The Barbican in Sturgeon Bay offers 10 spacious suites—some even have two levels. And all have two rooms/areas—a sitting room and bedroom area.

Each is furnished in a unique way with antique and vintage furnishings, wallcoverings and carpeting.  Many have canopy beds.

Amenities common to all suites are: private bathroom, gas fireplace, whirlpool tub, queen-size bed, TV/cable and mini-refrigerator. 

Overview

Ten suites are available in two historic buildings in a convenient walk-to-town location in Sturgeon Bay.

Five suites are featured in one building, constructed in the 1870s for L.M. Washburn, a local lumber baron.

The other five suites are inside another house, known as the Gaede house, which was built for Washburn’s daughter, Emily Washburn Gaede in 1904.

Today, the Barbican managers, Nancy and Jim McDonald, just refer to the houses as the main building and its neighbor (to the north).

Each building has a lot of original architectural character—dark wood trim, hardwood floors, large and tall windows, high ceilings and much more.

If you relish vintage structures and furniture, the Barbican may appeal to you. 

Check-in

Register in the reception area of the main building. Hot drinks are available here. Nearby are brochures and information about Door County events and businesses.

Accommodations in the main building

Pine Suite (first floor): A multi-level suite with dark green carpeting and lots of exposed wood. Walk in and see your entire suite—upper and lower levels—from the entry.

Victoria Suite (first floor): Highlights of this suite include a whirlpool tub tucked behind French doors—very unique and pretty. The suite is also furnished with a canopy bed.

The Orchard Suite (first level) has a sunroom in addition to the sitting room and bedroom.

The Verandah Suite (second level) is the most popular suite at the Barbican. It’s named for its spacious verandah that gives guests an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as well as view.  The décor is light and airy—with lots of white and blue used in the decorating scheme.

Accommodations available in the Barbican’s second building are:

The Governor’s Suite (first level): This is a long room with a kind of urban feel to its shape. Two fireplaces are available including one fronting the whirlpool. One fireplace here is wood-burning, and the other is a gas fireplace.

The Library Suite (first level): When you enter this suite, you actually enter the bedroom area first, which is open to the sitting area.

Greenbrier Suite (second level): This is the only suite with painted walls (as opposed to wallpapered walls). The color of the decorating scheme here is green, of course. The vanity is adorable.

The Bridgeview Suite (second level): This is the smallest suite, but it is still a very nice size and the intimacy of it was pleasant and appealing—with the fireplace, chairs and tables near the bed.

The Cottage Suite: An outdoor deck is available to guests staying in this suite, which offers space on two levels

Breakfast

Nancy makes creative breakfasts (she was researching recipes just prior to our visit) and actually delivers them to guests’ doors. Sample entrees include caramel apple French stuffed toast and bacon/egg/cheese croissant sandwich and much more.

Location/summary

The Barbican has a wonderful location near Sturgeon Bay’s key attractions—Third Avenue shopping, the Maritime Museum, restaurants and more. 

If you like vintage décor and historic spaces along with a lot of space in a B&B, give the Barbican a call and tell them DoorCountyNavigator.com got you there.

 Features at a glance

• 10 suites in two historic buildings
• Vintage and antique furnishings
• Private bathroom, bedroom area, sitting area in each suite
• Whirlpool, fireplace, TV/cable, mini refrigerator in each suite

Walk to Sturgeon Bay attractions