What to Expect at Your Stay.

This historic prairie retreat is designed to be peaceful, comfortable, and easy to settle into.

The Schoolhouse and Matilda share the same stretch of prairie, each offering a distinct stay with access to shared outdoor spaces. Whether you’ve booked one or both, this guide will help you understand how the property is laid out so you can enjoy your time here from the moment you arrive.

The Property Layout

The property includes two separate stays:

The Schoolhouse
A restored 1891 one-room schoolhouse designed for up to 6 guests.

Matilda
A vintage school bus, thoughtfully converted into a cozy stay for 2.

The two are set a short walk apart and share the same surrounding land, outdoor spaces, and prairie setting.

Private to Your Stay

Depending on what you’ve booked, your space includes:

Schoolhouse guests:

  • Full private use of the Schoolhouse

  • Kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas

Matilda guests:

  • Full private use of Matilda

  • Kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space

Shared Outdoor Spaces

The following amenities may be shared with guests staying in the other space:

  • Hot tub

  • Fire ring with Adirondack seating

  • Prairie walking paths

  • Outdoor gathering areas

Please be mindful of other guests and help keep these spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.

Access Between Spaces

If you’ve booked both stays, you’ll have full use of the entire property.

If not, each space remains private to its guests. We ask that guests respect each other’s accommodations and avoid entering each other's stay.

The Flower Farm

The flower farm is part of the property and sits just beyond the Schoolhouse.

Guests are welcome to walk the perimeter and enjoy the flower views—photos are always encouraged. To keep the farm thriving, we ask that guests do not enter the planted rows.

🏡 Check-In & Arrival

Self check-in is simple and secure using smart locks on both the front and back doors of the Schoolhouse, and the front door of Matilda.

You will receive:

  • Your personal door code

  • Arrival instructions

  • Lock operation details

approximately four days before check-in.

Your code becomes active at 4:00 PM and automatically deactivates after checkout at 11:00 AM.

🚗 Parking

Parking is available for up to four vehicles in the gravel driveway directly adjacent to the Schoolhouse building for Schoolhouse guests.

Parking is available for up to two vehicles in the farm access driveway for Matilda guests.

Please park only on gravel areas and avoid driving or parking on grass to protect landscaping and underground systems.

👥 Maximum Guest Count

The Schoolhouse accommodates a maximum of six registered guests.

Matilda accommodates two adults.

Due to the historic structure and onsite systems, occupancy cannot exceed this number. Only registered guests may be on the property.

🪜 Loft Bedrooms & Accessibility

In the Schoolhouse, two of the three bedrooms are loft-style spaces accessed by ladder-style stairs similar to those found in tiny homes.

They feature lower ceiling heights (just under six feet) and may not be ideal for:

  • small children

  • guests with mobility concerns

  • anyone uncomfortable with ladder-style access

The primary bedroom is located on the main floor for easier accessibility.

Children must be supervised on stairs and loft landings at all times.

🧺 Linens & Comfort

All beds are freshly made prior to arrival.

Each guest receives:

  • Two bath towels per stay

  • Hand towels, washcloths, and spa towels

Washer and dryer facilities are available within the Schoolhouse for Schoolhouse guests, should you wish to refresh linens during your stay.

🍳 Self-Catering Stay

Both Matilda and the Schoolhouse are self-catering rentals.

Starter supplies are provided, including:

  • toiletries

  • paper goods

  • dishwashing supplies

  • basic kitchen essentials like salt, pepper, flour, sugar, oil, coffee and creamer

Guests are responsible for replenishing additional items needed during longer stays.

🌿 Shared Outdoor Amenities

The hot tub and fire pit are shared amenities used by guests staying on the property.

You may encounter other guests enjoying these spaces. We simply ask everyone to be courteous and mindful so all can enjoy a peaceful experience.

Hot tub hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

🔥 Fire Ring Use

Guests are welcome to enjoy the shared fire ring.

Please:

  • observe all burn bans or red flag warnings

  • never leave fires unattended

  • fully extinguish fires before leaving

Fallen sticks/branches may be used for the fire ring, but please do not cut live vegetation.

💧 Hot Tub Guidelines

  • For safety and cleanliness:

  • Shower before entering

  • No glass containers or food

  • Maximum occupancy: six people

  • Do not adjust chemical systems

  • Replace and latch the cover after use

Children under 14 must be supervised. Children under 5 are not permitted in the hot tub. Details are provided within the house guide of each property.

🐾 Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Schoolhouse with prior approval. (At this time, the Matilda does not accept pets due to sensitive systems and small spaces.)

A non-refundable $100 pet fee applies (maximum two dogs; insurance-approved breeds under 50 lbs).

To keep the space comfortable for everyone:

  • Pets are not permitted on beds.

  • Pets may be on other furniture if a protective throw or cover is used.

  • Do not leave pets unattended unless kenneled.

  • Clean up after pets indoors and outdoors.

🚭 Smoking

Both the Schoolhouse and Matilda are non-smoking properties. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco or cannabis use are not permitted inside.

If smoking outdoors, please do so away from the building and dispose of materials responsibly.

🤫 Quiet Hours & Respectful Use

To preserve the peaceful prairie atmosphere:

  • Quiet hours are 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM.

  • Parties or events are not permitted.

Non-recording sound monitoring technology helps maintain compliance.

🧹 Cleaning & Arrival Inspection

The home is professionally cleaned and inspected before every stay.

Upon arrival, please take a brief walkthrough.

If something does not meet expectations, notify us immediately on the day of arrival so we can address it promptly.

🧹 Checkout

Checkout is simple.

In the Schoolhouse:

  • Leave used beds unmade

  • Start a load of colored towels

  • Leave white spa towels in the basket found under the window seat.

  • Run the dishwasher

  • Bag trash and place in outdoor bin

  • Check for personal belongings

  • Close windows and lock up

In Matilda:

  • Leave used beds unmade

  • Place all dirty towels on the shower floor

  • Wash and leave dishes to dry on the sink dish drainer

  • Bag trash and place in the black bin by the farm stand

  • Check for personal belongings

  • Close windows and lock up

Checkout time: 11:00 AM.

🛜 Internet & Technology

Wi-Fi details are provided inside the home.

Internet access is for lawful and reasonable use only.

🔐 Security & Safety

For everyone’s safety:

  • Do not tamper with cameras, sound monitors, smoke detectors, safety equipment or bus controls.

  • Furniture and electronics should remain in their original placement unless approved.

🧾 Security Deposit

A fully refundable security deposit is required and collected securely and separately from booking platforms, through our property management system. It is returned after inspection provided the property is left in expected condition.

❤️ About Your Stay

Vickers Schoolhouse and Matilda are locally owned by Lara and Tony. Your stay supports a small local business and helps preserve this historic landmark.

Revenue generated from the reservations help support children in war torn areas around the globe through Project Nic. Learn more at https://Project-Nic.org

Your hosts live nearby and are always happy to help.