Our Story- January 2019

 

How did Swan Song Inn come to be? 

Many people ask me how we came to be in this beautiful Inn that we call home.  What brought us to Marshfield, MO?  All our friends asked, “What is in Marshfield?” So I thought it appropriate to start our first blog with our story.

 My husband Doug and I always travel and stay in Bed and Breakfasts to celebrate our anniversary in July every year. July 2016 was our 5 year Anniversary so we wanted to stay in theme and decided to travel to the woods, since wood is the 5 year traditional gift.

 

We booked our first 2 nights in a treehouse built by Pete Nelson https://www.nelsontreehouse.com/  located in the woods of upper Kentucky. This treehouse was a wonderful experience, no water, no electric, and a potty shack in the woods. https://www.earthjoyvillage.com/    As we drove out of town, we stumbled upon an eclectic memorabilia shop called Nina’s in Augusta KY. https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Gift-Shop/Nina-Clooneys-Shop-154546228083441/  Such a nice woman, and you would have never known she was George Clooney’s mom. Such a joy to meet and of course we got the picture too!!

 

Several B and B’s later we finally arrive at The Country Music Bed and Breakfast in Canton, TN.  https://www.facebook.com/pg/countrymusicbedandbreakfast We stayed in the Johnny Cash room. The Inn Keeper was so warm and friendly. Even went to get us a pizza. This is the type of hospitality you can expect to find in many B and B’s.  The next morning I made a casual comment to this super sweet Inn Keeper. I said “What a joy to wake up here every day.” Without missing a beat she replied “$475k and it could be yours.” Well, relocating to TN was not an option and this particular Inn would not have worked for our family dynamics. But somewhere deep inside my head, a light bulb went off.

We came home from our trip and discussed the idea of an Inn.  We were at a time in our lives where we felt we needed to make some changes. We had been looking for a second home on a lake for a weekend retreat as well.

In August, Doug was doing a random search and found a house on a lake for sale. Not being sold as a B and B, simply a beautiful home on a lake with 10 acres.  He sent me the info and I laughed knowing for a second home it was not in the pay scale. That was Thursday. On Saturday I said “Let’s take a 3 hour road trip ( one way) and go look at that house.” So off we went to Marshfield, MO.

As we drove thru the gates and down the winding driveway to the main house, I felt all my tensions of the week float away. All I could think was this place is amazing. Like the lake in the front yard held magical powers of relaxation. Upon entering the home the tall ceilings immediately caught my attention. The home was decorated in Victorian style which was not to my taste but I saw the charm of the home immediately. As we entered the downstairs bedroom it became evident that this home was built perfectly to accommodate a Bed and Breakfast. Three large 2 room suites plus two other bedrooms. The suites, all with private en-suite bathrooms complete with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. My head started making plans. This was what we had been looking for, and there was a lake too!!!!

So we drove back home and starting thinking hard. Do we leave all we had ever known and move across the state to start a new life together?

We did some research and talked a lot about what changes it would make in our lives. We decided to make an offer and they accepted it and the process started. We also decided that if it is meant to be, it will be.  “If you build it they will come” I had this entire house envisioned in my mind and I set off to find all the furnishings for 6 bedrooms, dining room, living room and kitchen.  All these magical furnishings barely fit in my two car garage, including the baby grand piano! It was a leap of faith.

Then the paper pushers didn’t like this or that, some inspection failed and more paperwork and the deal stalled. Then hit a brick wall. Of course I was saddened but knew if the round peg was not going to fit into the square hole, we would not be moving to Marshfield.

We went back to square one and were deciding what to do with all the furnishings.  Did I mention I had bought a boat too? A week went by, with many dreams of the swan who was not going to be mine, and then a message came in for another meeting.

 

Now it is October. 2016  The obstacles seemed to have disappeared and the deal was on again. We closed the deal in December 2016. Everything after that was a blur including the many trips down Hwy 44 to bring more furnishings. Doug moved in first as I had to stay behind to sell our old  house and tidy up loose ends. We made a few changes to make it our own and opened the doors on January 1^st  2017. 

 Swan Song Inn was officially in business.

I moved in February. We had 4  rooms ready to host folks at that time. ( We have since added on two more)

My friends are all still asking me why anyone would come to Marshfield MO.  I remind them that Swan Song Inn will be the reason they come to Marshfield.

We have since hosted hundreds of guests, a few celebrities and made many friends from around the world. ( Those stories to come in future blogs.)

So if you have never heard of Swan Song Inn, take the time to browse our website. https://www.swansonginn.com  Look at the suites and imagine yourself with your loved one soaking in the jetted tub, snuggling by the fireplace and climbing in to that king-size bed with the best of sheets and pillows for a much needed rest. Wake up to the view of our lake with Mr. our resident swan gliding by. Laugh at the antics of the 11 ducks that call Swan Song Inn home as well. There are also the 5 chickens that provide us with fresh eggs, and make me smile.

Check us out on Facebook too. https://www.facebook.com/swansonginn/

We are also a full service venue for many occasions including weddings.

We are your Destination for Relaxation, Come visit us.

Inn Keeper's Cheri & Doug Colson