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Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country

Photo gallery for Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, books
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country

Historic Hills School is a 1916 brick schoolhouse completely renovated in 2020 to create a dramatic but cozy home away from home. Original details of the structure and classrooms have been maintained or re-purposed where possible, and the decor showcases photos and stories of the days when this beautiful property was filled with the shouts and laughter of local K-8 students.

Hang your hat in the period-tiled front entry that features wainscoting from the original cloakroom and step up to an awe-inspiring space. Soaring 12' ceilings and magnificent large windows capture the changing country light morning to night in the spacious bedrooms and open living space. Modern amenities are incorporated to anticipate your every comfort in this quiet, relaxing wooded setting.

Bedrooms feature queen beds with heated mattress pads, ceiling fans, and large closets. Curl up with a good book and cozy throw. Bathrooms have new tile, modern fixtures, and large glass-enclosed showers. One has a restored claw foot tub.

Gather round the 10' island and gas fireplace in the fully equipped SS cook's kitchen, where you can cook and bake - or just warm up those leftovers! Share a cup of coffee, glass of wine, or full meal at the island, seated on original desk seats - or take a seat at the large dining table (seating 6-8) in front of the original chalkboard.

Staying several days or here for a special occasion? A full service laundry room with large washer and dryer, detergent, iron and ironing board is provided for your use.

The house includes high speed internet and WiFi, as well as wireless charging stations for phones in bedrooms and living room (USB charging jacks are in lamp bases of one bedroom).
65" smart TV with sound bar, books, magazines and games. The sound bar is Bluetooth so you can play your favorite music from your mobile device.

Outside, enjoy the new back deck, outdoor eating area, gas grill, and fire pit (wood provided) with views to woods and neighboring farmland. Walk to nearby wineries or take a short drive to restaurants, wineries/breweries/distilleries, beaches, parks, and shopping.

Come to Hills School 1916 any time of year, and make your own memories to add to those of the many children who entered these doors from 1916 to 1956. I look forward to welcoming you!

Property manager

Ann

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Ice maker
  • Paper towels

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

-The District 5 Schoolhouse-
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
-The District 5 Schoolhouse-

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 28

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Open stairs may be unsuitable for young children.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country Buchanan

About the neighborhood

Map
Buchanan, MI

What's nearby

  • Tabor Hill Winery - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Round Barn Winery - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Lemon Creek Winery - 11 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Andrews University - 15 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Warren Dunes State Park - 18 min drive - 14.5 km

Getting around

  • Niles Station - 28 min drive
  • South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Wolverine Gardens - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Baroda Party Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Lydia's Down Home Cooking - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Getaway Cubbie Bar - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Hickory Creek Winery, Tabor Hill Winery, and Round Barn Baroda Tasting Room & Estate. Round Barn Winery and Boyle Lake State Wildlife Area are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Hills School - Historic Comfort in SW MI Wine Country Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sandy H., Grand Blanc, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Birthday Celebration
Wow, what an amazing stay! The school house is so beautiful and we loved reading the history & looking at the school house/children’s pictures. It was the perfect spot for our month long November birthday celebrations 😊 Had a great time visiting the wineries, as well! Ann, thank you so much for sharing your school house and for your warm hospitality 💜
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet D., Lowell, IN

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home
What a great experience staying at the schoolhouse! The space is exactly as pictured. The kitchen is well equipped with everything we needed. Ann was a pleasure to work with! She was very responsive to any question I had and even suggested an outing for us. We’ve stayed at plenty of VRBO’s, and this one is one of the very best. If you are considering staying here, don’t hesitate- book it!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Property
The house was great and better than expected. The pictures were accurate and the host was great. I would definitely stay here again. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin T.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Unique and Wonderful Stay
My husband and I fell in love with this beautifully renovated Schoolhouse. The stunning décor of this home made us feel like we were staying in a lovely boutique hotel with loads of historical charm. The house was so comfortable, clean, and extremely well equipped with everything we could possibly need. During our two-night stay we especially enjoyed walking the hiking trails at nearby Tabor Hills Winery. We also loved walking around nearby downtown Three Oaks, MI where we played the unique Welter’s Folly 18-hole putting green at Journeyman Distillery. We also had a delicious casual dinner at Round Barn Brewery and Public House in Baroda, MI. Our review would not be complete without acknowledging Ann, our host, for making our stay so wonderful. Ann is an exceptional host and communicator. Not only did she provide helpful information prior to and during our trip, but she also had a ‘Lesson Plan’ book. This book included the history of the extensive home renovation, including photos, along with very helpful information about local restaurants and activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sergey S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with history
Recently remodeled and very nicely decorated house. A lot of things are well thought to make staying comfortable. The house has a backup generator, so it will keep the tenants with electricity and heat even in the unfortunate event of power outage. There is a winery nearby and the property manager welcomed us with a bottle of wine (pretty good one) from that winery and a fresh produce. There are other wineries in the area, which is a plus. The house is just 15 min away from the beach and just 25 min away from St.Joseph with lots of cafe/restraunts, small shops and some entertainment for the kids. Even Chicago is not out of reach for a day trip. It was a very good week long vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kendra W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding Weekend Stay
The Hills School House is a BEAUTIFUL property and just what we were looking for with our wedding being at Tabor Hill. Ann was super accommodating and prompt answering any questions/concerns we had. My husband and I along with our families have already talked about booking again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karleen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
One of the best
Each year I usually stay in 2-3 vacation rentals and have had a wide variety of experiences. The Schoolhouse is one of the best out there. Amazingly restored—I can’t believe all the details considered. So comfortable (everything you need in the kitchen!), great beds/bedding, couches for reading and chatting, peaceful deck. Ann had waiting for us a bouquet of flowers from the yard, local cherries and beverages from a winery less than a mile away. Without hesitation I would come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vikas D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tucked away school house with modern amenities
Pristine property and secluded feel yet just minutes away from the vineyards and 15 minutes by car to the beach. Highly recommend for you next family get-a-way.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
We loved our stay. The owner was very responsive during our stay and made us feel welcome. We would definitely stay again if we in the area again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and comfy
The old school house has a sense of history, but it is also cozy, functional and elegant all at once.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patti H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Experience Hill School
A 1916 school turned into a very comfortable VRBO. Had a wonderful weekend with friends, great location. Visited wineries in the area. Reading the history of Hill School was very informative and interesting. Our host was great with any concerns or questions. Great experience and would love to return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Holly H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique, spacious property with lots of charm
We had a wonderful stay at the schoolhouse. Spacious living area, well-appointed kitchen with everything you need & two comfortable bedrooms. Charming place with a unique history & memorabilia throughout. Great location near wineries. Communication with the host was excellent. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous!
Great mix of history with modern convenience. The property was spotless and comfortable. Quality linens and bedding. The kitchen was roomy for gathering and cooking, we found all the equipment we needed. So many areas of the house, inside and out, to enjoy. The history of the building was fun to see and learn about. Fabulous stay - highly recommended! Many thanks to Ann, our gracious host!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay!
I stayed here with my wife and 2 boys. This was a great place to stay. The house was super clean which made my wife extremely happy. Everything is updated and nice. The attention to detail on all the amenities was top notch. They thought of every possible thing you might need. The old school pictures and knickknacks was my favorite part. You got to see the history of the building. We definitely plan on staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our favorite place
The schoolhouse is our absolute favorite place to escape to in the summer. It is immaculate and comfortable, equipped with everything our family needs. Working with Ann is always a treat, so accommodating and communicative. We look forward to coming year after year!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway
Beautifully restored schoolhouse, Ann was beyond helpful. We loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe W., Louisville, ky

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property!
The host was awesome and the "school" was amazing! The setting, decor, cleanliness, location, did I say perfect! Would recommend and stay again and again! Complements to the owners and host! WE Loved IT!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacob W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place in a great location
One of the coolest places we've ever stayed. Recently renovated, the Hills School House has all the modern comforts while preserving the history . We enjoyed checking out the "lesson plan" with some before and after photos of the reno, info of the art, and recommendations around town. Walking distance from great wineries. Ann was very nice and easy to reach!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Corey S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful House with History
My wife and I booked this house to get away and explore the southwest Michigan wineries, distilleries, and relax. The house is huge, clean, updated, and overall wonderful. There is so much history of the school house and how it got to what it is today. We spent the first hour reading and checking out the information about the old school house, past owners, and the renovation that was done. The kitchen is great. We cooked breakfast each morning and also grilled out one night and sat by the campfire. Ann was awesome! She is very accommodating, gave recommendations about places to visit around, and responded immediately to all of our questions. If you are looking for a large place in southwest Michigan, that would accommodate 4 people easily, and is immaculate then you found it. Also, several wineries just minutes down the road. 5 star all the way.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Escape
We thouroghly enjoyed our stay at the Hills School. It has been beautifully renovated, is comfortable and welcoming. The kitchen is the best equipped one we have seen in a rental! The linens were fresh and cozy. Even in the off-season, we found things to do in the area. The owner was very helpful when we needed to extend our stay, and accommodating all around. I highly recommend Hills School and hope we can make it back soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a dream!
What an amazing stay we had at the Hills School! So much history and good “juju” and special touches - we can’t wait to return. The house was immaculate with unbelievably comfortable beds and bedding. The kitchen was very well stocked and the care and attention Ann put into the renovation can be seen everywhere. It was perfection.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Douglas H.

Liked: Cleanliness
School House stay.
Everything about School House experience was picture perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location and host
The schoolhouse was amazing. All the little details, beautiful decor and gracious host made for a fantastic weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful spot
Beautiful renovated old school house. Unique place to stay. Much care was put into this home and every detail has been thought through. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dennis W., Menasha, Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Treasure
Hill School is a very unique property offering plenty of space, amenities and privacy. Located within walking distance of a winery and easy access to many more. We were able to explore the restaurants and shops of small towns we have never visited before and then settle into a relaxed evening around the fire pit. Our host Ann was most gracious and welcoming - ask her for the history of the building! Overall a great destination.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022