About Us
Learn how our family brought new life to a 1914 schoolhouse and created a welcoming bed and breakfast rooted in Bonners Ferry history.
Our Story
In 2018 Frank and Jerri Duarte had been looking at property to build on for retirement when they decided to stay at a little old school house in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The owner had told them that it was for sale. They went about looking at property and found the one they wanted. While on their search Frank kept thinking about the bed & breakfast. The realtor was talking about how wonderful it was to raise a family here but that you had to be creative with jobs. Frank still couldn't stop thinking about what a great adventure it would be to buy the place and have his kids run it. So he called his daughter Corina and her husband Eric to see what they thought. Eric said yes right away. A couple weeks later while on vacation with their family, Eric and Corina drove up to check out the Bed & Breakfast. They instantly fell in love with the place and told her dad that they were in. Fast forward nine months and here we are. By March 2019 three generations living and working together in an old school house having fun and getting to know wonderful people in the most amazing community.
Also known as Papa and Grandma. Papa is in charge of overseeing laundry, hanging out with grandkids, talking to people and making special breakfasts when we have a few guests. He loves to make us and our guests laugh. His specialities are Frank Eggs and Omelets. Grandma is in charge of everything. She over sees that all of us are doing what we should be. She loves to help in every part of the business and is what keeps us going. Her favorite job is working in her flowers. They are currently enjoying their mission serving the wonderful military members in San Diego, California. But don't worry they will be home soon.
Frank & Jerri Duarte
Eric is the main man. We couldn't run without him. He does everything on the property and makes sure it is all running smoothly and looking good. He also does all maintenance inside as well. In his spare time he enjoys playing and woodworking. Corina is in charge of the bed & breakfast. She oversees housekeeping, breakfasts, cookies, our website and guest relations. Corina loves baking, photography and hiking our beautiful waterfalls.
Eric & Corina Johnson
Cheyanne is the oldest of the children and grandchildren. She helps out wherever is needed. Its fun seeing how far she has come since we bought the schoolhouse in 2019. She used to be so quiet and nervous around people and now you can find her chatting up a storm with just about anyone. She loves to read, do gymnastics, cheer and sing. She has been involved in several community plays and events. She has even started showing interest in cooking. She is now a Freshman in college and is prepping for her mission.
Cheyanne
Abigail is a go getter. She loves being in the kitchen, performing, art and playing games. She enjoys greeting guests and you can always find her chatting in the dining room in the morning. She is full of life and if you visit in the summer during the fair you are sure to see some of her exhibits. She also loves cleaning bathrooms (she might be a weirdo, but we still love her) Senior year!
Abigail
Bjørn is the "little CEO". He is 7 and full of life. He loves helping anywhere he can. Recently he has learned he loves helping in the kitchen. Don't worry, he isn't baking for guests yet. He also enjoys checking guests in and giving them their keys. He also supervises maintenance (Eric), and follows him everywhere.
Bjørn
Bradley is our Bonners Ferry surprise. At 5 years he has always been a happy boy, he makes us smile. He loves being in the kitchen and wrestling with his brother.