Stop by and relax

David and Martha Swift have created a home where they can share their lives and love with their large family, numerous friends, and valued colleagues. Photographs: Mitch Kezar

A few miles from the beaches of Lake Michigan's eastern shore, vineyards and orchards meld with woodlands and marshes. It is this pastoral setting that drew David and Martha Swift and son, Mike, when they relocated from upstate New York to St. Joseph, Michigan, five years ago. The Swifts purchased a home on 8 acres of native grasses and untamed wetland surrounded by a wilderness of oaks and maples, cedars and pines. With the help of a skilled landscaper, their dream of transforming their property into an inviting haven has come true.

All paths lead to the pond, which is stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. Ducks and geese love the property, too, but the Swifts' two dogs chase them away.

Entertaining place

More than anything, the Swifts desired abundant outdoor space so they could entertain a wide variety of guests. "We don't usually have adult parties," Martha explains. "We often have my husband's business associates here, but we usually have them bring their children along." They have hosted a wedding, a school picnic for Mike's class, a family reunion, and many backyard barbecues. They have also donated the use of their home for fund-raisers.

A circular drive delivers guests to the front door of David and Martha's elegant, two-story home. But it is the setting -- not the structure -- that visitors remember most. Perennial grasses and flowers grace the landscape in profusion. Bordering beds of black-eyed Susans, roses, hydrangea, and lilies explode in color and scent. The glittering water of an in-ground pool and an adjacent hot tub draw children and adults out of the house and onto the grounds.

The sprawling lawn encircles a pond stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. "Ducks and geese frequently stop over," Martha says, but because their population can quickly get out of control, "we let our two dogs chase them away." A more welcome visitor is a blue heron, which regularly fishes from the island in the pond's center.

Fountain lights the night

A fountain introduced primarily to aerate the water is lit each night, casting a spell on visitors to the gazebo. "It's a nice destination when walking around the pond," says Martha. On the island, six Adirondack chairs face the water. Sitting there, one has the feeling of being transported back to a simpler time, before each day's activities were accelerated by cell phones and e-mail.

Guests must be fed, and the Swifts' dining options are diverse. A fire pit near the pond is a favorite with children for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. In the shade of the pergola at the pool house, adults can rest in lounge chairs and sample appetizers while their children swim a few feet away.

A professionally designed outdoor kitchen gets the most use. The kitchen is framed by a ceramic-tile counter. Guests can pull up a bar stool and watch as the chef barbecues hamburgers or grills salmon. The stainless steel appliances include two under-counter refrigerators, an ice maker, and a grill with rotisserie. A side burner unit makes it possible to prepare sauces or vegetables without leaving the patio.

A wooden bridge leads to a quiet island in the pond. On the island, Adirondack chairs offer visitors a place to unwind.

Perfect for a reunion

The property is also perfect for reunions, as the Swifts found out when they hosted the John and Mary Olson family reunion to celebrate Martha's Swedish heritage. They opened their home to 76 direct descendents from all over the U.S.

There was no need to worry about keeping everyone occupied during the three-day event. Both children and adults played foursquare, basketball, and tennis when they tired of splashing in the pool or fishing in the pond. In the barn, table tennis, foosball, an indoor basketball court, and a gigantic chessboard painted on the floor entertained guests.

On Saturday evening, time was reserved for a commemorative program. Martha read from a prepared history of the Olson clan, sharing comic and tender memories of the family. Martha's sister, Lois, led a tribute to the descendents of John and Mary. And Martha's brother, Frank, recited a poem by Danish poet Piet Hein:

Do remember to forget
Anger, worry and regret.
Love while you have love to give.
Live while you have life to live.

It's hard to beat relaxing with a magazine by the pond on a bright spring day. While David and Martha Swift often invite family, friends, and business colleagues to their Michigan property, they also treasure quiet moments there.

Life to live

It is by sharing their beautiful property that the Swifts truly experience all the joy their country estate has to offer.

"We are homebodies at heart, not out-and-about kind of people," Martha says. "With our house and garden designed the way they are, we can have all the beauty and entertainment we need right in our own backyard. We can invite our friends and family, whose company we cherish, to join us in our world."