How is this not falling apart?

What’s up, friends?

Today’s home has been standing for over 150 years. For context, we’re in the 21st Century, and this place saw a good chunk of the 19th Century. 

It’s been a bit updated since then, its original exterior features serve as a reminder of the building’s original purpose -that’s as outdated as the building itself: a one-room schoolhouse. 

Built in 1867, this 1-bed, 2-bath, “antique” property is located in Wisconsin’s “Coziest Small Town in America” of Stockholm. Though the 2.2k sq. ft. and 0.5 acre lot make me feel like “cozy” could border on claustrophobic. We’ll have to see it for ourselves…

Before we really get into things, let me preface: Schoolhouses were known to be “one-room” -so does that make this home a glamorized studio apartment? Yes, but we’ll emphasize the “glamor” by celebrating how, in this building, children will no longer be reprimanded by (today’s standards of) illegal methods! 

Upon entering, we get a glimpse at how the past has met contemporary. With the original wood floors at our feet, and that wallpaper on the walls, its clear that the homeowners wanted to stay true to the property’s origins. That said, there’s a simplicity to the space that gives it a present-day edge. 

And nothing summarizes that idea better than the tiny TV above the giant jukebox, in this living room-esque space. 

Spanning the entire length of the home, ceiling-high windows let sunlight pour into the space. It makes the entire room (entire house) feel more grand -and probably is really calming for work at that small desk. 

Technically speaking, this tiny kitchen is only a “kitchenette” -which, for a vacation home, this would be perfect. But for a long stay, I’m not sure if I could live off of an air fryer and microwave combo.

That being said, this nook is really well utilized. The shelving, painting, and layout makes a cramped area feel vast. 

As seen from the entrance, there is a secondary nook that’s opposite to this one. Want to guess what’s inside?

Books! This nook has been transformed into a personal library with a floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving unit, a daybed to relax on, bright colors for inspiration, and a large window to light up the stories. Genuinely, I’d love an afternoon there with a good book.  

Next to the kitchenette is a cute wooden dining table, with chairs and a chalkboard that remind you of this place’s educational (and dated) roots. 

And next to the table is a bed? Wait, is that-

We’ve arrived at the bedroom. We took one step to the left of the dining table, and, yep, this is it. A wall has been erected to “separate” the spaces -but I’d argue that it calls so much attention to itself, that it’s more of an eyesore than anything else.

On the lower level, apparently, there’s another bedroom, ¾ bath, and a heated floor -but from the drab photo… you could convince me otherwise.

As we step outside, you might notice how this property lacks a garage, driveway, or even a patch of grass that’s been designated as a parking space. With that being said, the listing makes a point to mention this home comes equipped with an electro car charger -which is ironic, given that the construction of this building predates the mass production of automobiles. 

Back in the 1800s, I’m not sure they had patios -plus, that woodwork looks too fine to be that old. It’s a cute addition to the property that provides a slightly-elevated view of the nature that fully surrounds this place.

Now I’m no expert on sheds, and I know their primary purpose is storage, but WHY does one of these look like it’s a grounded treehouse, while the other looks like the place you hide murder weapons?

From the ground, the trees make this place appear as if it’s in a cute forest, a simple field, or a quaint landscape… but this is eerie. 

I guess there’s a manufactured forest around this house… so what! It’s just another history mystery about this school, that we’ll probably never uncover the answer to. Oh well.

Sarah @Hometastrophes