The Schoolhouse

This historic former school in Fairview is a unique venue for entertainment, celebrations and even romantic weddings.

The old schoolhouse located along West Lake Road was a building that Gail and Eric Root drove past every day. They had renovated their charming home and were raising their sons, Bo, Tyler and Charlie, just right up the road from the structure. The school was built in 1897 and served students from first grade through eighth grade.

The school district ceased holding classes at the old school in 1952 and the building was subsequently used for several different things, including an antique shop, a florist shop, and even a dog training facility. It also stood vacant for approximately a decade.

When the schoolhouse became available for sale in 2013, Gail and Eric decided to buy the building, even without a clear picture of what they wanted it to become. According to their son Tyler, they also had very little experience with renovating older buildings—only the limited experience with their home. But the couple forged ahead undeterred and began a two-year process of restoring the school. They also applied for and received National Historical Registry status.

Fortunately, the school had been left in its original form with only minor, superficial changes. The original cobblestone walls were still exposed, and the original flooring (with some minor repairs) was still being used. And the original 1897 slate chalkboards were all still intact. The old outhouse was even salvaged, and repainted, although it’s no longer operational. The lower level of the school was turned into a bar, The Swan Tavern. That area had previously been used for storage, so it was gutted before having new flooring installed, along with a custom-built bar and a copper bar top.

The venue opened in February 2015, offering entertainment in the bar and a gathering place for retirement parties, graduation parties, showers and of course, weddings. The Schoolhouse has both an indoor place for wedding ceremonies with the large classroom area upstairs, which can accommodate several people, and a beautiful, natural outdoor setting with a massive weeping beech tree, in sight of the old schoolhouse. This area can accommodate hundreds of people for larger wedding events.

In May 2024, Gail and Eric moved to southern Virginia full time, and their two younger sons, Tyler and Charlie, purchased the venue and have been managing it together. They have seen more business this year than ever before!

“It was always our dream to one day take over The Schoolhouse,” says Tyler. “When we have clients come to take a tour, we listen to what their vision is for their celebration, and then we just try to make that happen for them.”

The Schoolhouse is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a unique event venue. For Tyler and Charlie, The Schoolhouse was a central part of their childhood as they watched it grow and evolve over the years, continuing into their adulthood. It’s like an old friend they have grown up with, and they will continue to care for it like a cherished family member, sharing it with the community.

The Swan Tavern is open to the public on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5 to 11 p.m. To learn more, visit 1897events.net.

Tyler and Charlie Root, owners of The Schoolhouse

Photo by Michael Nesgoda