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Our History

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About the Inn

The historic Schoolhouse Inn is the perfect place to stay in Baileys Harbor for history buffs, romantics and adventurers alike. You’ll love to soak in the storied history of the 105-year-old building, take in the views from your private deck and enjoy the easy walk to Lake Michigan and dozens of other must-see attractions in the area.

Meet our Family

The 1917 schoolhouse has been a part of our fifth-generation Baileys Harbor family since the acquisition of the building’s land in 1917. Today, Kristen, Caleb and their daughter Ida take great pride in continuing the family legacy through hands-on ownership and operation of the inn. We look forward to personally greeting and providing an authentic local experience for each of our guests.

A Family Legacy

Hedwig Peil

Hedwig Peil

Kristen’s great grandmother

Assisted with the school’s land acquisition in 1917 and served as the building’s custodial staff.

Roland Peil standing with two horses

Roland Peil

Kristen’s grandfather

Spent his entire formal education at the schoolhouse and worked on the construction crew who built the brick addition in the 50s.

Loren Peil class photo

Loren Peil

Kristen’s father

Attended the school and original lodging owner.

Kristen Peil class photo

Kristen Peil

Owner

Attended school in the original building.

History of the Inn

The Baileys Harbor Schoolhouse has accumulated a storied history in its 105 years, before its current form as the seven-room inn we operate today.

  • 1917

    Current owner Kristen Peil’s great-grandmother Hedwig Peil assists in the school’s land purchase and serves as the building’s custodial staff.

    Architect Fred Crandall begins work on the newly commissioned schoolhouse.

    The schoolhouse operates with two classrooms, teaching grades 1st through 8th.

    Hedwig Peil The original 1917 Baileys Harbor District #1 Schoolhouse blueprints class picture of the Baileys Harbor District #1 Schoolhouse students in 1935
  • 1950s

    Kristen’s grandfather Roland Peil and father Loren Peil assist in the construction of a brick addition to the front of the schoolhouse.

    class picture of the Baileys Harbor District #1 Schoolhouse students in 1935
  • 1983

    The building’s last class. With the school closed, the town uses the building as an office space and public library.

    The building’s last class. With the school closed, the town uses the building as an office space and public library.
  • 1989

    Annie Peil, Kristen’s mother, moves her successful art and antiques business into the schoolhouse.

    Orphan Annies Gifts, Art and Antiques
  • 1990s

    Kristen Peil adds a vintage clothing boutique to her mother’s existing shop.

    Kristen and Annie Peil at Orphan Annies in the late 1980s
  • 1994

    Annie and Loren Peil save the historic Baileys Harbor building from demolition by purchasing it from the town.

    The first room is converted into lodging.

    Loren and Annie Peil outside the schoolhouse building in 1994
  • 2003

    Annie and Loren complete the renovation of the schoolhouse into a seven-room inn, completing a majority of the construction themselves.

    Loren and Annie Peil outside of the schoolhouse building in 2003
  • 2016

    Kristen Peil and Caleb Whitney, along with daughter Ida, purchase the building in 2016.

    The family continues to carry on the tradition of the hands-on ownership that has preserved the inn for the past 105 years.

    Loren and Annie Peil outside of the schoolhouse building in 2003 Loren and Annie Peil outside of the schoolhouse building in 2003 Loren and Annie Peil outside of the schoolhouse building in 2003

Experience the History of Baileys Harbor

Ready to plan your unforgettable stay at the historic Schoolhouse Inn? Check our availability and reserve your room today. We can’t wait to meet you!

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