Vacation Rentals by Owner
Country Charm at the Farmhouse [#231533] | View Property
South Bend
House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 8)
$80/nt for 1
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Traveler Reviews (34)
Country Charmer
Guest: Donna C.
(Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/26/12
Review Submitted: 05/03/12
I usually visit the South Bend area once or twice a year. My 91-year-old mother lives in Mishawaka with my sister and her family. Rather than stay with them, I decided it would be fun to stay at the Farmhouse and have Mom come stay with me. We were there 5 nights and we both had an enjoyable time. The house is large enough for a big family but cozy enough for just the 2 of us. The upstairs kids' area was SO cute. My mother really enjoyed all the flowers growing in the yard, all the vintage decorative touches, and visits from two of the cats while we sat on the deck. The house was clean, warm, and had everything we needed. While we were there, my sister came each day and we took day trips to the RV Museum, The Center For History in South Bend, and spent an enjoyable afternoon on the long, wooden walkway through the Spicer Lake Nature Area. Thanks Pat and Wendy. We'll be back!
Owner response:Thank you for the wonderful review and it is so nice to hear that you all enjoyed the Farmhouse and the cats! They love to be social with our guests and it's nice to hear how much your Mom enjoyed her stay! Pat and I look forward to hosting you again! :)
Recommended for:
Country Charmer
Guest: Donna C.
(Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/26/12
Review Submitted: 05/03/12
I come up to the South Bend area once or twice a year. My 91-year-old mother lives in Mishawaka with my sister and her family. Rather than stay with them this time, I thought it would be fun and more quiet to have my mother come to stay with me at the Farmhouse. It actually looks similar to the home in which she was raised. Mom had a good time exploring the house and admiring all the vintage and antique touches that Wendy and Pat have added. She also enjoyed the friendly cats who came to visit while we sat on the deck one day. The house was very clean and cozy. My sister came to visit each day and we ate almost all our meals in the kitchen and played cards on the dining room table. We went to the RV Museum, the Center for History in South Bend, and walked through the hauntingly beautiful Spicer Lake Nature Area. We'll be back!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Quick trip in from Chicago!
Guest: Amanda
(Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12
Review Submitted: 03/11/12
We just returned home from the farm house and had a great weekend. We needed a quick getaway from Chicago as we are just months away from having our second baby. We wanted a peaceful weekend trip that wasn't too far away. The set up was great for us and our 3-year old. Our son was more than entertained with the horses, cats, walking trails, and general outdoor adventures. We even brought along our dog who was equally entertained by being out in nature. We spoke with Wendy (the owner) a few times. She was super friendly and hospitable and made sure that we had everything we needed. I loved being greeted by the cats each morning when we walked out on the porch. We would definitely like to come back soon! I highly recommend this place for anyone needing a quick weekend getaway, especially if you are coming from Chicago. It is guaranteed relaxation and serenity, and just 2 hours away from the city.
Owner response:Thank you Will, Amanda, Asher and Pearl! Next time you visit the Farmhouse you'll have to hit the beach... I mapped it out after we spoke and we are only 22 miles from the beaches of Lake Michigan (New Buffalo, Michigan). It was a pleasure meeting you all!
Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.
The Farmhouse is perfect!
Guest: Sarah
(Avon, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 12/09/11
Review Submitted: 12/12/11
We came up to the Farmhouse to have a Christmas open house for family and friends in the South Bend area. The Farmhouse was absolutely perfect - way better than staying in a hotel. It was so cozy. Wendy had it all decorated for Christmas - lights in the windows and even a fully decorated Christmas tree! We were surprised by how much space there was. Everyone was able to easily find the Farmhouse and they all seemed to enjoy themselves...especially our two year old son. We're planning on making the Farmhouse part of our family tradition. Thank you, Wendy and Pat for everything. You took the stress out of Christmas!
Owner response:Thank you Sarah! I'm so glad we helped to make Christmas a joy for you and your family!!! I will get you out a reservation form for next year and thanks so much for leaving the house in such perfect condition! :)
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Wonderful Stay, Great Family Experience, Beautiful Setting!
Guest: Beth
(Tyngsborough, MA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11
Review Submitted: 11/20/11
My family and I were in South bend for four days, and decided to stay at the Farmhouse instead of going to a hotel. I am so glad we did! This house is great! It is really clean, comfortable, and well equipped with everything you need, with lots of extra touches the kids loved like a breakfast basket and candy dish. I am a picky traveler, and consider this house a really great find. I was amazed at how relaxed I felt while I was there, how nice the accommodations were, and the affordable price. My favorite thing was having coffee in the morning while looking out at the horses in the field. The owner Wendy was just lovely and gave our kids, ages 8 and 9, rides on a cart pulled by the cutest miniature horses. The kids absolutely loved being there! If you need a place to stay anywhere near South Bend, you have to stay here!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Beautiful Farmhouse!
Guest: Brian
(Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11
Review Submitted: 11/08/11
We rented the Farmhouse for three nights in October and loved it's country charm. The setting for the Farmhouse is beautiful and scenic. They have a lot of land with 4 mini horses and one regular sized horse roaming and enjoying the warm fall day. The house itself is awesome. The history of the house comes alive as you get there and walk through. We had 6 guys total and we had plenty of room. We were able to make it to the ND Football Game on Sat. All of the guys were impressed and wanted to schedule another game the next fall. FYI, I have been to South Bend 7 times and the Farmhouse is the best. We will be back!!! Thank you Wendy again for a wonderful weekend. Brian, Matt, Joel, Dave, Rob and Kevin
Owner response:Thank you Brian, Matt, Joel, Dave, Rob and Kevin! I'm so glad that you enjoyed staying at the Farmhouse and hope to see you next year! Go Irish! :)
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Ramshaw Clan
Guest: Mary R.
(Edmonton Alberta Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 10/13/11
What a great weekend we had at the farmhouse. We enjoyed the house the animals and talking with Pat and Wendy. We were excited to visit three seperate states on one weekend and My husband totally enjoyed the Notre Dame football experience. Would recommend this as a great place for families. Hello Willow and Zoe ! Could use one more bathroom but we had a great bathroom time coordinator.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children.
Great Place to Stay for Dad's Bucket List Trip
Guest: Rob
(Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 10/12/11
We just got back from South Bend yesterday. My brother and I wanted to take my father to see the fighting Irish. This was one of the things on his bucket list. We wanted to find a place that sleep 6 adults and allow our family time to enjoy each other, and this property was AWESOME!!!! The home was close to everything you need, but far enough that we felt like we were in the country. We loved seeing the horses and playing with the cats. Wendy and her husband couldn't have been any better hosts. It was a trip of a life time and alot of thanks for Wendy for her help.
Owner response:Thank you so much! It was a pleasure to meet you all and I'm so honored to have been able to help you make this dream come true! :)
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Dream Come True
Guest: Mike
(Whispering Pines, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/01/11
Review Submitted: 09/24/11
I started coming to the Farmhouse 6 years ago to attend Notre Dame football games. The first time I stayed in the Farmhouse was a dream come true. Wendy and Pat made my weekend, the Farmhouse was so accomadating, open, friendly, clean and a great addition to a fantastic football weekend. Since that first time, I have continued to stay at the Farmhouse during my annual ND trip. What started with two best friends from Massachusetts has grown to 6 guys from around the country coming together at the Farmhouse to enjoy the weekend. Everyone that has stayed with me at the Farmhouse has raved about it. In my opinion, you will not find a better place in South Bend. The farmhouse will continue to be a part of the trip as long as I continue to attend Notre Dame football games. I would recommend the Farmhouse to anyone, five stars are not enough.
Owner response:Thank you Mike, we always enjoy and look forward to hosting you and your group! Go Irish!!! Here is to Year #7!!! Wendy & Pat :)
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Perfect Accommodations
Guest: Paula D.
Date of Stay: 07/14/11
Review Submitted: 07/29/11
My parents stayed at the farmhouse while my children attended camp at Notre Dame. The location and accommodations were perfect with plenty of room to relax. Much nicer than staying in a hotel for 2 weeks as they have in prior years. The farmhouse is located in a beautiful and quiet area. Lots of old farmhouse charm. Will definitely stay there again and highly recommend.
Owner response:Thank you Paula! We will look forward to having them and you back! :)
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Charming and relaxing
Guest: Deb
(Rockport MA)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
My family and I stayed at the farm house over the 4th of July holiday. What a fabulous place! Wendy and her family couldn't be nicer and the place just exudes warmth and charm. There was plenty of everything including space! We were 6 adults and not once were we falling all over each other. There was plenty of space to be all together or go off to separate corners to do your own thing. We had South Bend family over for a cook out and there was plenty of room. We sat outside near the horses under the shade of the big tree in the back yard and it was really a great time. The pictures just don't do it justice. It's all of that and more. We will definitely be staying here again on future visits, and I would say to anyone on the fence about staying here to just do it! You won't be sorry. It's very near the highway and all of the major stores and restaurants, yet also it's out in the country near the cornfields and farms. My favorite parts was siting on the back deck in the early morning with my coffee, enjoying the sounds of the horses in their pen and snuggling with my new friend Willow, one of the barn kitties. Thanks Wendy!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A Great Place To Stay
Guest: Jerry
(Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11
Review Submitted: 06/29/11
I was in South Bend for my daughter's wedding. The Farmhouse was a wonderful part of my visit. A wonderful place,friendly people, and great memories. Thanks. ..... Five Stars.....
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A Wonderful Retreat!
Guest: Georgia Grandmother
(Stockbridge, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11
Review Submitted: 06/16/11
I came from Georgia while my son was renovating the bathroom in his South Bend house. He and his wife are both ND doctoral students and with their third child on the way needed to get this done. So I rented the Farmhouse for a week during the renovations. Really, I was just looking for a place with a bathroom for us, but what I got was a wonderful week's vacation! The house was charming, roomy, and comfortable and the setting was more than I ever hoped for! We spent many days in the beautiful back yard watching my grandsons play under the most gorgeous tree ever. We took hikes on the nature trail, ate on the awesome deck, and petted the beautiful miniature horses. Wendy was wonderfully gracious and beyond accommodating and by the time we left she and Pat felt like old time friends. I initially booked the Farmhouse for three nights with an option for a fourth, but Murphy's Law prevailed on the bathroom renovation back home and she allowed us to keep extending our stay. We were sad to leave after a week! Thank you so much, Wendy, for everything! We are planning to come back in the fall and stay there when our new granddaughter is born. It will be a perfect family gathering place! I highly recommend this place to anyone. It would be perfect for a Notre Dame weekend!
Owner response:Thank you Susan! We are looking forwarded to staying in touch and seeing you again soon! Pat and Wendy
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Wonderful retreat!
Guest: Georgia Grandmother
(Stockbridge, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11
Review Submitted: 06/16/11
I came from Georgia while my son was renovating the bathroom in his South Bend house. He and his wife are both ND doctoral students and with their third child on the way needed to get this done. So I rented the Farmhouse for a week during the renovations. Really, I was just looking for a place with a bathroom for us, but what I got was a wonderful week's vacation! The house was charming, roomy, and comfortable and the setting was more than I ever hoped for! We spent many days in the beautiful back yard watching my grandsons play under the most gorgeous tree ever. We took hikes on the nature trail, ate on the awesome deck, and petted the beautiful miniature horses. Wendy was wonderfully gracious and beyond accommodating and by the time we left she and Pat felt like old time friends. I initially booked the Farmhouse for three nights with an option for a fourth, but Murphy's Law prevailed on the bathroom renovation back home and she allowed us to keep extending our stay. We were sad to leave after a week! Thank you so much, Wendy, for everything! We are planning to come back in the fall and stay there when our new granddaughter is born. It will be a perfect family gathering place! I highly recommend this place to anyone. It would be perfect for a Notre Dame weekend!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Excellent Weekend!!
Guest: Justin Reis
(Muncy, PA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10
Review Submitted: 10/19/10
Wendy and Pat, Thank you for the wonderful weekend. Your hospitality was infectious, and our group could not have been happier with the farmhouse. The listing was exactly accurate, and the property was even more than expected. It was VERY clean and well maintained. Wendy even cleaned the towles each day. I would highly recommend this property, and I am sure to look it up when I come back to ND.
Owner response:Thank you Justin.... we so enjoyed meeting all of you and had lots of fun at Jays.
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Love the Farmhouse
Guest: Kyle
(Sugarloaf, PA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10
Review Submitted: 10/19/10
Beautiful well kept house and great owners. Highly recommended!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Time to Relax
Guest: Dave & Lucy
(Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10
Review Submitted: 08/16/10
The Farmhouse was a perfect place for us to use as our home while visiting friends, relatives and sightseeing in the area. The close access to US 31 and the Toll Road made getting around easy. Pat and Wendy were great hosts - treating us as long-time friends. Our 3 week stay provided us with time to relax at the Farmhouse. We particularly enjoyed the Thursday evening Concerts in the park at Mishawaka's downtown Beutter Park. The food and service at Max & Erma's near University Park Mall enticed us to return a second time. We also enjoyed a day of sightseeing and shopping in Saugatuck, Michigan. If we vacation in the area again we will make the Farmhouse our "temporary" home.
Owner response:Dave and Lucy: Thank you so much for making the Farmhouse your home away from home! We enjoyed getting to know you and look forward continued visits in the future! Have a wonderful rest of the year in my "favorite" place, TEXAS!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Peaceful Retreat
Guest: Kelin P.
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10
Review Submitted: 07/20/10
We were warmly welcomed upon our arrival, and felt right at home. The Farmhouse is located in a very peaceful and well maintained area. The hosts, Wendy & Pat, are so friendly and helpful. They took the time to share insight about the area, and give suggestions on local attractions, activities, and restaurants. Next door to the property is a lovely fine dining restaurant, The Carriage House. We celebrated our three year anniversary there, and had a very enjoyable and delicious meal. We highly recommend this place as a relaxing getaway!
Owner response:Carl & Kelin: Thank you for your kind review. We look forward to your next visit to the Farmhouse and can't wait to see the pictures you took of Emmett on his Cart ride with Rusty!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.
Wonderful place and the best hosts
Guest: Bill and Missy
(Crown Point, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 07/05/10
My wife and I had the desire for a last minute get away for the 4th, and happened upon the farmhouse. We had no idea what to expect. I am pleased to say it could not have been better. I have stayed at vacation homes and B&B's across the country for 26 years now, and this was the best. There is nothing that they have not thought of in providing accommodations. More over when we met Wendy and Pat, we felt like we had known them for years. They are the type of people you would want to be lifelong friends with. Our only complaint was that we could not take more time off to stay longer. We will be back!!!!
Owner response:Bill and Missy... thank you so much... what a nice review =) We look forward to hosting you again and are so pleased that we were able to provide you with a fun getaway weekend! Willow says hello too!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Great Place to Stay
Guest: Brenda W
(Yorktown, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/08/10
Review Submitted: 06/15/10
I stayed at the Farmhouse for a week with my Mother and 8-year old niece to attend my brother's wedding. My niece loved the ponies and the cats. The owner (Wendy) surprised my niece with a ride in a cart pulled by one of the ponies! This was so above and beyond and completely unexpected of her to take time out of her day. The decor is beautiful - country, comfy and cozy The house has lots of toys if you are traveling with kids. It was great for my niece, however, it's a wonderful place with or without kids. The deck is so nice and the landscaping is beautiful. So much nicer than a hotel. The kitchen was well stocked. I truly enjoyed being greeted by the kitties when I came out on the deck. I am in the hotel and restaurant business at Colonial Williamsburg and have been for 25 years. This was a great experience and it exceeded my expections. The Wolfe's are great hosts and went the exta mile to be sure we had everything we needed. We (as three women/girls alone) felt very safe in the house. When I get back to the area, I would love to stay here again. Thanks for everything - especially the extra attention you paid to my niece. She will always remember this experience as will my mother and I. What a great find!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Guest: Judy Mitchell Holderman
Date of Stay: 01/04/10
Review Submitted: 01/03/10
Judy Mitchell HoldermanThis is a great Farmhouse we rented for our 4 nights in South Bend last week. It’s a vacation home and is always rented out for home ND games, can sleep up to 12 people. Not a bed-and-breakfast, we had the entire house to ourselves. Our wonderful hostess, Wendy, made sure we had everything we needed and decorated it beautifully for Christmas – and gave us a great off-season price.
Recommended for:
Christmas Stay
Guest: Judy Holderman, Madison WI
Date of Stay: 12/20/09
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
Felt so very much at home and the Christmas decorations made the house so very beautiful! Thank you for a wonderful, wonderful stay--we enjoyed it tremendously. We will be back!
Recommended for:
Guest: Jennifer M.
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/24/09
Review Submitted: 09/24/09
What a wonderful experience our stay was. This was like steping into a Norman Rockwell painting. Wendy has every detail just right. Every room felt like it had a warm, welcoming, hug. It was like staying at Grandma's. We will most certainly be back. Jennifer & Bruce Meyers
Owner response:Thank you so much for your kind and gracious words! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and hope you will come again.
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Prospective Student Visit 2
Guest: Robert, Ryan Richard & Rince Stacey, Miami, FL
Date of Stay: 04/16/09
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
We are a busy family back home and enjoyed the great feel your farmhouse offers. We especially felt welcomed by your friendly calico cat who greeted us at arrival and each time we arrived back. The homey lifestyle we had the last couple days will be treasured forever. We all appreciated your attention to detail and hospitality. We are very happy to have found you and your lovely Farm house. We wish you continued success!
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Christmas Stay
Guest: The Lopez Family, Lake Dallas, TX
Date of Stay: 12/24/08
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
Walking into the farm house decorated for Christmas it was nice since we were away from home. Looking forward to another stay.
Recommended for:
Extended Stay
Guest: Mary O'Donnell, Layfayette, IN
Date of Stay: 08/13/08
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
The cats greeted me each morning--felt really at home-- loved being out in the country--very peaceful and quiet. Also felt very safe. I love the Farmhouse and I'll definitely return. Thank you Wendy :)
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Home opener with the Irish Football team
Guest: Dawn & Jennifer Hopkins, Potomac, MD
Date of Stay: 08/31/07
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
We enjoyed it all... and I found the tranquil moments on the Farmhouse deck very peaceful. Rekindled childhood memories of fresh sheets on the clothesline, drying in the sun. Lovely time. Thank you.
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Waterloo Ontario Cananda
Guest: Ron & Joan, Waterloo Ontario Canada
Date of Stay: 05/24/07
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
Carriage House (Excellent!) This Farmhouse is so comfortable. It was a delight to stay here -- would recommend it.
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Nd vs. Michigan Game
Guest: Claire & Joe Furlong, Garden City, NY
Date of Stay: 09/15/06
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
Your "farmhouse" is enchanting. We have spent innumerable visits over the last twenty years visiting Notre Dame and have never had the pleasure of this experience before. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality.
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