Swan Song B&B, Marshfield
August 2020
Doug and Cheri Colson became innkeepers for all the right reasons—to provide an oasis for their guests and share their gift of hospitality. Mission accomplished on ten acres, just 35 minutes east of Springfield. Their colonial inn sits directly on a small lake, home to a pair of elegant swans. Three of the inn’s five rooms feature king beds, jetted tubs and fireplaces in expansive two-room suites.
“When guests come through our gates and drive around the dam, they see the lake and simply relax,” says Cheri. “We took this giant leap of faith when we opened in January of 2017, and we truly love what we do.”
Cheri’s life-long passion for cooking and entertaining has served her well. In season, Cheri uses local ingredients for breakfast from neighboring organic Black Dog Farms. She usually serves her signature French toast but also whips up country-style casseroles. Dietary needs, from low-fat to vegetarian, are happily accommodated. With her flair for hospitality, Cheri orchestrates garden weddings with receptions for up to 40 guests and intimate ceremonies for up to 10 guests that include an officiant and wedding night stay for the couple. (Normally, weddings at the inn can host 100 guests.) Murder mystery weekends feature an in-town scavenger hunt and whodunit formal dinner on Saturday night and can be scheduled when the three suites are booked for a two-night stay.
As a self-trained musician, Doug’s passion revolves around music. He entertains guests on a variety of instruments at the outdoor bonfire or by the fireplace in winter. Guitars grace each room, and a baby grand piano sits in the common area. Karaoke nights can also be arranged.
Guests can enjoy catch-and-release fishing for bass, blue gill and perch from shore or the two-seater row boat. A guitar-shaped dock juts into the lake, and guests can use the paddle boat. As the sun sets, portable fire pits offer privacy for couples, or comradery can be found around the inn’s permanent fire pits. Indoor amenities include wi-fi, cable and a movie and book library.
“With Covid, we’ve been practicing social distancing. Guests can eat on the front porch or acreage, as well as in the dining room, the kitchen or their room,” says Cheri. “Between stays, we air out the room for 24 hours and clean very thoroughly. All comforters, pillows and blankets go through the dryer to kill any germs. Wipes, Lysol and hand sanitizer are provided in each room, too.”
Visit SwanSongInn for more information.