Fun Is in Session in East Hebron

Now an Airbnb, the newly renovated building was a schoolhouse from 1888 to 1943.

More than a century ago, girls and boys dutifully sat for lessons in the little white schoolhouse in East Hebron. Today, guests are flocking to the SchoolHouse, now a charming Airbnb. Owner Tracy Tilson, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, purchased the property in 2017 with the goal of turning it into a satellite office for her public relations firm, Tilson PR. “I spend a lot of time up here, so having designated office space seemed like a good idea,” she says.

As time went on, Tilson became intrigued with the idea of turning the schoolhouse into a rental property, saying, “We’re close to Newfound Lake and people here have a lot of visitors but not always enough space for them. I thought this could be a convenient option.” The project became a family affair, with Tilson’s husband, Chris, and sons, Matthew and Christopher, getting involved. Tilson enlisted Molly Whitcomb of Scolly Design in Holderness to lend her expertise to the transformation.

The building, which was sound, had been a schoolhouse from 1888 to 1943, serving first through eighth grades. Tilson was committed to maintaining as many of the original features as possible. Whitcomb figured that an open-concept plan would work best for the 870 square feet of space, within which she defined zones for living, sleeping and the kitchen. For plumbing purposes, the kitchen is adjacent to a small prior addition housing a bath and laundry room. Across from the kitchen, the dining section is situated under the large, original windows and features a sturdy oak table that was cut down to fit the space. The “bedroom” is tucked into a far corner. Here, the original chalkboards grace the walls, helping preserve the schoolhouse feel and anchor the sleeping quarters. The hardwood floors are original.

Whitcomb positioned the sofa (which pulls out into a bed) to create a barrier between the sleeping and living areas, and she used a large, green-and-white hooked rug to further define the space.

Painted white throughout, the walls unify the small space and enhance the natural light flooding in from the numerous windows. “We used very little artwork, since the outside views are so lovely,” says Whitcomb. “The exception is some classic black-and-white photos on the walls in the dining area, which Tilson acquired, and a lovely painting of the property, which she commissioned.” The photos illustrate some of the schoolhouse’s past, and the watercolor painting is by Brad Tonner of Twin Designs in Bristol. “The painting is duplicated on mugs, which are complimentary gifts for guests,” says Tilson.

Muted green, selected by Whitcomb to echo the outdoors, was used for the cabinets, rug and open shelves in the kitchen, and the shade ties in with the living room rug and bed frame.

Since the bath and laundry areas are part of the small addition, “the exterior wall of the schoolhouse is actually an interior wall for that space,” says Whitcomb. Here again, the white walls have misty green accents, and Whitcomb brought in some drama with a dark slate-tiled shower with a glass door.

Original schoolhouse elements remain, including the doors to the girls’ and boys’ bathrooms, which are for decorative purposes only. The schoolhouse handbell sits on a table, and the entryway pendant light is believed to be original as well. An antique coat rack is of the period but not original to the house. Outside, extensive gardens by Emma’s Perennials in Hill, New Hampshire, provide a pleasant setting for the schoolhouse’s historic marker and an antique bell on a post.

“The space doesn’t feel small,” contends Whitcomb. “There is so much light, it feels open and airy.” Tilson agrees, saying, “Guests tell us it has a calming atmosphere.”

The SchoolHouse has been available for stays since July. Interest is keen and rave reviews are rolling in. “We’re so happy to see this wonderful building preserved and shared,” says Tilson. “It needed to be full of life again, and now it is.”

For availability and booking information, go to Airbnb link 1888 SchoolHouse or email 1888schoolhouse@gmail.com.