Gardiner, Montana
Take a step back in time and delve into the rich history of the area. Our 1916 Schoolhouse is located on the historic Stermitz Ranch in beautiful Cinnabar Basin, Gardiner, Montana. This is the original location of the school, which provided a much needed learning place for the children in this rural area - many of whose families immigrated to the area to work in coal mines.
In 2009-2010, the schoolhouse was completely renovated to preserve the structure and maintain the historic integrity of the building. Many of the original items are on display for all to enjoy.
From the moment you drive to the schoolhouse on the hill, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views. Once you set foot inside, you are in for a relaxing vacation. The schoolhouse boasts several tall windows, each with spectacular mountain views - aspen trees and wildlife abound. Watch deer, elk, and the occasional moose graze in the meadow out the front door. Bears, wolves, and coyotes are sometimes spotted on nearby hills and fields.
Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We raise American Quarter Horses, and generally have at least one new foal every summer. Last summer our cabin guests were fortunate enough to witness the birth! The ranch is also home to chickens,pigs,cows,dogs, and cats.
A highlight of the Schoolhouse features:
*Unplug! The cabin does not have wifi or cell service, but there is a land line.
Activities typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If we have enough help, we can sometimes extend horseback rides into the fall. Please check with us first.
*Horseback rides and zip lining available on property. (Summer season)
*Whitewater rafting on the nearby Yellowstone River. (Summer season)
*Hiking/cross-country skiing from the front door.
*King size bed with luxurious linens.
*Mountain views from every window.
*Beautiful location on the historic Stermitz Ranch.
*A scenic 20-25 minute drive to Yellowstone National Park.
*2 twin camping mats (with bedding)are perfect for kids.
*Cozy seating area with a charming propane fireplace.
*Carefully appointed details such as a tin ceiling, original wood floors, old school desks and books, a chalkboard, etc.
*Heated slate floor in the bathroom.
*Kitchen with a full size range.
*Opportunities for children to interact with animals.
*Western ranch experience.
Do you have a larger group, or planning a family re-union Ask about our other cabin rentals on the ranch! We also have a large covered pavilion with picnic tables - perfect for those large family gatherings.
We look forward to meeting you.
Your hosts,
Stacy and Rob Stermitz
Keywords: Studio, cottage, school house, cabin
Due to the flooding last year, we had to delay our arrival to 2023. Stacy was kind enough to hold our desired vacation dates. The schoolhouse is very charming and even better in person. The directions to get there were precise. The roads are not for the faint of heart but after a day we became pros. We look forward to returning and highly recommend this host and their property. Thanks so much!
The cabin was great! We really enjoyed our stay, it was nice to be off grid for a little while. Thank you so much!
We loved the schoolhouse! The location was beautiful and convenient for exploring Yellowstone. My son and I loved reading the book regarding the history of the location. I enjoyed unplugging from the world. Our family loved the horseback riding trip. Our guide were great and we will always remember our time riding DD, Mr. Chet and Lucy!
We had a wonderful time in the charming and cozy school house. The horseback riding was fun and the scenery absolutely beautiful!
Fantastic property with horse back riding and beautiful sunsets. Loved that there was no service so we read and did a puzzle. Make sure to pack allergy medicine bc it is an old property that sheds dust and the bugs around Yellowstone come out around 10am so pack lots of bug spray. They have literally everything like a grill and cooler that we wish we utilized but will the next time we stay! Perfect for a couple, any more than 2 adults will have to set up the mattress on the floor or sleep on the couch like me. But worth it for the amazing experience Stacy and Montana has to offer
We loved everything about the schoolhouse cabin and the property! It was clean, beautiful, and the property is spectacular with gorgeous views and plenty of privacy. Would absolutely stay on the Stermitz ranch again in a heartbeat! (And we loved Harper, the dog!!!)
The property is where you go to disconnect but connect with nature… absolutely beautiful ! The schoolhouse is perfect for a couple quaint. Montana is heavenly!
We had an amazing time staying at this cabin. Is super cozy and comfortable. Stacy is a great host, very friendly and helpful. If you like horses you'll have a great time watching the horses at the property. The ladies guides from the trail ride, Michaela and Miranda, are awesome, me and my girlfriend ended up very good friends with them. If you are a hiking lover there's pretty good trails to go around inside the ranch. We are sure whoever rents this cabin is gonna have the time of their lives there, as we did.
Beautiful property, close to Yellowstone, great hosts as well!
The location of the small school house was beautiful. It is 6 miles up a narrow, dirt road however, which was not clear in the description. Once we arrived, we realized that rather than a one bedroom cabin, this was truly a studio with the large bed taking up 70% of the living space. There were four of us, and after shuffling furniture around, and moving things, we were able to make room for the two sleeping pads on the floor. The school house is decorated like a lovely, period museum. However, it doesn’t leave room for bags or food or any of the things that a family of four will carry along. It does not have a full-size refrigerator, although it does have a standard electric range. The bathroom is small, but adequate. There were lots of towels. The host did allow us to place some food items in her freezer, so that we did not lose them, which was very kind. In short, it would be a wonderful, peaceful stay for a couple.
Living in Houston, TX with the traffic, heat, crowds and general fast pace...the 1916 Schoolhouse on the Stermitz Ranch was a slice of Heaven on earth! Everything about the cabin was perfect. Rob and Stacy were masterful in restoring and decorating the cabin while keeping with the one room schoolhouse feel. Drinking coffee on the porch early every morning listening to the quiet with only the stream in the
We loved staying at the schoolhouse. Stacy and Rob were great hosts. It was a remote, quiet, and peaceful little house in a valley overlooking the mountains. Only 15 minutes to Yellowstone North entrance and with great hiking around the Stermitz ranch too. We'd absolutely stay there again
This property is absolutely incredible. The history and original artifacts included in the renovation is amazing. We learned a lot about the history of the school and the ranch while there. This was a great base for going into the park or hiking in the surrounding area. The bed was super comfortable and all of the amenities were great. If you are planning a getaway we highly recommend this property. You will not regret the quiet solitude of their ranch and the beautifully appointed cabin. Thank you so much Stacy for the incredible vacation.
Amazing space in an amazing place. Let’s start with the area and zero in to the cabin. Yellowstone is gorgeous, a garden of Eden with tons to see and do. I went slightly pre-season which meant less activities like bike rentals and horseback rides (no big deal, I’m not made of money), but it also means much less crowds and traffic. Grand Tetons was spectacular also. I recommend moose pond and taggart lake trails. Long drive from Gardiner but I felt it was worth it. Driving back at night is not for the squeamish though. Let’s just say your hands might be sore for a few days after from all the white-knuckle steering wheel gripping. The Stermitz ranch itself is beautiful. WHATEVER YOU DO BRING A SET OF BINOCS! You won’t be sorry. One of my favorite things to do was have a cold one while sitting on the porch rocker and watching their horses goofing around on the mountain-side. They had some personalities, those horses! My buddy and I hiked up to the peak of a nearby mountain on the ranch. I was strenuous at times, but gettin to the peak was awesome! Be aware of bear though, learn what to do and not to do (bring bear spray, yap it up and wear a bell, don’t walk around with bacon in your pockets). When you’re done burning out your thighs and butt muscles with all the hiking and stuff, head down to the Yellowstone hot springs just outside the ranch. Go soak your head (and parts south) for a few hours. Best $15 I’ve spent in a long time, and great scenery too. If you go whitewater rafting (which was fun), and they tell you that you can go ahead and jump off the raft and swim around a bit in your wetsuit, go ahead and do it. But…don’t go completely under like I did! Unless you’re a penguin or something. Last but by no means least is the schoolhouse. The imagination and ingenuity that Rob and Stacy utilized to create this space is truly impressive. I really got a kick out of the old schoolbooks and flash cards. It’s historical and romantic, practical and yet a feast for the eyes. Bed was comfortable, kitchen well equipped, and shower water hot and plentiful. We had a lot of conversations about the schools history; conversations often started with “I read that…” or “did you know this… “. It was fun to delve into the history of the schoolroom. I went with my buddy and his son and we had a great time. If you were to bring your special someone here to show them just how special they are, well, They’d be impressed, Trust me.
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