Escape to The Schoolhouse and Tiny Library - A Bridgton Retreat, a one-of-a-kind haven in Maine's picturesque Lakes Region. This historic property features two separate buildings: the 2400 square foot Schoolhouse with its original chalkboards and staircase, and the charming Tiny Library with its book-filled sleeping loft. Enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst fields and woods, complete with a seasonal granite fire pit for roasting s'mores, hammock chairs under Mable's massive maple tree branches for lounging or relaxing in either of the year-round hot tubs.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
5 bedrooms4 bathrooms275 sq m
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking
Looking for something totally unique for your family vacation or friend getaway? The Schoolhouse and Tiny Library - A Bridgton Retreat - is the perfect way to gather to enjoy the beautiful Lakes Region of Maine! Two separate buildings share a large 7.5 acre peaceful property. Far enough apart for privacy, yet close enough to feel connected, you won't find anything like it in New England! Both antique buildings have been completely renovated in 2022 and 2023 yet retain their original character.
OVERVIEW The Schoolhouse Far from a little one room schoolhouse, this 2400 square foot space built in 1861 feels bright and open with its 11 ft ceilings, open concept living area, 4 comfortable bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. It is the perfect mix of old and new. Natural light streams in through the massive original windows and the wood floors and butcher block counters and furnishings make it feel warm and homey. The school boasts unique features such as the original chalkboards and "good morning" staircase - well traveled by hundreds of little feet from the nearly 100 years that the school was open.
The property is a peaceful combination of fields and woods in a quiet, private setting. The outdoor space allows for grilling, roasting s'mores over the large seasonal granite fire pit, lounging in one of the hammock chairs under Mable, our massive maple tree or relaxing after a day of swimming, hiking, shopping or skiing in the 7 person year-round hot tub while looking at the stars.
The Library
Opened in 1928 as the Perley Memorial Library and Reading Room, this unique tiny home has been lovingly restored and named The Tiny Library. The original 380 square foot building now contains a book-filled sleeping loft with a comfy king and twin bed. Warm wood tones and the dark and moody decor make for a luxurious atmosphere. The original bead board walls and ceiling plus three original bookcases help to preserve the library character. These elements were built upon to create this truly memorable vacation rental. The library has a small fire pit area and its own 4 person hot tub just outside the back door.
The Schoolhouse and Library are approximately 100 feet apart. They have separate parking areas but share the long pull through part of the driveway.
The Barn Located right next to the schoolhouse, the newly renovated barn is home to a 1200 square foot game room with air hockey, ping pong, foosball, pop-a-shot basketball, arcade games, a large screen TV for movies, board games and a poker/bumper pool table.
BEDROOMS
The Schoolhouse There are four bedrooms in the house with an additional upstairs common area with a daybed that can be used for sleeping (sleeps 10). The downstairs has one bedroom with a king bed with a comfy hybrid memory foam mattress. Please note there are 3 steps up to this room. The remaining bedrooms are on the second floor. One room has a queen bed with memory foam mattress, another has two twin beds and the primary bedroom includes a king hybrid memory foam bed plus a daybed. In total, the schoolhouse sleeps 10 comfortably.
The Library The sleeping loft is the only bedroom and is up a steep alternate tread staircase. There you will find a comfortable king bed with a memory foam mattress, ultra soft cotton sheets and a fluffy duvet. There is also a twin XL bed in a cute and cozy corner of the room. The library sleeps 3.
We request that at least one adult sleep in the library if there are children present.
BATHROOMS
The Schoolhouse The schoolhouse has three full bathrooms. One is located downstairs between the great room and king bedroom. The other two are located on the second floor, one for the queen and twin bedrooms to share (includes a full tub) and the other as part of the primary suite.
The Library The bathroom is tiny but the shower is nice and roomy. Everything you need is provided from body wash, shampoo and conditioner to bath and hot tub towels to extra toilet paper and a hair dryer.
KITCHEN The Schoolhouse The kitchen is located in the open concept great room and boasts a large island for gathering or prepping food with bar stool seating for 6. It is well stocked with cookware, bakeware, dishes and utensils as well as a toaster, blender, 2 crockpots, and electric skillet, some spices and cooking spray or oil. The gas cooktop is perfect for the chef in the family and the wall oven and microwave make cooking easy and convenient. There is plenty of storage. The kitchen is small (notice the theme here?) but comfortable to work in with its propane cooktop, large sink and gorgeous stone countertops. It is well stocked with cookware, bakeware, dishes and utensils as well as a toaster, toaster oven, microwave, some spices and cooking spray and oil.
We built the coffee and tea bars in both buildings with the coffee lover in mind! Drip and French press coffee can be made to allow you to enjoy the perfect cup your way. A variety of tea is provided as well as regular and decaf coffee beans for grinding. While we provide enough to get you going for a few days, longer stays may require a trip to the grocery store to replenish the supplies.
LIVING/DINING The dining and living room areas of the schoolhouse are also in the great room. Enjoy meals or games as a whole group around the massive Restoration Hardware dining table. Gather in the living room for conversation or a movie on the 65" Roku tv with streaming apps and cable tv.
The library is open concept so living, dining and kitchen are all together. The library can seat 3 in the living room and 4 around the dining table.
**The schoolhouse has a wonderful library of hundreds of books and the Tiny Library, of course, is FILLED with books as all libraries should be! Please feel free to "check out" a book (permanently!) if you find one you'd like to continue reading after your stay with us. We only ask that you take out fiction books and leave the nonfiction for others to enjoy during their stay.**
THE OUTDOOR AREA
The Schoolhouse Just outside the inviting sunporch is a small deck that leads to the 7 person hot tub. The hot tub is open year round. Down the steps is 2 picnic tables with umbrellas. Also in this area is the firepit with seasonal seating for 10 around the fire. This will be a favorite spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature! Between the school and the barn is a brand new 6 person sauna!
The Library Right outside the back door you'll find the roomy year-round hot tub in a private setting with rock walls and woods as the backdrop. The side yard is where you'll find the fire pit.
**Please Note: We do not supply firewood as a rule, but there may be some left behind from others and may get you started on your first night. Dry fire wood bundles can be bought at the Irving station about 6 minutes away and are generally about $8.
Guests will have access to the schoolhouse, barn, library and surrounding yard. Guests are welcome to enjoy the yard, field and woods. Please keep in mind that this is Maine and there is wildlife in our area including ticks.
While I won't be available in person I do live nearby and am available to answer questions!
Please contact me through the Airbnb app and I will respond quickly.
The stairs to the loft in the library are steep and have alternating treads for comfort and ease of climbing. The Schoolhouse has many stairs to get to the second level but there is a bedroom on the first floor as well. There is 3 steps leading to the downstairs bedroom.
Rental contract required for every booking! To be sent to guest upon booking with the 48 hour zero penalty cancellation period.
***We require all guests (unless children accompanied by a parent) be at least 24 years old.***
The Schoolhouse and Tiny Library is perfect for families or a group of friends to relax and enjoy vacation together. It won't be the right place for you if you are interested in having an all day and night drinking fest.
*****Sorry, no pets, no parties or events and no smoking or vaping of any kind ($300 fine).******
Maine is home to ticks, mosquitoes, black flies, ladybugs, stinkbugs, spiders, deer, turkeys, bats, racoon, skunks, bees and more! While our housekeepers and pest control service work hard to keep things very clean and tidy, the reality is we are a 100+ year old building in the country in the mountains of Maine - so you may encounter some wildlife!
Please note that while we have a quiet 7.5 acre property, the property is located in a small rural Maine neighborhood with homes of all types and ALL conditions. There are a couple neighbors you can partially see through the woods and occasionally cars drive by.
There are a few things we ask guests to do for checkout -
-load and start the dishwasher
-close any open windows, turn off lights and lock doors
-any full trash bags can be placed in the bin outside
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Sauna
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
4 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the mountains
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Foosball table
Table tennis
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Property does not allow children
Unit size: 2,960 square feet
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
Must follow all house rules including but not limited to no pets, no smoking, no parties
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Bridgton, this holiday home is in the mountains. Rufus Porter Museum and Gallery 302 are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Narramissic Historic Farm and Steamboat Landing Mini Golf. Travelling with kids? Consider Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center and Blacksmiths. Visit our Bridgton travel guide
Is Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking located?
This family-friendly Bridgton holiday home is located in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Narramissic Historic Farm and Holt Pond Preserve. Wards Cove is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.
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Unique Family & Friends Retreat*Game Room*Sauna*2 Hot Tubs*Near Lakes & Hiking Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
What a gorgeeee place to have a getaway with friends! We did a friendcation for a long weekend and did some indulgent meals, hot tub hangs, and trips to the lake. It was sublime. The property is perfect for groups with different interests - the guys watched soccer in the barn while the ladies drank white wine spritzers around the fire pit, then we'd gather, and disperse. Couldn't have asked for a better spot! Kari was a wonderful host.