Welcome to the Smokies
Where the old schoolhouse meets quiet mountain mornings. Step into a piece of history, preserved with care and opened to travelers seeking something real.
1895
Established
29
Acres of Woods
0 mi
To Great Smoky Mtns
"A hidden gem in Townsend — we didn't want to leave."
Our Story
In 1895, the people of Red Bank built a schoolhouse — a place where children came to learn, grow, and dream. For generations, those walls held the sounds of lessons, laughter, and the quiet dedication of teachers who shaped young minds.
Today, Red Bank Schoolhouse stands as a testament to that same spirit of care and community. We've preserved its historic character — the original woodwork, the sturdy beams, the sense of time standing still — while creating a space where modern travelers can find peace, comfort, and a genuine connection to the past.
Nestled on 29 acres along School House Gap Road, just minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our property offers the perfect basecamp for hikers, historians, and anyone who believes a stay should mean more than just a bed.
Historic
Authentic 1895 architecture
Secluded
29 acres of private woodland
The Spaces
Each space in our schoolhouse has been thoughtfully appointed to honor its history while providing every comfort you'd expect from a modern mountain retreat.
Original chalkboard • Queen bed • Mountain views
Our signature room features the original chalkboard wall, a restored vintage desk, and large windows facing the eastern ridge. Perfect for writers and dreamers.
King bed • Fireplace • Garden access
Sunlight pours through tall windows in this spacious retreat. Step out onto the private garden terrace and listen to the mountain birds at dawn.
King bed • Full bath • Study nook
Our most spacious accommodation, once the private quarters of the school's head. Features a separate sitting area, original hardwood floors, and a cozy study.
Location
Townsend, Tennessee — known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" — is the perfect starting point for your mountain adventure. We're just minutes from the Elkmont entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with world-class hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing right at your doorstep.
1212 School House Gap Rd
Townsend, TN 37882-4515
Great Smoky Mtns NP
~2 minutes to Elkmont entrance
"We came for a weekend and stayed for a week. The schoolhouse has a warmth that you can't manufacture — it's in the wood, the light, the silence. This is what the mountains feel like."
A Guest from Asheville, NC
Get in Touch
Whether you have questions about availability, need directions, or just want to learn more about staying at the schoolhouse — reach out. We respond to every message personally.
Check-in: 3:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Pets: By arrangement — call us first
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Thank you! We've received your message and will respond within 24 hours.
