How It All Began
Frank and Jerri Duarte came to Bonners Ferry in 2018 looking for land where they could retire in North Idaho, a place they had long hoped might one day bring their children and grandchildren closer together. During that trip, they stayed at Northside School Bed and Breakfast and learned that the property was for sale. What began as a simple real estate visit quickly became something much bigger: the possibility of building a family business in a community they had already come to love.
Frank called his daughter, Corina, and her husband, Eric Johnson, to talk about the idea. Eric was interested right away, and after visiting the property themselves, Corina and Eric were fully committed. In less than a year, the plan became reality. By March 2019, three generations of the family were living and working together in the old schoolhouse, beginning a new chapter in Bonners Ferry.
Building a New Kind of Life
Taking on a bed and breakfast was a major leap. Frank and Jerri had never owned a business like this before, and in fact had never even stayed at a bed and breakfast before that first visit. The purchase required careful planning, and the family worked through business planning, financial projections, licensing, taxes, and operations as they prepared to take over the inn.
From the beginning, they built the business around the strengths they already had: hard work, adaptability, hospitality, and a strong sense of family. Instead of creating a formal or impersonal atmosphere, they focused on making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. That approach became one of the defining qualities of the inn.
Frank and Jerri Duarte
Frank and Jerri Duarte remain at the center of the family story. They are affectionately known in the family as “Papa” and “Grandma,” and that warmth is reflected in the tone of the inn itself. Frank is known for talking with guests, helping with breakfast, overseeing laundry, and bringing humor into the day. He is especially known for his omelets and his signature “Frank Eggs.”
Jerri helps oversee the entire operation and steps in wherever she is needed. She keeps things moving, supports every part of the business, and brings steady energy to the property. Her love of flowers also shows in the care she gives to the grounds and surroundings. Frank and Jerri are currently serving in a mission role in San Diego while still remaining an important part of the family business.
Eric and Corina Johnson
Eric and Corina Johnson are at the heart of the inn’s day-to-day operations. Eric handles the practical side of keeping the property running smoothly, including maintenance, repairs, and the overall condition of the building and grounds. His work helps preserve both the comfort of the inn and the character of the historic property.
Corina oversees the bed and breakfast itself, including housekeeping, breakfasts, cookies, the website, and guest relations. She helps shape the daily guest experience and keeps the inn running in a way that feels welcoming and personal. Together, Eric and Corina provide the steady leadership that allows the property to function as both a family home and a successful inn.
The Next Generation
The younger generation is also part of the life of Northside School Bed and Breakfast.
Cheyanne has grown up with the inn and helps wherever she is needed. Over time, she has become more confident and involved in both the property and the larger community. Her interests include reading, gymnastics, cheer, and singing, and she has participated in community plays and events. She has also developed an interest in cooking. She is now a freshman in college and preparing for her mission.
Abigail brings energy and initiative to the family team. She enjoys helping in the kitchen, performing, art, and games, and her outgoing personality makes her a natural part of the welcoming atmosphere of the inn. She is active in summer fair exhibits and enjoys connecting with people.
Bjørn is affectionately known as the “little CEO.” Full of energy and eager to help, he enjoys checking in guests, handing out keys, helping in the kitchen, and following along with maintenance work.
Bradley, the youngest, brings joy and personality to daily life at the inn. He enjoys being in the kitchen and spending time with his brother, adding to the lively and family-centered character of the property.
A Family Way of Hospitality
Hospitality at Northside School Bed and Breakfast is deeply personal. Guests are welcomed into a place where family life and inn life are closely connected. Home-cooked breakfasts, fresh-baked cookies at check-in, and thoughtful personal touches all reflect the way the family approaches hosting. The goal is not simply to provide a room, but to create a stay that feels comfortable, warm, and memorable.
That same care can be seen throughout the property. Themed rooms inspired by school subjects, preserved historic details, and thoughtful decorative choices reflect the family’s commitment to honoring the building’s history while also making it enjoyable and inviting for guests.
A Shared Life in a Historic Place
What makes the Duarte and Johnson family story so meaningful is that they did not simply buy a business. They built a way of life around one. Their move to Bonners Ferry brought together retirement hopes, family relocation, entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to care for a historic property with deep local significance.
Today, Northside School Bed and Breakfast continues as a multigenerational family business shaped by shared work, shared purpose, and shared life. Frank and Jerri Duarte took the first leap, Corina and Eric Johnson helped turn the vision into reality, and the younger generation has grown up as part of the story. Together, they have made the inn feel less like a business on the side of history and more like a living continuation of it.
