CATAWBA ISLAND – After nearly 25 years in operation, local business owners Jerry and Eileen Jarc of The Five Bells Inn on Catawba Island have sold the property and will be retiring. The historic property on Sand Road (just south of the Rock Ledge) has been a bed and breakfast since 1994.

During their time as proprietors, the Jarcs welcomed more than 5,000 guests from across the United States and around the world.

“One of the best parts of running the inn was making connections with guests and hearing their stories. We’ve met guests from Russia, South America, and several European countries,” said Eileen Jarc. “The Five Bells wasn’t just an international destination. The Lake Erie Islands region is such a valuable resource in Ohio and we were happy to have helped guests from our home state enjoy the area as well!”

The couple worked hard to preserve and honor the history of the property. They wanted to continue the 120-year tradition of hospitality that was established by the Bond family, when the inn was known as the Linden Lodge, a part of Rockledge.

“We hope that this spirit of warmth, hospitality, and generosity will live on,” said the Jarcs.

While the couple is sad to say goodbye to the Inn, they are grateful for the experience. “We thoroughly enjoyed sharing summers at the lake, the night sky, the migrating birds and the best sunsets on Catawba with our guests,” they said.