Mosswood Stuga
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We purchased this property in 2013 and named it Mosswood -- to reference the magical mosses and woodsy 3 acres of land. "Stuga" is homage to my family's roots. Stuga means cabin in Swedish.
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Cozy construction: The Stuga is a 700-square-foot A-frame fortified with 1 foot of insulation and triple pane windows and doors.
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Conveniently located: We are just 3 miles from town (easy biking, running, or driving).
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Beautifully situated: The Stuga is surrounded by 3 fairy-tale-like woodland acres of hemlocks, oaks, white pines and spruce, and it is situated on a bluff with stunning views of Lake Superior.
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Efficient use of space: The Stuga sleeps 5 adults and 2 children comfortably and includes one full bathroom inside, plus an extra hot water shower outside.
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Energizing shore access: The property includes a staircase (96 steps) leading down to our own private stretch of shoreline.
AMENITIES
Housekeeping
Leave the Stuga as you found it, or cleaner. This allows us to charge much less per day than average Madeline Island rentals. We supply clean sheets and blankets. You bring the towels, dishcloths and rags. There is a laundromat in town if you need it. We also hope you don't mind if you find a friendly spider or ant.
Swimming
Descend 96 steps to reach shore on a wooden switchback staircase. Pass our sauna on the way. Swimming is dreamy if you like cool water. Sometimes the shore is full of rocks, sometimes sand. It changes daily. Mosswood is not ideal for toddlers, with a steep bluff and no railings.
Simplicity
Unplug and relax in our simple Stuga. There is no stereo, television, dishwasher, or paper towels. Instead you will find books, board games, WiFi, a land line and limited cell reception. Wash up in a rustic outdoor hot shower in summer. Dishes are washed by hand, scraps are composted, and cloth rags are used for spills.
Food
Enjoy a well-stocked kitchen with cast iron pans, griddle, waffle maker, toaster, french press coffee maker, and hand crank coffee grinder. Outside is a simple grill and some charcoal. A small grocery store is open from May to mid October. They have fresh bread and fresh fish.
Transportation
Madeline Island is 14 miles long, and bicycle friendly. We are located 3 miles from town and 5 miles to the State Park. We have older bicycles available to use. As of yet, no Lyft or Uber services have arrived on the island and the gas station is open on Wednesdays. Fill up before you arrive.
Packing
The weather can change dramatically. Pack a warm sweater even for the summer season. Don't forget your bathing suit, though swimming "naku pelle" is welcome. A head lamp and/or flashlight can be helpful, if you arrive at night. For the cooks, bring fresh vegetables as there is limited supply on the island.
SEE & DO
Visit downtown.
Enjoy coffee, ice cream and art.
Relax on our shore.
It changes daily, from calm to powerful.
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Hike in the Big Bay State Park.
Guest Review
"We chose Mosswood to show my German parents an iconic vacation destination to experience Wisconsin cabin culture. All were nourished with daily swimming in Superior, hikes at the state park, and hearty meals prepared in their tiny kitchen. The cabin is adorable, well stocked and private. My parents loved it." Marta
ABOUT
About Us
I found this fairy-tale-like setting for sale at midnight the weekend after Cecil, Addisu, and I saw the Indigo Girls concert at Big Top Chautauqua, in September 2013. One week later, we had an accepted offer and remodeling plans. We hope you enjoy Mosswood and our A-Frame Stuga* as much as we do. Stuga* means little cabin in Swedish. My mother is a Swedish speaking Finnish immigrant. I was fortunate to spend part of every summer of my childhood at Mormor's (grandmother) stuga called Bergud, on a 5 area peninsula 45 minutes west of Helsinki, Finland. Now Cecil, Addisu, Lina and I spend much of the summer and some fall/winter/spring weekends here. The rest of our lives we live in Viroqua, Wisconsin in our certified Passive Home.
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The A-Frame was originally built as a kit in the early 1980's by a knitter Hazel and her husband Jack. I met Hazel while conducting my Ph.D research on the island in 1995. She invited me for coffee here and taught me how to knit a Waldorf doll. I thought her property was magical with all the moss. Almost 20 years later I stumbled upon it for sale.
Our goal is to share Mosswood with family and friends who enjoy Madeline Island. Over time, we would love to create a sustainable community of guests to call Mosswood home for 3 days to a 3 weeks a year. Sisu Salutations, Sonya Newenhouse
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To see when Mosswood is available, check the calendar on the reservations page or email us with us with your questions. To keep the price of Mosswood reasonable, we prefer that you mail us a check for your deposit and reservation.
DIRECTIONS, MAP AND CONTACT INFO
Getting Here Madeline Island is one of the 22 Apostle Islands and is a 25 minute ferry ride away from Bayfield, in the northern tip of Wisconsin (WI). Bayfield is 5 hours north of Viroqua, WI, 5.5 hours north of Madison, 4 hours north east of Minneapolis, 7.5 hours north of Chicago, and far from anywhere else. Some guests fly into Minneapolis or Duluth or/and rent a car.
Pin is in wrong location. Mosswood is NE on shore.