Paola, KS, United States
Prairie Blossom Snuggle Bus w/ Hot Tub
Step off the struggle bus and into the snuggle bus. 🚌 Matilda is a vintage Crown school bus turned enchanting cottage-core retreat for two—where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Inside: queen bed, full kitchen, cozy bath, fast Wi-Fi, and artistic touches throughout. Full-length windows frame prairie and flower farm views. Outdoor spaces may be shared with nearby Schoolhouse guests. 🌾
Good to know
✨A Cozy Escape with a Touch of Whimsy on the Kansas Prairie✨ ★★★★★ “…comfy, cozy, and felt just like home.” Tucked along the prairie just 20 minutes south of Olathe, KS, Matilda invites you to slow down and experience a stay that feels both simple and special. 🌾 ________________________________________ 🌸 Your Flower Farm Escape (Now in Our Second Season – 2026) Crimson Ridge Flower Farm blooms just outside your windows. Guests are invited to stroll the perimeter, take photos, and enjoy what’s in season—just kindly leave the blossoms for all to enjoy. On occasional Saturday mornings (in season), stop by the Crimson Ridge Farm Stand for freshly arranged bouquets. ________________________________________ 🌿 The Stay Matilda is a vintage school bus thoughtfully transformed into a cozy retreat. Small in size, but rich in character, it’s a space designed for rest, simplicity, and a little bit of wonder. 🛏 Sleeps 2 comfortably (Queen Bed) 🚿 Full bathroom with shower 🍳 Fully equipped kitchen 🖥 Smart TV with guest mode + fast Wi-Fi 🌡 Rooftop A/C + diesel heat system 🌅 Views of the prairie and flower farm from your windows ________________________________________ 🛶 Things to Do (or Not Do at All) Outdoor spaces, including the hot tub, fire ring, and trails, may be shared with guests staying at the Schoolhouse located nearby on the property. ✔ Soak in the hot tub under a prairie sunset ✔ Roast marshmallows at the fire ring ✔ Wander the prairie trails and enjoy the flower farm from the perimeter ✔ Curl up inside with a movie or a good book ✔ Sip coffee while the morning light moves across the fields ✔ Explore nearby wineries, cider mills, and small-town shops ________________________________________ 📍 Nearby Attractions • 15 miles to Hillsdale Lake & Jayhawk Marina • 12 miles to Mile Zero of the Flint Hills Rail Trail • 11 miles to Isinglass Estate • 9 miles to Louisburg Cider Mill • 6 miles to Somerset Schoolhouse Speakeasy & Boutique • 6 miles to Nighthawk Winery • 5 miles to Lake Miola Trailhead • 3 miles to groceries + essentials + restaurants • 1.6 miles to Fossil Springs Winery • 0 miles to Miami County Wine Trolley Pickup ________________________________________ ✨ A Little Bit of Character Matilda isn’t just a stay—it’s a story. A vintage bus reimagined into a cozy, artful space where the details invite you to slow down and stay awhile. ________________________________________ 🧳 A Note on Travel We recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book to protect your trip in case plans change unexpectedly.
House Rules
→ Historic Home Care Vickers Schoolhouse is a lovingly restored 19th-century landmark, and Matilda is a vintage school bus with systems different from a traditional home. Please use care with the features throughout your stay. If anything needs attention, let us know—we’re happy to help. ________________________________________ → Arrival, Parking & Access • Schoolhouse guests: use the driveway directly adjacent to the Schoolhouse • Matilda guests: use the east farm driveway through the double green gate • Park only in designated gravel areas • No driving or parking on the grass ________________________________________ → Security Deposit A refundable security deposit ($500 for Schoolhouse / $200 for Matilda) is collected prior to check-in through our independent guest portal. Funds are released back to your card after post-checkout inspection. ________________________________________ → Lofts & Safety (Schoolhouse) Loft sleeping areas are accessed by ladder-style stairs and may not be suitable for small children or guests with mobility concerns. Ceiling heights are just under 6 feet—please use care and mind your head. ________________________________________ → Children & Safety For everyone’s safety: • Children must be supervised at all times on the property Hot Tub: • No children under 5 • Ages 5–15 require direct adult supervision Matilda (School Bus): • Matilda-only bookings: children are not permitted • Full Prairie Stay (combo bookings): children are allowed in Matilda only with full adult supervision due to sensitive systems Our goal is simple—to keep everyone safe and your stay a happy, restful memory. ________________________________________ → Early Check-In & Late Check-Out Availability varies. When possible, early check-in or late check-out may be offered for an additional fee. ________________________________________ → Reservation Changes We understand plans can shift; however, we are unable to accommodate date changes within 72 hours of check-in. ________________________________________ → Pets Policy Pets are welcome at the Schoolhouse with prior approval and a $100 non-refundable fee. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets in Matilda due to her compact size. • Max of 2 pets • Dogs (≤50 lbs, insurance-approved breeds) • Pets must not be left unattended unless crated • Please bring protective coverings for furniture • Clean up and dispose of all pet waste before departure ________________________________________ → Noise Monitoring & Security Cameras A noise monitoring device is in place in the common area (no audio is recorded). Exterior security cameras monitor entrances only. There are no cameras inside. ________________________________________ → Shared Amenities The hot tub, fire ring, and prairie trails may be shared between guests staying at the Schoolhouse and Matilda. Please be respectful: • Keep noise at a reasonable level • Leave spaces as you found them • Replace the hot tub cover after use • Do not enter other guests’ accommodations or private areas ________________________________________ → Fresh Air Policy Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere inside or on the property. ________________________________________ → Parties & Events Events, parties, and unregistered guests are not permitted. ________________________________________ → Quiet Hours Quiet hours are from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Please keep noise to a minimum to respect the peaceful nature of the property.
Other Details to Note
→ Historic Home Care Vickers Schoolhouse is a lovingly restored 19th-century landmark, and Matilda is a vintage school bus with systems different from a traditional home. Please use care with the features throughout your stay. If anything needs attention, let us know—we’re happy to help. ________________________________________ → Arrival, Parking & Access • Schoolhouse guests: use the driveway directly adjacent to the Schoolhouse • Matilda guests: use the east farm driveway through the double green gate • Park only in designated gravel areas • No driving or parking on the grass ________________________________________ → Security Deposit A refundable security deposit ($500 for Schoolhouse / $200 for Matilda) is collected prior to check-in through our independent guest portal. Funds are released back to your card after post-checkout inspection. ________________________________________ → Lofts & Safety (Schoolhouse) Loft sleeping areas are accessed by ladder-style stairs and may not be suitable for small children or guests with mobility concerns. Ceiling heights are just under 6 feet—please use care and mind your head. ________________________________________ → Children & Safety For everyone’s safety: • Children must be supervised at all times on the property Hot Tub: • No children under 5 • Ages 5–15 require direct adult supervision Matilda (School Bus): • Matilda-only bookings: children are not permitted • Full Prairie Stay (combo bookings): children are allowed in Matilda only with full adult supervision due to sensitive systems Our goal is simple—to keep everyone safe and your stay a happy, restful memory. ________________________________________ → Early Check-In & Late Check-Out Availability varies. When possible, early check-in or late check-out may be offered for an additional fee. ________________________________________ → Reservation Changes We understand plans can shift; however, we are unable to accommodate date changes within 72 hours of check-in. ________________________________________ → Pets Policy Pets are welcome with prior approval and a $100 non-refundable fee. • Max of 2 pets • Dogs (≤50 lbs, insurance-approved breeds) • Pets must not be left unattended unless crated • Please bring protective coverings for furniture • Clean up and dispose of all pet waste before departure ________________________________________ → Noise Monitoring & Security Cameras A noise monitoring device is in place in the common area (no audio is recorded). Exterior security cameras monitor entrances only. There are no cameras inside. ________________________________________ → Shared Amenities The hot tub, fire ring, and prairie trails may be shared between guests staying at the Schoolhouse and Matilda. Please be respectful: • Keep noise at a reasonable level • Leave spaces as you found them • Replace the hot tub cover after use • Do not enter other guests’ accommodations or private areas ________________________________________ → Fresh Air Policy Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere inside or on the property. ________________________________________ → Parties & Events Events, parties, and unregistered guests are not permitted. ________________________________________ → Quiet Hours Quiet hours are from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Please keep noise to a minimum to respect the peaceful nature of the property.
What this place offers
Common
- Air conditioning
- Cleaning products
- Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
- Dishes and silverware
- Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
- Hair dryer
- Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
- Hot tub
- Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
- Dedicated workspace
- TV
- Wifi
Kitchen and dining
- Baking sheet
- Blender
- Coffee
- Coffee maker
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
Bedroom and laundry
- Bed linens
- Hangers
- Room-darkening shades
Common
- Air conditioning
- Cleaning products
- Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
- Dishes and silverware
- Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
- Hair dryer
- Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
- Hot tub
- Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
- Dedicated workspace
- TV
- Wifi
Kitchen and dining
- Baking sheet
- Blender
- Coffee
- Coffee maker
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
Bedroom and laundry
- Bed linens
- Hangers
- Room-darkening shades
Home safety
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Smoke detector
Bathroom
- Conditioner
- Hot Water
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
Outdoors
- Fire pit
- Garden or backyard
- Outdoor seating
Location features
- Private entrance Separate street or building entrance
Accessibility and Availability
Neighborhood
Quiet, semi-rural community south of downtown Paola with rolling, wooded acreage and farm parcels. Close enough to Paola’s small downtown (county courthouse, local dining and shops) for errands and community events, while offering countryside views and privacy. Typical local vibe: agricultural and residential, family-friendly with nearby public schools in the Paola district.
Guest Access
During your stay, you’ll have full access to Matilda, your private retreat tucked along the prairie’s edge. You’re also invited to enjoy the surrounding spaces, including the prairie walking trails, the fire ring, and the hot tub patio beneath the open sky. Just beyond, the flower farm shifts with the season—something new always reaching toward the light. You’re welcome to wander the perimeter, take photos, and enjoy the view, but we ask that guests do not enter the planted rows at this time, as these are actively tended growing spaces. These shared outdoor areas are meant to be experienced slowly and respectfully, creating space for both you and any fellow guests nearby to unwind and take in the quiet beauty of the land.
Find us
Primary travel is by car; area is car-dependent with good county and state roads. US-169 (Baptiste Drive, Paola exit) provides the most direct regional connection. Limited local public transit—no regular commuter rail; nearest regional bus or transit services are in larger nearby cities (Olathe/Overland Park). Nearest general aviation airport is Miami County Airport (K68) for private planes; Kansas City International Airport (MCI) serves commercial flights (approximately 40–60 minutes by car depending on route). Street walkability is low immediately around acreage parcels but downtown Paola is walkable for short trips.
Sorry we're unable to show you the location for this property
Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.