Turn into the driveway at Purple Waves, and you'll know immediately why you came: the stunning view of Lake Superior. The lake has many moods, and you’ll see them all—from brilliant winter light over icy water, to the gales of November, to glassy calm summer sunsets. And it’s not just water out there: see the sunrise light up the North Shore, watch for birds, or look out for ships. If it’s happening on Lake Superior, you can see it form Purple Waves.
Interaction
Your host runs Bark Point Ventures, a vacation rental management & concierge company that specializes in properties on Lake Superior's South Shore. She lives nearby and is available 24/7 to assist her guests. Our passion is ensuring guests experience the magic of what we feel is one of the most amazing places in the world.
The South Shore Area
The South Shore is truly a place to get away from it all, but not so far from modern conveniences that getting food and gas feel like a chore. The guest book contains tips on all the incredible outdoor activities, local arts, and places to get groceries, dine out, grab a drink, etc. This is truly a year-round destination, whether you enjoy outdoor activities, local cuisine, art, or simply the company of friends & family in one of the most beautiful locations in the northern U.S.
The home is just a few minutes from the center of Port Wing, which has an awesome coffee shop, two bar/restaurants, a convenience store that sells smoked fish, and a marina. Bayfield is about 45 minutes away, as is Washburn (where you'll find the closest big grocery store). Ashland is about 50 minutes away (which has a natural foods co-op, Wal-Mart, and wider range of shops). Superior & Duluth are about an hour away.
Space Overview
Purple Waves is a cozy ranch-style home with two bedrooms, one bath, and a full kitchen. The ranch floorpan, with bedrooms at one end and everything on a single level, is pure Midcentury, and you’ll find period details throughout the home, like sliding closet doors and white ceiling tiles.
Come in the front door and past the entryway, and right away you’ll see Lake Superior through big picture windows and a sliding glass door in the common room. With an easy chair and sofa facing the water, this space is optimized for lake watching; you’ll even find a pair of binoculars ready for you! There’s also a big-screen TV in the common area.
There are two bedrooms, front and back. The front bedroom has a king bed & a tranquil, airy feel, with a south-facing window that catches the morning light for a gentle wakeup call. The back bedroom has a queen bed & feels tucked away and cozy. It has a small window with a view of the lake—and, when it’s warm enough to leave it open, a soothing soundtrack of waves to lift you off to sleep. Note: the living room has a futon couch - this is really only suitable for the kiddos, so we welcome up to 4 adults and 2 children to enjoy the cabin.
The kitchen features new appliances: fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and toaster. We love the details here, from the backsplash and the butcher block countertops to the stainless range hood. Central island with bar seating for two. There’s also a Keurig and a pot for drip coffee. We stock the house with coffee from Lake Wind Coffee just down the road in Port Wing, and we’re happy to provide you with locally produced food—meats, vegetables and more—to cook up a South Shore feast!
You’ll find the dining nook at one end of the common area. Even here there are great views out to the lake, and in the other direction, a view of the afternoon sun filtering through spruce trees. The table seats six, and we know you’ll love the resin inlay in the shape of Lake Superior.
The bathroom features a full-size tub with shower head. It’s clean and bright, and it gets nice soothing light in the morning for a calming start to the day.
Our favorite thing about Purple Waves is that you don’t have to stay inside to see the lake! Walk through the sliding door and you’ll step out onto a deck with two Adirondack chairs that are just begging you to sit for a bit and listen to the waves. There’s also a screen porch for bug-free views during the summer, and for a bit of shelter in chillier weather. Plus, the house sits on nearly three acres of land, so there’s plenty of room to spread out outside!
Purple Waves is perched on a high bank, about twenty feet above the water, so it commands a fine view across the lake and over to the north shore. Because the bank is so steep, there is no direct access to the water, but the beaches in Port Wing are just five minutes down the road, and they’re some of the best in the area.
Transit Info
Due to the lack of public transportation and the distance between towns/amenities, a car is pretty much essential. But, on the plus side, traffic is not a concept we have up here!
Cabin & Property Amenities:
Incredible Lake Superior views from the living/dining room
Cozy Mid-Century Northwoods cabin vibe
Fully outfitted kitchen
Deck and screen porch with stunning Lake Superior views
Walk down to the lakeshore directly from the property
High-speed wifi
Short drive to our favorite beaches in the area!
Perfect mid point for exploring the south shore communities of Cornucopia, Herbster & Port Wing as well as Bayfield, Washburn, Ashland, Superior & Duluth
