Jon Kreye
Tucked into 80 wooded acres outside Superior, Wisconsin, near the southern shore of Lake Superior, Sölveig Stay is a masterclass in quiet luxury. Conceived from a repurposed shipping container and owned by Sophia and Matt McCann (along with Sophia’s parents), the retreat—open to guest stays—balances clean Scandinavian design with a profound respect for its Northwoods setting, proving that thoughtful architecture doesn’t require excess to leave a lasting impression.
Inside, warm wood finishes, restrained furnishings, and expansive windows dissolve the boundary between the indoors and out, allowing the surrounding forest to become the home’s defining feature. Every square foot is carefully considered, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate yet remarkably expansive. A cedar-lined indoor sauna, fireplace, and luxe linens reinforce the retreat’s restorative ethos, creating a sanctuary equally suited to quiet mornings and cozy evenings. Throughout the cabin, landscapes and still lifes by renowned Duluth artist Jeffrey T. Larson—whose atelier, the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art, is located nearby—deepen the retreat’s connection to the Northland. Guests who fall in love with a piece can even purchase the artwork, taking home a lasting reminder of their stay.
Outside, a cold plunge tub and spacious patio (featuring a smokeless fire pit) extend the living experience into the outdoors, inviting guests to slow down and settle into the rhythms of the surrounding landscape. That philosophy continues at nearby Sölveig Sento, the McCanns’ newly opened private forest spa inspired by traditional Japanese bathhouses. Together, the two retreats offer a compelling example of how intentional design, regional artistry, and the natural environment can converge to create spaces that feel timeless, deeply personal, and quietly unforgettable.
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