Entire home
The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms 1+ bathroom Sleeps 6
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Niles, MI
- University of Notre Dame12 min drive
- Notre Dame Stadium15 min drive
- St. Mary's College16 min drive
- South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)18 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.
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.
Property manager
Jerry and Alma Holtgren
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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 DeBartolo Performing Arts Center 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 Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Niles, MI
What's nearby
- University of Notre Dame - 12 min drive - 12.3 km
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart - 13 min drive - 11.2 km
- Notre Dame Stadium - 15 min drive - 13.3 km
- St. Mary's College - 16 min drive - 10.8 km
- Four Winds Casino South Bend - 23 min drive - 19.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 7 min drive
- Tavern - 9 min drive
- Culver's - 7 min drive
- Prime Table Restaurant - 5 min drive
- Wendy's - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
3 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Don P.
4 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
lawrence y.
30 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Secluded property with a history
lawrence y.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Suzy W.
10 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding Weekend
Suzy W.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Julie B.
23 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overnight getaway
Julie B.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Irene M.
9 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Step Back in Time
Irene M.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather C.
7 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Heather C.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
allen l.
23 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Octoberfest
allen l.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Deborah
2 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Deborah
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
John R.
22 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Notre Dame Blue Gold Game stay
John R.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Nikki M.
23 February 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy place, Full of History
Nikki M.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joanne B.
25 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Historic Home
Joanne B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Hannah C.
27 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best hosts! So clean and cute.
Hannah C.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Aleisha D.
22 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good stay
Aleisha D.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tammy P.
18 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property
Tammy P.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
George K.
15 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Quiet as a mouse
George K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gabriel A.
2 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Gabriel A.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie W.
25 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short stay
Julie W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mark S.
7 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot
Mark S.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carrie
3 April 2024
Liked: Amenities
Carrie
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
About the host
Hosted by Jerry and Alma Holtgren

Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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