In a real estate market where cookie-cutter construction often dominates, a restored 1870s one-room schoolhouse in southwest Michigan stands apart and is on the market for $989,000.
The District 5 Schoolhouse, located at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, spans 2,325 square feet and has been reimagined as a two-bedroom, two-bath residence and income-producing short-term rental, blending 19th-century architecture with modern amenities.
Currently operating as a highly rated Airbnb, the property has earned more than 100 five-star reviews and maintained an occupancy rate of approximately 72% since launching rentals in August 2024, according to owner Jonathon Wolfer.
Wolfer and his wife purchased the rural brick schoolhouse in 2023 with the intent of preserving a piece of local history. At the time, the building lacked occupancy permits, a kitchen and several code-compliant features.
“It was very bare bones,” Wolfer said. “We worked closely with the county to bring everything up to code while keeping the character intact.”
The renovation was extensive. Improvements included structural reinforcement, a new roof and water heater, installation of a full kitchen, updated electrical and plumbing systems, refinished flooring, reglazing of the original windows, and updated landscaping. The upstairs level was insulated and finished, and an egress window was added to create a legal sleeping area. A second bathroom also was added.
Historical maps reviewed by Wolfer suggest the schoolhouse dates to the 1870s, when it served children of nearby farmers, although the MLS lists the year built as 1900.
While it is not listed on a historic registry, the structure remains one of the few surviving rural schoolhouses in the county.
Rather than use it as a primary residence, Wolfer and his wife pivoted to short-term rental operations after expanding their family.
Chicago-area guests have been a strong customer base, Wolfer said, drawn by the property’s approximate 90-minute drive from the city. The home is roughly three hours from Detroit.
Its location adds to its appeal. The schoolhouse sits about a mile from Tabor Hill Winery and within 5 miles of additional vineyards, placing it in the heart of Michigan’s wine country. Lake Michigan beaches are approximately 10 to 15 minutes away.
“It’s quiet and peaceful, but you’re still close to wineries, festivals and the water,” Wolfer said.
The property is being sold fully furnished as a turnkey operation, making it attractive to investors seeking an established short-term rental. However, it can also serve as a primary residence for someone drawn to historic architecture and rural surroundings.
The sellers say they are listing the property as they shift their investment focus and hope a buyer can assume operations ahead of the busy summer tourism season.
The home is currently listed for sale by owner at district5schoolhouse.com.
Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Schoolhouse-turned home in Michigan wine country for sale for $989K
Reporting by Brendel Clark , Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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