Frequently
Asked Questions

Who’s welcoming us to 1870 House?

We’re your hosts, Zena and Richard. We moved to Dowagiac from Chicago after falling in love with the area, and we live directly across the street from 1870 House. After checking in, we can give you personal recommendations for things to do in the area and share a socially distanced drink or coffee, or we can completely stay out of your hair unless there’s an issue. It’s totally up to you.

What should I know about 1870 House?

Other than the fact that it’s a wonderful, welcoming property in a fantastic location? Well, our #1 thing is respect. We’ll respect you as guests and do everything possible to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. In return, we ask that you respect us by treating our home as you would your own.

We’re a large group of people coming in for a wedding/Notre Dame game/reunion. May we have a party at 1870 House?

See above. If you and your guests simply plan to enjoy the house and grounds with a few drinks and music that won’t bother the neighbors, that’s totally fine. Should you wish to put together a bigger event, we can recommend a number of great options available within walking distance.

Speaking of neighbors, is 1870 House isolated?

No, and its walkable proximity to the incredibly cute downtown Dowagiac area is part of its charm! The property does have a carriage house, and 1870 House’s backyard is shared with that tenant. Please note that the carriage house tenant has two dogs who will occasionally be in the backyard.

Is there private outdoor space at 1870 House?

We’re glad you asked! New for 2022: We just put on a fantastic private deck that you can access from right off the kitchen. That gives you a private, elevated space, complete with grill and 8-seat outdoor dining table, which overlooks the beautiful backyard area.

May we bring our kids? How about our pets?

We love kids! Kids, as well as pets under 30 pounds, are welcome at 1870 House. That said, please be aware that the house is not childproofed, and pets are subject to a $25/night pet fee. If you’re bringing a pet, you must disclose this at the time of booking.

I need to work during my stay. What’s the internet situation?

It’s fast and reliable. We also work remotely and understand how important it is to have good internet. Whether you have work to get done or just want to Netflix and chill, you’re covered. On request, we can send you a current Speedtest screenshot.

How do I get to 1870 House?

You have options! We’re approximately 25 miles from both I-90 and I-94; it’s a very easy drive. Our property is also a 7-minute walk from the Amtrak station in downtown Dowagiac. The train is a fun, inexpensive way to get to Dowagiac from Chicago, Detroit, and other cities. If you’re flying in, South Bend Regional Airport is 25 miles to the south.

May I book my stay directly with you?

Currently, we’re running our bookings through Airbnb, VRBO, and select other booking platforms. If you have a personal reference in the area and you’d prefer to book directly, please reach out to us at info@1870house.com.

When is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is at 3p and check-out is at 11a. Your unique door code will start and stop working at these times, respectively. If you need some flexibility, we’ll do what we can to accommodate with our turnover schedule. Making your request as early as possible makes it more likely we’ll be able to accomodate.

What’s the parking situation?

Our property has a driveway that will generally accommodate up to three tandem vehicles the size of crossover SUVs. If you have additional vehicles, simply let us know and we can work with you on other parking options.

Is 1870 House LGBTQ-friendly?

1870 House is absolutely LGBTQ-friendly.