History of the Feallock House

Located just 8 short blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan, this Historic home constructed in 1866 and thought to be the oldest residence in the Elston Grove Historic District in Michigan City, provides a unique touch of yesterday. Built by Frederick and Sophia Vielhack (Feallock), this home is made of 3 brick wall construction, contains 52 windows, 49 doors and spans some 6270 square feet. The outside of this home remains in near-original condition, perhaps partially attributable to the fact that Jan and Harold Smith, your innkeepers, are only its third owners. This special home changed many times over the 114 years the Feallock Family owned it to fit their needs, staying in the Family until 1980. Henrietta's Hide-a-way,( The Cottage Room) is a bright cheery room named in Henrietta Feallock's name because she was the last Feallock to live in the house.

In 1980 Jerry and Pat Lewis purchased the home and began a long range renovation. Wall paper was removed and the floors stripped and refinished as they added their touch and special love to this special piece of history. The Lewis Room is named in honor of their love and devotion to preserving this piece of history.

In January of 1998, on a Saturday morning, Janet Smith came to the Feallock House to help a friend, Kathy Lewis clean and prepare it to be sold. In what seemed like a moment, a love affair began which led Jan & Harold Smith to Purchase the house, sell Jan's home of 27 years and move 120 miles north to follow a dream of developing and owning a Bed & Breakfast. The 3 to 5 year Renovation and Restoration has been extended as a few months later they also purchased the Feallock Cottage next door built in 1890.

Ask them share the rest of the story or visit the section on Michigan City History in their library when you visit, even if its just for tea. Their love of history and historical homes combined with the many special touches they have added  are adding to this touch of yesterday.