Guests have been returning to the historic Red Bank Schoolhouse since 1992, when the owners lovingly restored this original schoolhouse. Nestled in the beautiful Dry Valley area of Townsend, Red Bank offers both mountain and pasture views, reminiscent of it's neighbor ...Cade's Cove, which can be enjoyed from the open deck, or covered porch. A quarter of a mile up the quiet country road is the border to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Schoolhouse Gap Road itself, offers a perfect early morning walk or biking trip, with misty meadows, roadside wildflowers, farming activity, and only an occasional passer by. At the house, guests enjoy all the comforts of home - a wood burning fireplace with it's hand-built Foxfire chimney, a rich library of area interests for the whole family, as well as films and music, as well as a new kitchen addition, sure to please cooks and non-cooks alike. Traditional furnishings, schoolhouse history, and artwork add a personal touch to this country home. Red Bank's gardens, lawn, and towering shade trees attract birds in all seasons and provide lots of friendly space for fun and games. The herd of cows across the road provide a constant source of natural entertainment from the deck or lawn swings. A stay in this century old landmark brings frequent comments to the Guestbook, such as ..."We leave rested and restored" ...."An inspirational place!" ...."a vacation we'll never forget" ....and "we'll be back!. While staying at this home, guests will have access to the Wild Laurel Fitness Center at NO charge, and access to the swimming pool for a small fee.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Townsend
Townsend is home to this holiday home. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Tuckaleechee Caverns and Dark Island Swinging Bridge. Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 7 min drive - 5.1 km
Townsend Visitor Center - 10 min drive - 9.4 km
Cades Cove - 30 min drive - 28.1 km
Dollywood - 42 min drive - 45.6 km
Getting around
Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 38 min drive
Restaurants
Peaceful Side Social - 11 min drive
The Townsend Abbey - 10 min drive
The Artistic Bean - 11 min drive
Apple Valley Cafe Express - 10 min drive
Little River Pub And Deli - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7 have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7 on 29 May 2026 start from AU$287, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7 pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Red Bank Schoolhouse | 3 BR/ 2 BA, Sleeps 7 located?
Situated in Townsend, this holiday home is 1.3 mi (2 km) from Tuckaleechee Caverns and within 6 miles (10 km) of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Dark Island Swinging Bridge. Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail and Townsend Visitor Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
8.0
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
House is old but expected.We had a very relaxing week and the house was more than what we expected.Wonderful views. Loved how the house had the backstory and the history of the property in the house.We will be returners.
We really enjoyed our stay in this old schoolhouse! It is filled with interesting information about its history and various occupants. There are several binders filled with pictures and stories from previous guests, which I spent a long time reading.The place does suffer from some age-related issues. The floor is uneven in places, and one of the breakers in the circuit box seems to trip randomly.
Patrick C.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Amy B.
9 July 2020
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Not as Pictured
First, the location and views are great. But pictures have to be from a decade ago. There needs to be updates and upgrades and the house needs to be leveled (like walking on a ship).
Cleaning and upkeep of the property really needs to be improved as well We come to the Smokies often. This would have been the worst rental, except for the views.
Amy B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
4/10 Poor
eric k.
6 July 2022
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Old school
The first thing we noticed when we pulled up is that there is absolutely no privacy . You share a driveway with the house immediately next door . There is a house directly behind the house the house immediately behind the house into the left and a house immediately below the house to the right . When you park your car you're actually closer to the neighbor's house then you are to the place you're renting. Like I said no privacy . Lovely hot tub on the deck , if you don't mind the neighbors watching you in it . There were roaches. The porches look like they have never been cleaned. The grill look like it had never been cleaned. When we cooked in the kitchen it smelled like bug poison . We knew when we rented that it was an old school house but there is a difference between rustic and nasty.
Beautiful place to stay. Very comfortable and they provide everything you need to cook with. The jacuzzi tub could use a privacy panel and it would have been better, for the hot tub to be under a shelter, as it rained everyday, but we really did enjoy our trip.
Great rustic cottage. Wonderful to have two showers for our family to use. The floor does slant because of age of the home so be careful if you are someone with balance issues.