The Schoolhouse in June-songbirds,wildflowers,wildlife,amazing views,quiet.
Location: Gardiner, Yellowstone Country, Montana, USA (Bozeman, MT (closest airport) - 90 mi, 12 mi to Yellowstone)
Accommodations: Cabin, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
Keywords: Studio, cottage, school house, cabin
Take a step back in time and delve into the rich history of the area. Our 1916 Schoolhouse is located on the historic Stermitz Ranch in beautiful Cinnabar Basin, Gardiner, Montana. This is the original location of the school, which provided a much needed learning place for the children in this rural area - many of whose families immigrated to the area to work in coal mines.
In 2009-2010, the schoolhouse was completely renovated to preserve the structure and maintain the historic integrity of the building. Many of the original items are on display for all to enjoy.
From the moment you drive to the schoolhouse on the hill, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views. Once you set foot inside, you are in for a relaxing vacation. The schoolhouse boasts several tall windows, each with spectacular mountain views - aspen trees and wildlife abound. Watch deer, elk, and the occasional moose graze in the meadow out the front door. Bears, wolves, and coyotes are sometimes spotted on nearby hills and fields.
Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We raise American Quarter Horses, and generally have at least one new foal every summer. Last summer our cabin guests were fortunate enough to witness the birth! The ranch is also home to chickens,pigs,cows,dogs, and cats. Have farm fresh eggs delivered to you upon request- our sons charge $3/dozen and offer free delivery.
A highlight of the Schoolhouse features:
*Horseback rides available on property.
*Farm fresh eggs delivered.
*Hiking/cross-country skiing from the front door.
*King size bed with luxurious linens.
*Mountain views from every window.
*Beautiful location on the historic Stermitz Ranch.
*A short 20 minute drive to Yellowstone National Park.
*2 twin convertible beds also available.
*Cozy seating area with a charming propane fireplace.
*Carefully appointed details such as a tin ceiling, original wood floors, old school desks and books, a chalkboard, etc.
*Heated slate floor in the bathroom.
*Kitchen with a full size range.
*Opportunities for children to interact with animals.
*Western ranch experience.
Do you have a larger group, or planning a family re-union? Ask about our other cabin rentals on the ranch! We also have a large covered pavilion with picnic tables - perfect for those large family gatherings.
We look forward to meeting you.
Your hosts,
Stacy and Rob Stermitz
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Ski-In
- Ski-Out
- Communications
- Telephone
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
High Season (May 15-Sep 15) .. $175/night (3 night min)
Low Season (Sep 16-May 14) .. $140/night (2 night min)
NO CLEANING FEE!!
7% Montana State Bed Tax,
A 50% deposit secures the reservation, the remaining 50% is due upon your arrival.
Full refund minus $50 re-booking fee for cancellations 60 + days prior to arrival.
No refunds for cancellations less than 60 days prior to arrival.
Damages or excessive cleaning is subject to a post check-out charge up to 14 days.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1900
My husband, Rob and I feel extremely blessed to live in such an amazing place. We are fortunate to raise our 4 sons, who are the 5th generation, here on the historic Stermitz Ranch. Rob works full time as a Landscape Architect in Yellowstone as well as managing the ranch operations. Stacy is a full time mom and manages the vacation rental properties and the horseback rides. We enjoy working on renovation projects together, generally on the weekends as time allows. The schoolhouse is our third complete renovation on the aging ranch buildings. The next project will be the original homestead house built in 1910. We have enjoyed the challenges that each building brings, and look forward to the day when all of the original structures have been restored and preserved!
Why the Owner Chose Gardiner
After Rob and I both graduated from college and got married, we decided that this was the ideal place to raise our kids. We both share a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the history of the area, and the proximity to Yellowstone Park makes it ideal. We just love the story of how his family came to be here. Rob's great grandfather, Joseph, was born in Slovenia, Austria in 1862 and worked in the coal mines from the age of 9. He later immigrated here from Slovenia with his wife and two children in 1892, following the promise of work in coal mines in Montana. When they arrived he found that no work was to be found. Joseph used his last $10 to buy a shotgun so that he might feed his family. While here, a fire broke out in the Cokedale mines. Joe helped put out the fires and was noticed by the mine boss who asked "who is that good worker?" Someone explained that it was an immigrant who couldn't find work. The mine boss then said "Put that man to work. Anyone who works that hard for no pay should get a job." The family, along with the addition of three more children, moved to the ranch in Cinnabar Basin in 1900. They purchased the the original homestead of Bob Dixon. Their house consisted of a dirt roofed dugout built by Dixon. Later, when the mine closed in 1910, the lumber was brought from the hospital building in Aldrige to construct a log and lumber house. Rob's grandfather was born here in 1910. He later attended this school. In 1935, Rob's grandfather married Gladys Elliott, who was one of the teachers at this schoolhouse. Their son, Jim, also attended school here and continues to live here on the ranch with his wife Lorayne.
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
The ranch is ideally located in the remote mountains of the Gallatin National Forest, while still being a close drive to the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park. We enjoy watching the abundant wildlife, hiking and skiing from our back door, and taking a horseback ride up the scenic mountain trails that the ranch has to offer. Being in the great outdoors is what this property is all about! Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do.
Property Photos
-
- The Schoolhouse in June-songbirds,wildflowers,wildlife,amazing views,quiet. - Gardiner Vacation Cabin with Mountain Views; Minutes from Yellowstone National Park; Horseback Rides available on property
-
- Dine outside or in while taking in the moutain views and the wildlife. - Gardiner Vacation Cabin with Mountain Views; Minutes from Yellowstone National Park; Horseback Rides available on property
-
- The Stermitz Ranch in winter.The schoolhouse is on the hill in the distance. - Gardiner Vacation Cabin with Mountain Views; Minutes from Yellowstone National Park; Horseback Rides available on property
-
- The dining area made from reclaimed timber from the old Corwin Springs bridge.
-
- The seating area is the perfect spot to converse, or curl up with a book.
-
- Wake to the morning sun streaming in, and mountain views from your king bed.
-
- Original details -school desks, chalkboard, old books, alphabet, photos, etc.
-
- Farm fresh eggs delivered to you upon request-they really are better!
-
- The kitchen is equipped with pots,pans,utensils, dishes, full size range,etc.
-
- The view from the schoolhouse porch-a great place to enjoy your morning coffee.
-
- The school children on the porch of the schoolhouse in 1933. Teacher(Grandma).
-
- Scenic horseback rides available on the ranch- ages 5 and up!
Traveler Reviews (10)
Perfect family spot
Guest: Welch Family
(Vancouver WA)
Date of Stay: 06/23/11
Review Submitted: 11/06/11
We so enjoyed this special get-away. The horseback ride for our children was the highlight. Plus, the adorable cabin, plus the scenery, plus quiet, and more. It was a vacation to remember.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Mountain view escape
Guest: twowaveriders
(Cuyahoga Falls, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/01/11
Review Submitted: 09/08/11
What peace and quiet. You sit and look out over the mountains, and see more stars than you can ever imagine. It is a true escape from the everyday. To sit and eat while gazing out at the mountains is a delight. The details of the schoolhouse surround you, from the blackboard to the bookcase full of old books. The owners have done a wonderful job preserving the history of the structure, but filling it with touches of luxury. It is well stocked for your every need. After long days of hiking and sightseeing in Yellowstone, it was such a retreat. We felt like we were the only two people around. We had wanted to do a horseback riding tour at the ranch, but a bicycling accident prevented us from doing so. That was our only disappointment!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
A little slice of Heaven
Guest: Professgal
(Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/21/11
Review Submitted: 08/08/11
We enjoyed our 2 night stay in the Schoolhouse, very much! The fresh eggs, serenity, peacefulness of the ranch, and the welcoming staff, exceeded our expectations. We even went back a few days later, to book a Saddle and Paddle excursion through them. That, too, exceeded our expectations. If you want a little romantic place to stay, on a beautiful, secluded ranch, this is the place for you. Even the drive to the schoolhouse (about 4 miles down a gravel road) is so gorgeous and serene. We will always remember this Schoolhouse, and hope to return again one day. Thank you so much for this little slice of Heaven! Phil and Kelley P.S. The pictures of the schoolchildren in the schoolhouse were such a nice touch. I could just feel them attending class there, nearly a century ago. THANKS !
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Exceeds expectations!!
Guest: Teri and Family
(Colleyville, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11
Review Submitted: 06/22/11
Nice job, Rob and Stacy! While the pictures in the listing are accurate and beautiful, they can't begin to capture the wonder of this place! It's by far my favorite vacation spot, and I hope to go back. The history of the school is fascinating, the renovation is utterly charming, and the scenery is breathtaking. We did the Paddle and Saddle, and the guides/wranglers were super. Trips to Yellowstone each day were easy. Farm fresh eggs are a must! Dinner at Rosie's in Gardiner was great. When we drove up the hill the last evening just after dark and saw the silhouette of the schoolhouse on the hill, I wanted time to stop. I'd give it 10 stars! I traveled with my two teenage kids, and they loved it as well. My only con is writing such a glowing review that it will be booked when I want to come back!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Absolutely amazing...
Guest: Katie
(Hendersonville, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/13/10
Review Submitted: 10/19/10
We found this property online from across the country and were hoping it was as good as it sounded and looked in the pictures. We were thrilled to see that it completely exceeded our expectations! You can't capture all the beautiful and charming details in the few pictures provided. Rob went above and beyond normal hospitality (due to our own unpreparedness!) and we felt very grateful. The mountains surrounding the schoolhouse are just gorgeous -- we kept looking out of the windows in amazement. I so wish we were able to stay longer. I would recommend this property to anyone who appreciates nostalgia and comfort. Thank you both! And don't change a thing!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Great views, wish the owners communicated better
Guest: Reagan
(Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/27/10
Review Submitted: 10/18/10
Pros: My wife and I enjoyed our 3 night stay at the schoolhouse cabin. The views were incredible and the history is amazing. The drive up to the cabin is one of the most beautiful drives we've ever made. It is very convenient to all things Yellowstone. A much more fulfilling and unique experience than staying at a hotel. The property was very clean and in-order when we arrived. The bed was super comfortable. The kitchen had all the essentials. We enjoyed the table and seating outside for sunsets and dinner. Cons: Part of the reason we booked the schoolhouse cabin was for the horseback rides. However, it does not seem that horseback rides are offered. We wish we would have known that before we booked our stay... the owner just flat out did not respond to our emails and notes requesting rides. There was also no interior-only deadbolt or security chain to the cabin. The only way to lock the door was a deadbolt that is also controlled by an exterior keypad. This created an uneasy feeling as there were random people (we assume they were ranch hands... another thing we were not informed of) wandering past the cabin during the day and at night.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
One room schoolhouse lovingly restored
Guest: Grammy
(Cape Charles, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10
Review Submitted: 08/03/10
Just driving up the canyon road to this property is an experience to enjoy. Our first time up the road a Pronghorn Antelope wandered acroos the road in from of us. The ranch the schoolhouse is located on has been in the same family for 110 years and the owner's ancestors went to school there. It has been restored with attention to detail and the photos on the walls are actual student photos. Be sure to sign up for a trail ride right there on the ranch and a rafting trip down the Yellowstone River as well! The location is just right - far enough off the main road so that you can really feel like you are out of the rat race but close enough to Yellowstone NP that you can be there in about 20 minutes. While it would be a bit of a squeeze for 4 adults, it was just right for the 2 of us plus 2 grandchildren ages 12 and 9.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, age 55+.
EXTREMELY COZY AND CHARMING!!!
Guest: Gina
(Leroy, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10
Review Submitted: 07/11/10
What an absolutely charming place to stay while visiting the Yellowstone area. I could not have imagined how nice this renovated schoolhouse was going to be before I arrived. It is so much better than described. For a one room rental with kitchen, it feels so roomy and has all the amenities you need. Not to mention the exquisite decorating, linens, and furniture that is provided...we didn't want to get out of bed. You may be staying on a real Montana ranch, but you feel like you are in a 5-star lodge. The views are beautiful, the wildlife abound, and, again, the accomodations are more than terrific. The history is respectfully displayed throughout the cabin and don't forget to talk to Stacey or Rob about the history behind the cabin and ranch. It adds a wonderful experience to your stay. Definately get the fresh eggs that their kids provide...they're very yummy. I would definately recommend this cabin to anyone wanting to visit this area. They do have another 4-bedroom rental on the property for larger parties...I'm already thinking of going back with more family and friends. They are very friendly and helpful owners that give you the privacy you're looking for while you're there. I have done a lot of traveling throughout the states and this is the first review that I have spent the time to write. I just can't say enough about this 1900 renovated one room schoolhouse!! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Absoutley Charming!!!
Guest: Laura Bebout
(Ogden, Utah)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10
Review Submitted: 06/13/10
Staying at this property was a wonderful experience. I've worked in property managment for vacation rentals and I am still truly impressed with this one. Decor details are very personal to the property and were done very tastefully. The linens were amazing, so much so that we didn't even want to get out of bed. It came equiped with everything you would ever need. We really enjoyed the superior views and watching the wildlife. The fresh eggs were a first for me and a real treat. If you like views I recommend Rosie's in Gardiner for dining. It has a wonderful out door patio on the roof! Stacy and Rob great job on the renovation and the awsome hospitality! Thanks again, Laura and Chris Bebout
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, people with disabilities, families with young children, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Beautiful Setting!!! Great Accomodation
Guest: YS Bound
(Roanoke, VA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/10
Review Submitted: 05/17/10
Owners did a fantastic job restoring/updating this old log school house. If you like being away from it all, this is a wonderful place/setting. Wildlife in the yard, surrounding fields, and mountain sides! Beautiful setting. Take them up on the farm raised eggs - they are very good! Cabin description was accurate, photos are not misleading at all, cabin was clean and well maintained, owner was very kind and easy to work with. I would recommend to others who are looking for quiet and calm - none of the usual electronic devices to stimulate, although they do furnish a nice CD collection and player. Owners gave us our privacy and did not check inside their rented little gem while we were out each day, as I have had some owners do. Kitchen is fully equipped, but refrigerator/freezer is under counter size, so plan grocery buying accordingly. Range is full size, and cabin is equipped with more small appliances than one would imagine - including a hand mixer. Dish soap, hand soap, bath soap, tp all provided, as were several other things. It did not take us as long to get to Yellowstone from the cabin as I thought it would. The cabin is actually a bit to the north of Gardiner, in Corwin Springs. Cinnabar Basin Rd is mostly dirt, so at certain times of the year, might need something other than a Buick (we had an SUV). Ask owners about the "back" road to the YS entrance, as it is a chance to see more wildlife than on 89.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.
First (10) of (10). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #294232
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2010.
Date last modified - Wednesday, June 22, 2011
