Entire home
Watch Hill Luxury by the Sea, Iconic 1852 School House, Beside Ocean House Hotel
Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony
Photo gallery for Watch Hill Luxury by the Sea, Iconic 1852 School House, Beside Ocean House Hotel
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 684.7 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Westerly, RI
- Place, East Beach Watch Hill6 min walk
- Place, Watch Hill Lighthouse13 min walk
- Place, Misquamicut State Beach6 min drive
- Airport, Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State)8 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Guest Bedroom
2 Single Beds
Living Room 1
1 Queen Bed
Master Bedroom
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Guest Bedroom Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Master Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Watch Hill Luxury by the Sea, Iconic 1852 School House, Beside Ocean House Hotel
“Featured in Architectural Digest’s ‘15 Incredible Former Schoolhouses You Can Spend the Night In,’ this historic home is now exclusively available for the first time on VRBO.”
Step back in time while enjoying every modern comfort at The School House, a historic 1852 school lovingly transformed into a cozy oceanfront bungalow. Located directly beside the iconic Ocean House Hotel, this cottage offers the best of both worlds: the charm of Watch Hill history and the luxury of seaside living—with direct access to a private residents’ beach, monitored by security to ensure exclusive access for residents and their guests.
A Storied Past
Once a classroom for local children and later “Miss Stevenson’s Little Shop” for over 30 years, the cottage was ultimately re-imagined as a private residence. Its heritage lives on through soaring vaulted ceilings and original hand-hewn beams revealed during renovation—blending old-world craftsmanship with an airy, coastal design.
Comfort & Layout
The open-concept plan creates a light-filled space where the living room, kitchen, and dining area flow together beneath dramatic beams and ocean-view windows. French doors lead to a private porch overlooking views to the ocean, while a newly landscaped side yard offers a perfect spot for cocktails, grilling, or dining al fresco against a backdrop of ocean breezes.
2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Sleeps 6
Primary suite with king bed and en-suite bath
Guest room with two twin beds and full bath
Living area with pull-out sofa and fireplace
Amenities
Air conditioning
Full kitchen with Bosch washer/dryer
Private parking for 3 vehicles ONLY, no street parking
Porch with ocean views
Landscaped 40-foot side yard with dining area
Direct access to neighborhood, security-patrolled beach
The Experience
Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee steps from the sand, savoring a glass of wine on the patio at sunset, or strolling next door for cocktails or dinner at the Ocean House, your stay feels like a private suite within a five-star resort—yet with the privacy and comfort of your own seaside cottage.
The School House is sheer Watch Hill perfection—historic, charming, and just steps from your own private residents’ beach.
Step back in time while enjoying every modern comfort at The School House, a historic 1852 school lovingly transformed into a cozy oceanfront bungalow. Located directly beside the iconic Ocean House Hotel, this cottage offers the best of both worlds: the charm of Watch Hill history and the luxury of seaside living—with direct access to a private residents’ beach, monitored by security to ensure exclusive access for residents and their guests.
A Storied Past
Once a classroom for local children and later “Miss Stevenson’s Little Shop” for over 30 years, the cottage was ultimately re-imagined as a private residence. Its heritage lives on through soaring vaulted ceilings and original hand-hewn beams revealed during renovation—blending old-world craftsmanship with an airy, coastal design.
Comfort & Layout
The open-concept plan creates a light-filled space where the living room, kitchen, and dining area flow together beneath dramatic beams and ocean-view windows. French doors lead to a private porch overlooking views to the ocean, while a newly landscaped side yard offers a perfect spot for cocktails, grilling, or dining al fresco against a backdrop of ocean breezes.
2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Sleeps 6
Primary suite with king bed and en-suite bath
Guest room with two twin beds and full bath
Living area with pull-out sofa and fireplace
Amenities
Air conditioning
Full kitchen with Bosch washer/dryer
Private parking for 3 vehicles ONLY, no street parking
Porch with ocean views
Landscaped 40-foot side yard with dining area
Direct access to neighborhood, security-patrolled beach
The Experience
Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee steps from the sand, savoring a glass of wine on the patio at sunset, or strolling next door for cocktails or dinner at the Ocean House, your stay feels like a private suite within a five-star resort—yet with the privacy and comfort of your own seaside cottage.
The School House is sheer Watch Hill perfection—historic, charming, and just steps from your own private residents’ beach.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
BetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Waterfront in the heart of Watch Hill
Waterfront in the heart of Watch Hill
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Air conditioning
10.0 out of 10, (25 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 35
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Leave no dirty dishes, clean all dishes and return to proper location. Shut lights, Strip beds and leave linens at end of bed
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number RE.08148-STR, 09/14/2026
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Westerly
Located in Westerly, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Misquamicut State Beach and popular attractions include Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration and Mystic Seaport. Ninigret and The Flying Horse Carousel are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Westerly, RI
What's nearby
- Ninigret - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
- East Beach Watch Hill - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- The Flying Horse Carousel - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Watch Hill Lighthouse - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
- Misquamicut State Beach - 6 min drive - 4.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Windjammer Surf Bar - 8 min drive
- Andrea Seaside Restaurant & Bar - 5 min drive
- Breakwater - 19 min drive
- Paddy's Restaurant & Hotel - 6 min drive
- Maria's Seaside Cafe - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to leave a review for this property after your stay.
About the host
Hosted by Kevin Lacilla
We’re Kerri and Kevin Lacilla, lifelong New Englanders who love the charm, history, and natural beauty of coastal Rhode Island. Watch Hill has always held a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited to share The School House with guests who want to experience seaside living at its best.
When we’re not hosting, we enjoy spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling. As hosts, we take pride in creating a welcoming, comfortable space where you can relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. Our goal is to provide the same experience we’d want for ourselves—clean, well-cared-for, and filled with thoughtful touches.
We look forward to welcoming you to Watch Hill and hope you enjoy this historic and truly special property as much as we do.
When we’re not hosting, we enjoy spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling. As hosts, we take pride in creating a welcoming, comfortable space where you can relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. Our goal is to provide the same experience we’d want for ourselves—clean, well-cared-for, and filled with thoughtful touches.
We look forward to welcoming you to Watch Hill and hope you enjoy this historic and truly special property as much as we do.
Why they chose this property
I chose Watch Hill because it offers an unparalleled combination of history, coastal beauty, and community character. The School House itself is a historic landmark, originally built in 1852, and its location places it at the very heart of this exceptional village and just 50 steps from the iconic and luxurious Ocean House Hotel.
The neighborhood is distinguished by its natural setting — bordered by pristine beaches, dramatic ocean views, and tree-lined streets filled with classic New England architecture. It is both serene and accessible: steps from boutique shops, cafés, and the Ocean House resort, yet private enough to feel like a retreat.
What I value most is the unique atmosphere of Watch Hill. It has a timeless quality, where historic charm and modern amenities coexist. The area attracts a community that appreciates preservation, quality, and coastal living, making it one of the most desirable and refined neighborhoods in Rhode Island.
The neighborhood is distinguished by its natural setting — bordered by pristine beaches, dramatic ocean views, and tree-lined streets filled with classic New England architecture. It is both serene and accessible: steps from boutique shops, cafés, and the Ocean House resort, yet private enough to feel like a retreat.
What I value most is the unique atmosphere of Watch Hill. It has a timeless quality, where historic charm and modern amenities coexist. The area attracts a community that appreciates preservation, quality, and coastal living, making it one of the most desirable and refined neighborhoods in Rhode Island.
What makes this property unique
The School House is unique because it is both a historic landmark and a thoughtfully updated coastal residence. Originally constructed in 1852 as a one-room schoolhouse, the property carries a rich local heritage that few homes in Watch Hill can match. Its architectural details — vaulted ceilings, exposed hand-hewn beams, and preserved historical character — distinguish it from typical beach cottages or new construction.
What further sets it apart is its location. The School House is positioned in the very center of Watch Hill village, only 50 steps from the iconic Ocean House hotel, offering immediate access to the beaches, shops, and resort amenities while still providing privacy and the charm of a stand-alone home. At just under 1,000 square feet, it delivers a rare combination of intimacy, history, and prestige within one of New England’s most exclusive coastal neighborhoods.
Adding to its uniqueness, the School House was once part of the prestigious Ocean House Collection of Cottages, offered directly through the hotel. It is now being made available exclusively by the owner, allowing guests to enjoy the same caliber of luxury and proximity to Ocean House Hotel with the privacy of an independently offered historic home.
This blend of historical significance, architectural authenticity, and unmatched proximity to the Ocean House is what makes the School House truly one-of-a-kind.
What further sets it apart is its location. The School House is positioned in the very center of Watch Hill village, only 50 steps from the iconic Ocean House hotel, offering immediate access to the beaches, shops, and resort amenities while still providing privacy and the charm of a stand-alone home. At just under 1,000 square feet, it delivers a rare combination of intimacy, history, and prestige within one of New England’s most exclusive coastal neighborhoods.
Adding to its uniqueness, the School House was once part of the prestigious Ocean House Collection of Cottages, offered directly through the hotel. It is now being made available exclusively by the owner, allowing guests to enjoy the same caliber of luxury and proximity to Ocean House Hotel with the privacy of an independently offered historic home.
This blend of historical significance, architectural authenticity, and unmatched proximity to the Ocean House is what makes the School House truly one-of-a-kind.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback