Pratesi linens smooth the cheek. Sashed and porthole windows look onto Utah powder drifting down over the rooftops of Old Town. A sterling tea service with a steaming Bodum waits on the ottoman of a Cogswell chair in an inviting dormer. The eye meanders from the smoky crystal chandelier to modern American oils and back to the view. The first sip of coffee is perfect. Ahhhhh.

This 1889 public school’s newest incarnation as a 12-room-and-suite luxury hotel pays artful homage to its chiseled limestone edifice. Inside, colors are white, grey, rich and light. Nine-foot-tall windows and CK 16- and 18-foot ceilings have been restored to full height. Restored Swedish and French antiques pair with abstract oils and one-of-a-kind crystal chandeliers. Wide-planked, reclaimed oak barnwood flooring is accented with occasional overdyed Persian rugs. Bathrooms are cased in ice white marble and Utah quartzite. Lines are clean. Finishes are opulent.

The overall ambience is gracious yet relaxed. Outside, an all-new pool deck and outdoor lounge feature a burning Olympic flame. On the ground floor, an après-ski rec room surprises with mid-century modern touches and a multi-hued glass fireplace. The overall design uplifts yet invite ease. And so does the superb service: In the dazzling yet airy front room, one private chef creates breakfast to order in the morning, and another caters wine service in the afternoon. The answer to every service request is “Of course.” Best of all: Fido can come to school, too. washingtonschoolhouse.com