Julie Chmiel pops upstairs to the master bedroom, arranges the champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, and fluffs the pillows one last time. All that's left is for the couple to light the candles in their Rookwood fireplace, toast each other, share a strawberry and snuggle into the four-poster bed.
Catering to lovers is second nature to Julie, a hotel manager for more than 25 years, and her husband, Larry, a wine distributor who knows his champagne. They're glad to make recommendations for day trips and restaurants, but they're just as happy to pamper a couple in seclusion at their grand dame of a house: English Manor Bed and Breakfast in Miamisburg, Ohio.
The Chmiels are only the fifth owners of this imposing home, built by William and Bertha Schieble in 1924 as their dream house on millionaire's row. For decades, William, a prosperous toy manufacturer, and his family cherished the gleam of the red oak floors, stained glass windows and four Rookwood fireplaces.
"People started making reservations because of our Rookwood tiles," Julie says. "I had to go to a museum to find out about it."
Pale blue Rookwood tiles still surround the fireplace in the Schiebles' master bedroom, a favorite with honeymooners and returning anniversary couples. If they decide to stay in, private dinner in the dining room may be filet mignon with crabmeat, for instance, or chicken cordon bleu. Breakfast - maybe Eggs Benedict or peach French toast - is served in the dining room or on the sun porch for a warm rise and shine.