Picturesque School House Retreat

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6153 sq m

Popular amenities

Fireplace

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Check out the area

Meaford, ON

Lora Bay Golf Club20 min drive
Blue Mountain Beach25 min drive
Owen Sound, ON (YOS-Billy Bishop Regional)29 min drive
Blue Mountain Village33 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Relaxing week-end get-a-ways in a tranquillity of the Century-Old Minnie Hill School House nestled on 2.75 acres of Secluded Luscious Green Grounds ... it's the laid back atmosphere, where the time stops ... and family & friends gather together.

Almost a Century-Old Minnie Hill School House is nestled on Rolling Hills of Grey County on the outskirts of small towns of Meaford & Thornbury.

Built in 1917 the School House with its original Bell Tower welcomed many kids up to mid-1970. Back then, boys and girls entered school separately through 2 entrances, one from South side, second one from North. Today, both entrances make interior space still accessible from outdoors.

Its original "School Room" houses today's Spacious Living & Dining Rooms where original black chalk boards exhibit colourful creations by kids and adults alike. Soothing interior décor relaxes the mind and offers pristine landscape views all-year-round.

Fully equipped Country-Style Kitchen and outdoor propane barbecue allow for preparing yummy family feasts. Rustic Cabana Seating overlooking 2.75 acres of luscious greens provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor entertainment and tranquillity. Enjoy a bonfire and star gazing at night ... you might see a shooting star.

Sleeping at the School House:
… "Modern Rustic" … Exposed brick bedroom with Queen-size bed with views of green grounds with mature trees & a private walk out to an oversized 30x12 feet deck.

… "Dreamy Oasis" … Bedroom with Queen-size bed ... for those who need complete darkness to take rejuvenating sleeps.

… "The Barn" ... Simply furnished attic bedroom with 2 Single beds … where adults revisit their childhood dreams and kids just love sleeping in.

The 4-piece bathroom has antique claw tub with a shower, toilet, sink and shelving with baskets to store all your toiletries.

Internet is available for guests. There is no TV. You’re welcome to use an original school desk for creative writing or working on your laptop.

Electric baseboard heating supplements propane fireplace heating in Living/Dining area in winter months. Triple brick walls will keep you cool during warm summer months.

When coming in May/June, you'll smell beautifully scented lilacs ... in June/July, you might be lucky to enjoy sweet & sour organic cherries ... in Late September & October, you might taste organic apples ... all grow in the garden surrounding the School House.

For more fresh organic produce, bread and protein, visit any of the many farmers’ market stores along Hwy 26 ... best way to get there is bicycle or car.

Oh, and one of the many locally made pies is a must! ... Thornbury Berry Pie and Sour Cherry Pie are my favourites.

Property manager

Alena

Languages

Czech, English

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Fireplace

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

mi casa, su casa ... Enjoy! Opening & Closing Tips are left on dining room table.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Meaford

Located in Meaford, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Huron and Blue Mountain Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Blue Mountain Village, or check out an event or a game at Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.

Meaford, ON

What's nearby

Lora Bay Golf Club - 20 min drive
Blue Mountain Beach - 25 min drive
Blue Mountain Ski Resort - 31 min drive
Blue Mountain Village - 33 min drive
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain - 34 min drive

Getting around

Kitchener, ON (YKF-Region of Waterloo Intl.) - 144 min drive

Restaurants

The Dam Pub - 14 min drive
McDonald's - 12 min drive
The Leeky Canoe Pub & Eatery - 14 min drive
Tim Hortons - 12 min drive
Rocklyn Inn Ice Cream & Snack Shop - 17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Picturesque School House Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Picturesque School House Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Picturesque School House Retreat?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Picturesque School House Retreat located?

This family-friendly Meaford cottage is located in a rural location, 6 mi (9.7 km) from Lake Huron, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Georgian Bay and Lora Bay Golf Club. Bayview Escarpment Provincial Park and Thornbury Harbour are also within 12 miles (20 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Hélène L.

10 July 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A charming house

This property is full of character and history. It's in a very quiet area, close to the waterfront and small shops. A very large yard with plenty of room for children to play. Pleasant outdoor pavilion with BBQ and swing. Soft, clean bedding and towels. We had a lot of fun as a family with the school board. Please note: There's no real air-conditioning, but the large windows keep the house cool. C'est une propriété qui a beaucoup de cachet et rempli d'histoire. Elle est dans un secteur très tranquille et à proximité du bord de l'eau et des petits commerces. Une court très grande qui laisse de la place aux enfants pour s'amuser. Agréable pavillon extérieur avec BBQ et balançoire. Literie et serviette de bain douces et propre. Nous nous sommes bien amuser en famille avec le tableau d'école. À noter: Il n'y a pas de réelle climatisation par contre les grandes fenêtres qui rafraîchissent la maison.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dean B., Canada

5 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historical Stay

My family was the first owner, 1969, of this one room school house. Rustic then, and a family retreat for 15 years. Upgraded now. Just interesting to have our daughters and a granddaughter to enjoy similar time.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary

10 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Interesting historical location. Comfortable. Farmers' markets nearby were nice; good pies. Quiet and relaxing. Great and large outdoor space. Lots of nearby scenic views and photo ops.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hareem A.

1 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on Earth

Our stay was the most delightful and relaxing all thanks to the amazing location, build, atmosphere and character of this historical cottage. Very clean and thoughtfully designed to give the feeling of home. Plenty of amenities like extra towels, board games, fridge, stove, cooking supplies and more to ensure that everything needed for a enjoyable trip is present. Please don’t hesitate if thinking about staying at this location, you won’t regret it.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nadia G.

6 Feb 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An historic school house with much charm

A very nice stay in a unique renovated school house. Close to the ski resorts for skiing, the Scandinavian Spa and the small towns.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alena

... the School House & it's location lets me explore all my interests ... I love the century old homes, their architecture, uniqueness & history, Renovations, dinner parties, gardening, barbequeing, bonfire, watching the stars, luscious greens, exploring local antique stores & galleries, skiing ... it's a perfect place to relax & rejuvenate

Why they chose this property

I stumbled upon the School House back in the summer long weekend of 2012, when I was helping a friend to find a cottage in the area ... totally unexpected, I found one for myself ... it was a love at first site - the school house took me on a memory lane of magical family holidays of my childhood ... a few short months later, I became a happy owner & started with a brush & a few cans of paint to bring the calming palette of white and greyish-blue to let the outdoor in ...

What makes this property unique

I love the quietness, peacefulness & uniqueness of the School House & it's perfect setting for entertainment ... stunning views of luscious green gardens, the ever changing seasons - each with it's special treats - dandelion fields, goosberries, red currants, sweet & sour cherries, organic apples, colour full leafs, white snowy covers ... the birdies that return year after year, deer that snack on apples ... it's truly a special place where everyone feels at ease.