Places to Stay : Sturgeon Bay

Reynolds House Bed and Breakfast
111 South 7th Ave.
Sturgeon Bay, WI   54235
920-746-9771

During a stay at the Reynolds House Bed and Breakfast, you will learn about Door County history, get some personal tips on enjoying the Peninsula and have an opportunity to stay in a lovely appointed room or suite—each with private bathroom. Oh, and there’s the award-winning breakfast (featuring homemade items) as well.

Location
The inn is located on the corner of Michigan St. and 7th Ave. in a residential part of Sturgeon Bay.  It’s walking distance to Sturgeon Bay shops, museums and galleries, yet situated in a quiet area.  You’ll recognize it by its Victorian turn-of-the-century architecture—wide front porch, yellow and blue painted exterior and stone pillars. There’s a sign on a partial white picket fence and parking around the inn.  

Greeting
The special feeling about this place begins from the get-go.  Heather Hull, your host and the innkeeper, greets you. Shortly after you get settled, she gives you a tour of the inn. You’ll learn facts about original owners of the home--the Reynolds family. They initially planted peas until they learned that growing cherries and apples (and canning them) were a better fit for the northeast Wisconsin Peninsula. 

And you also find out where the candy bowl is kept and where the cold drinks are stashed. So pay attention! There may be a quiz at breakfast later (it’s all in good fun, but Heather really does give out prizes to people who remember some facts about the Reynolds family and original qualities of the house).

Historical house tour
Heather points out original finishes and architectural features of the home as she leads a tour.  Don’t miss, for example, the original maple floors (on first level), original light fixtures, leaded glass windows, oak woodwork and fret work.

While vintage qualities are here, this home comforts today’s guests who come to relax. It is tasteful and classy. There’s a pretty oak fireplace (gas) in the living room.  Check out the photographs in this room. One shows Lionne Reynolds, the first lady of the house and equestrian, on a horse and another pictures the house when it was built in 1900.  It was renovated over the years, transitioned to a B&B in 1998. And Heather bought it in 2003. 

We especially liked the built-ins in the dining area and the hand-carved hardware on it.  Breakfast is served here as well as on the sunny solarium (everyone’s favorite room, Heather says.) By the way, the solarium is also the place to grab some packaged candy in the bowl or a bottled water or hot tea. 

The second level, where three guest rooms are situated, has a video library for guests’ use. Early-risers will find coffee available here before breakfast is served downstairs.

Three updated rooms and a suite
Three guest rooms and a private suite each have a private bath, cable television, DVD/VCR, air conditioning and windows. Here are highlights:

Granny Smith Guest Room
This is a spacious and bright room with a bay window. It’s outfitted with a gas fireplace, original to the home.  Guests can enjoy the 19th century oak sleigh bed. There’s a pedestal sink separate from the shower and toilet.

Back in the day, this was William Reynolds’ room.

Cortland Guest Room
Another special place to stay, this room includes a 19th century chamfered bed (with queen pillow top mattress) and a Franklin stove. The bathroom is special as it is highlighted by an original claw foot tub and pedestal sink as well as a window affording abundant natural light. 

“The tub has no faucet coming over it. So that was very unique,” Heather says. “And the sink is state-of-the art for its time.  This was originally Mrs. Reynolds’ room.”

Macintosh Guest Room
The Macintosh is a pretty room with an adjoining spacious bathroom (it has a whirlpool tub).

There are pretty exposed pine floors, a century oak chamfered bed.  “It kind of glows in the morning in here when the sun comes up,” Heather says.

Winesap Suite
Head up a few more stairs to access the Winesap Suite. Make this your choice, and you can spread out over three rooms on the entire third floor. It’s spacious and yet intimate and sweet at the same time.

Enjoy the bedroom with Victorian oak furnishings and queen-size bed. Just a few steps away is a sitting room with a fireplace and peaked ceiling. You’ll love the spacious bathroom with whirlpool tub and a vanity and chair. 

“This suite is for anyone who wants to spread out or for people who want more seclusion or who come for romantic getaways,“ Heather says.  “It’s especially great for people who come for three or four nights, but people who come for one night want it too, because they want to cuddle up and cocoon.”

Breakfast
Don’t skip breakfast, to be sure.  Heather is a great cook who has won awards for her culinary skills. And it really shows in what she prepares for breakfast, how she presents it and even how she encourages conversation in the dining area.

You will enjoy a cold and a hot course. The first course may be, for example, a pear with raspberry sauce accompanied by Heather’s homemade lemon bread (her breads are moist, delicious and generously sliced). The second course is the hot one, and everyone’s favorite is blueberry French toast.

“For guests who come back, I have to have it for them,” says Heather, adding that she enjoys conversing with her guests. But one thing she will not bring up—unless her guests do—is work.

“I never ask people what their job is. There are people who have been coming here a couple of years, and I don’t know what they do,” she says. “I feel they are trying to leave work, and unless they bring it up, there are so many other things to talk about.”

Help finding nearby attractions
In fact, Heather spends about 30 to 45 minutes with each guest, talking about Door County.  She reviews maps and guide books about Sturgeon Bay and other Peninsula towns and attractions. She sits down with people, writes things out and gives personal directions.  “The part I most enjoy and is the most unique about staying here is the extra time I take with people,” Heather says.

Her tips? In Sturgeon Bay, she feels the Miller Art Museum (tucked inside the Door County Library building) is often overlooked and well worth a visit. She encourages people to go to shops and attractions on Jefferson St. as well as those on Third Ave. and the west side. 

“The one must-see and my favorite place is Cave Point,” she says of the natural iconic water-and-cliff landmark on the lakeside.  “In any season, when I draw my map out, I say it’s a must.”

And we think staying at the Reynolds House is a must.  Call or e-mail Heather (by clicking the Trip Inquiry button above), or stop in and ask for a tour. And tell her DoorCountyNavigator.com got you there. 

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