Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Made for relaxation
Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Sledding nearby
A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchenette
Barbecue
Air-conditioning
Pet-friendly
Refrigerator
Washing machine
Explore the area
Niles, MI
Fireman's Baseball Park
Place, Fireman's Baseball Park
3 min drive
Lehman's Orchards
Place, Lehman's Orchards
5 min drive
Clay Township Park
Place, Clay Township Park
5 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
12 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
About this property
The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House
This historic home is nestled on the quiet banks of the St. Joseph River on 3.1 acres.
Part of the appeal of the home is the story it tells. From Father Sorin’s weekly visits to the convent in the 1840s to the many lessons in arithmetic and history taught by the Sister’s of the Holy Cross in the main room, this home is truly unique. Visitors are able to stay in the only remaining building of the original St. Mary’s College campus and explore other historic sites nearby. The space
While it maintains the feel of the convent and school house, it has been re-modeled for a more comfortable stay. There are three bedrooms, a bathroom and a half, a dining area, and a living room. While the living space and rooms are of ample size, the bathrooms are closer quarters. Amenities include an outdoor fire area and picnic table, a propane grill, and a wooded area.
The driveway is unpaved so wet weather can make for a muddy drive to "The Convent." Guest access
Enjoy a walk through the woods, conversation by a fire, solitude by the river, or reading a book in the upper room. Regardless of what you choose to do, history awaits.
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Please strip the beds that were used and leave sheets on the floor near the beds.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3830268vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Niles
Located in Niles, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Niles Riverfront Amphitheater and South Bend Civic Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Lehman's Orchards and Warren Golf Course. Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Culver's - 7 min drive
Burger King - 7 min drive
Taco Bell - 7 min drive
Prime Table Restaurant - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House?
As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House on 16 September 2026 start from NZ$419, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Allouez Park, Ruff N Tumble Dog Park and Riverfront Park and Launch. Lehman's Orchards and Riverfront Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We enjoyed the stay. The house was interesting. We grew up in Niles and it’s always good to come back for a visit. We will look to stay at the property again in the future.
The property was just adorable. The land was beautiful. The house was super clean. Even my 17-year-old son noticed how clean it was. The kitchen has all the modern conveniences you will need. I love the charm of older homes. The host was very quick to answer any questions. A very pleasant experience overall.
Beautiful property with very thoughtful touches. Peaceful lot but convenient to most places in Michiana. 2 BR are upstairs - you must go through one to get to the other - perfect where privacy isnt an issue. If you like an historic stay this is a lovely one!!
Beautiful property tucked away in the woods right on the Saint Joseph’s river. Interior very spacious a very comfortable with just a touch of antique furniture to make the place absolutely charming.
Always special to stay somewhere unique and historic. The small bathrooms and single shower made it an intimate space, but it was all we needed for our overnight.
Tranquil stay with great forest and river views, house is charming, spotlessly clean. Stocked with all necessities. Hosts were very responsive and accommodating. Would love to come back!
The house is beautiful for a quiet getaway. It is close to everything in downtown Niles and nearby Buchanan. Right on the St Joe River and lots of birds you can see right out the back door of the kitchen or first floor bedroom. Great food choices and hiking in nearby nature preserves. We will be back in warmer weather
Alma was incredibly kind & helpful, making sure we had everything we needed, complete with restaurant recommendations and Valentine’s Day chocolate sampler from a local chocolatier. The house, with exposed brick, historical pictures of the place and property, and the softest bedding I’ve ever slept on, was the perfect place for us to get away.
Wonderful historic property well maintained with pieces of history throughout. My kids loved all the unique features of the house and its connection to St Marys. The outside with the St Joseph River behind the house is very scenic. Would love to be here in the fall.
John R.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Deborah
2 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Alma was an excellent host and very helpful in directing us to dog friendly parks and restaurants. We stayed 2 nights with our family dog but spent all of our time out exploring. The house was the perfect place to go back home at night and to watch the Olympics on the tv. The bed in the main floor bedroom was very comfortable. Thank you Alma and Jerry!
Stayed with family of four and dog for 1 night. The house was well maintained and comfortable. The host added little touches and we played several of the games that were offered. We loved the history of the place and was close to a lot of activities. Only about 30 minutes from Lake Michigan.
Aleisha D.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
About the host
Hosted by Jerry and Alma Holtgren
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests