Stay in an authentic 1891 Schoolhouse with sweeping hilltop views and a private hot tub under the stars. Just 15 minutes from Nashville, Indiana and close to IU and Lake Lemon, this historic retreat blends original character with modern comfort. Spend your days exploring Brown County’s art, trails, wineries, and music — then unwind by the fire pit with your pup and take in the quiet.
The space
Nestled on a hilltop in the heart of Brown County, the historic 1891 Schoolhouse Inn blends preserved character with modern comfort. Featured in Columbus Monthly and Indianapolis Monthly, this lovingly restored gem sits among butterfly gardens and wooded surroundings with seasonal long-range ridge views.
Spend your days exploring Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest — then return for a soak in the private hot tub under the stars or gather around the fire pit with a glass of wine and good conversation.
Secluded, peaceful, and thoughtfully curated — this is not just a stay, it’s an experience.
AT A GLANCE
★ 2 Queen beds
★ Private hot tub for 4
★ Fire pit + Adirondack seating
★ Weber Charcoal grill
★ Fully equipped kitchen (JennAir gas range)
★ Keurig + drip coffee maker
★ Antique dining table seating for 4
★ Keyless entry with individual codes
★ High-Speed Internet
★ 45” TV with YouTube TV
★ Hair dryer, iron & ironing board
★ Tankless hot water heater
LOCATION DETAILS
★ 5 minutes → Helmsburg General Store
★ 15 minutes → Nashville
★ 17 minutes → Hard Truth Hills
★ 17 minutes → Cedar Creek Winery
★ 20 minutes → Brown County State Park
★ 24 minutes → The Apple Works
★ 36 minutes → Bloomington
★ 38 minutes → Columbus
★ 60 minutes → Indianapolis
For even more details, read on!
THE PROPERTY
The Schoolhouse Inn is your perfect escape for peace, privacy, and tranquility. Picture yourself soaking in the hot tub on the back deck, gazing up at the stars, or gathering around the fire pit with loved ones, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Maybe you’d prefer to curl up by the cozy fireplace with a glass of wine and a great book—there’s a spot for every mood.
As you arrive, you’ll feel a sense of seclusion in the lush surroundings, with vibrant greenery in the summer and stunning long-range ridge views in the winter. The calming rustle of trees, cheerful birdsong, and deer passing through create a soothing connection to nature that will make your getaway unforgettable.
THE HOME
Renovated in 2016, this chic two-bedroom schoolhouse seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Authentic features like the original bell in the belfry, 7-foot windows with wavy glass, wood wainscoting, and heart-of-pine floors have been lovingly preserved, giving the space a timeless character. At the same time, it boasts luxurious touches—a cozy fireplace, a relaxing hot tub, and high-speed fiber-optic internet with conference call capabilities, a rare perk in rural Brown County.
Step inside, and you'll discover a carefully curated interior filled with one-of-a-kind vintage furnishings and unique decor, much of which has been sourced from local antique stores. Every piece tells a story, adding a layer of history and charm to your stay. The beds and seating have been thoughtfully selected with comfort in mind, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating experience.
Though the schoolhouse measures just under 1,000 square feet, the airy great room and thoughtful design make it feel spacious and inviting. Whether unwinding and soaking in the charm or staying connected with top-notch technology, this beautifully re-designed schoolhouse truly rocks!
So much love and attention has been poured into this space and I'm thrilled to share it with you - it’s the perfect blend of history and style, offering a one-of-a-kind getaway experience!
KITCHEN
Offering a fully equipped kitchen that blends historical charm with modern amenities. The kitchen features a Jenn-Air gas range, dishwasher, full size refrigerator and a comprehensive selection of cookware and utensils, making it ideal for guests who enjoy preparing their own meals. Additionally, the kitchen is stocked with a variety of cookbooks to inspire culinary creativity during your stay.
BEDROOMS
As bedtime approaches, head up the loft-style (steep) staircase to discover the first of two cozy, comfy, light-filled bedrooms, each featuring a queen-size pillow-top bed. Luxe cotton sheets and Pottery Barn quilts set the tone for a restful and indulgent night’s sleep.
Each bedroom has a luggage rack and two pillows per guest. Personal electric fans are located in the bathroom cabinet.
BATHROOM
After a long day of biking or hiking, the newly renovated bath features a large walk-in tiled shower and a new custom-built cabinet with loads of counter space. With the on-demand water heater, you can enjoy that hot, soothing shower for as long as you like!
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire property and there is parking for up to 4 cars.
Other things to note
★ Minimum age to rent is 25 and primary guest must stay for the duration of the booking.
★ A photo ID to verify age at the time of booking is required to finalize your reservation.
★ This home is on a septic system so occupancy is strictly enforced to avoid a septic issues. Your max occupancy during your booking is what you submit in your booking. Additional guests must be approved.
ANIMALS
★ Dogs are considered, only when pre-approved prior to booking. Max 2 dogs per stay
★ Pet fee is $100 per pet per stay. Cats are not considered due to severe allergies.
Dogs must stay off of the furniture and bedding. If your dogs are used to being on the sofa or bed, please bring your own coverings and crate to protect the furniture.
We kindly ask that you keep your dog on a leash at all times or bring a portable pen for off-leash lounging outdoors. Please also help us keep the property clean by picking up after your pet right away—pet waste bags are provided for your convenience. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and helping us maintain a welcoming space for everyone!
Service & emotional support animals must be disclosed prior to booking. Pet fee is waived only for legitimate service or emotional support animals in which the animals are never left behind without the owner. Evidence that the animals were left behind will result in the pet fee being charged.
Please note that in Indiana, misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is considered a Class A infraction, which can result in fines and other penalties.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We maintain a strict cancellation policy and strongly encourage you to secure travel insurance to protect your investment and cover any unexpected changes to your plans.
NOISE ORDINANCE
We ask that you keep outdoor music family friendly and at appropriate levels as to not disrupt peace and quiet of the rural countryside.
SECURITY CAMERAS
We have one ring doorbell and no cameras inside the house.
WILDLIFE & MAINTENANCE
Our home is in a rural setting with a lot of wildlife. You will often see deer, squirrels, turkeys, and all sorts of birds including woodpeckers and bluebirds. Please do not feed or approach any wildlife.
Embracing the charm of country living means sharing the space with nature's tiny visitors, including ladybugs and other critters that add to the relaxing rural vibe. We schedule quarterly pest control and work diligently to keep the home as bug-free as possible. However, bugs may occasionally find their way inside through open doors, shoes, or luggage—it’s simply part of the countryside experience.
You may notice some mole holes and mounding around the property. We kindly ask you to stay mindful of this when walking to ensure everyone’s safety. We want everyone, including your furry friends, to have a safe and enjoyable stay. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for injuries on the property. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
And, if you’re allergic to bees, please be mindful that you may see bees buzzing around the property. We kindly ask for your understanding, as refunds or cancellations cannot be provided for bugs or wildlife. Thank you for appreciating the beauty and character of country life with us!
OTHER:
Our area occasionally experiences power outages, usually lasting 1-3 hours. However, in the case of severe weather or high winds, longer outages are possible. We’ll keep you informed of any updates we receive from the utility company.
We appreciate your understanding should this occur during your stay. Please note that refunds or cancellations cannot be offered due to power outages caused by Mother Nature. Thank you for your patience and for embracing the charm of country living with us!
