About The Innkeepers

A few months after Rick and I started dating, he surprised me with a birthday getaway at the Waters Edge Retreat. We explored the island on the complimentary bicycles and visited the glacial grooves, the old quarry, the quaint downtown, etc. We spent an afternoon at the Charles Herndon gallery and Charles shared the stories of his spectacular art and his life on Kelleys Island. We ate the best perch I’ve ever had and enjoyed live music at one of the lakefront spots in the evenings.

As much as I enjoyed the island, the best memories of that weekend are from the Waters Edge Retreat. It was my first stay at a bed and breakfast. The hospitality of the owners made us feel so welcome and comfortable in their breathtaking home. Breakfasts were wonderful on the veranda and each night we fell asleep to the sound of the waves from the lake. We stayed in the Cozy Hideaway room and enjoyed a bottle of wine while we watched the sunset from our beautiful suite. Needless to say, we also made good use of the jacuzzi tub. I fell in love.

The years passed and we started planning for the future. Looking forward to retirement, we knew we needed something to do – something that would give us purpose but wouldn’t disrupt our plans to winter in Florida. It also had to be something we would both enjoy. Having stayed at many bed and breakfasts over the years, we decided innkeeping would be a great occupation during retirement. Rick started to search for the perfect property, but nothing satisfied our requirements. After months of looking, frustration was setting in until one day Rick gleefully told me the Waters Edge Retreat was for sale!

We quickly scheduled a tour of the property and within a short period of time, the deal was done. Title transferred in July 2019 and we worked closely with the former owner the rest of that season to learn the business.

As we were leaving the island one Sunday in October, Rick invited me to the lakefront deck to watch the sunset. It was spectacular on that brisk October evening and it was a sunset I’ll always remember. Rick got down on one knee and proposed to me on the deck! We were married at the Waters Edge Retreat on November 29, 2019 surrounded by family.

Rick and I cordially invite you to stay with us and become part of our fairy tale. Sometimes, dreams do come true.

Tricia Kody