lice and Tom Erlandson have just celebrated
nine years as innkeepers at South Bend, Indiana's Oliver Inn. The inn has been open
for a total of 21 years. Tom worked in retail operations in the furniture business, and Alice worked as a caterer. They talked about owning a B&B when they first got married and talked occasionally about it over the years, but when Tom’s company went out of business they re-examined the idea. Their kids were in college, and as Tom says, "it was one of those questions; ”what do you want to be when you grow up? This was it!” They started doing research in January and February and closed on the inn that very August.
Tom says, “It took us longer to pick out a sofa than it did to decide to buy the inn!” Their own house went up for sale and sold in three days, this was definitely meant to be. Their kids thought they were a little crazy but ended up being very supportive.
The 128-year-old Victorian mansion offers 10 beautifully appointed accommodations with some very unique restored pieces. Nine rooms are located within the mansion and there is a coach house that accommodates a two-bedroom suite. Alice says, “The woodwork is phenomenal and the founding Oliver family lived there for 101 years. Thankfully the house was well taken care of.” The one-acre property is very private as there are nooks and crannies to sit within and the fountain area is a favorite amongst the guests. The inn is just on the edge of downtown South Bend, and with the location so perfect, guests are within walking distance of restaurants and museums and so close to everything.
Alice is resident chef and tries to do unique breakfasts such as "Green, Eggs & Ham Pizza" (Alice calls it her Dr. Seuss Breakfast), two different homemade pastries daily, or caramel pecan French toast with bread made from scratch. They adhere to people’s diets and eating schedules. But you won’t want to miss her famous, made from scratch, "Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls," or her "Sweet & Spicy Bacon." For more Oliver Inn famous recipes click here. Thrilled with their lives as innkeepers, the Erlandson's are currently restoring the outside of the inn and taking off 100+ years of paint, giving the Inn a new makeover, ready to welcome guests for the next 100 years!
The Oliver Inn Bed and Breakfast
630 W. Washington St.
South Bend, Indiana
574-232-4545
By Mary Hughes
22
Inns E-Magazine / Fall 2014
THE
INN
Oliver
A
Victorian Mansion