Watch Hill Luxury by the Sea, Iconic 1852 School House, Beside Ocean House Hotel

“Formerly part of the Ocean House Cottage Collection, The Schoolhouse is a rare standalone home (Fully remodeled and refurnished with Restoration Hardware Top of The Line Furnishings) located just steps from the resort on the ocean side of Westerly Road. Enjoy full privacy and space while being just a few steps to Ocean House dining, spa, “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.”

Although "The School House" is brand new to VRBO, guests can book with complete confidence. The property is owned and managed by a host with 17 years of experience renting luxury homes in Rhode Island, including 2 Arrow Wood Trail, a premier VRBO property with over 53 five-star reviews. The "School House" is a high-end home, newly made available on VRBO for the very first time, and this is the only reason reviews are limited. “The School House” is a luxury Watch Hill home with a proven five-star track record. Prior to joining Airbnb, the property was part of the Ocean House Cottage Collection, meeting the collection’s standards for luxury accommodation and guest experience.

Steps from Ocean House
• Private standalone cottage
• Ocean-side location
• Boutique luxury stay

Step back in time while enjoying every modern comfort at The School House, a historic 1852 school lovingly transformed into a cosy 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 residents’ beach, monitored by security.

Rather than a small condo with limited space, enjoy the comfort of your own intimate coastal yard - a peaceful spot with ocean views, alfresco dining, evening cocktails and a picture-perfect backdrop of the Ocean House Hotel will make you feel right at home.

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 5

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 washing machine/dryer

Private driveway parking for 2 vehicles (rare in Watch Hill)

Porch with ocean views

Landscaped 40-foot side yard with dining area

Direct access to area, security-patrolled beach

The Experience

Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee steps from the sand, savouring a glass of wine on the patio at sunset, or strolling next door for cocktails or dinner at the Ocean House, the School House offers the best of both worlds: the luxury and atmosphere of a five-star resort just steps away, 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.