Overnight Accommodations
STAY AT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN’S PREMIER COUNTRY ESTATE
Each building on The Morris Estate comes with a story. As E.M. Morris established his country estate in Southwest Michigan, he built many necessary structures for the working farm in the 1930s. His daughter, Mary Lou Leighton, continued the tradition by building an estate home, The River House. She also saved many local buildings from demolition by moving them onsite as well as funding restoration projects on components of the original farm. The River House, the Blacksmith Lodge, Red Horse Inn, and Millstone Inn are all original structures with storied pasts that have been painstakingly renovated to create beautifully furnished accommodations for your visit to the Michigan countryside.
The River House
Tucked in a secluded part of the estate overlooking the St. Joseph River, you will find our signature Bed & Breakfast, The River House. Converted from the stately residence built by Mary Lou Oare-Leighton, the home features stunning views of water and forest from casually elegant sitting areas and expansive terraces. Each of the six private suites is stylishly appointed with decor curated to reveal stories of the historic property’s past. The River House staff will provide attentive service throughout your stay including freshly prepared breakfast each morning, nightly bar service, and a six-course culinary experience at dinner.
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Blacksmith Lodge
As a working farm in the early 1900s, the agricultural property needed a blacksmith shop for practical jobs, such as shoeing horses or forging wagon wheels. As automobiles and tractors outpaced antiquated tools and machinery, the blacksmith shop was converted to a garage and attached to a newly constructed residence. The Blacksmith Lodge has been a boarding house for local ministry workers, the personal home of family members, and now private lodging for rent to travelers or wedding clients of The Morris Estate.
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Millstone Inn
1 King
685 SQ FT
2 Adults
Tucked into the wooded area adjacent to the historic covered bridge, The Millstone Inn was named after antique millstones discovered during renovations, which now grace the front entrance of the captivating cabin. Constructed to house maple syrup-making equipment in 1937, the original structure was fondly called “the sugar shack” by family members who enjoyed hours together during the sap boil each year. Find true tranquility as you take in the stunning views of the ponds, bridge, and St. Joseph River from the wall of windows.
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Red Horse Inn
1 Queen
900 SQ FT
2 Adults
Perhaps the oldest structure on The Morris Estate, The Red Horse Inn, began life as a trading post in the 1800s along the St. Joseph River, where French fur traders bartered with Native inhabitants of the land. Threatened by destruction, it was floated down the river and carefully perched on a bluff overlooking the water. It is also said to be the hidden spot for high-wager poker games between E.M. Morris and local farmers and landowners.
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Grounds & Outdoor Activities
With over 600 acres to explore, The Morris Estate offers countless outdoor experiences for nature lovers. Scenic walking paths along the flowing river or through the towering trees provide miles of exploration. Spot wildlife along the way, such as deer, turkeys, groundhogs, hawks, owls, or our resident Bald Eagle couple. Create memories around a crackling campfire, challenge friends to a round of games on the expansive lawn surrounding the pond, or enjoy the view from the charming gazebo. Snap family photos against the boundless picturesque backdrops throughout the estate.
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