The Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast
Table Of Contents
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The Victorian romance of The Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast reflects the lives and times of South Bend's most famous families, the Studebakers (wagons & automobiles) and the Olivers (the world-famous Oliver Chilled Plow and tractors).
While Clem Studebaker was busy in August of 1880 building the foundation for his castle/home, "Tippecanoe Place", James Oliver acquired the adjoining property. Here he built a spacious 10,000 sq. ft. "Queen Anne" style home and had it gifted along with its one acre grounds to his daughter, Josephine Oliver Ford, for "$1.00 and LOVE."
The Oliver Inn, located in the historic downtown district of South Bend, just 90 minutes from Chicago, and only 3 miles from the 80/90 Indiana Toll Road Exit. #77, sits right next door to the famous Tippecanoe Place Restaurant (Studebaker Mansion).

From the moment you pull into its stately circular drive and up to the grand porte-cochere, the Oliver Inn will gently nudge you back into the grandeur of another time. Shaded by more than thirty tall maple trees, this 25 room estate is one of South Bend's most treasured local historical landmarks and was home to the Oliver families for over 100 years.

The Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast offers a "Turn of the Century" feeling with all of today's most important amenities. Choose from among nine beautifully furnished rooms with private baths, or our newly renovated, two bedroom two bath, Carriage House Suite. Several feature the warmth of a built-in fireplace, private balcony or whirlpool for two.
This magnificent home is on the National Registry of Historic Places is rated 13 out of 13 possible points (plus an "outstanding") by the Historic Preservation Commission, and is the largest Bed & Breakfast in South Bend and the only one on a one acre estate with a Carriage House (pictured above behind horse carriage) and playhouse.
Seven fireplaces adorn the first floor common areas which are available to our guests during their stay at The Oliver Inn. This includes a large and cozy library with fireplace, books, magazines and a wonderful baby grand piano with computer disk system. Guests enjoy gathering in the large front parlor with its unique curved leaded glass windows.Our magnificent dining room features a fireplace, Waterford crystal sconces, and a Butler's Pantry with complimentary beverages and snacks on a 24 hour basis. Free high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the inn and grounds.


Several porches are provided for relaxing outdoors. Wicker furniture, plantation rockers and lawn swings provide comfortable lounging areas.
Smoking Policy: The Oliver Inn is pleased to provide a smoke free facility. Ashtrays are provided outside the inn for our guests.Rate Schedule and Reservation Policy: Rooms range from $135-$339 (with the exception of Special events, holidays and packages) depending upon room selection, date of arrival and/or special event weekends.
Local Attractions: Including links to Notre Dame, College Football Hall of Fame, Studebaker Museum and other area web sites.
Breakfast and Favorite Recipes: All overnight stays include a full hot breakfast in our lovely candlelit dining room, accompanied by live piano music from our baby grand piano. Complimentary snacks and beverages are available 24 hours a day from our Butler's Pantry.
Online Information Request: Do you have an idea of when you might be coming to The Oliver Inn? Check room availability and fill out reservation form online or call us toll free for immediate reservations.
Gift certificates available anytime....give Memories, instead of Stuff!
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Here's some information about your hosts, Tom and Alice Erlandson, and their family:Tom and Alice purchased the Oliver Inn in August of 2005, fulfilling a life-long dream. For many years, Alice has owned her own catering business, and received rave reviews on her cookies during her time as a baker on a college campus. Tom has many years of experience in the corporate world, but has left that to become an Innkeeper. Their two sons, David and Joshua, assist in technical aspects of the business, while pursuing ministry-based careers. David as a worship pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Mentor, Ohio, and Joshua as a student at Cedarville University in Ohio.
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Next door to Tippecanoe Place Restaurant (formerly Studebaker Mansion - pictured in background of this picture)- University of Notre Dame
- Saint Mary's College
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Studebaker Museum
- Copshaholm Museum (Oliver Mansion)
- East Race Waterway (kayaking & rafting)
- South Bend Silverhawks at Coveleski Stadium
- Minutes from beautiful public golf courses, beaches, canoeing and over 300 antique dealers
- LaSalle Grill
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Other area restaurants
The Spa at Colfax, located only blocks from the inn.