Watch Hill Luxury by the Sea, Iconic 1852 School House, Beside Ocean House Hotel.
NOTE - This monthly rate is only available from January thru March 2026. Rates change April 1st 2026, refer to VRBO and AirBnb for updated rates, do not send inquiries about rentals at this lower rate unless you are inquiring about Jan-March 2026
"Featured in Architectural Digest's '15 Incredible Former Schoolhouses You Can Spend the Night In,' this historic home is now exclusively available for the first time on VRBO."
Although "The School House" is brand new to Zillow, guests can book with complete confidence. The property is owned and managed by a host with 17 years of experience renting luxury homes in Rhode Island, including 2 Arrow Wood Trail, a premier VRBO property with over 53 five-star reviews. The "School House" is a high-end home, newly made available on Zillow for the very first time, and this is the only reason reviews are not yet posted. "The School House" is a luxury Watch Hill home, with a proven five-star track record and a property that has already met the strict standards of the Ocean House Cottage Collection.
Step back in time while enjoying every modern comfort at The School House, a historic 1852 school lovingly transformed into a cozy oceanfront bungalow. Located directly beside the iconic Ocean House Hotel, this cottage offers the best of both worlds: the charm of Watch Hill history and the luxury of seaside living with direct access to a residents' beach, monitored by security.
Rather than a small condo with limited space, enjoy the comfort of your own intimate coastal yard - a peaceful spot with ocean views, alfresco dining, evening cocktails and a picture-perfect backdrop of the Ocean House Hotel will make you feel right at home.
A Storied Past
Once a classroom for local children and later "Miss Stevenson's Little Shop" for over 30 years, the cottage was ultimately re-imagined as a private residence. Its heritage lives on through soaring vaulted ceilings and original hand-hewn beams revealed during renovation blending old-world craftsmanship with an airy, coastal design.
Comfort & Layout
The open-concept plan creates a light-filled space where the living room, kitchen, and dining area flow together beneath dramatic beams and ocean-view windows. French doors lead to a private porch overlooking views to the ocean, while a newly landscaped side yard offers a perfect spot for cocktails, grilling, or dining al fresco against a backdrop of ocean breezes.
2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Sleeps 5
Primary suite with king bed and en-suite bath
Guest room with two twin beds and full bath
Living area with pull-out sofa and fireplace
Amenities
Air conditioning
Full kitchen with Bosch washer/dryer
Private parking, parking limited, to be discussed
Porch with ocean views
Landscaped 40-foot side yard with dining area
Direct access to neighborhood, security-patrolled beach
The Experience
Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee steps from the sand, savoring a glass of wine on the patio at sunset, or strolling next door for cocktails or dinner at the Ocean House, your stay feels like a private suite within a five-star resort yet with the privacy and comfort of your own seaside cottage.
The School House is sheer Watch Hill perfection historic, charming, and just steps from your own private residents' beach.
Owner pays for Water. Renter responsible for monthly fee for Electric, Oil, Cable, Gas. Average Monthly cost $300-$500.
House for rent
Accepts Zillow applicationsSpecial offer
$5,500/mo
20 Westerly Rd, Westerly, RI 02891
2beds
912sqft
Price may not include required fees and charges.
Single family residence
Available now
No pets
Central air
In unit laundry
Forced air
What's special
Steps from the sandAiry coastal designAir conditioningPorch with ocean viewsAlfresco diningSoaring vaulted ceilings
- 42 days |
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Zillow last checked: 9 hours ago
Listing updated: January 18, 2026 at 01:08pm
Travel times
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Heating
- Forced Air
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer
- Laundry: In Unit
Features
- Flooring: Hardwood, Tile
- Furnished: Yes
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 912 sqft
Property
Parking
- Details: Contact manager
Features
- Exterior features: Cable not included in rent, Electricity not included in rent, Gas not included in rent, Heating system: Forced Air, Parking is available but limited, Water included in rent
Details
- Parcel number: WESTM179B74
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Utilities & green energy
- Utilities for property: Water
Community & HOA
Location
- Region: Westerly
Financial & listing details
- Lease term: 1 Month
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12/19/2025 | Price change | $5,500-15.4%$6/sqft |
Source: Zillow Rentals Report a problem | ||
| 12/15/2025 | Listed for rent | $6,500$7/sqft |
Source: Zillow Rentals Report a problem | ||
| 9/26/2025 | Sold | $3,700,000$4,057/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 8/26/2025 | Pending sale | $3,700,000+27.6%$4,057/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 1/10/2024 | Sold | $2,900,000+48.7%$3,180/sqft |
Source: | ||
Neighborhood: 02891
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Westerly Middle SchoolGrades: 5-8Distance: 4.3 mi
- 6/10Westerly High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 4.8 mi
- 6/10Dunn's Corners SchoolGrades: K-4Distance: 4.7 mi
- Special offer! This monthly rate is only available for 3 months - January Thru March 2026. After this time period all rental rates default to VRBO/AirBnB rates which are available on VRBO or AIRBND web sites.Expires March 31, 2026

