The Secret Schoolhouse

Discover the cryptic Adirondacks, where the mountains feel more like a fabled forest forgotten by time, and less like midtown in the morning rush. Our 1851 schoolhouse is a sylvan sanctuary in New York State's Adirondack Park, resting in the hills above the charming Victorian village of Northville on the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake. Located in Benson - population two people per square mile - within five minutes of cross country skiing, backwoods swimming, and the Northville Placid Trail.

The schoolhouse is a magical space straight out of a folk tale. It sleeps two upstairs in the queen bedroom, two downstairs in the twin-with-trundle, and one outside in the cabin, which also offers a roomy desk in a quiet space for those who must work on the road. The library offers a collection of books on Adirondack history, culture, politics, environment and fiction, while the projector in the living room is equipped with a Roku set to guest mode. The back porch overlooks a yard with picnic table, grill and fire pit. For those bringing littles, a swing set graces the side yard. A crib or toddler bed and changing table can be set up in the library off the queen bedroom, or the library can be rearranged to make room if you prefer to bring your own - please note which you prefer when booking. A washer and dryer allow you to pack less and travel light. Appliances include an Aga Elise induction range with five burners and three ovens, a Kitchen Aid mixer, a Smeg drip coffeemaker, plus toaster, microwave and stick blender. The wifi signal covers the entire property including the cabin. Please note there is no cell service in Benson!

Guests have the run of the house, its grounds and its cabin, excepting only the under-eave attics on the top floor of the school, the outhouse and the lean-to, all used to store supplies and necessities out of sight.

The Secret Schoolhouse is tucked away in a wild and beautiful corner of the southern Adirondack foothills. Surrounded on three sides by NYS Forest Preserve, backwoods skiers, snowshoers and bushwhackers can depart the backyard and enter the six-million acre Adirondack backcountry a few steps from the back door. Those who prefer a more structured Adirondack experience can drive two minutes up the road to Lapland Lake Nordic Center for 50 kilometers of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill, skating pond and cafe, while hikers are a five minute walk up a dirt road from a spur of the Northville Placid Trail. Backcountry swimming can be had at beautiful Woods Lake, a three-minute drive followed by a short hike through cathedral pines to the rocky shoreline, while the free Northville Beach is a ten-minute drive to town, and its sister beach at Northampton Campground, can be found another ten minutes on for a small fee. When you are in the mood for village life, depart the lonely hills for Northville, where food, spirits, coffee, shopping, antiques, and events can be found year-round.