Our Story.
Tucked into the prairie just outside Paola, Kansas, Vickers Schoolhouse offers a peaceful retreat shaped by history, wide skies, and the quiet rhythm of rural life.
What was once a one-room country school now welcomes guests seeking a slower pace, meaningful connection, and a stay that feels both nostalgic and restorative. Today, the Schoolhouse shares the prairie with Matilda—a thoughtfully restored vintage school bus—offering two distinct ways to experience this quiet stretch of land.
A Piece of Prairie History
Vickers School was originally chartered in 1869 as part of School District 49 in Miami County, Kansas. The historic building standing today is believed to have been constructed in 1891 and named after a member of the local school board.
Built as a single-room schoolhouse with wood floors, soaring 13-foot ceilings, and tall double-hung windows, it embodies the classic character of the prairie schoolhouses that once dotted the countryside. Much of this original spirit remains present today, carefully preserved while thoughtfully adapted for modern comfort.
Just beyond the Schoolhouse, Matilda carries a different kind of history.
She is a 1978 Crown Supercoach that spent four decades serving a California school district before being retired and sold at auction. After a full mechanical restoration—including her Detroit Diesel engine, which still runs strong today—she was carefully converted into a beautiful, compact living space.
Matilda came home to the prairie in October of 2025 and made her debut in the spring of 2026, after a winter of thoughtful refinements. Now settled into her permanent place here, she’s taken well to a quieter life—welcoming new guests with every stay.
As more history is uncovered, we share stories and discoveries in our blog, The Library, where the past continues to come to life.
Your Stay
When you book the Schoolhouse or Matilda, you’ll enjoy your own private space along with access to the surrounding prairie. The two stays sit a short walk apart, sharing open sky, outdoor gathering spaces, and the natural rhythm of the land.
Whether you arrive with family, close friends, or simply a desire to step away from the pace of everyday life, there’s room here to slow down and settle in.
Mornings feel quieter. Evenings stretch a little longer. And the prairie sky has a way of reminding you that simple things still matter.
Thoughtfully Prepared
We’ve blended historic charm and careful craftsmanship to create stays that feel both authentic and welcoming—each with its own character, but rooted in the same sense of place.
The Schoolhouse offers a space to gather.
Matilda offers a space to retreat.
Together, they create something that feels complete.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a base for exploring Miami County, or simply a place to breathe and unwind, we’re honored to share this corner of the prairie with you.
Welcome — we’re glad you’re here.