Top marks: Old schoolhouses graduate into one-of-a-kind homes
Lisa Calautti, Property Journalist
First published 24 Jul 2025, 1:43pm
Often found in rural locations, schoolhouses were built to accommodate small numbers of students and many of these quaint century-old buildings have been reinvented and restored into one-off homes.
From homes in picturesque country towns, to a prime farming lot, here is a selection of restored school houses looking for new owners:
A slice of Australian bush history
Formerly the old Woods Flat School House in the 1800s, this double brick building is among one of the only remaining buildings of the community who once lived at Woods Flat.
The old Woods Flats School House is being offered for sale for only the second time since the 1800s. Picture: realestate.com.au
Located at 54 Woods Flat Road, Woodstock, the property has been partially refurbished with a country style kitchen and three bedrooms.
Set high on its 8094sqm landholding, the property overlooks what was known in the 1860s as the mining settlement – Woods Flat Gold fields.
The home sits up high on the block and overlooks ground that in the 1860’s was know as the Woods Flat gold fields. Picture: realestate.com.au
The listing notes while the home is comfortable, it could benefit from further renovations to complete the works done so far.
The house has an asking price of $519,000.
Elegant transformation in country NSW
Set just two blocks from the main street of the NSW town of Cootamundra, this 1920s school house has been painstakingly renovated by its vendors.
“They’ve removed internal walls, opened up to a big open kitchen and living/dining area,” sales agent Aden Newman from Flemings Property Services, Boorowa, said.
The former schoolhouse sits right in the centre of town. Picture: realestate.com.au
“They added a large shed with an eight car garage and they’ve painted it throughout and added a nice gas log fire.”
Located at 77 Thompson Street, Cootamundra, the four bedroom, one bathroom home has an asking price of $770,000.
Dual property includes restored schoolhouse
Advertised as an opportunity for a new owner to use the restored 1888 Wallalong School House as a guest house or an Airbnb venture, the restored property is part of a sprawling homestead in the NSW Hunter region.
The restored 1888 Wallalong School House sits at the front of the property. Picture: realestate.com.au
Cedar windows, 13 foot ceilings, timber flooring and fireplaces are among the school house’s features which also includes a grand living room, a kitchen and four bedrooms.
The school house is one of two properties on the site, which also includes a French Victorian themed main residence.
Sales agent Tori Lund from The Agency Hunter Valley said the listing has garnered interest from buyers looking for a weekender to enjoy a more rural lifestyle.
A French-Victorian inspired main homestead overlooks the original schoolhouse. Picture: realestate.com.au
There had also been strong interest from multigenerational families looking for a place to accommodate their parents and children.
“That’s probably been the most of our inquiry, [and] I would say out of area,” she said.
91 Clarence Street, Wallalong has a price guide of $1,950,000.
Historic gem with a touch of Mediterranean flair
Originally the town’s first schoolhouse, this three bedroom property has been described as a “true Stratford treasure.”
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Located at 95 Tyers Street, Stratford, the quaint cottage combines country charm with Mediterranean touches.
Originally the town’s first schoolhouse, the home blends its heritage roots with a touch of Mediterranean style. Picture: realestate.com.au
Original brickwork and high ceilings are hallmarks of its former life, while the heart of the property is the kitchen where windows and French doors provide natural light and picture perfect garden views.
The home has an asking price of $659,000.
Make your own mark on a former school house
The circa 1875 old Bahgallah School House in rural Victoria has hit the market ready for its next chapter.
Located at 93 The Bluff Road, Casterton, the weatherboard character home is part of a 135.56ha grazing land with more than 4kms of Glenelg River frontage.
Packed with potential: The old Bahgallah schoolhouse. Picture: realestate.com.au
The former schoolhouse had been converted to a home but is in need of further works.
The sale also includes a timber frame two bedroom home.
Both homes had previously been used for farm stay accommodation, and sheep and cattle graze the land.
With breathtaking views over the gully and river flats below. Picture: realestate.com.au
There is also six paddocks, a wool shed, machinery shedding, cattle and sheep yards.
The property has an asking price of $2 million.
