Answer:
Nunnery is somewhat an obsolete term, Convent is more convenient- and common. The Motherhouse is like a seminary and general headquarters for a major religious order- such as that of the Convent Station ( Sisters of Charity) these are large establishments- that have educational facilities- the College of St. Elizabeth- for example living quarters, some form of infirmary- and obviously- but this is not true of all Motherhouses- funeral chapels and a cemetery. The Mission Stations in say, Africa, were likewise- neatly independent communities with various functions- in the MIddle Ages, apart from daily commerce ( like grocery shopping, etc)- the Church really was the Community Center.