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Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York

Photo gallery for Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York

Front Door
A library with a wooden table, two chairs, a bookshelf filled with books, a vase with flowers, and a red bowl on the table.
A brick building with a steeply pitched roof, large windows, and a small chimney.
A cozy living room with a large window, a bookshelf, a coffee table, and a sofa.
A four-poster bed with a dark wooden frame, a bench at the foot of the bed, a bedside table with a lamp, and a window with red curtains.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Elmira College
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Elmira, NY
  • Place, Elmira College
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Chemung Valley History Museum
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Elmira, NY (ELM-Elmira - Corning Regional)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York

The School House was built in 1922. It has 15 foot high ceilings in both the large sitting room and bedroom. There are large windows in both rooms overlooking beautiful grounds on one side and trees on the other. In winter, deer are at the bedroom window. The grounds offer a Tennis and Pickle Ball court as well as the necessary equipment. It is located on the edge of the Finger Lakes region, close to major roads for Pennsylvania, Ithaca, and New York City. An outstanding getaway, in an elegant setting, with the finest amenities you find in any Relais et Château. A worthy detour.

The Space
There are close to 3 acres of wooded grounds and gardens and a tennis court with night lights. The School House is over 650 square feet, fully air-conditioned with a recently refurbished bathroom. The original 1922 iron tub was deglazed and kitted out with new fittings and a power-head shower. The sitting room is equipped with a large reading collection for your enjoyment. This property can only be booked from this site.

Guest access
There are housekeeping and laundress that can be negotiated privately. An excellent dry cleaning service picks up and delivers Mondays and Thursdays. There are six steps leading to The School House from street parking. There is off-street parking on the grounds as well. Recommendations are available in advance for special requests, food preparation and specially cakes.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 9:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2252573vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Elmira

Elmira is home to this cottage. Regal Arnot Mall and Park Avenue Sports Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Newtown Battlefield State Park and Mark Twain State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at LECOM Event Center, or consider a night out at Budweiser Summer Stage at Tag's.
View more Cottages in ElmiraOpens in a new window
Map
Elmira, NY

What's nearby

  • Elmira College - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Mark Twain Study - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira - 6 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Arnot Art Museum - 7 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Chemung Valley History Museum - 8 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Chemung County Transportation Center - 3 min drive
  • Elmira, NY (ELM-Elmira - Corning Regional) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪ILL Eagle Taphouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Rye Bar & Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪1157 North - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Barb's Soup's On Cafe - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Guest House on Historic Estate in Upstate New York located?

Situated in Elmira, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Elmira College and Mark Twain Study. LECOM Event Center and Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira are also within 2 miles (3 km). Chemung County Transportation Center is 26 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property. Host was super helpful. Very clean and comfortable. Would highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Patricia M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Guest House

I very much enjoyed the quiet location, designated/reserved parking spot, the beautiful garden setting, and architectural charm of this sweet guest house. A comfortable respite during a challenging work week away from home.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2024
Regret I could not improve the weather. Hope to see you and your lovely family again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, comfortable

This small house feels like a writer's retreat, with greenery all around and a beautiful book-lined room to sit and read in. Lovely place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2023
Thank you Katherine. Please return, find a book to read and play more pickle ball. Our town is resurfacing ….not just Church Street.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute, Quiet, & Comfortable

Beautiful house, very spacious and relaxing. You'll really feel at home here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic schoolhouse cottage

Always a pleasure
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2025
Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whimsical School House with interesting library and peaceful setting

This a unique property with very good energy. It is very clean and the bed is comfortable. Jennifer was delightful and brought us wine, cheese, crackers and salami - a wonderful treat to share with our guests. The kitchen was well appointed and we made pancakes and eggs for our family that we visited. All were very interested to see inside the property. I would stay there again in an instant!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept, 2023
Thank you for this charming review. I never heard The School House described as whimsical. I even looked it up to find it means, warm, playful and unusual. I think you might also carry these describers. You were a great guest. Thank you, Jennifer
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like No Other

This property was very unique. From the first step in to the last step out the owner delivered. From the quality of the bedding/linens to the impeccable WI-FI the experience was "Like No Other"
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 May, 2023
I am just seeing this lovely review a half year later. . I started the refurbishment in 2018 and it has not stopped. This Spring, clearly one sees the efforts rewarded. Many thanks for your acknowledgement. I hope you return, from time to time, and note further refinements, for guests, on the grounds. Best wishes, Jennifer
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eliza W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Will Definitely Be Back

The property, neighborhood, and overall general area are all absolutely beautiful. Such a comfortable and cozy spot to come back to after visiting Watkins Glen and many other of the must-sees of the area. Definitely a historical piece to the neighborhood of which this property is located which makes it even more special. Jennifer, the host, is just remarkable. Will go out of her way to accommodate your every request and need. We will definitely be back :)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely retreat and good base for the Finger Lakes

This was a truly lovely and quiet property - very well appointed, classily and distinctively decorated, complete with fresh flowers, welcome goodies in the fridge, and basic pantry items. A wall of books made us want to just stay in and read! Lovely walking neighborhood and easy access to Corning and other Finger Lakes attractions - including glider rides from Harris Hill, hiking at Watkins Glen, campus gawking in Ithaca, and a multitude of wineries. Attentive, friendly and fascinating, but never intrusive host! Would return in a heartbeat.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug, 2021
Andrew and Chandy were charming, really delightful to have on my property. There was such satisfaction to have a couple with attractive manners and intelligent conversation, funny and observant. Andrew is truly knowledgeable about wine and the local wineries did not disappoint him. I look forward to their return.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tyler L.

Liked: Check-in
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer Butler

Host profile image
I grew up in Elmira then, moved to Europe where I spent 33 years in Paris. After I had seen all I wanted and learned all I wondered, like a good horse, I had the sense to come back to my barn. I am glad to be home at The Knoll. It was my mother’s favorite home, amidst many many beauties, but this was her favorite and now, it is my favorite. Built in 1922, by one of the largest importers of wood from the Philippines, both the main house and guest house depend heavily on these woods for their charm and style. It is a privilege to live here.
During your stay
If there are any problems, I am across a courtyard. There is a pamphlet listing highlights in the area.

Why they chose this property

It was my mother’s favorite home, amidst many many beauties, but this was her favorite and now, it is my favorite.

What makes this property unique

The School House on the Knoll is located just 35 minutes from the beautiful Finger Lakes region and New York State wineries. Plenty of hiking, and exploring are all close by. Play tennis, golf, boating, and museums.
Corning, NY is a short distance away. Visit the beautiful historic downtown that offers a variety of unique shopping and galleries.

Languages:

English, French
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