When Jill met her Hawaiian husband, she had no idea that Central Ohio would be where the two of them would settle down and start a business. The two met here in town and purchased the Timbrook estate, just off Olentangy River Road, as a place to settle down …and dream.
“We’re dreamers and creators,” Jill Dole, owner and creator of Timbrook Guesthouse says, “and I grew up watching Gilmore Girls. I told my daughters that someday I’m going to open my own Dragonfly.”
Dreaming the B&B Lifestyle
For years, while raising her family, Jill crafted breakfasts (to die for), and the couple made improvements to the estate. But the Timbrook Guesthouse wasn’t a dream come true overnight. In fact, it wasn’t until the recession of 2008, when things really began to take off. “We started getting calls from people asking to rent a room.” Jill recalls. “One after another of renters for a few months or even a year, at times.” She said of her ‘regulars’. “We even had a visitor from Connecticut who would stay every month all the way up to 2020.”
It was these first guests, some of whom were friends of family or family referrals, that paved the way for the Guesthouse to garner its name. ‘Timbrook’, on the other hand, comes from the name of the farmhouse and four acres the Dole’s purchased in 1988 (The Antrim farmland became known as Timbrook when the Timmons family purchased it from Jack Antrim in 1945).
And it’s these four acres that really make the difference. As Jill says, “We set ourselves apart from most B&Bs because we have so much land; we’re more a luxury inn—with lots more amenities.” Bordering on a boutique hotel, the Guesthouse has 6 different rooms, lush perennial gardens, a heated pool, gazebo and fire pit, koi pond, and so much more. “We think Columbus has so many things to offer,” says Jill, “so whether you have a reason to come, outside of Timbrook, or if you come because of it, I’ve got a list of things for people to do.”
Coming to Columbus because of Timbrook is the vision Jill has for her own ‘Dragonfly’. When asked why, she said, “Gosh, well, my husband and I went to Maui and there’s this place called Mama’s Fish Market that was really top notch—” she explained, “it’s so good that people go to Maui just to go to Mama’s. We’ve matched that kind of experience.” Then, with a smile, she added, “We wanted to be a Mama’s for Columbus.”
And the ironic twist is that guests of Timbrook are often locals. “Most of our clientele is from Central Ohio.” Jill explains, “Lots of people come to get away without having to go too far.” And you can see why when you drive up to the farmhouse: it’s an island escape tucked away in the middle of the city.
Running the B&B Business
The road to steady business is never easy, and for Jill, the hardest part was learning to pivot when roadblocks or business challenges come up. “I would advise young people to follow their dream,” she says, “but always be prepared to pivot. Roadblocks will happen in any industry or career, but those who can alter their views and think outside the box will be more inclined to succeed.” She continued, “But I had to tell myself, ‘I can’t run my business on what other people say’. I had to give that up.
Currently, the Timbrook Guesthouse is forging ahead with an expansion plan at a steady pace despite setbacks that occur with any remodeling project. Despite the setbacks Jill and team are going along at a steady pace thanks to Jill taking her own advice. It’s just as she says, “The road to success can have many avenues.” And we’ll look forward to the big reveal coming soon!
Next to overcoming those roadblocks to remodeling, Jill also had to open her arms to other dreamers. “I’ve always loved being in the kitchen—I love to cook. It does take a village, though.” Jill’s village is comprised of her husband, daughters, and the two employees she’s added since opening. “Those two are wonderful! I couldn’t do it without them.” She added.
Visiting the B&B Guesthouse
If you need a local getaway or a taste of the island life, book your stay at the Timbrook Guesthouse. The gourmet breakfast is worth the stay, but the grounds and seemingly endless list of amenities are just as wonderful for longtime Ohioans as they are for out-of-town travelers. And don’t forget to say Aloha! to Jill while you’re there.
"People go to Maui for Mama's. We Wanted to be a Mama's for Columbus."