Old Schoolhouses Under $200k Ready for a Second Life
Ever dream of owning a piece of history? What if that piece could become the ultimate vacation getaway or a quirky Airbnb that tells its own story? Old schoolhouses, once buzzing with the sounds of learning, are now being repurposed into stunning, one-of-a-kind retreats. Whether it’s a cozy rural escape or a historic gem waiting for a creative touch, these schoolhouses are the perfect blank slate for dreamers like us who want to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most unique old schoolhouses for sale that could be transformed into your next vacation home or profitable rental property. So, grab your tools and imagination—let's see how you can make these vintage classrooms the coolest getaway destinations around.
73 Parkman Rd, Wellington, ME 04942 — Cozy Converted One‑Room Schoolhouse
📍 Location: Wellington, Maine (rural Piscataquis County)
💰 List Price: $79,900
🛏 Bedrooms: 1
🛁 Bathrooms: 1
📐 Size: ~628 square feet
📅 Built: 1800
📌 Lot Size: ~0.5 acres
✨ Key Features & Character
Charming one‑room schoolhouse conversion with historic bones — now a cozy open living space with high ceilings, perfect for a creative renovation or simple country retreat
Open‑concept living area (around 20′ x 23′) gives you flexibility to arrange seating, dining, work‑from‑home zones, or extra sleeping space
Private bedroom tucked off the main room for comfort and privacy
Full bath and basic kitchen area make this move‑in‑ready as is, but the layout easily accommodates creative updates
Fully insulated with drilled well and private sewer system — important for year‑round living or seasonal use
Rural woods setting with scenic views and a shed for storage — ideal for outdoor gear or future workshop space
Unique Character: A true one‑room schoolhouse feel with high ceilings and open space makes this a standout property that’s hard to replicate with modern builds
Affordable Entry: At under $80K, this is an incredibly budget‑friendly way to own a distinctive property with charm and story — especially compared to typical starter homes in many markets
Creative Potential: The open interior could be redesigned into a stylish tiny home, a cozy Airbnb escape, or outdoor retreat, or even a 2‑bed micro‑layout with lofting
Seasonal or Full‑Time Use: With insulation and utilities already in place, this property works for both seasonal stays and year‑round living with thoughtful upgrades
Small Footprint: At around 628 sq ft, this is tiny living — perfect for minimalists, hobbyists, or short‑term guests, but it’ll require creative space planning for long‑term full‑time living.
1677 Shady Plain Rd, Apollo, PA 15613 — Classic Pennsylvania Schoolhouse With Blank Slate Potential
📍 Location: Apollo, Pennsylvania (Kiskiminetas Township)
💰 List Price: $39,900
🛏 Bedrooms: Studio / no traditional bedrooms listed
🛁 Bathrooms: 1 half bath
📐 Size: ~2,056 square feet
📅 Built: 1857
📌 Lot Size: ~0.36 acres
✨ Key Features & Character
Historic schoolhouse structure built in 1857 with tons of vintage appeal and classic proportions — a standout if you love old buildings with stories behind them.
Large open‑concept main hall with about 15‑foot high ceilings and big windows that flood the interior with light — a great blank slate for creative design.
Original architectural details like classic wood floors and a functional old bell tower add charm and character that most modern builds just don’t have.
Additional 16×20 addition gives more usable space for a workshop, gallery, studio, or extended living area.
Peaceful countryside setting surrounded by fields and greenery — ideal for a quiet getaway or creative retreat location.
Parking space available on site with room to expand — handy for future visitors or guests.
Blank Slate Potential: The open interior makes this property perfect for a highly customized conversion — whether that’s a unique home, short‑term rental, event space, art studio, or combined live/work setup.
Affordable Entry: At under $40K, this schoolhouse is exceptionally budget‑friendly compared to most unconventional or historic properties on the market.
Character You Can’t Buy New: Original features like high ceilings, wood floors, and an authentic bell tower give this property authentic historic charm that attracts curious buyers and travelers alike.
Flexible Use Cases: With creative planning, this space could become anything from a cozy 1–2 bedroom home to a standout Airbnb with character that draws guests seeking something truly unique.
1750 Harbor Edinburg Rd, Edinburg, PA 16116 — Historic Schoolhouse Turned Unique Brick Residence
📍 Location: Edinburg, Pennsylvania (Union Township)
💰 List Price: $125,000
🛏 Bedrooms: 2
🛁 Bathrooms: 1 full bath and 1 half bath
📐 Size: ~1,112 square feet
📅 Built: 1916
📌 Lot Size: ~0.98 acres
✨ Key Features & Character
Historic multi‑use building with deep roots in the community — originally a one‑room schoolhouse, later a church, and most recently used as an office — now available as a unique residence with character.
Solid brick exterior gives the property classic appeal and durability, perfect for a cozy historic home or creative conversion project.
Spacious living room with hardwood flooring and large windows that let light flood the interior.
Two bedrooms on the main level with decent proportions, great for a small family or rental use.
Basement family room offers tons of extra square footage for recreation, storage, or possible additional living space.
Brick construction with mature trees and yard space on nearly an acre gives room for outdoor ideas — garden, workshop, or guest space.
Blank Slate Potential: The open interior makes this property perfect for a highly customized conversion — whether that’s a unique home, short‑term rental, event space, art studio, or combined live/work setup.
Affordable Entry: At $125,000, you’re getting a home with authentic character and unique space at a price point that’s still approachable for first‑time buyers or creative investors.
Character You Can’t Buy New: Original features like high ceilings, wood floors, and an authentic bell tower give this property authentic historic charm that attracts curious buyers and travelers alike.
Flexible Use Cases: With creative planning, this space could become anything from a cozy 1–2 bedroom home to a standout Airbnb with character that draws guests seeking something truly unique.
19 Truesdell Rd, Lexington, NY 12468 — Charming One‑Room Schoolhouse with Country Creek & BIG Potential
📍 Location: Prattsville / Lexington area, upstate New York
💰 List Price: $139,000
🛏 Bedrooms: 1
🛁 Bathrooms: Not specified
📐 Size: ~600 square feet
📅 Built: 1900
📌 Lot Size: ~1.5 acres with creek frontage
✨ Key Features & Character
Charming historic schoolhouse‑style cottage from circa 1900 with an incredibly peaceful, rural setting surrounded by scenic farmland and woods.
1.5 acres of private land, including a creek that runs along one side of the property, adding natural soundtrack and atmosphere.
High ceilings and large sun‑filled windows (including several that reach about six feet tall) give the interior a bright and open feel despite its small footprint.
Cozy layout includes space for living area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, with lots of room for redesign and expansion if you’re creative.
Wood flooring and rustic charm throughout reinforce the classic countryside vibe — a perfect base for a unique project.
Blank Slate Potential: This space is ideal for anyone who loves to design from scratch — think tiny country retreat, artsy Airbnb/VRBO, writer’s cabin, or basecamp for outdoor adventures.
Peaceful, Secluded Setting: The creek, open land, and farmland surroundings give this property a sense of true escape that’s rare to find at this price point.
Affordable Creative Project: At around $139K, this listing is approachable for a first‑time buyer or investor looking for something different, especially compared to other homes in the region.
Natural Light & Character: Exceptional windows and high ceilings mean any redesign will feel bright and spacious — perfect for showcasing custom finishes or cozy layouts.
3019 Union Church Rd, Tylerton, MD 21866 — Secluded Water-Village Home on Smith Island
📍 Location: Tylerton, Maryland — a tiny historic waterman village on Smith Island, accessible only by ferry from Crisfield, MD.
💰 List Price: $199,900
🛏 Bedrooms: 2
🛁 Bathrooms: 2 full
📐 Size: ~1,887 square feet
📅 Built: 1974 (converted into a unique dwelling)
📌 Lot Size: ~0.99 acres with creek frontage
✨ Key Features & Character
Converted one‑room schoolhouse‑style structure turned into a contemporary living space with distinct architectural touches.
High vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams give the interior openness, character, and a loft‑like feel.
Two comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms spread across thoughtfully designed living areas.
Basement family room offers tons of extra square footage for recreation, storage, or possible additional living space.
Brick construction with mature trees and yard space on nearly an acre gives room for outdoor ideas — garden, workshop, or guest space.
True Island Living: Tylerton is a tiny community on Smith Island reachable only by ferry — perfect for someone craving peace, isolation, and authentic waterfront village life.
Blank Canvas: With its unique layout, high ceilings, and open concept, this property is ideal for someone with a creative vision — imagine a coastal artist’s retreat, unique rental, or custom island home.
Outdoor Space & Views: Nearly an acre of land plus a deck overlooking water gives this property a strong outdoor appeal for sunrises, sunsets, fishing, and quiet evenings.
Affordable Island Entry: For under $200K, this is a standout opportunity compared with most island or waterfront properties in the region — and it comes with history and character.
3071 Worth Rd, Standish, MI 48658 — Rough‑Around‑the‑Edges Schoolhouse with Massive Potential
📍 Location: Standish, Michigan
💰 List Price: ~$70,000
🛏 Bedrooms: 3
🛁 Bathrooms: 1
📐 Size: ~1,964 square feet
📅 Built: 1903
📌 Lot Size: ~1 acre with barn and extra garage space
✨ Key Features & Character
Historic old schoolhouse‑style structure with interior completely gutted, so it’s a true blank slate for someone with vision. You won’t just find a fixer‑upper — you’ll find a creative canvas.
The spacious, open layout (almost 2,000 sq ft) invites big ideas — from modern lofted living spaces to mixed‑use setups.
Large second floor open area perfect for dramatic design or conversion into bedrooms, studios, or guest quarters.
Situated on 1 acre of land with a 30×40 barn — ideal for outbuildings, workshops, gardens, tiny homes, or outdoor gathering space.
Includes garage space for multiple vehicles or storage.
Currently zoned commercial with the possibility of switching back to residential, making it appealing for a range of creative uses.
Ugly as Sin at First Sight: If you love projects that look rough and unlovely now, but scream “give me vision and resources”, this is that property.
Creative Canvas: This is not move‑in ready. You’ll need a serious renovation plan including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior walls, and finishes. With almost everything stripped to a shell, you’re not fighting someone else’s design — you’re starting from scratch. This is for someone with time, vision, and willingness to DIY or hire it out — but that’s exactly what makes it exciting if you’re the creative type.
Serene Rural Setting: Quiet location with wide open skies and that peaceful rural feel perfect for a private getaway, artist retreat, or unconventional rental.
Bonus Space: A big barn and garage add extra creative possibilities — guest studios, workshop, storage, event space… the list goes on.
Zoning: Currently zoned commercial, so check local permitting/zoning if you plan to make it a residence or rental space.
Chamois, MO — Victorian Gem with Big Character & Event/Retreat Potential
📍 Location: Chamois, Missouri (Osage County) — a historic small river town with scenic surroundings.
💰 List Price: $174,900
🛏 Bedrooms: 4
🛁 Bathrooms: 4
📐 Size: ~3,960 sq ft
📅 Built: 1876
📌 Lot Size: ~1.14 acres
✨ Key Features & Character
Historic Victorian architecture — brick and stone exterior with standout period charm, giving the property a timeless, story‑filled presence.
Nearly 4,000 square feet of interior space with generous room sizes, mixing old‑world style with room for modern comfort.
Scenic hilltop position overlooking the surrounding countryside, farmhouse fields, and small‑town charm — ideal for retreats or immersive experiences.
Multiple living spaces and bathrooms make the layout flexible for hosting larger groups, creative uses, or division into guest quarters.
Historic details throughout offer a great base to preserve the story of the home while adding your own vision.
Historic character with roomy bones: The architectural presence here reads like a backdrop for weddings, creative retreats, artisan workshops, writer getaways, or boutique lodging with personality.
Lots of space to shape your vision: Four bedrooms and four baths across almost 4,000 square feet give you flexibility — host groups, create themed spaces, or design common gathering rooms alongside private quarters.
Countryside vibe: The surrounding landscape in rural Missouri offers peace and slow living — perfect for retreats that double as peaceful escapes from city speeds.
Mix of old and updated: The home blends its Victorian era charm with updates finished over time, giving you a head start on comfort while leaving room for thoughtful restoration.
While charming, historic properties require intentional planning to ensure systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing match today’s needs.
If you’re thinking about hosting events or group stays, check local zoning and permitting to make sure your vision aligns with regulations.
Space and size are assets here, but they also mean there’s work — and cost — in designing flow and connectivity for overnight guests or larger gatherings.
Cord, AR — Historic Old Stone School House
⏳ List Price: $35,000
🛏 Bedrooms: No defined bedrooms
🛁 Bathrooms: 0 bathrooms
📐 Size: Approximately 1,200 square feet
📅 Built: 1928 (after fire)
📌 Lot Size: Approximately 1 acre
This is a unique historic property with exceptional potential for renovation into a standout vacation rental or a small event venue. The building’s historic character combined with its open layout offers endless creative possibilities. It’s an ideal project for someone looking to preserve a piece of history while creating something special for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
Historic Stone Architecture — Solid stone structure with a long history, offering timeless appeal.
Open Interior Layout — The space is currently open, making it highly customizable for future renovation or design.
Rural Location — Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Arkansas, perfect for a getaway or retreat.
Solid Metal Roof — Durable roofing that requires minimal maintenance.
Utilities Available — Water and electricity are on the property but will need reactivation.
Ideal for Vacation Rental — With creativity, the building could become a boutique rental, offering a unique experience for guests.
Flexible Layout — The open space allows for diverse use: add lofts, guest rooms, or a creative workspace.
Event Space Potential — Could be reimagined as a venue for small events, workshops, or retreats.
Restoration Required — Essential updates to plumbing, electrical systems, and the addition of bathrooms and kitchen.
Historic Preservation — Ensure you check with local authorities regarding any preservation guidelines or zoning rules.
Rural Location — While the serene setting is appealing, consider accessibility for potential guests.
Del Rio, TX – Historic Studio Fixer‑Upper
📍 Location: Del Rio, Texas (Val Verde County), in the Barrio Chihuahua neighborhood
💰 List Price: $45,000
🛏 Bedrooms: No defined bedrooms (studio layout)
🛁 Bathrooms: No defined bathrooms
📐 Size: Approximately 1,092 square feet
📅 Built: Around 1930
📌 Lot Size: Not specified (residential lot)
Historic building with classic bones — This property is an older structure with a past, described as a historic investment opportunity.
Studio or open layout space — With no designated bedrooms or baths currently defined, the interior is largely a blank slate. This offers flexibility for creative reconfiguration.
Affordable entry price point — At $45,000, this is one of the more budget‑friendly properties in the Del Rio area, making it attractive for someone willing to invest sweat equity and vision.
Custom transformation space — The lack of interior divisions means you could design a bespoke layout with bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, and bath to suit your vacation rental concept.
Ideal for a unique short‑term rental or retreat — With a creative build‑out, the space could appeal to travelers looking for budget‑friendly yet characterful stays in Del Rio. Think artisan studio stay, crash pad for adventurers, or minimalist ranch country retreat.
Historic appeal lever — If you preserve or accentuate original features, the property can tell a story that draws interest from guests who want experiences with narrative rather than cookie‑cutter lodging.
Historic guidelines and permits — At nearly a century old, check local building and historic guidelines or neighborhood regulations before undertaking major changes.
Location context — Del Rio is a smaller Texas border city with quieter lifestyle amenities compared with big urban markets. This can be part of the appeal for travelers seeking laid‑back stays, but it also means guests may expect certain conveniences to be built into the rental.