Bayfield, Wisconsin, on the South Shore of Lake Superior, is known for much more than being the gateway to the Apostle Islands. From kayaking through sea caves and biking scenic trails to golfing with sweeping lake views and exploring orchards and historic lighthouses, the region has long been a destination for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Just outside the city limits sits Wild Rice Retreat, an award-winning wellness destination that is now expanding with intention through the introduction of a limited collection of just 17 Retreat Residences, now available for purchase.
Designed to offer a true sense of repose, the residences embrace turnkey simplicity with curated interiors, high-performance systems, and minimal day-to-day decision-making. Expertly crafted by HGA Architects, led by Joan Soranno, with landscapes designed by Travis Van Liere, every detail has been thoughtfully considered—from vaulted ceilings and soaking tubs to heated tile floors, Malm fireplaces, and cedar select tight-knot decking.
The materials, placement, scale, and rhythm of each residence are inspired by the surrounding landscape—shaping how the homes sit on the land, how pathways wind through the property, and how the community comes together. Buyers can choose from three distinct home designs: The Farmhouse, The Field Pair, and The Woodland.
When owners are away, a fully managed rental program handles bookings, guest services, maintenance, and operations, allowing owners to simply arrive, settle into rest, and return season after season without the responsibilities of managing a second home.
More than an expansion, these residences are an extension of Wild Rice Retreat's philosophy: slow down, reconnect, and return to what matters most. Owners become part of a fully realized wellness destination with access to daily programming, nourishing cuisine, sauna experiences, forest trails, yoga and movement classes, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces.
"There is a seismic shift in the travel industry toward prioritizing well-being and intentional scale over complexity and grandeur. The simplicity and connection back to nature of our new Retreat Residences allow both owners and guests to rediscover their essence, realign the mind, body and spirit, and return home from their journey restored, clear, and grounded."
— Heidi Zimmer, Founder, Owner & Developer
The expansion also includes plans for a meditation labyrinth, a lakeside sauna in collaboration with Superior Sauna, additions to the property's trail system, and hot-and-cold restorative pools.
Zimmer says the vision has never been about becoming larger—it's about becoming more intentional.
"We're choosing to grow by going deeper, not bigger, treating every new residence as a commitment to land, light, and the daily rituals that restore people. As we expand Wild Rice Retreat, I'm less interested in checking every resort amenity box and more interested in whether each decision feels honest to this place and to the people who come here to recalibrate. Values-led development means asking not 'How much can we build?' but 'What still feels like sanctuary and refuge?'—and being willing to leave anything out that doesn't align."
For more information about the Retreat Residences, visit andersonrealtymn.com/wildrice.
Watch a video on the projects here: https://vimeo.com/1150159756?fl=pl&fe=sh
Order Issue 32 of Lake and Company for the full publication: https://www.thelakeandcompany.com/collections/lake-and-company-magazines/products/issue-32-america-the-beautiful
