Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
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. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and Compton Family Ice Arena are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
Brandywine Creek Nature Park - 3 min drive - 4.6 km
Allouez Park - 4 min drive - 5.3 km
Lehman's Orchards - 5 min drive - 7.4 km
Clay Township Park - 5 min drive - 6.7 km
Getting around
Niles Station - 12 min drive
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 14 May 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 19 May 2026 start from AU$261, 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 Riverfront Park South, Brandywine Creek Nature Park and Allouez Park. 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.
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 Sept 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.
Jerry and Alma were so attentive and their communication was stellar. We stayed since their home was down the street from family Christmas and our son has dog allergies so we wanted to give him a safe place to sleep. They were so accommodating and made sure to help us ease our worries about their pet/cleaning policies and practices to help us pick the right place. Beautiful little home and great for families especially in the warmer months with a playground and trampoline for kids!
The home was older but well kept- kitchen was clean and plenty of room- couch did not look comfy-but was so comfy- downstairs bed slept excellent and pillows were fresh and slept xcellwnt- shower was hot- bathroom was small but very sufficient- we didn’t use the upstairs it was so roomy! Loved the chipmunks and squirrels around the trees
Julie W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
About the host
Hosted by Jerry and Alma Holtgren
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests