Make sure the flu is open before lighting a fire (lever is on top front-edge of the fireplace).
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Keep the fireplace screen/doors closed while in use.
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Do not overload the fireplace.
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Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to sleep (do not use water).
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General Safety:
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Keep children and pets well away from all fires.
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For emergency use, fire extinguishers are located under the sinks in both bathrooms and under the kitchen sink.
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Fresh, Natural Water
The water at The Dreaming Tree comes from a private underground well and is routinely tested to ensure it meets quality and safety standards.
To provide an extra level of care and peace of mind, we’ve also installed a whole-house Pentair water purification system along with a state-of-the-art Viqua UV treatment system. Together, these systems help ensure that the water flowing from every tap in the home is clean, clear, and safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
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Please note: While the water is purified and clean, it naturally contains more iron than typical city tap water and may not taste the same as your water back home.
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Heating & Cooling
The cottage is heated and cooled using a combination two different systems - electric baseboard heaters (controlled by the mounted wall thermostats - and mainly just used for winter and backup heat) and three Carrier Heat/AC units - used as the main heating/cooling method.
*** Please Note: All three units must be set to the same Mode for them to work (Heat, Cool, Auto, or Fan). If just one of them is in a different mode than the others, the outside condenser will get confused and just not do anything.
Heating:
There are three Carrier Heat/AC units; one in the Kitchen, one in the downstairs bedroom, and one in the upstairs bedroom with the queen bed. These three units are typically sufficient enough to heat the entire cottage, however, the baseboard heaters can be used in the rooms without Carrier units to help heat those rooms in colder weather.
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How to Adjust Heat:
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Find the remote mounted on the wall in the room you would like to adjust.
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Power the unit ON
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Make sure the mode is set to "Heat",
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Adjust the temperature using the Up/Down buttons.
(Please Note: The baseboard heaters/thermostats in the rooms with the Carrier units are disabled and only used for emergency backup in the winter).
Cooling:
On hot summer days, the three Carrier units are powerful enough to cool the entire cottage. Ceiling and/or oscillating fans can be found in each bedroom closet to help circulate the cool air around if needed. There is also an AC unit in the loft area that can be used to help further cool the loft area if needed (it only blows cool air at one speed).
How to Adjust A/C:
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Find the wall-mounted remote for the room you would like to adjust.
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Turn the unit ON
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Make sure the mode is set to "Cool"
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Adjust the temperature using the Up/Down buttons.
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Wifi Sensors:
There are small wifi remote censors plugged into the walls in the rooms with Carrier units. The purpose for these sensors is to allow us to adjust the heat & AC when the cottage is not in use, and so we can ensure the cottage is at a comfortable temperature when guests arrive.
These sensors work like a remote control, sending a signal to the unit via an app that we have on our phone. We kindly ask that you do not unplug these sensors, but if you do unplug them for some reason, please just remember to plug them back in before you check out so we can continue to regulate the climate remotely.
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Sorry - We know this is all a little confusing. Unfortunately, the cottage was built with only electric baseboard heating (which is not very efficient and extremely costly to run) and no A/C. We added the Carrier units so guests who stayed during the summer would have a way to cool the cottage on those very rare hot summer days. If you ever have any issues or questions about the Heating/AC systems, please don't hesitate to reach out, any time of the day or night. We are always happy to help! 608-239-6674
All of that said, being in Northern Wisconsin and close to Lake Michigan, our evenings tend to cool off significantly, even after warmer summer days. Opening the windows in the evening and early morning allows fresh cool air to circulate helping to naturally cool the cottage, and being surrounded by trees helps to shade the cottage from the sun and keep the inside of the cottage from getting too hot.
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Wildlife
One of the things guests love most about The Dreaming Tree is how connected it is to nature. Because the cottage is tucked into a peaceful, wooded setting, it’s very common to see wildlife during your stay — often times as soon you pull into the driveway. Deer and wild turkeys are frequent visitors, and often spend their mornings grazing in the yard or passing quietly through the trees.
You may also catch glimpses of fox, raccoons, and other woodland critters, (especially in the early morning or evening hours), and with over 300 species of birds on the peninsula, there is no shortage of bird songs and sightings.
Because of the abundance of deer on the peninsula, we strongly recommend using extra caution when driving at night or around dawn and dusk, as deer become very active at these times and can appear suddenly on or near the road.
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The Dreaming Tree is located in a natural, wooded setting where ticks may be present, particularly in warmer months. Guests are strongly encouraged to take standard precautions such as using insect repellent (with Deet), wearing appropriate clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.
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If you’re traveling with a dog, we recommend ensuring they are on a veterinarian-approved tick preventative and checking them for ticks after being outside.
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Hot Tub Guide
Hot tubs can be dangerous, especially for children and/or individuals with health conditions. Your safety is very important to us and we take it very seriously.
The hot tub is professionally serviced and treated by a certified spa technician between each guest stay. Like most hot tubs, chlorine and other standard water-treatment solutions are used in accordance with manufacturer specifications and safety guidelines to keep the water clean, clear, and safe for guests to enjoy. If you have sensitivity to standard spa treatment chemicals, you may want to avoid using the hot tub.
We ask that guests read, understand, and follow all rules related to hot tub use. While there is a full list of rules attached to the side of the hot tub near the steps, here are just a few of the most important rules..​​​
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For safety reasons, children should never be left unsupervised in the hot tub. Ever.
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Do not use there hot tub if you have lotions, perfumes or other substances on your skin. No bubbles or soaps should be used in the hot tub.
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No horseplay please. This can cause serious injury and can damage the hot tub.
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We know it's tempting, but please do not adjust any of the "Mode" settings. These settings alter the operation of the hot tub and can cause major issues if not properly configured. ​
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To prevent the cover lift from bending or breaking, two people are required for opening and closing the hot tub cover.
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​Hot Tub Use:​
Getting In:
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With one person on each side, lift the hot tub cover and fold in half - then, slowly raise to the open position. ​
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Use the stairs to get into the hot tub (never climb in from the sides). ​
Controls:
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Temp: Use the arrows to set the temperature.
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Consult a doctor before using a hot tub if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or are pregnant
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Children should never be in a hot tub that is over 100 degrees.
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Jets: Push the "Jet's button to adjust jet selection and speed (there are only three settings for the jets). If you notice some jets are not working, you may need to adjust the manual diverters located around the inside edges of the hot tub.
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Lights: Push the "Lights" button to select lighting mode. ​
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Once again, please do not use the Mode option.
Getting Out:​
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Open all jet diverters to ensure hot water can periodically cycle and maintain consistent idle temperature (if jet diverters are all closed, it causes the pump to work much harder and can cause damage)
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Exit the hot tub using the stairs.
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Always close the spa cover when not in use. With one person on each side, gently lower the cover onto the hot tub and latch the front and back buckles.
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​The cover arms can bend or break if not supported on both sides when opening and closing the cover.
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Checking Out: ​
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Lower temperature to 90 degrees to prevent damage to heat pumps
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All jet diverters (little knobs inside the hot tub) should be in the open/flowing position (pointing at the black lines)
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Plastic filter ring should be floating freely around the filter hole so water can spill over it when cycling
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Ensure the blue & grey treatment ball and thermometer are floating freely in hot tub
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Cover should be securely closed and all four latches are latched.
Things to do in DoCo
Just a few of our favorite places to eat and drink!
(If you'd like some additional options, just ask!)
One Barrel Brewing
Egg Harbor
A great place to enjoy some delicious pizza while relaxing outside around the fire pits.
And you can even bring the dog!
Chop
Sister Bay
Best steaks on the planet.
Scotty's Pub + Grub
Jacksonport
Scotty's is the go-to spot for locals. Friendly service and great food - Try the Box Car Burger (our favorite) or their Friday Night Fish Fry!
Shipwrecked Brewpub
Egg Harbor
Great variety, excellent fish fry, and close to the harbor. Their clam chowder is excellent.
The White Gull Inn
Fish Creek
Winner of Good Morning America's Best Breakfast Challenge and known for their world famous Cherry Stuffed French Toast, breakfast at The While Gull is likely to be the best breakfast you will ever have in your life.
Hatch Distilling
Egg Harbor
An amazing selection of drinks and a great place to sit outside and relax.
Things to do nearby..
Door County offers something special in every season — from shoreline sunsets and scenic hiking trails to charming towns, local wineries, and unforgettable dining. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or create new traditions, you’ll find no shortage of experiences just minutes from The Dreaming Tree.
We’d love to host you again!
Skip the extra fees and save by booking directly with us for your next stay at The Dreaming Tree!
Contact Us
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We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing The Dreaming Tree. We truly hope you enjoy your stay and everything Door County has to offer while you’re here!
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And please, do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any issues, concerns, or questions - We're always happy to help.
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From our family to yours..
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Thank you!
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