Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly!

Frankfort, Michigan
$400 avg/night Minimum Stay 3 Nights
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 6

Max Sleeps

Night 3 nights

Min Stay

Original 1892 Watervale School/Blaine #7 one-room schoolhouse, carefully converted into a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Up North retreat. On a private one acre lot on scenic M-22 in Benzie County, Michigan. Borders Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve. Less than a mile from public access to Upper and Lower Herring Lakes. Less than 5 minutes to downtown Frankfort, 10 minutes to Beulah and Arcadia, 15 min to Crystal Mountain, under an hour to a wide assortment of beaches, shops, and attractions from Manistee to Traverse City.

The schoolhouse was one of the original buildings in the lumber town of Watervale, which was established in 1892 and which sits about a mile south of the school's current location. The lumber town went bankrupt in 1893 after the Great Recession of 1892-93, but the school remained in Watervale until 1906, when it was dragged across the fields and up what is now M-22 and placed in its current position, on land donated by the Frederickson family. Blaine #7 replaced a smaller schoolhouse that was moved to another spot on Upper Herring Lake and became the Frederickson School/Blaine #4.

Blaine #4 remained in operation until 1964, at which point the Frederickson family took ownership of it and used it as their Up North camp for over a half-century. In October 2021, the schoolhouse was purchased by family members of the current owners of Watervale (now a seasonal resort), and the process of returning the building to its schoolhouse roots began.

Thanks in large part to consultation with the Benzie Area Historical Society, interviews with former students at the school, and an unwavering focus on preservation and details, the schoolhouse allows guests to feel that they're staying in a part of Benzie County history while also affording them the creature comforts of modern living. Brand new appliances and original hardwood floors. High speed internet and the original slate chalkboards. A 4K TV alongside framed artwork made by students in the 1920s and 1930s that were found behind the chalkboards during construction. All on a one acre site with huge maple and pine trees, lined with lilac bushes, and steps away from the flat, accessible hiking trails of the Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve.

And the schoolhouse's convenient location on M-22 gives guests quick and easy access to all of the area's finest dining, shopping, and attractions. The schoolhouse is nestled between Upper and Lower Herring Lakes, with public access to both less than a minute away. Green Point Dunes and Fruit Haven Nature Preserve are two minutes away. Elberta, Frankfort, and Arcadia: five minutes. Beulah and Crystal Lake: 10 minutes. Crystal Mountain: less than 20 minutes. Sleeping Bear Dunes: 25 minutes. Manistee: 30 minutes. Traverse City: 50 minutes to Front Street. The list goes on!

Book your stay with us today -- we look forward to hosting you!

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Cross-country Skiing And Snowboarding Nearby
  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Smoke Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 1400 Sq Ft (130 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Electric Kettle Microwave Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Outdoor Furniture Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • THINGS TO DO

    Cycling Nearby Fishing Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Ice Skating Nearby Kayaking Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Snowmobiling Nearby Swimming Nearby Water Tubing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Wood Stove
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Dinnerware Children's Games Playground
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 6

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Annie B.

    Submitted Aug 7, 2025

    Stayed Aug 2, 2025

    We loved our stay and found the house very comfortable!

  • Ann D.

    Submitted Jul 21, 2025

    Stayed Jul 18, 2025

    Wonderful place to stay!

  • Katie B.

    Submitted Jul 11, 2025

    Stayed Jul 7, 2025

    We could not have chosen a more convenient, not to mention incredibly delightful, property for our family vacation in beautiful “Pure Michigan!” The period furnishings and attention to authenticity made us feel as though we truly had been transported back in time! My mother is a teacher and felt quite at home perusing the student and teacher books from the time period! Of course, the property was well equipped with all the essential, modern amenities. The owner responded in a timely manner to all questions, including recommendations! The location is absolutely perfect and so close to so many lovely outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery and views! We enjoyed exploring the quaint town of Frankfort and other nearby communities, and the dining options were plentiful! In addition, Elberta Beach was very close by, less crowded, and perfect for enjoying a swim and watching the sunset over the water. We highly recommend this property! Thank you for a wonderful stay!

  • Jeff N.

    Submitted Jul 9, 2025

    Stayed Jul 3, 2025

    Spent the 4th of July weekend here. Checked in on Thursday. Host, Frank, was accommodating and let us check I an hour early so that my wife could have a zoom call with her boss. WiFi supported the zoom call flawlessly. Nice clean, quiet at night, all the amenities that you would expect. Quick and easy check in / check out. Frank answered all of our questions quickly. Would highly recommend this old school house. Nicely decorated with school items, antiques, and other items.

  • Mary P.

    Submitted Aug 5, 2024

    Stayed Jul 27, 2024

    We appreciated the schoolhouse themed decor and the superb books on the shelves (though we didn't have time to read them). This is not a great place for two couples, however, since there is only one beautiful spacious double room, along with two upstairs rooms that are more suitable for children or singles. It would have been helpful to get the check-in information earlier, before we were on the road to Michigan.

  • James P.

    Submitted Jul 26, 2024

    Stayed Jul 21, 2024

    It was good. Just as advertised. Wish there was some a/c but school house was beautiful. Would be perfect in the fall

  • Patti A.

    Submitted Apr 24, 2024

    Stayed Apr 10, 2024

    This house is just amazing. When you walk in, it is so warm and inviting, just envelopes you in a warm hug. Truly you just don't want to leave. It has everything you need for your stay. The Property Manager answered all the questions I had very quickly. I would love to go back! This was my first time using VRBO, I thought the price for the night was all inclusive, but it is not and there are additional fees. With that I learned a lesson.....

  • Janet M.

    Submitted Jan 1, 2024

    Stayed Dec 28, 2023

    The schoolhouse was very clean, and had interesting historical and charming holiday decor. Great location near nature trails and short drive to local restaurants. If you need more space for family and visitors, this is a wonderful place to say.

  • JoAnn S.

    Submitted Oct 12, 2023

    Stayed Oct 7, 2023

    What a beautiful place to take in the fall colors! There are multiple hiking trails within a couple miles (one adjacent to the schoolhouse!), some with amazing scenic views of Lake Michigan, and it’s just 6 miles to downtown Frankfort with cute shops and great restaurants. The schoolhouse itself takes you back in time, but with modern amenities and very clean for a comfortable stay. We loved it and will definitely be back!

  • Liza J.

    Submitted Sep 11, 2023

    Stayed Sep 3, 2023

    Great location, very clean, thoughtfully decorated. Unexpected bonus: 0.7 mi walking trail right next to the property was perfect for a morning walk/run with our lab. Hope to come again!

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$400+
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