Country House Resort Tribune Review

Country House Resort
715 N. Highland Rd.
Sister Bay, Wis.

There are plenty of romantic inns and hotels in Door County where couples can go to conceive a family, but there appear to be precious few places to stay once those kids actually arrive--especially at the more luxurious price points. Thank goodness for the Country House Resort in Sister Bay.

OK, the place is billed as an adult retreat (read that to mean quiet, quiet, quiet) and the amenities are squarely aimed at mature guests (the round swimming pool is purely for dipping and a sedate breast stroke), but you can at least get through the door with a kid 13 years of age or older.

Set on a bluff overlooking Green Bay and charming Sister Bay, the view is the thing here, and the complex is wisely arranged to take full advantage of the resort's 27 mostly wooded acres. The village itself is a quick walk away down a rustic path that skirts the water's edge.

CHECKING IN: Guests check in at the property's original 1907 house, "Forest Idyll." The staff is friendly, efficient and very knowledgeable about the local scene.

ROOMS: With 46 rooms and suites, the Country House Resort looks more like vacation condos than a cozy inn. The general look is pleasantly forgettable, neither offending nor impressing. But do count on all the details being covered expertly, from comfortable king-size beds to a collection of aromatic toiletries from Lord & Mayfair to fluffy pool towels to plenty of wood hangers. All rooms are non-smoking.

Our second floor suite--room 602--was large enough that it could hold six people. The unit had cathedral ceilings, skylights, large windows, a private balcony and a loft containing a second king-size bed, closet and full bathroom.

The entrance opens directly onto the master bedroom; the immediacy is a bit disconcerting, but the water view is wisely reserved for the living room. Despite this, the master bedroom is quite private, especially since two sets of doors close the space off from the rest of the unit. The living room offers a queen-size sleeper sofa, easy chair and gas-powered fireplace. A cabinet over the fireplace holds a TV and sound system; speakers mounted throughout the unit bring the music to you. A Jacuzzi tub big enough for two is tucked under the stairs up to the loft. There's a small dining area with table and chairs for four, a microwave oven, coffee maker, small refrigerator and wet bar. Dishes and cutlery are also stocked.

BATHROOM: Plenty of towels, soaps and shampoos. Right outside the master bathroom is a dressing area complete with a second sink, wall-mounted blow-dryer, hand towels and a full-length mirror.

ROOM SERVICE: None, but the staff will fill special requests, from bottles of champagne to flowers.

PERKS & PEEVES: What draws visitors to Door County is the region's natural beauty. The Country House Resort smartly plays on its location, not only with the water views but with landscaped grounds, bubbling fountains and colorful gardens. Everywhere you look something beautiful seems to be growing. Guests may sign out rowboats and bicycles, play tennis, or luxuriate in the giant heated whirlpool. The room rate includes a breakfast buffet--hot and cold cereal, pastries, French toast, English muffins, cheese and cold cuts, yogurt, fruit. It's good but not gourmet. And peeled banana halves wrapped inexplicably in plastic wrap are not an appetizing touch to the buffet table. The coffee (served in foam cups) is drinkable, just.

The dining area doubles as a general gathering place for guests. Newspapers are available for reading, various books are stacked on shelves for borrowing. Bring your laptop if you're so inclined--the resort offers free wireless Internet access. Otherwise you may be in for a wait to use the one computer terminal available to guests.

KID FRIENDLY: Youngsters must be 13 years or older. Given the low-key, adult attitude, Country House Resort isn't the place for rowdier teens. Thank goodness my daughter, Caroline, just wanted to watch TV and play with her digital camera.

BOTTOM LINE: The resort--open year-round--usually requires a three-night stay on weekends in-season, two nights during the off-season. Country House offers various packages, including mid-week specials, theater nights and art gallery visits. A deposit of 50 percent is required to hold the reservation and is refundable less a $20 handling fee if the reservation is cancelled two weeks or more before arrival. Room 602 is $279 a night for three people ($250 for two). Tax is 5 1/2 percent. Three rooms are handicap accessible. 800-424-0041; country-house.com.

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A Door County resort with a view