10 great places for studied relaxation

— -- Kids may not be pleased that a new school year has begun, but for couples who seek a getaway, back-to-school season my be just the ticket. Many old schoolhouses nationwide have been converted into comfortable bed-and-breakfast inns — where the Three R's stand for rest, romance and relaxation. Sandy Soule of bedandbreakfast.com shares her list of favorites with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Noftsger Hill Inn B&BGlobe, Ariz.

Built in 1907, this onetime elementary school lists several notable Arizonans among its alumni, including former governor Rose Mofford. "The old classrooms are now spacious guest rooms, each with a sitting area and fireplace," Soule says. "Guests can leave their thoughts and comments on the original chalkboards." Ample breakfasts are served in what used to be the kindergarten wing. 877-780-2479; noftsgerhillinn.com

Carr ManorCripple Creek, Colo.

"What was once the Cripple Creek High School is today a delightfully appointed boutique inn," Soule says. One of the region's original Mining District schools, the inn served as a school for more than 70 years before being converted into a small hotel in 1983. "The ballroom still sports the stage where students performed, and the grand central staircase brings back the days when kids scrambled to get to class." 719-689-3709; carrmanor.com

Davie School InnAnna, Ill.

This elegant three-story brick schoolhouse, opened in 1869 and closed in 1996, sat empty until its rebirth as a hostelry in 2002. "The inn has all the modern comforts and conveniences you would expect — including double whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms," Soule says. "But the atmosphere of the old schoolhouse has been delightfully retained." 618-833-2377; davieschoolinn.com

Chambéry InnLee, Mass.

Tucked away in the Berkshire Hills, this 19th-century parochial school reopened as a country inn in 1990. "Spacious, 500-square-foot suites with canopied beds, eight-foot windows and warming fireplaces contribute to the ambience of this gracious inn," Soule says. "A breakfast basket is delivered daily to your door, making breakfast in bed an ideal option." 800-537-4321; chamberyinn.com