On the quiet banks of the St. Joseph River, The Convent offers a serene retreat amidst 3.1 acres of wooded tranquility. With an outdoor fire area, picnic table, and propane grill at your disposal, you can unwind in nature's peaceful surroundings.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$414
NZ$414
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking nearby
Ice skating nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sledding nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Please strip the beds that were used and leave sheets on the floor near the beds.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
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. Visit our Niles travel guide
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 8 Apr 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 NZ$414, 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).
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The Historic Riverside Convent: Sister's of the Holy Cross School House Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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!
Julie B.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carrie
3 Apr 2024
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
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.
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
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!
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!!
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.