[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly! Vacation home with kitchen, near Lake Michigan ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95900000/95899700/95899641/364e5778.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95900000/95899700/95899641/10a33e05.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95900000/95899700/95899641/f2eccbaf.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95900000/95899700/95899641/cd68e557.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95900000/95899700/95899641/271d4b6e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Nestled on a private one-acre lot in Benzie County, the historic Watervale Schoolhouse offers an Up North retreat with modern comforts. Stay connected with high-speed internet and unwind amidst original hardwood floors and huge maple trees. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61400 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Pet-friendly - Barbecue grill - Kitchen - Outdoor space - Free WiFi ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly! 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! ## Property amenities ### Ski - Cross-country skiing nearby - Snowboarding nearby ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Kitchen island - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Wood stove ### Entertainment - Books - Games - Smart TV ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Garden - Outdoor furniture - Patio ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly - Welcoming dogs only - 2 pets total ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Ice skating nearby - Kayaking nearby - Motor boating nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Sailing nearby - Snowmobiling nearby - Swimming nearby - Water skiing nearby - Water tubing nearby ### Safety features - 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) ### General - Garden - Unit size: 1,400 square feet ## Similar properties ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106560000/106556800/106556755/c6221663.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Koal-Mine-Inn - Fun and Charming with Lots of Character, A/C, and a Great Location! Frankfort - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.6 Exceptional 13 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=106556755&PinnedHotelID=106556755&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/98000000/97040000/97032700/97032696/db568fed.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Crystalaire Cabin - Charming, Relaxing, and Peaceful in A Very Quiet Area! Frankfort - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Parking available 9.6 Exceptional 22 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=97032696&PinnedHotelID=97032696&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/98000000/97040000/97032700/97032692/0a123b21.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Maple Cottage - WALK TO BEACH, LAKE MICHIGAN, AND DOWNTOWN! Frankfort - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.6 Exceptional 59 reviews CA $270 CA $581 total includes taxes & fees Oct 19 - Oct 20 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20&selected=97032692&PinnedHotelID=97032692&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88220000/88219300/88219247/ac878ff1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Dog-friendly, lake view home with three season room, fireplace, video projector Arcadia - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Air conditioning 7.4 Good 25 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=88219247&PinnedHotelID=88219247&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104110000/104101500/104101433/2e93e49d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Rae's Retreat on Little Platte Lake w/ Private Dock! Honor - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.6 Exceptional 11 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=104101433&PinnedHotelID=104101433&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103050000/103049200/103049102/0e5b20bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 4 Minutes to Lake Michigan - FREE Kayak & Bike Rental Elberta - Kitchen - Outdoor space - Parking available - Barbecue grill 10 Exceptional 9 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=103049102&PinnedHotelID=103049102&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34460000/34454800/34454738/0d0eb086.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Serenity Woods Cottage at Platte Lake, Honor MI. Traverse City area! Honor - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 10 Exceptional 150 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=34454738&PinnedHotelID=34454738&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, cookware/dishes/utensils](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116660000/116655000/116654995/852e4cf5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Large 1 Bedroom Barndominium Loft /Arcadia Resort / HOT TUB / SAUNA Arcadia - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 10 Exceptional 3 reviews CA $417 CA $516 total includes taxes & fees Oct 26 - Oct 27 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=116654995&PinnedHotelID=116654995&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102860000/102853300/102853295/75062a7c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Holiday House at Three Pines Frankfort - Kitchen - Outdoor space - Parking available - Fireplace 10 Exceptional 2 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=102853295&PinnedHotelID=102853295&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/108000000/107600000/107597500/107597442/0cba9cca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cozy cottage with water views, spacious lawn, patio, & WiFi Frankfort - Kitchen - Outdoor space - Parking available - Water view 7.2 Good 5 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-01&selected=107597442&PinnedHotelID=107597442&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Minimum check-in age: 25 ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Check-out instructions The host requires you complete the following before checking out: Take out the trash Please put the big blue trash can in the back shed at the curb, metal bar facing the road. Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host. ### Rules Please no moving indoor furniture outdoors and vic Dogs are welcome with prior permission. Please cle ### Pets Pets allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Welcoming dogs only 2 total pets ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C44.56827%2C-86.20037&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=42a-W-_G9DN3qGBG09R26gHx2Fk=) Frankfort, MI #### What's nearby - Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 3 min drive - 4.0 km - Frankfort Beach - 13 min drive - 13.7 km - Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 16 min drive - 18.2 km - Point Betsie Lighthouse - 21 min drive - 20.8 km - Crystal Mountain - 31 min drive - 28.9 km #### Getting around - Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 33 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min drive - ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬16 min drive - ‪MT Plate Diner - ‬8 min drive - ‪Stormcloud Brewing Company - ‬10 min drive - ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬8 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly! pet-friendly? > Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). ### What time is check-in at Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly!? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly!? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly! located? > Situated in Frankfort, this vacation home is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Lake Michigan and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. Inspiration Point and Elberta Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Historic Schoolhouse on M-22. 3 BR, 2 BA. Dog and Kid Friendly! Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 13 8 - Good 1 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Janet M. Jan 1, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Charming Holiday Get-Away 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. ##### Janet M. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jeff N. Jul 9, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Wonderful weekend getaway 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. ##### Jeff N. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Liza J. Sep 11, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Historic house with modern amenities 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! ##### Liza J. Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Monica M. Aug 17, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### The Little Red Schoolhouse Rocks! This was an amazing find. We had a great stay. Loved the location- next to Frankfort and Elberta. The schoolhouse has been re-done beautifully and is fully equipped with everything needed for a very comfortable stay. We hope to come back! ##### Monica M. Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### James P. Jul 26, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy Disliked: Location #### School house It was good. Just as advertised. Wish there was some a/c but school house was beautiful. Would be perfect in the fall ##### James P. Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marcel D. Jul 24, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Arcadia Daze The proximity between Arcadia and Frankfort was the initial appeal of this rental. The space was beyond charming. Every detail was carefully chosen. The place was spotless upon our arrival. The linens and towels were incredible for any rental we have ever stayed. Close to many hiking trails too! We hope others love it as much as we did! ##### Marcel D. Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Katie B. Jul 11, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Gorgeous historic property in a prime location! 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! ##### Katie B. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mary P. Aug 5, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Very cute schoolhouse restoration 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. ##### Mary P. Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Patti A. Apr 24, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### One Room Schoolhouse on M-22 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..... ##### Patti A. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ruth S. Aug 14, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy ##### Ruth S. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### JoAnn S. Oct 12, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful amenities with a rustic charm 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! ##### JoAnn S. Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023