Your Hostess, Rosalie Swann

Rosalie Swann opened the bed and breakfast after her husband died in 1993. Although she and her husband had entertained extensively and enjoyed having company, she knew that operating a b&b would require work. "It's not a hobby," she said. A 12-year-old friend of the family suggested the name Swann's Nest, "Because swans are cozy." That's the impression Rosalie wanted to make: cozy and comfortable.

The Swann family has been in the horse business since 1985. Rosalie moved to Lexington from Denver in the mid-1960s to take the position of principle of the Bluegrass School. She met and married John Swann, a Lexington businessman, and they bought the land at Cygnet Farm in 1969. Seven years later they finished building their home, where they raised their two sons, John and Chris, and entertained friends. Today Chris Swann is president of Cygnet Farm and lives with his family on the property.

Rosalie Swann is not a rider, but she loves horses. She'll spend an hour or two at the Thoroughbred Club most days during Keeneland's race meets and has her business phone number forwarded so she can enjoy the races and talk to guests at the same time. Guest come from the horse business and medical field, among other professions. "Some people come here and I wouldn't know what they do," said Rosalie. "I don't always ask unless they tell." Swann's Nest has welcomed guest from South America, South Africa, Europe, and all over the United States.

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