Places to Stay : Sturgeon Bay

Black Walnut Guest House
454 N. Seventh Ave.
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-8892


It's always interesting to see how the Inns got their names, and Black Walnut is no different! There are three Black Walnut trees on the front lawn, they are the only walnut trees on the entire block! The house, which was built in 1899, was renovated by the previous owners, Mary and Jeff Serafico - restoring it to its grandeur while adding nice amenities as well. This inn is in a residential part of Sturgeon Bay, which is a unique feature, yet only about a half-block or so from the shops on Jefferson Street. The overall inn is eclectic in style, from cabin to Victorian! The inn was written up in the Milwaukee Journal in May 1999, in a special home and garden section. The new owners are Geri Ballard and Mike Shatusky, who are carrying on the great tradition of this wonderful home!

The sitting room is off to the left as you enter, and has 10 foot ceilings, an antique Garland upright piano, beautiful oak woodwork, with oak wainscoting in the foyer with period wallpapering, settee for lounging, brass and glass chandelier, and a beautiful rose scalloped border along the ceiling line! You really get a sense of turn-of-the-century walking in this cozy room.

We met with owner for about an hour, and she was very informative and gave us a first-class tour of the inn, which has four gracious and well-appointed guest rooms, all of which have gas fireplaces, whirlpools, queen-size beds, wet bars, a small refrigerator neatly tucked away, CD players, VCRs, air conditioning and ceiling fans! A delicious continental breakfast of homemade baked goods and fruit is served between 8 and 10AM and is included!

On to the rooms! OK, guys you will like ALL of these rooms! The Black Walnut did an outstanding job on decorating each of the four rooms that will appeal to both men and women without question!

The Cottage Room
The Cottage Room sports a very light feel, with white wainscoting, pale yellow and white striped wallpapering, shutters, an antique dresser and a wrought-iron bed frame! The whirlpool in this room is spectacular! Forming the back wall is a huge fish tank, which you can imagine is so soothing while soaking in the warm swirling waters! The part that?s under a ceiling peak is mirrored! There is also a deck that can be used! This is a great room that most any couple would enjoy!

The Cabin Room
The Cabin Room has vaulted, cedar-lined ceilings - all natural, some exposed original brick, a potbelly stove fireplace with exposed brick chimney, a mason jar lamp made by Mary and more! The theme is "natural" and you definitely get that feel in here! Relax on the antique rope bed (that's what originally held up the mattresses underneath, but this one has been modernized for convenience), and stare out at the stars through the skylight above! Lanterns, a tasteful grapevine wreath hanging from the ceiling, and a hand-painted saw-blade over the bathroom sink really completes the look and feel of nature, with comfort! The bath is done up in rich green and wood tones! There is also a deck that you can use! This is a great room that I would love to stay in!

The Arts & Crafts Room
The Arts & Crafts Room is decorated in period pieces from the arts and crafts era (around the early 1900's). The room boasts a vaulted ceiling, two-sided fireplace with a gorgeous mantel, deep green original mission pattern wallpapers (by Bradbury & Bradbury), oak chair rails and woodwork, and cream vaulted walls and ceiling! The bed frame is mission reproduction, there is an antique period armoire with center mirror, hand made during the period. The sitting room section ahs a whirlpool, 2 mission chairs (oak), and an antique sled that has been converted into a coffee table!

The Eastlake Room
The Eastlake Room is very popular with honeymooners, according to the owners! The room is unique in its use of space, as one or the previous owners, Jeff, used to build yachts at Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay and so a master at using space wisely! Here, the bed is angled in a corner, under a gable, and there is a fireplace and sitting chairs in the room as well! But the piece-de-la resistance is upstairs to the cupola! A staircase leads up to a double whirlpool, surrounded by windows with lace curtains! What a view of a sunny day or night sky!

The Details

Smoke-free rooms
(you can smoke on decks and porches)

No room phones! There is a house phone available

Adults only
No pets
Open Year-Round!

RATES you should always check with the innkeeper for the most accurate rates, but this will give you a general feel (call or visit their website): from $110 - $155 per night, double occupancy, depending on season and the room selected!

We think you will find this inn charming, away from the crowds, yet convenient enough to fine shopping, restaurants and more! And Sturgeon Bay is only about 15 miles or so from Egg Harbor to the north! So head to the Black walnut Guest House for a wonderful time - and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Make sure to visit their website for more information!

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