A Journey from Waterford, Ireland to Chagrin Falls

We are thrilled to share the heartwarming story of how a magnificent Waterford Chandelier found its way to the Inn of Chagrin. A heartfelt thank you to the Sobota family for this incredible gift that adds a touch of elegance and history to our establishment.

The chandelier's journey began in 1993 when Maureen and Ignacy Sobota purchased it from the Waterford factory in Ireland. Residing in Hinton on the Hedges, England, the couple had initially intended to use the chandelier in their new home. However, life took an unexpected turn when their children in Ohio convinced them to move to the United States to be closer to family.

In 1997, during Ignacy’s military move, the chandelier embarked on its first transatlantic voyage, traveling by boat and plane to their son Richard’s home in Kirtland Hills, Ohio. The piece remained in its original packaging as Richard's career led the family from Ohio to Milwaukee and eventually to Denver in 2006. Even when Maureen and Ignacy briefly lived in Castle Pines, Colorado, the chandelier stayed packed away, waiting for the perfect moment to shine. Unfortunately, they passed away earlier than expected, and the chandelier remained unused.

Throughout their frequent visits to the United States, the Sobotàs cherished their trips to Chagrin Falls to visit their granddaughters, Margaret and Molly, both graduates of Chagrin Falls High School (2018 and 2020). These visits were filled with delightful memories, from stops at the popcorn shop and to dinners at M Italian.

In January 2021, Richard, Maria, and their daughter Sophia moved back to Ohio. Sophia, a sophomore at Denison University and a volleyball player for the Big Red, requested a visit to her cousins in Chagrin Falls and a stay at the Inn of Chagrin before her sophomore year began. During this visit, the Sobotàs learned about the inn's renovation plans and felt that the chandelier would be a perfect addition to the inn.

We are overjoyed to see this beautiful chandelier finally displayed in a place that holds special meaning for the Sobota family. It is a symbol of their journey and their connection to Chagrin Falls, a town they have visited and loved in every season. Here’s to creating more cherished memories under its sparkling light.