Constructed in 1886, the charming brick property known locally as "Schoolhouse No. 1" served as the very first school on Amelia Island. The original four-room structure was designed by architect Robert Sands Schuyler, whose distinctive style is evident throughout Downtown Fernandina Beach in landmarks such as St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the Tabby House, and the Fairbanks House. As the island's population expanded, the building underwent multiple enlargements but eventually ceased operations as a school in the 1930s due to overcrowding.
Following its closure as an educational facility, the building served various functions, including a library office and a Masonic Lodge, before being converted into a boutique hotel in 2017. The transformation into the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn required extensive restoration efforts, notably the replacement of approximately 5,000 exterior bricks with historic red common bricks to maintain its original character.
The fully renovated inn now features 17 guest rooms equipped with modern amenities, a swimming pool, and a tranquil courtyard that includes a putting green. The property also houses an on-site bar called The Principal's Office, which offers food and drinks with a focus on historic flair, including a dedicated section of Prohibition-era cocktails. Decorative touches include framed portraits of U.S. presidents that may have adorned the walls during its time as a school, while guests can enjoy live music in the courtyard overlooking the Amelia River.
Located centrally, the hotel provides easy access to the island's top parks, restaurants, and other historical sites like the Villa Las Palmas House and the Nassau County Courthouse. A unique detail at the front desk is a large jar of jelly beans, adding a playful element to the historic atmosphere.
Sources: Atlas Obscura.