Entire home
Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York
Photo gallery for Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York





Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York
The School House was built in 1922. It has 15 foot high ceilings in both the large sitting room and bedroom. There are large windows in both rooms overlooking beautiful grounds on one side and trees on the other. In winter, deer are at the bedroom window. The grounds offer a Tennis and Pickle Ball court as well as the necessary equipment. It is located on the edge of the Finger Lakes region, close to major roads for Pennsylvania, Ithaca, and New York City. An outstanding getaway, in an elegant setting, with the finest amenities you find in any Relais et Château. A worthy detour.
The Space
There are close to 3 acres of wooded grounds and gardens and a tennis court with night lights. The School House is over 650 square feet, fully air-conditioned with a recently refurbished bathroom. The original 1922 iron tub was deglazed and kitted out with new fittings and a power-head shower. The sitting room is equipped with a large reading collection for your enjoyment. This property can only be booked from this site.
Guest access
There are housekeeping and laundress that can be negotiated privately. An excellent dry cleaning service picks up and delivers Mondays and Thursdays. There are six steps leading to The School House from street parking. There is off-street parking on the grounds as well. Recommendations are available in advance for special requests, food preparation and specially cakes.
The Space
There are close to 3 acres of wooded grounds and gardens and a tennis court with night lights. The School House is over 650 square feet, fully air-conditioned with a recently refurbished bathroom. The original 1922 iron tub was deglazed and kitted out with new fittings and a power-head shower. The sitting room is equipped with a large reading collection for your enjoyment. This property can only be booked from this site.
Guest access
There are housekeeping and laundress that can be negotiated privately. An excellent dry cleaning service picks up and delivers Mondays and Thursdays. There are six steps leading to The School House from street parking. There is off-street parking on the grounds as well. Recommendations are available in advance for special requests, food preparation and specially cakes.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 9:30 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets 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
This property accepts cash
On-site 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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Elmira
Elmira is home to this cottage. Regal Arnot Mall and Park Avenue Sports Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Newtown Battlefield State Park and Mark Twain State Park. Eldridge Park and Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum are also worth visiting.
Elmira, NY
What's nearby
- Mark Twain Study - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
- Elmira College - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
- Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira - 6 min drive - 2.2 km
- Arnot Art Museum - 6 min drive - 2.2 km
- Chemung Valley History Museum - 7 min drive - 2.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 20 min walk
- Rye Bar & Restaurant - 15 min walk
- 1157 North - 4 min drive
- Anne's Pancakes Natural and Vegetarian Foods - 3 min drive
- Barb's Soup's On Cafe - 20 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
11 August 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn T.
22 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, comfortable
Kathryn T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Margaret R.
23 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Historic schoolhouse cottage
Margaret R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christopher K.
22 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute, Quiet, & Comfortable
Christopher K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kristin S.
4 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whimsical School House with interesting library and peaceful setting
Kristin S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Scott D.
30 October 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Like No Other
Scott D.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eliza W.
23 August 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Will Definitely Be Back
Eliza W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrew H.
16 August 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely retreat and good base for the Finger Lakes
Andrew H.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021
Verified
6/10 Okay
Tyler L.
10 December 2025
Liked: Check-in
Tyler L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
About the host
Hosted by Jennifer Butler
I grew up in Elmira then, moved to Europe where I spent 33 years in Paris. After I had seen all I wanted and learned all I wondered, like a good horse, I had the sense to come back to my barn. I am glad to be home at The Knoll. It was my mother’s favorite home, amidst many many beauties, but this was her favorite and now, it is my favorite. Built in 1922, by one of the largest importers of wood from the Philippines, both the main house and guest house depend heavily on these woods for their charm and style. It is a privilege to live here.
During your stay
If there are any problems, I am across a courtyard. There is a pamphlet listing highlights in the area.
During your stay
If there are any problems, I am across a courtyard. There is a pamphlet listing highlights in the area.
Why they chose this property
It was my mother’s favorite home, amidst many many beauties, but this was her favorite and now, it is my favorite.
What makes this property unique
The School House on the Knoll is located just 35 minutes from the beautiful Finger Lakes region and New York State wineries. Plenty of hiking, and exploring are all close by. Play tennis, golf, boating, and museums.
Corning, NY is a short distance away. Visit the beautiful historic downtown that offers a variety of unique shopping and galleries.
Corning, NY is a short distance away. Visit the beautiful historic downtown that offers a variety of unique shopping and galleries.
Languages:
English, French
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