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
School House B&BRocheport, Mo.
In the quaint Missouri River town of Rocheport, between St. Louis and Kansas City, this former schoolhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "The building dates to 1914 and served as a school until 1972," Soule says. "Reopened as a B&B in 1988, it is beautifully restored and decorated, with all the amenities guests expect. Its old-fashioned schoolhouse charm inspired Hallmark to choose this B&B for a series of greeting cards." 573-698-2022; schoolhousebb.com
Washington School InnPark City, Utah
The original schoolhouse, built in 1889 and containing three large classrooms, was considered one of the finest schools in the state at the time. "The limestone building was one of the few structures in town to survive a major fire in 1898," Soule says. "It was renovated in 1984 and converted into an elegant bed-and-breakfast inn. The building's original coal cellar — now housing a spa and ski locker facility — was said to be a popular place for student mischief." 800-824-1672; washingtonschoolinn.com
Old Schoolhouse B&BFort Davis, Texas
About 60 miles north of Big Bend National Park in South Texas, this former small-town schoolhouse was built in 1904. "Now a comfortable inn situated in a pecan grove, the building sports 22-inch-thick adobe walls and ceiling-high windows," Soule says. The inn's three cozy guest rooms are aptly named the Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic Rooms. Guests can digest their ample breakfasts while relaxing on a large, shady deck. 432-426-2050; schoolhousebnb.com
Barclay CottageVirginia Beach
Built in 1895, Barclay Cottage is one of two remaining original beach cottages in Virginia Beach. In 1916, schoolteacher Lillian Barclay moved in — and for the next 50 years, ran a combination lodging house and primary school. "Lillian closed the school in 1972 when she turned 80, but she continued to host guests in the Victorian-style inn until she passed away in 1989," Soule says. Today's guests can still borrow books from the inn's library. 866-466-1895; barclaycottage.com
Lebanon Schoolhouse B&BCortez, Colo.
Just north of the town of Cortez in the scenic Four Corners Region, this 1907 Greek Revival-style schoolhouse was reborn as a B&B in the 1980s. "The playground still sports the original merry-go-round," Soule says. Five antiques-furnished guest rooms complement a large common area that features the school's original grandfather clock. Guests can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, winter skiing and visiting the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings in nearby Mesa Verde National Park. 877-882-4461; lebanonschoolhouse.com
The Old Schoolhouse B&B Waukau, Wis.
This former 1926 schoolhouse bills itself as a place where "not only can you sleep in class — we encourage you to do so!" Each of the four guest rooms is named for a teacher who taught there, Soule says. "The original hardwood floors remain throughout the inn, as do some of the old desks and chairs." A cozy loft library overlooking the main sitting area is stocked with books, puzzles and board games, and a large yard and nearby nature preserve provide outdoor options. 920-685-7320; theoldschoolhouse.biz