Cabin Buyer FAQs

  • No, our architectural team will have up to 5 cabin plans to choose from - we will take care of all the details! To protect owners and Wild Rice Retreat’s design integrity, restrictions and guidelines will be put in place so that owners adhere to the design, landscaping and other requirements of the development. Add-ons for personal sauna, screen porch, outdoor fireplace and other features will be part of the initial design process.

  • No – Wild Rice Land, LLC and Zimmer Development, LLC will hire contractors and homebuilders and oversee construction of your cabin. This is the ultimate opportunity for “I want a cabin in the woods” but someone else will build it for you!

  • No. You will have a choice from design packages that are pre-selected. If your home is professionally managed for rental income, you will be required to select from our furnishings package and offerings. If you want your home for personal use only, you do not have to participate in the furnishings program.

  • The new cabins will have full kitchens, dining areas, larger seating areas and desk/work space. All cabins will have fireplaces and private decks. Some cabins will have soaking tubs and private parking. All cabins will have beautiful natural materials and tons of natural light just as you have enjoyed with the lodging. Heated floors, wood walls and ceilings to minimize drywall, tile and durable services from sustainable materials. Air exchange systems and operable windows to bring nature in and healthy air flow.

  • Lots will likely range in size from 1/8 acre to 1 acre. With 40 cabin sites possible, lot prices will vary depending on size, views, and other features. A few may not include the underlying land. Current estimates are from $45,000 - $250,000 under “fee simple” structure (rather than condominium structure where you only own the air/wall rights). In this case, buyers would own the underlying land.

    The lot prices generally will be sold “as improved” and a higher price point than other raw land for sale in the region as lots will be fully developed with road access, infrastructure, sewer/water, internet access and land/homesites will be connected to the greater development, amenities, and benefits of being party of the Wild Rice Retreat community along with view of Lake Superior for many cabin sites.

  • Cabin sizes will range from 650 square feet (Nest plus a bit more) to 900 - 1000 square feet (Woodland Cabins = 2 BR/1 BA) to 1,300-1,400 square feet (Ridge Cabins - 2 BR/2BA). Cabins will have fireplaces, functional work and relaxation spaces, lockable owner storage and tons of natural light, large windows and privacy decks.

  • We are working diligently on this and hope to have a wide variety of price points to choose from. A likely range of $400,000 - $1M+ with averages in the $660,000. We are in pre-design, pre-pricing and gathering much information to inform those figures.

    There remains the potential for 1/2 shares and 1/4 shares of purchases (fractional ownership) that are exploring as well.

    We will update this information on a rolling basis with the disclosure here that these are preliminary estimates only and cannot be relied upon at this time.

  • Yes – cabin owners will share the revenue from participating in the rental pool making this a great investment property! WRR will manage all reservations, management and caretaking of the cabins as we expand our management services into the next phase.

  • No. All owner cabins participating in the rental pool must be professionally managed. Wild Rice Retreat’s management company will manage and list the cabin on the WRR website for rent and only guests of WRR managed cabins will have access to WRR meals and amenities.

  • There will be a management fee for cabin rentals in line with industry standards for our region/all seasons conditions. Those fees are passed on to the renter and built into the price of the nightly rental. Typical for this region is a 50/50 split. If the cabin rents for $500/night - the owner will receive 50% of that amount on a nightly basis. Our team will be happy to assist you with comparable property rates and returns once plans are finalized and cabins are ready for sale.

  • Yes – details and cost will be determined through the development of the covenants, restrictions, easements and final design and costs of the operations. Typical expenses include common area maintenance, utilities and reserves. The Association will be designed to preserve and protect the integrity of Wild Rice Retreat while affording owners the freedom and benefits of cabin living.

  • AlI cabin owners will enjoy access to all that Wild Rice Retreat has to offer in terms of classes and amenities during most times/days. Additional amenities including expansion of the sauna options, water and spa features, a new greenhouse and gardens, a labyrinth, on property trail system and more event and movement spaces are in the planning stages as well. Dining facilities and food/beverage will be available to owners for a fee with an option to be part of a membership club.

  • Schedules, dates, and rental contracts will be entered into on an annual basis. If there is a vacancy on the calendar, flexible arrangements will be possible for you to use the cabin at your leisure. We are still determining the number of weeks/months that will be required for availability in the rental pool to participate in the program, but there will be generous terms to owners who wish to have it for extended personal use.

  • For Phase 2 cabin owners, yes children are allowed. New amenities will be added to support onsite nature exploration, multigenerational amenities and forest curiosities for children. Importantly, ample adult only areas such as the WRR Main Retreat Center, sauna, and most classes will remain adults only during the majority of days and hours of operation. Bayfield and the Apostle Islands as a whole is a region full of adventure for children with hiking, sandy beaches, and much to explore nearby.

  • We are on track to have the first village's lots platted and available for reservations by Angel Investors by late fall 2024. We are hopeful to open up lots and cabin sales to all potential buyers by late winter of 2025

    Construction could commence on the first model cabins by summer 2025. We would love to welcome new owners later next year!

    Priority Angel Investors will be given first choice of lot reservations, followed by Preferred Investors, and the remaining lots will be available to all.

  • Yes, so that we are not under perpetual construction on the property, we will work with you to develop a reasonable timeline so that we have several cabins under construction at the same time to minimize disruption and secure the most competitive pricing. To purchase a lot, you should be prepared to be able to finance the construction of the cabin at the same time and be approved for up to 12-18 months of lot purchase.