See all properties
Entire home

Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+

Photo gallery for Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+

Pond
Exterior
Children's area
Aerial view
Miscellaneous

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
1901 Pucker St Dr, Niles, MI, 49120
  • Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Red Bud Track-N-Trail
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • University of Notre Dame
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Niles, MI (NLE-Jerry Tyler Memorial)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+

Welcome to Agape Hidden Valley! Come relax on 35 acres of private land. . You can launch your canoe or kayak in the river or just float down on an innertube. Spend some time walking the trail through the woods and wildflower fields on the property. Bring your fishing poles and cast into the river right from the backyard. The Dowagiac River is known for its Trout, Steelhead, Small/Largemouth Bass, Pike, Coho Salmon and many more. (local guidelines do require a fishing license for anyone 17+ visit www.mdnr-elicense.com for more details and to purchase an annual or day pass).

The home is a rustic 2100 sq. ft., barn-shaped home with an open floor plan. The living room has a large sectional with reclining seats and a few wooden rocking chairs. A large smart tv hangs on the wall. Catch views of the river or pond from any room in the house.

There are three bedrooms:
The main floor bedroom has a King bed which can be used together as one king or pulled apart to make two twin beds. There is a powder room attached (toilet & sink).
The bunk room (second floor) has one king bed and two twin over full bunk beds. The bunk beds are separated from the king bed by a shelving unit halfway through the room to give some privacy.
The main suite (second floor) has one California king bed with an attached full bathroom.

Stay on the property for a relaxing retreat or get out and visit the local attractions:
Downtown Niles has many antique stores and unique shops and food options.
The University of Notre Dame is less than 30 minutes (13 miles) away.
Lake Michigan is only 40 minutes away! There are several public beaches to choose from, all with local shops and eateries around them. Spend a few hours or the whole day!

If those don't catch your eye there are golf courses, the Potawatomi Zoo, the Studebaker Museum, movie theaters, arcades and family fun centers.

Property manager

Tara Perkins
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

September sunrise from the beach.

Vacation at Garver Lake ~ Private Beach For Your Enjoyment!

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
8.2 out of 10, (64 reviews)
Vacation at Garver Lake ~ Private Beach For Your Enjoyment!

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Permission and fee required to book an event
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Permission and fee required to book an event
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Niles

Located in Niles, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Cass Street Park and Clevenger Park are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Lehman's Orchards and Heritage Square Shopping. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Notre Dame Stadium or Red Bud Track-N-Trail. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Niles, MI

What's nearby

  • Andrews University - 17 min drive - 16.4 km
  • Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve - 18 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Red Bud Track-N-Trail - 21 min drive - 17.4 km
  • University of Notre Dame - 22 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Notre Dame Stadium - 24 min drive - 21.7 km

Getting around

  • Niles Station - 6 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Wegners Lakeside Bar-Grill - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Tavern - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+ have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+ pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Close to Notre Dame - Hidden Waterfront Retreat Sleeps 10+ located?

Located in the heart of Niles, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Plym Park Golf Course, Plym Park and Riverfront Park. FOP Park and Niles City Hall are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 68 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 73 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

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

Amazing!

Absolute gem! Loved the seclusion and the constant noise of the river. House is all you’ll need !
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne T.

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

Family Friendly

My brother took his sons, son-in-law and grandsons to the ND/VA football game. The home was inviting and so great for a lot of little young boys. So many things to do. They wished they would have arrived on Thursday and not Friday so they could have enjoyed the spacious outdoors.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Such a special place

We loved the accommodations but even more so studying the family history that surrounds the home. It was a perfect place for a retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne T.

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

AMAZING....AS ALWAYS

This is our third time to stay on this property. We have always enjoyed the location, the surroundings and the home. My boys and I have made such great memories and plan to do the same in years to come. The host is a delight and is extremely receptive to any questions. It's a must stay for a family and for friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence R.

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

Pucker Mountain

We named the area where the fire pit is Pucker Mountain..We shared so many memories,and made many new ones..It was so relaxing.Tara is an amazing host..
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Joyce W.

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

Tara was great

everything was as presented. Quiet idyllic location
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia C.

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

Like Traveling Back in Time

This was a gem of a find for our family of 4 adults and 2 children. Absolutely anything we needed, this home had it! We kayaked on the lake, dipped our feet in the river and picked stones, hiked on the trails, had s'mores by the fire, and even ventured out for some wine tasting! The kids played with the bins of toys under the stairs and we used the smart TV for Netflix movie nights. We forgot to pack salad dressing and there’s even a shelf of condiments in the fridge for guests to use! The owner even set out a basket with beach towels and bug spray for us. We felt incredibly cared for. The home is a converted barn but looks more like a museum. Except not cold and sterile but warm and inviting. It felt like a “home” more than a “house”. This place once belonged to the owner’s mother and a lot of love and care went into it. The owner was incredibly prompt in communicating with us when we had questions. But we later discovered a binder right by the front door that would have answered all our questions anyway! And there are signs all over the place telling you where things are stored and how to turn on or Lock/unlock the old doors. Our most favorite part was how secluded and peaceful this place is. We didn’t leave the property for a few days and didn’t hear or see another soul except for a few kayaks going down the river. It was a beautiful escape from and it really felt like we traveled back in time For a long weekend. Tara, thank you for everything. We will be back!!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

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

Great House, Great Location, Great Host

We thoroughly enjoyed our guy's reunion weekend here. House is great and stocked with everything you could need. Great fishing down by the river on the property as well! Thanks again for a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

nicole g.

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

Amazing outdoor getaway

Fabulous place for a family gathering - Tara went above and beyond to help make special accomodations for us, a truly great host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick N.

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

You Gotta Check This Out!

Lots of room for our group of 6 adults and 4 kids! Clean. Generous with stuff you may need that you may not have packed. A private pond to swim and canoe, a stream in the back yard, games galore, etc. etc. etc. Lots to explore! Close to wineries, Lake Michigan, and the Dunes. We'll book again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri G.

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

Rustic Retreat

Beautiful piece of property surrounded by nature. Home was rustic, well loved and has lots of history to explore, inside and out. My toddler grandson loved the indoor swing and toy cars and trains, they entertained him for hours. Tara was a gracious and responsive host and her home is well appointed and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay over the Fourth of July.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carla K.

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

This house exceeded our expectations!

Annual girls trip! Our group consisted of myself, my mother-in-law and my 4 daughters, ages14-20. When we booked this home, my kids had reservations because of the "barn" and antiques. Little did they know, this would turn out to be one of their favorite vacations. When we pulled into dirt drive and came upon the house- it was so surreal. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was how spacious the main floor is. The couch had ample room for us all to put our feet up and watch movies. The upstairs was great: One bedroom had 1 King bed and 2 sets of bunks. Plenty of room! The other room had a King bed and attached bathroom with a claw foot tub. The tub and views from the patio door were very nice. The kitchen was nicely stocked. Newer stove and spacious refrigerator. Plenty of counter space and plenty of seating in the kitchen and on the porch. All the Antiques- very interesting to check out. The swing in the kitchen- loved by all! Washer/dryer was great. Bathrooms had ample towels & TP- which was nice. Outside: The Canoes at the pond were a bonus & used often to check around the pond and marsh. Seating around the pond and path around it under the covered bridge was neat. Very peaceful watching wildlife & the Koi fish. Listening to the river was relaxing. Tara was an excellent host and very easy to communicate with. Location was great too! 35 min to St Joseph downtown & beach. Niles downtown was nice also. Book a stay here- you won't be disappointed!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean P.

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

Wonderful!

Could not recommend house and host more! Everything was fabulous!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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

Beautiful place

We enjoyed our time and look forward to coming back. Easy to get to, far enough out of town to enjoy nature and some privacy but also close enough to get to store and nearby towns with ease. Great host, she was so easy to work with. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea A.

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

A lovely stay!

Stayed here with a group of friends for a quiet retreat to catch up, and loved the place, friends immediately asked if we could come back next year. The kitchen is well stocked, and the place is fully accessible for folks on wheels- a friend uses an electric chair and had no problem getting around, and accessing all the communal spaces.The decorations speak to a rich and well loved place, and there's seats all along the property to sit by the water, fire pit, etc, with thoughtful notes to help you get around. Our group was especially delighted by the indoor swing and pull up bar by the kitchen. The bathroom situation took a day to get used to, as two are attached to bedrooms, but the upstairs bathroom is accessible from the hallway if both doors are reopened after using. Tara was very communicative, prompt, and generous in her replies, truly a consummate host. All in all, a lovely and well loved place, would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

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

First time

We usually do a hotel, so this was our first Vrbo house. The owner was fantastic; her communication was quick each time i had a question. The property was exactly as it was described. It was a lot of space. We will be staying again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

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

Early Family Christmas

We all had an amazing time and enjoyed the house and land. The house is great with a very rustic feel filled with history. Would love to come back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne T., Omaha, United States

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

Coming Back

Greatest place ever to stay - especially for a Notre Dame game. Tara is the kindest host and the venue is spectacular! We can't to stay at Tara's place in 2024.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crisel C.

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

Charming House

The house was lovely and in a beautiful location overseeing the river from many of the rooms. The house was very very clean in a rustic chic way. I could tell the owners out a lot of time and effort in making their home convenient, clean, and beautiful for guests. Check in process was easy. Just a little hard to find the house at night because there’s a long entryway to get to the house so just be know that. Highly recommend especially if you’re in town for a ND football game. Super quick access to the stadium.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phil T.

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

ND/Ohio State trip with friends

Beautiful secluded property that worked out great for a group of guys. Cool interior with everything we needed. 25 minutes to South Bend. Will stay there again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brooke C.

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

Truly a gem

This property is clearly a beloved family location. We felt grateful for the chance to enjoy all the wonderful things this location has to offer. The visiting children begged to stay over and multiple family members said, "I wished I lived here!" when they arrived. It was a lovely stay and the host was above and beyond. Thank you again, it was so lovely!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing!!

We had an amazing time! Great location with great yard. We spent so much time fishing the river in the backyard it was incredible! Very responsive property manager to any questions we had. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph L.

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

Awesome!

Property was unique and well kept. Right on the river too! Lots of fun staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

steven g.

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

Summer

We spent two days at the house. The listing is as advertised. The house is private, and is on a river and pond.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

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

Guys Trip

We had a wonderful time at Tara’s property. Secluded enough to “get away” and minutes away from South Bend. The house gave us plenty of room for 8 guys and had a ton of charm. We particularly enjoyed floating the River and hanging out at the sand bar at nearby diamond lake. 10 out of 10 stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Tara Perkins

Host profile image
My parents had this home built by the Amish in the late 80's to their very unique specifications. My mom could talk anyone's ear off about the design of the home and the property including the drawbridge stairs and man-made two acre pond that she and my dad commissioned. Nearly every antique and piece of furniture in and around the house has a story. When I inherited this property I wanted to keep those stories alive.

We had so many family gatherings at this house, it was always filled with friends and loved ones for every holiday or any occasion we could think of. I'm happy to keep the tradition going by opening it up to all of you!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback