The relocated front door now opens onto a double-height entry hall illuminated by day by a large arched window that replaced the original side doorway to the apartments. Furnishings reflect the Swifts' shared passion for antiquing and collecting. For years, Carol had her own shop, first on Newbury Street in Boston, then on the North Shore, specializing in new and antique quilts and folk art. Bob, who is sales manager for a computer component manufacturer, is a longtime collector of vintage toy race cars and boat models. Even their four-poster bed was once a display prop used to show off her shop's old linens and quilts.
Windows look out onto new window boxes, a bluestone entry walk, and cobblestone driveway.
The move brought changes to their lives, both expected and unexpected. Expected was Bob's delight in being able to launch his vintage wooden boat from their backyard. Less expected was Carol's reaction. So she sold her business and turned the studio apartment into the Compass Rose bed and breakfast. Free to the public, the pond yacht exhibit can be seen through October 29 at the society's headquarters at 170 Washington Street.