Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Roessing.
Hi Jeff , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After starting and directing an urban farm for 8 years, my wife Melissa and I found a gem of a property outside of South Haven, Michigan. We spent three years renovating and landscaping before opening a wedding venue onsite in 2020. The venues identity is built on its gardens and landscaping, with a pavilion structure nestled in a mix of fields and woods and a glasshouse for a dance floor. On the property there also exists the original homestead, an 1872 brick farmhouse. Our family has lived in this house since 2018. However, to be closer to our aging parents and our teenage kids’ friends, we have purchased a house in Holland. This recent move has opened up the brick farmhouse to wedding couples and other renters.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While Melissa and I love the outdoors and gardening and all that nature offers, we discovered over the course of our tenure in the country that our children are “indoor” humans. We absolutely love our three children but this has been something we have learned to grieve as we learn to honor them. Many of our dreams of enjoying the outdoor together as a family did not materialize as we had hoped, and there came a point where they really wanted to be closer to their friends in Holland. This has been the largest challenge and the one that prompted us to search for a creative solution. Moving the family to Holland while still keeping the venue will hopefully allow us to experience the best of both worlds.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the longest time, I identified as an organic farmer. Upon opening Black Sheep Shelter I was able to return to my love of design and combine it with my love for plants. I had started my undergrad as an art major but then pivoted more times than I care to count. I shy away from the title business owner and prefer the idea of a steward of the land, only now that stewardship not only entails sound ecological practices but an eye for using perennials to make beautiful natural landscapes.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Social and experiential capital can go a long way when you have little financial capital.
Pricing:
- The brick farmhouse will be rented out at $300/night from May-October and $250/night in the off-season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theblacksheepshelter.com/
- Instagram: blacksheepshelter
- Facebook: Black Sheep Shelter
