NILES TOWNSHIP — Only eight minutes from downtown Niles, but tucked quaintly among the lush woods of southwest Michigan is the area’s newest weekend refuge: The Morris Estate River House Bed & Breakfast, 1997 Morris Dr.

The 16,000-square-foot establishment perched on the banks of the St. Joseph River opened to the public Friday, after co-owners Braden and Amber Janowski hosted a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting.

“We have been doing weddings on the property for years,” Amber said. “We do those up at the chapel and have receptions. Now, this will be a place where wedding guests, brides and grooms can stay with family. We will also be open to the public.”

Amber recommended the bed and breakfast to corporations looking for a retreat, couples looking for a romantic getaway or for friends and family.

While sampling house-made pastries and fresh coffee, guests who visited the property Friday had the opportunity to tour The River House and adjacent cabin, called the Red Horse Inn.

The River House features six bedrooms. The rooms can hold between two to four guests and maximum occupancy is 17. An additional bedroom is available at the Red Horse Inn.

In the luxury culinary kitchen, guests will be treated to a house-made breakfast which is apt to include quiche, bacon, sausage and baked goods like pastries and banana bread.

“I would describe our food as elevated comfort food,” Amber said. “We cook a lot of things you would remember eating with your mom or your grandma.”

Various other rooms are dedicated to relaxation and lounging. There is a great hall, game room and living room — many of these rooms include fire places, big screen TVs and panoramic views of the St. Joseph River. In the basement, guests can find arcade games and foosball. Other amenities include a wet bar and wine fridge and relaxation room with yoga mats and a massage table, to name a few.

Outdoors, nearly 600 acres of property offer ample opportunity to explore. There are numerous hiking trails. Biking and kayaking rentals will also be available.

At request, guests can also have a picnic basket prepared to accompany them to take on any of these explorations. Lunch at the house can also be prepared upon request.

About 50 people toured the property Friday. Niles Township Trustee James Ringler was among them. The township approved Braden and Amber to open the bed and breakfast earlier this year.

“I was here when Braden bought the property. The transformation and investment is remarkable,” Ringler said. “It is a sight to see. I want to thank Amber and Braden for their investment.”

State Rep. Dave Pagel also toured the property Friday and echoed Ringler’s sentiments.

“I feel like I’m in California,” Pagel said. “This is amazing. It really is an unbelievable facility and sounds like it has been a labor of love.”

Additionally, the proximity of the bed and breakfast is ideal for visitors looking to experience popular Michiana destinations. A lavender farm, where people can pick fresh flowers, is just down the road. Less than 40 minutes away from The River House, guests can take in the numerous wineries, breweries, restaurants and antique shops, as well as the University of Notre Dame and Lake Michigan beaches.

“We are trying to become an all-inclusive getaway for people. Hopefully, it will attract more tourists to the Niles area,” Amber said. “And they can go to some of the local shops as well.”

When Amber and Braden purchased the property in 2010, they were enchanted not just by the natural beauty of the area, but also by the history of the land. The property was originally owned by the venerable E.M. Morris, who was well-known for his entrepreneurship and efforts to promote reforestation. He also made generous charitable donations to the community.

Preserving this history to share with others was a big draw to the property, too, Amber said. The River House is one of many buildings on the property, including the wedding chapel, a schoolhouse, historic covered bridge and much more.

“Whether they want to relax and sit and look at the scenery and enjoy the nature or get out on the trails and have fun — it provides something for everyone,” Amber said. “We really like seeing people enjoy themselves.”

Pricing details and room booking is available online at themorrisestate.com.