We have a few weeks available for summer 2024. Please consider Kith+Kin for your family gathering, or friends getaway vacation.
We are open for the 2024 Season
May 1, 2024 - November 2, 2024. You can check current availability under the calendar menu selection.
We are filling up quickly so please call today for more information or to book your stay! 920-255-8295.
Welcome to
KITH + KIN
A gathering place for friends and family
Campfire sing-alongs, a child’s first back float, volleyball matches, cards with Grandma; these are the memories that are made at KITH + KIN. We chose to buy and restore this special place so all could experience that iconic Door County vacation. One group at a time uses KITH + KIN. There are three separate cottages, all restored, which have brand new baths and kitchens. Visitors enjoy the private dock and boats on our Kangaroo Lake waterfront, a communal screened-in dining and visiting area, and many other amenities. From our Bailey's Harbor location, it's easy to enjoy Door County's music, art, outdoor activities and excellent local food. Staying at Kith + Kin is so uncomplicated, the lake is so beautiful, and the sunsets so vivid that vacations here are truly magical.
Our Story
Gertrude Valentine boating on Kangaroo Lake with her family and friends
Our family has owned and loved our vintage home on another part of Kangaroo Lake for over a decade. A few years ago, a "For Sale" sign popped up down the road from us. KITH + KIN, which was developed as Birchwood Cottages in the early 1900s by the Valentine family, was for sale. The Esau family ran it under the name Villa Vista from 1965 and had decided to pass it on to a new owner. Although originally it consisted of nine cottages on Kangaroo Lake, today three remain part of this property. Every time we would drive by, our hearts would crack as we pictured the sweetly aging cottages destroyed and replaced by an ugly, rarely-used, fancy house! So we bought the property and, with the help of local craftspeople, restored its special beauty. Kith and Kin is an old english phrase that has evolved to mean friends and family. We renamed our cottages in the hope that every guest will experience the joy that comes from communing in nature with people you love.
Kith + Kin
From the moment you check in, we hope you can breathe deeply, relax and enjoy your kith and kin. Instead of sharing one big house, you have space to spread out; Kith + Kin consists of four buildings on 3 1/2 acres of lakefront. There is a place for everyone here: sleepy teenagers, old friends chatting into the night and even for those toddlers who are up and at 'em at 6:00 am! When it is time for your wider group to gather, Dot's Gathering Place offers communal dining, a kitchenette, an outdoor propane grill, and a new open garage area for socializing. There is a cozy fire pit for s'mores and songs. Enjoy the seasonal chef's herb garden, planted in a row boat, and ready for you to use. There is a dock and a great area for swimming and using the provided paddle boards and kayaks. There are no televisions on the property, although we have free broadband so you can bring your favorite internet device for work or personal use. Please peruse our Gallery for more impressions of KITH + KIN.
Sunnyside
Our largest cottage. Accommodates 11 in 3 private bedrooms and a loft, with easy staircase access, that's perfect for kids. The full kitchen opens to both the dining and living areas. Split unit heat pump provides both cooling and warming. Want quiet time? Sneak off to the private back porch with your favorite book.
Ridge
Our most intimate cottage, nestled next to the lake. There are an abundance of windows and the reflection of flickering waves provides an almost boat-like stay. This space offers the most privacy, comfortably sleeping 4 in two private bedrooms. Electric heat and no air conditioning, but you won't notice with fans, screens and a lakefront location! There is a daybed for naps and a kitchenette for light meals and snack creations.
Vista
Our lakefront cottage with a Scandinavian feel has beautiful water views, two bedrooms and a pullout couch. There's a clean new kitchen and modern bathroom. Split unit heat pump provides both cooling and warming.
Dot's Gathering Place
This is where everyone gathers for meals and group activities. The screened-in dining room porch seats 20+. The propane grill is just steps away. The adjoining garage/kitchen area provides space to serve a buffet style meal. There is a sink, a refrigerator/freezer, a microwave, and a toaster oven for use in meal preparation. Someone still asleep in your cottage? Come to Dot's in the morning, make yourself a cup of coffee and chat with other early birds! The adjoining lounge offers a game table and a children's play area. There is a washer/dryer provided here for your convenience. REMINDER: We have great wifi, if you bring your own devices, but we chose to go screen-free at Kith+Kin. (Don't worry - we can direct fall visitors to great local places to watch the Packers beat their opponents!)