Welcome to the flatwater loft
The Flatwater Loft is a beautifully restored building on Ashland's Historic Main Street. Originally dating from 1939, the 4 bedroom 2 bath apartment has been updated to revive its 1940s charm with modern amenities, blending vintage character with today's creature comforts.
From the living room, enjoy views of Lake Superior, Ashland's historic murals, and sunsets across the Chequamegon Bay. Perched above Ashland's Historic Main Street, The Flatwater Loft provides easy walking access to all major sites and amenities in Ashland - Main Street, the lake walk, marina, murals, and starting line for local races and events.
The Flatwater Loft is an ideal location to base your North Woods adventures:
- Participating in local races like Book Across the Bay, The Whistlestop, or the Birkie
- Visiting the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Enjoying a show at the Big Top Chautauqua, Stage North, or the Backstage
- Skiing or biking the many trails at Mt. Ashwabay or Ironwood's ABR Trails
- Celebrating a wedding or special event at The Union (just 50 feet from The Flat!)
- Just looking for some adventure and relaxation.
We offer a fully curated short-term rental designed to give guests a true taste of big lake living. We’re proud to share this slice of Ashland with you — and hope it feels like your home away from home.
Historic charm meets modern amenities
You’ll find modern amenities — high-speed Wi-Fi, curated artwork, and plush linens — balanced with timeless comfort.
Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend or an extended stay, the space adapts to your pace. For couples, families, and small groups, it’s a place to reconnect — with each other, with nature, and with yourself.
To make your stay as comfortable as can be, The Flatwater Loft offers:
- 4 bedrooms featuring queen beds, plenty of pillows, black out curtains, closets with hangers, luggage racks, & bedside charging stations
- 2 full bathrooms, newly renovated and including a bathtub/shower and a walk-in shower
- Fully equipped kitchen with new appliances - ready for you to make a home cooked meal
- Coffee supplies to get you started in the morning - coffee maker, French press, electric kettle, plus coffee and tea provided
- 55" smart TV with Guest Mode that lets you sign in to your favorite streaming services and automatically be logged out at checkout
- High speed Wi-Fi and easy self check-in via a SmartLock
- Sunporch with a desk workspace including an external monitor and HDMI-to-USB-C cable
- Record player with Bluetooth connection to play your music, and Google Chromecast to cast/AirPlay shows, photos, or music on the TV
- Board games, puzzles, books, cards, backgammon, and cribbage
- Ironing board and iron available for guests. Laundry available on request.
- Onsite, off-street parking for multiple cars
- A customized guidebook highlighting the best sites & activities
your basecamp in the Bay
Set right in the heart of downtown Ashland, The Flatwater Loft places you steps from local cafés, boutiques, and the waterfront trail.
From The Flatwater Loft, you're just a couple minutes walk from:
- The Waterfront Trail - 11.5 miles of paved trail that takes you along the lakeshore and through Ashland
- Ashland marina & Kreher Park boat launch
- The start/finish for Book Across the Bay and the Whistlestop
- The Union event venue
- Boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, Walgreens, and the vintage movie theater
Park your car for the weekend and enjoy small town living with easy walking access to everything you need.
From your window...
Watch the sunset with your favorite beverage, right from the living room!
Sip coffee with a good book on the south-facing sun porch, with included desk & monitor for remote work
Enjoy local parades, festivals, and the fireworks from your centrally located basecamp
In winter, enjoy the cozy glow of the loft’s windows after a day exploring snow-covered trails or nearby ski hills.
Just down the street....
Go for a walk, run, or cycle along the 11.5 mile Waterfront Trail
Stroll down Main Street to view the murals and pick up some local treats from the Black Cat cafe, Ashland Baking Company, and the Chequamegon Food Co-op.
Visit Ashland's many boutiques and shops owned by local vendors, including The Union Boutique, Birch 303, Red Bicycle, Home Expressions, and many more.
A short drive up the bay...
Hike to waterfalls and views at nearby trails - St. Peter's Dome, Houghton Falls, and many more
Pop over to Bayfield to ferry out to Madeline Island, catch a show at the Big Top Chautauqua, or take a sailing trip in the Apostle Islands.
Mountain bike, downhill ski, or cross-country ski at Mt. Ashwabay's 40 km of groomed trails
