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The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House

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Exterior
Property grounds
Room
Living area
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Niles, MI
  • Place, Brandywine Creek Nature Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Clay Township Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, St. Mary's College
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪15 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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
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
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

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

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. South Bend Civic Theater and Snite Museum of Art 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Niles, MI

What's nearby

  • Fireman's Baseball Park - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Brandywine Creek Nature Park - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Clay Township Park - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • St. Mary's College - 8 min drive - 9.8 km
  • University of Notre Dame - 11 min drive - 12.3 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
  • ‪Tavern - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬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 29 Mar 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 29 Apr 2026 start from AU$262, 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 Island Park. Lehman's Orchards and Thomas Stadium 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cam V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay. The house is convenient to ND campus and is in a quiet area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay! Beautiful property and comfy home., so much character too!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend away

Easy check in and great communication with the property manager. Very relaxing stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was clean and nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We very much enjoyed our stay at this property. It was as described, great communication from the owners and extremely comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lawrence y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded property with a history

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

Great location with proximity to South Bend and Granger area. Jerry and Alma are very accommodating. Highly recommend this property!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Great spot with lots of character. Beautiful river bluff location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Weekend

Very nice place to stay, clean and comfortable. Host was super nice and helped us get in. Close to all the things we had going on.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Irene M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Step Back in Time

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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

Wonderful location, very quite, clean and just an overall great experience! Thank you for sharing your location!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Overnight getaway

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!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

allen l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Octoberfest

Very clean andwell supplied kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Liked: Amenities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nikki M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy place, Full of History

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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Notre Dame Blue Gold Game stay

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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
very nice
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Historic Home

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 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aleisha D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good stay

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best hosts! So clean and cute.

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!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short stay

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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

I could not have asked for a better property! Alma and Jerry are fantastic. They are very responsive to all any questions. The home is cozy and the property is beautiful. I love some of the old details of the home that they kept along with their upgrades. Everything you need is there. They found some items left behind and even went out of there way to get them returned to me. We will definately stay there again! Alma & Jerry.. I can not thank you enough for accommodating my family from Florida so they could escape Hurricane Milton. You truly are amazing And caring property owners.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Quiet as a mouse

Nice little property on the St Joseph river. Set back away from the road and is VERY quiet. The only sounds we heard were birds chirping and the water flowing. Check-in was easy, beds were comfortable, and overall a property I would stay in again, if I were in the area. The only issue was that the listing had a disclosure of a 3 br. / 2 bath, but I didn't read the details and it was really 1 1/2 baths. The upstairs bath did not have a shower. Other than that it was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jerry and Alma Holtgren

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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