Skip to main content
Entire home

Historic Waterfront School House

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Historic Waterfront School House

Exterior - Historic Waterfront School House (Groton)
Terrace/patio - Historic Waterfront School House (Groton)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Historic Waterfront School House (Groton)
Interior - Historic Waterfront School House (Groton)
TV - Historic Waterfront School House (Groton)
Close to Mystic Seaport, Historic Waterfront School House provides amenities, such as a garden and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 460 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic Waterfront School House

Escape to a historic 1857 schoolhouse cottage on the Mystic River. This unique 1-bed, 1-bath waterfront retreat is perfect for couples or solo travelers. Enjoy stunning views of the Mystic Drawbridge and Seaport from your private patio. Just a 2-block walk to historic Downtown Mystic, this charming space combines authentic history with modern comfort for an unforgettable stay.

The Space
Step back in time at this thoughtfully relocated and transformed 1857 schoolhouse, now a peaceful 1-bedroom, 1-bath cottage on the Mystic River. Perfect for couples or solo travelers, this retreat combines authentic historic charm with modern comforts for a truly unique waterfront stay.

The cottage features:
* A cozy family room with a 55-inch HDTV with streaming services.
* A dedicated workspace for any remote work needs.
* A fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals.
* A comfortable bedroom with a queen-sized bed.
* Coastal-inspired decor with natural textures that capture the warm, authentic spirit of Mystic living.

Wake up to gentle river breezes and enjoy your morning coffee with stunning views of the Mystic Drawbridge. From your patio, you can watch as historic wooden ships are restored at the Seaport Shipyard just across the water.

Access
Guests will have completely private access to the entire School House Cottage. Although attached to the main Captain’s House, the cottage has its own separate entrance, ensuring a peaceful and private experience.

Your private access includes:
* The entire cottage, including a full kitchen, cozy living room, one bedroom, and one full bathroom.
* An in-unit washer and dryer for your convenience.
* A private patio with a BBQ grill and outdoor dining area overlooking the river.
* One designated parking space on the property.
* Complimentary use of provided bikes and a kayak to explore the area.

Please note that while you have your own private patio, the larger backyard area is a shared space.

Details to Note
Please be aware of the unique characteristics of this genuine historic property, which are a key part of its charm:
* This is an attached cottage, part of a larger historic home.
* The stairs leading to the second-floor bedroom are steep, which may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
* The ceilings in the upstairs bedroom are low, in keeping with the original 1857 schoolhouse design.
The most important House Rule is, respect our neighbors and community. Mystic is a quaint, coastal New England town. As hosts, and guests, we share in the responsibility of keeping Mystic a great place to visit, and to LIVE. Honor the noise ordinance. Be the guest that you would want staying in a vacation rental near your home.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 646 square feet

Similar properties

TV, fireplace, stereo
The Dockside Cottage - Waterfront Cottage with Private Dock
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 49 reviews
The Dockside Cottage - Waterfront Cottage with Private Dock

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

The most important House Rule is, respect our neighbors and community. Mystic is a quaint, coastal New England town. As hosts, and guests, we share in

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

153461

About the area

Map
Groton, CT

What's nearby

  • Mystic River Bascule Bridge - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mystic Arts Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mystic Downtown Marina - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Mystic Seaport - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Mystic Station - 12 min walk
  • New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mystic Pizza - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Sift Bake Shop - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Red 36 - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Engine Room - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Waterfront School House pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Historic Waterfront School House?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Waterfront School House?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Waterfront School House?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Waterfront School House located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Mystic River Bascule Bridge and Mystic Seaport. Mystic Arts Center and Mystic Downtown Marina are also within 10 minutes. Mystic Station is 12 minutes by foot.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Historic Waterfront School House Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jill d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Clean, adorable house
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marissa B.

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

Great stay

Great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

frank c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The family and I (dog and wife) truly loved our stay here. Gerard was very attentive to all our needs and would not hesitate staying again. Perfect weather unbelievable location to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Don’t hesitate book a trip at this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Dorothy V.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Great location. Stairs into the cottage are questio
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel T.

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

Great stay!

We had an amazing time staying here while in town for concerts at Mohegan sun. Amazing location perfect for shopping on the main strip, great food within walking distance, and the property owner was perfectly communicative. Would love to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scot T.

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

A great vacation stay

We love the property, its location, and we had a great time and perfect weather.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peta W.

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

School house

Lovely place and historic town
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice unit just as advertised. Location was excellent for access to the numerous restaurants and shops downtown, an easy 2 minute walk and you are in the “middle of it all”. The private off street parking was a huge advantage. Once we arrived we had no need to use our vehicle until we departed.Will definitely stay here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Seth J.

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

Great Time

Great location and our host was attentive from day 1. House was charming and clean. Hope to stay there in warmer weather some day.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gil F.

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

Exceeded expectations

We had a great week. Loved the schoolhouse theme throughout as did our granddaughter on her visit. Nice short walk to downtown and great views of the river. We’re looking forward to our next visit in August!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph B.

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

Great place great location

Great property for small family and unbeatable location close to downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had a wonderful time. The house is so close to anything you need. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David V.

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

Perfect stay in Mystic!

An incredible place to stay! My wife, 2 kids (2 and 1), and dog stayed in the “School House” and it was the perfect space to relax and enjoy. Gerard was extremely accommodating and great at communicating, the house was clean and stocked with anything we might need (pack and play, high chair, baby gate, etc), and the location can’t be beat (just steps away from downtown). We will definitely recommend this place to friends/family, as well as stay again in the future
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glenn E.

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

Great

Parking CleanConvenientFriendlyYou can not ask for more then that.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl A.

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

Unbeatable location!

This house was charming and the location right on the Mystic River steps away from Main Street is amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael M.

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

Great View

Cozy and clean property with a great location and view.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori D.

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

Wonderful experience

This is a very nice place to stay. Its location is a perfect walking distance to so many places. The owner is very helpful and kind.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole P.

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

GORGEOUS

Such a sweet little cottage in a perfect location. Very clean, including linens and towels, perfect for a cute getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen D.

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

Perfect location

The house was immaculate and right off Main St. Very comfortable bed. We didn't use the kitchen but it seemed to have all the necessities. Would definitely stay again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

Cute house, perfect location!

Loved the historic aspects of the house, combined with the school theme. We appreciated the opportunity to travel with our two dogs. The house is conveniently located less than a block from Main St and the neighborhood was great for a scenic walks. Everything was very clean and there were many conveniences in the house to make you feel at home. Gerardchecked in frequently to make sure everything was going well and nothing was needed. Great communication and smooth check-in/check out process.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

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

Location, Location, Location

Booked the 1 Bedroom Schoolhouse because it was just me and my Fiancee this trip. So cute and incredibly clean and appointed. Centrally located to enjoy all the shops and restaurants and across the water you can see the Mystic Seaport Museum. The Owner, Gerard, is a great communicator and more importantly a really nice guy. I have had the pleasure of staying at 2 other Great Gull Island properties for family gatherings and they are all great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy M.

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

Great spot

Adorable little apartment right in the center of town. We were able to bring our dogs which was great. Check in and check out were simple. Kitchen was well-stocked for cooking so we enjoyed meals in and out. Would return in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael N.

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

MYSTIC PEACE

Quaint 1BR accommodations with nice yard for our puppy to run around in on his leash. ! minute to Main St. super convenient!! All the modern conveniences. Enjoyable time!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

mv-ladyjoan@comcast.net

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

On our way back

House was exactly as advertised except closer to town than we thought! Perfect space for 2 adults and a Cocker Spaniel. We booked next year before we left!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Parker S.

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

Love the Schoolhouse

Went on a brief getaway to Mystic and the only down side was we only got to stay 2 nights in the Schoolhouse. Amazing location! Right in the middle of Mystic, but set back just enough to be quiet. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023