Kentucky Homes & Gardens November/December 2022

HOMES GA R DENS

ENTUCKY &

Simplicity

22754

859.268.0217

Publisher:

Associate

Rasnick carolyn@rhppublishingllc.com

1rickphillips@windstream.net

859-268-0217

859-806-6123

E. Silven

Ray Hunter

N. Russell-Simmons

E.

Discover WATCH HILL PROPER

Bourbon Bar & Kitchen

By Kirsten E. Silven Photos Courtesy of Watch Hill Proper

Sinceopening in Louisville’s Norton Commons in April 2022, Watch Hill Proper’s American whiskey selections have grown to include more than 1,600 bottles, making it the largest American whiskey bar in the world. The restaurant is also currently on pace to host more than 200 public and private events this year, including bourbon and wine tastings, meet and greets with bourbon master distillers, themed dinners led by Chef Michael Crouch, and the acclaimed Fred Minnick dinner series.

In late September, Watch Hill Proper also announced a kitchen and menu expansion to give the public a more upscale dining experience, including a full dinner menu and additional seating for patrons who wish to dine. The new menu is designed by Chef Crouch and features even more of his innovative modern cuisine, which boasts a classical French influence.

“The Culinary team and I are eager to provide our guests with a more fluent and elevated dining culture that matches our impressive whiskey selection,” shared Chef Crouch. “Everything from my dinner series to tasting menus is designed to give you an experience you won’t soon forget.”

The restaurant also offers a space for private events, such as rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and corporate events. Watch Hill Proper is open Tuesday-Thursday 4-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight. Although currently closed Sunday and Monday, plans are in place to roll out brunch service this fall.

For more information, visit watchhillproper.com or call 502-230-1982.

1 Sassy and gorgeous just like its namesake, the Katniss Cosmo is one of the (many) imaginative signature drinks at Watch Hill Proper, made with bourbon, orange liqueur, organic cranberry, hibiscus and lime. Bonus: the bird glass is available in the gift shop!

2 A corn fritter appetizer pairs well with whiskey and is made with whole milk whip ped ricotta, dancing upon a bed of creamed honey and chive.

3 The Duck Confit Sando features a duck leg and thigh, brined and slow cooked in duck fat, in a Grainwright cuttlefish ink Nigella seed bun with crispy fried leeks and black truffle black garlic aioli.

The Sake Katsu Iberico Secreto

Togarashi

Prepping Your Kitchen for Winter

Your Kitchen for Winter

By Ray Hunter

Winteris coming! Here’s how to prepare your kitchen, so it’s a safe, cozy place to cook up all your favorite cool-weather foods.

As the days get shorter and the nights colder, our thoughts turn to cinnamon, bonfires, and pumpkin spice fill-in-the-blank. The kitchen is about to get busier with baking, stews, soups, and roasts. Take some time to transition your summer kitchen to ensure you’re safe, warm, and ready for the cold weather.

With these simple tips, your kitchen will be ready for all the wintertime cooking, baking, and entertaining. Get yourself organized with these easy concepts, and your kitchen will be ready for winter in no time.

The first thing you’ll want to do is thoroughly clean your refrigerator. In addition to cleaning the fridge, it’s also important to throw away the summer’s leftover food items. Some of these include ice cream and salad dressings that won’t last through the winter. Also, check the freezer for those cold foods like popsicles or ice cream that most likely won’t be eaten during the winter months. Pull out all the drawers and put any wilted fruits and veggies into the trash or compost pile.

Sanitize the inside of the refrigerator by using warm water and dish detergent to clean the shelves and drawers. Check for any spilled or leaked liquids and clean those spots, too.

Before a winter storm, take a look at your home’s food supply and analyze what you should stock up on. This will help you keep track of what you have and what you should buy ahead of time.

You may want to grab some of the staples you usually use during the winter, such as hearty soups, stews, and canned vegetables. Think canned or boxed broths, tuna and vegetables, and dry goods like pasta, rice, and snacks.

You’ll thank yourself when a foot of snow is on the ground, and you don’t feel like (or can’t safely make) a shopping run. Stock up on items you’d need in an emergency: matches, candles, flashlights, and batteries.

Next, look at your home’s countertops to ensure that no appliances that are less frequently used are taking up valuable space. Break out your crock pot to cook all those winter comfort foods. Then, rearrange the cabinets and shelves so things you’ll need during the winter, like mugs and casserole dishes, are in the front and things like acrylic dishes and barbecue utensils are in the back.

Go through recipe books to refresh your memory on those wintertime family favorites. During the summer months, it’s easy to forget about the details of certain meals, such as stews and casseroles. Having a plan for these meals ahead of time will allow you to prepare them and stock up on the necessary ingredients. This will also help you keep track of all your equipment and supplies, which are ready to go when you prepare to make these meals.

You’ll also want to consider how comfortable you’ll feel during the cold mornings and nights and the decorative items that will complement your home’s overall decor. A well-designed and comfortable rug can help protect your toes from the cold tiles in your kitchen. It would be best if you also replaced your summer dish towels and oven mitts with more festive colors to keep your home’s interior looking more winter friendly.

The kitchen is one key place in your house that should be organized and cleaned before winter gets into high gear.

1 If you’re a bread baker, you’ll want to identify the nice, warm spaces in your kitchen where the dough will proof best—because, let’s face it, a buttery slice of warm bread is exactly what everyone needs on a chilly day. Use your oven or a proofing box to help bread dough rise when the temps are low.

2 There’s no more delicious or budgetfriendly way to get your kitchen primed for the cold months ahead than by preserving late-summer produce in your pantry. Turn September’s abundance of tomatoes and October’s bumper crop of apples into jams, sauces, and spreads. Nothing beats opening a can of preserves in the middle of January and getting to taste peak-season produce.

3 Winter can pose a risk to interior water pipes. Look beneath your sink, especially if it faces an outdoor wall, to make sure that the area is adequately insulated from the exterior wall. During the winter, be alert to extremely low temperatures. When it’s particularly cold, leave the under-sink cabinet door ajar so that the heat in your house will circulate into that space and keep the pipes from getting too cold. If your tap is far away from the water intake coming into your home, consider turning the faucet on slightly (a slow drip) overnight to keep the water moving and prevent the pipes from freezing.

4 Now that the grill is going into hibernation, it’s time to give your stove a good cleaning and tune-up. Remove all the stovetop grates and burner covers (ensure first that the gas knob is turned off) and get in those cracks with a soapy dishrag. Old bits of food and other burned-on debris can affect your range’s performance. Get ready for cozy baking by running the self-cleaning feature on your oven. You may also want to test your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—some can be off by as much as 50ºF.

Holiday Gift Guide

2 Non-invasive Henry Winkler honeysuckle winds on the arbor produces a profusion of bright pink blossoms that hummingbirds love.

1 Royal purple clematis provides hardy color, producing many fragrant blooms from mid-summer through early fall, and the deciduous vines are known for having a long lifespan.

A Peaceful Pastime

Peaceful Pastime

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft

ForJohn Murray, gardening is a true labor of love that really started to take flight sometime around 2004 when he enrolled in a Master Gardener’s course at the county extension office. Later, when he purchased this north Lexington property in 2009, the gardens were essentially non-existent, with little more than a few basic foundation plants stuffed into beds lining the home’s façade.

Soon after moving in, Murray began the task of putting new plantings in and moving the few existing plants around in the front yard, over time creating several curved beds and curating a more organic, park-like look and feel. Today, the fruits of his labor are apparent, with ample color, height and texture evident through every season, and a variety of different “rooms” that are at once both separate and interconnected, giving this garden a spacious feel.

“People who love to garden always mention how therapeutic gardening is to them,” shared Murray. “With the pace of life so hectic at this period in time, spending a little time tending to plants somehow takes a person’s mind off the worries of everyday life.”

Ample seating areas have also been added—with sections both covered and open to the sky—providing the ideal spots to enjoy the home’s lush outdoor spaces, greenery and blooms. There is a covered deck complete with wrought iron table and chairs, a raised patio and another natural stone patio that was handcrafted by Murray himself located under a pergola and arbor that lies just off the covered deck.

Recently, he has added a firepit under the pergola - an ideal way to enjoy the crisp fall air—and it’s important to note that he also hand-laid every inch of the natural stone pathways that wind throughout the garden. By deliberately defining various different areas, the garden appears larger and offers a sense of discovery at every turn. And as the spaces continue to evolve, Murray finds endless joy in the ongoing transformation, which nourishes his soul and spirit in a way that only the act of plant husbandry and cultivation really can.

“The quiet time that gardening provides an individual allows one to reflect on the different aspects of life and helps temporarily block out those stressful moments,” Murray concluded. “When we are in the garden, we seem to concentrate on the things of nature and not on our own problems.”

3 Situated in a bed along the right side of the home, a pair of boxwoods joins a massive red climbing rose, cheerful columbine and purple clematis, creating a colorful backdrop to complement the natural stone pillar that doubles as a lamppost, which was handcrafted by garden owner John Murray.

4 An abundance of rich ruby tones appear to dance merrily in filtered sunlight shining through the leaves of a Japanese maple.

5 The front yard is still home to some foundation plants that were moved forward from their previous placement along the home’s facade, creating a new design with a grace ful feel and beautiful curves.

A variety of plantings include irises, yellow spirea shrubs, tulips, daffodils and a Japanese maple, along with a large pine, white oak, birch and arborvitae.

6 A mirror is cleverly situated along the fence in the rear garden, adding a sense of surprise and depth to the outdoor space, while the gentle curvature of the hand-laid natural stone border on the bed lends a casual, organic feel. Irises, hydrangea and green giant arborvitae are all visible here.

7 A natural stone walkway hand laid by garden owner John Murray leads the way to the spacious rear garden, while a pair of boxwoods, red climbing rose, columbine and a delightful magnolia tree can also be seen here.

8 The view into the spacious rear garden from the covered deck shows additional entertaining and seating areas atop a hand-laid natural stone patio under the arbor and pergola. Plantings here including crimson azaleas in bloom, clematis and Henry Winkler honeysuckle.

1 Pairing the ambiance of a traditional open-front fireplace with the convenience, design flexibility and easy installation of gas models, this oversized traditional fireplace boasts a limestone hearth and mantel with manufactured stone surround. Photo, design and installation courtesy of Heat & Glo®.

Some Like it Hot

Fireplace Trends for the New Year

By Kirsten E. Silven

Afireplace—whether gas, wood burning or electric—lends an unmistakable sense of charm to any home and gives the room a pleasant focal point that’s also functional. Since time immemorial, the hearth has been known as the heart of a home, and for good reason; it has long served as a gathering place and the center of activities for families on cold winter evenings, and for seemingly endless generations before that a fireplace was one of the most basic necessities of life.

“Everyone loves a fireplace, whether it’s for beauty or warmth or both,” shared Brent Littleton, co-owner at Fireplace Concepts, Inc. “It sets the mood of your home and creates a social atmosphere for the family to enjoy time together.”

Today, what’s keeping the fireplace trend going strong is in part a sense of nostalgia, but also the fact that a fireplace can provide heat during power outages and can even provide an alternative heat source as energy costs rise.

“Because of the increase in energy prices over the last couple of years, customers have been much more interested in wood-burning heaters,” shared Quinn Lackey, a hearth specialist with Barnhill Chimney Company. “Our clients have also been tending towards more contemporary products across the board. A good example would be the RSF Focus SBR or the Regency CI2700.”

In fact, the look and feel of fireplaces has evolved to become about as diverse as home design itself, with these functional centerpieces appearing in virtually every imaginable profile and coming finished in a wide variety of materials, from limestone to brick, often incorporating the display of priceless art and other unusual finds.

“We have seen a rise in requests for linear fireplaces in recent years, especially in new construction, in part because manufacturers now offer options to accommodate installation of a television above the fireplace,” shared Brian Denger, owner of BCD Industries. “As a result, manufacturers are adapting to that shift and there are more options available today than ever.”

Regardless of style and aesthetics, certain aspects seem to endure whether the design is sleek and modern, stately and traditional, or part of an outdoor living space. For example, no matter where or how it is used, a fireplace always seems to kindle a festive mood and spark lively conversation.

“The largest growth segment for us has been the addition of outdoor fireplaces,” Denger added. We are seeing fireplaces appear on patios and covered pavilions, as part of outdoor kitchens and in all-season rooms.”

From a design perspective, a fireplace also presents an ideal opportunity to create a “wow factor” while also bringing people together, especially when entertaining. It also defines a space and sets the tone for a warm, intimate atmosphere. To properly showcase the fireplace through furnishings, make sure the scale is right and pieces aren’t too large for people to comfortably gather in the room.

“You must also consider ceiling height and mantel depth when deciding whether or not to include a television over the fireplace,” shared Jeanne Sallee, a designer and hearth consultant at Housewarmings in Lexington. “We prefer direct vent fireplaces in most cases, because they provide more heat and can even be used during an ice storm with battery backup, unlike vent-free options, which are designed to run intermittently and do not function as a primary heat source.”

Other benefits of direct vent fireplaces include the ability to operate with out electricity, and there is also no chimney or flue required. In addition, they offer relatively easy installation and can be more efficient than a tradi tional (chimney and flue) fireplace.

“It’s important to note that direct vent fireplaces often make more sense in the home than vent-free and also that they are not the same as traditional vented fireplaces,” Sallee added. “Direct vent varieties have virtually no odor and can burn all day, with more heat directed out into the room where it is needed most.”

Although gas fireplaces with log sets and inserts are still very popular, trends have been moving toward a more modern look and feel, especially as interior design has evolved to become more forgiving when mixing styles.

“On the gas side of things, we still do a lot of traditional log sets and gas inserts, but there has also been an uptick in linear fireplaces, again leaning into that more modern look,” Lackey revealed. “Arched fireplaces have also been popular, although I would be weary of these, as retrofitting new fireplaces and the surrounding material can be hard to incorporate.”

No matter what design aesthetic you prefer, it remains important to incor porate continuity with the materials already used throughout the home and keep its overall style front of mind when designing the fireplace wall. In addition, remember that sometimes less is more, with some of the most eye-catching varieties showcasing straightforward lines and high-quality materials to create a luxe look without excessive embellishment.

Finally, it is also important to mention that, despite having some inherent limitations, electric fireplaces offer certain advantages compared to other options, including low maintenance, a high level of safety, and energy efficiency. They also produce just enough warmth to take the chill out of an average sized room, but are still much cooler than the average wood or gas-burning variety. Electric fireplaces are also space-saving and easy to install, making them ideal for smaller rooms and condos.

“Electric Fireplaces have become a very popular alternative for homeowners more interested in adding the ambiance of a fireplace and less interested in heating the home,” Littleton added. “They also offer convenience, along with modern features.”

Whichever option you choose, incorporating a fireplace will add a sense of elegance and sophistication to any space in a way no other design element can. There’s just nothing quite like settling in by a warm fire on a cold winter’s night to watch the flames dance, relax and unwind.

2 Rich tones of teal and orange meld with dark walnut woodwork on the mantle, built-ins and coffered ceiling to create a rustic feel in this lake house, while a Heat & Glo® gas fireplace with a tile surround and natural stone hearth offers up to nine hours of warmth and ambiance. Photo courtesy of Heat & Glo®.

3 A massive wood-burning fireplace with natural stone surround makes this great room feel cozy all winter long, reaching up to the soaring vaulted ceiling to provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining.

Photo courtesy of Up North Fireplace & Hearth.

4 This wooded estate boasts a Heat & Glo® gas fireplace with an extended-height natural stone surround that reaches up to meet the vaulted ceiling, while a sleek, simple wooden mantel complements the home’s architectural style. Photo courtesy of Heat & Glo®.

5 This traditional Carrara marble Italian fireplace boasts a classic feel in the truest sense of the world and is topped here by a stunning antique golden Federal-style convex mirror. Original interior design by Dorothy Draper, updated by Carleton Varney. Photo courtesy of Katherine Hanlon.

linear gas fireplace provides

of

plenty of atmosphere, creating a dramatic focal point in this chic modern home, which also features soaring two-story ceilings and a spectacular open floor plan.

courtesy of Chelsea Hearth & Home.

8 This seamless linear gas fireplace beautifully complements the clean lines of this home with its sleek minimalist styling, while innovative heating technology allows a TV or artwork to be placed directly above the mantel and PowerFlow heat management offers hi-tech control. Photo courtesy of Fireside Hearth & Home.

9 Crisp white and soft grey tones lend a smart, posh feel to this modern great room, which boasts a linear gas fireplace focal point with a striking faux stone surround that soars to meet the double-height ceiling. Photo courtesy of Zac Gudakov.

10 The holiday spirit abounds in this cozy family room, which boasts a cheerful—and functional—traditional cast iron wood stove and bespoke Christmas decorations, including crisp white lights on the natural hardwood ceiling beams to lend a joyous glow on even the darkest winter nights. Photo courtesy of Whitefield’s Décor.

1 Kentucky Artist Stephanie Hilen

Photo credit: Kelly Linn Photography

A Legacy of Oil Paint

By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography Courtesy of Stephanie Hilen

four older siblings who paved the way in academics and athletics, Kentucky artist Stephanie Hilen found her own path in art. “All through middle and high school, I drew and sketched while taking notes in class,” she recalled. Hilen entered and won numerous art contests when she was younger, but the highest compliment was praise from her grandmother, the prolific artist Erika J. Kaiser.

With

Although Hilen’s grandmother was well-known for her oil paintings, Hilen herself was studying art studio and German at Centre College before she began working with the medium. “I loved the buttery texture of oil!” she said. Having painted many figures and portraits as part of Centre’s traditional studio art education, Hilen decided on landscapes for her senior show. “I sold all but one painting and I was so happy with that!” she recalled.

After graduation, Hilen started a new job and married. Painting was not a priority until family and co-workers began commissioning work. Demand for her paintings grew, and with her husband helping on the business side, Hilen started a career in fine art in 2017. By 2020, when she welcomed her daughter, Hilen was painting full-time.

“In the beginning, I wanted to recreate exactly what was in front of me,” Hilen said of her art. “Now, I’m leaning into my artistic license.” That direc tion is intentional; Hilen wants viewers to see the type of texture in her work that is not seen in a flat photograph. She accomplishes this through color combinations and strokes that create a realistic figure with an abstract background. “Justify and American Pharaoh were experiments,” she said. “I started with blue and added a blush-pink,” she explained of the color palette. The texture was created with a palette knife.

“I recently discovered how important a simplified palette is,” said Hilen. “When I started out, I wanted to use all of the colors and that made the painting look mismatched.”

For the commissioned painting, Grazing on a Dream, Hilen used white and three colors: transparent earth red, ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow light. With this foundation, Hilen had a variety of unified warm, cool and blended colors to explore. “Mixing transparent earth red with ultramarine blue created my darkest hue, while all three colors together created a beautiful brown which became my baseline for the horses,” she explained. “It worked out perfectly,” she said, adding that she painted the sky gradient using shades of the blue and red.

Hilen both creates her own work and takes on commissions, a limited number of them being live event paintings. At first hesitant to paint live at an event, Hilen now acknowledges the process has made her a better artist. “In the studio, I can take my time to sketch and build up the painting with layers. With live painting, I have to trust my instincts.” Live painting also gives Hilen the opportunity to share her process with others, which is also about being vulnerable as an artist. “When it’s live, people see the ugly stage of oil painting,” she said. “The middle part where it looks like a child smeared her hand on the canvas.”

That messy stage is necessary to achieve the final work of art, and that final work of art could last for centuries. Hilen spoke of oil paintings from the 1400s that hang in museums and galleries today, on display to be admired and debated by viewers. Hilen contemplated that legacy with a humble laugh, “I have work that will hopefully outlive me by 500 years.”

Hilen’s artwork is on display in local businesses around central Kentucky, with notable collectors including Claiborne Farm, University of Kentucky HealthCare, and her alma mater Centre College. Readers can find Hilen’s available paintings and prints online at www.stephaniehilen.com and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates on new art, print releases and upcoming events.

1 Front view at dusk of the historic farmhouse at Chestnut Hall. A sleigh on the porch beckons guests to hop on board for a holiday photo with friends before viewing the holiday decorations. The outside of the house is decorated with over 10,000 LED lights by All Lit Up, a division of Zeppa’s Landscaping.

Holiday Designer Show House Benefits Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

By Ray Hunter Photography by Walt Roycraft

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) decorated the historic house at Chestnut Hall last Christmas with a Holiday Designer Show House to benefit the organization’s herd of nearly 500 retired racehorses.

The stately farmhouse was grandly decorated inside and out with exquisite decor in rooms designed by Cherry House Furniture Galleries, K.P. Designs, Living Spaces by Lyn, Debhelin Designs, Little Mount Lavender, Abbey Custom Interiors, Jason Jennings Designs, and All Lit Up.

Chairman Elizabeth Rosenberg spearheaded last year’s event, which was staffed by volunteers and friends of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

“We had an amazing team of designers that generously donated their time and materials to decorate the entire home. Kathy Davis of Lexington provided a gallery of equine photographs featured in the home,” Elizabeth said. “Debra McKinney, Martha Flood, and Dolores Gatewood decorated a 14-foot tree in the back hall with horse halters, horseshoes, and riding crops as part of a TRF display.”

More than 60 volunteers from central Kentucky came together to help make the showhouse possible. They also baked and decorated hundreds of gingerbread horse cookies and decorated a cookie tree in the breakfast room.

The Event and Marketing Coordinator of TRF, Whitney Vogel, will be taking the helm for this year’s fundraising event at Chestnut Hall.

This year’s Holiday Designer Show House fundraising event will run from Friday, December 2nd, through Saturday, December 10th, and the doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased by visiting www.trfinc.org or can be purchased for $30 at the door.

“Many of the same designers are returning to participate in this amazing fundraiser, and we will have a few new additions,” Whitney said. “We will feature rooms on the second floor and the barn this year, and Julia Carstanjen, the wife of Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen, is decorating the den with ‘Julia’s Favorite Things.’”

2 The century-old grand piano sitting in the living room invites carolers to gather around to sing joyful seasonal songs. Designers from Cherry House Galleries topped the piano with a tartan throw and holiday trees in decorative metal drum planters. A bright red package and silver stag complete the ensemble.

3 The beautiful, curved staircase in the entry hall is decorated with garlands of fresh greens, berries, and bows. A gold and white decorated tree sits under the stairs and features horseshoe ornaments with the names of each retired Thoroughbred racehorse that lives on the farm at Chestnut Hall. The front entry is in the original part of the farmhouse built circa 1865 and boasts the original wide chestnut floorboards. Living Spaces by Lyn designed the front entry hall holiday decorations.

Chestnut Hall, previously known as Hillcrest Farm, was once a working cattle and horse farm with over 500 acres. The farm has hosted numerous events since opening and has welcomed thousands of visitors through tours with Visit Horse Country.

“The restored farmhouse, originally built in 1864, now has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and other beautiful areas totaling about 6,750 square feet,” Elizabeth said. “There is also a three-car garage and carriage house with guest quarters on the second floor, a 6-stall barn, and a lovely garden on the 29-acre grounds.”

The TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall represents the realization of a dream of Bill Carstanjen and his wife, Julia. On behalf of his family and community, Carstanjen was moved to purchase the property to protect the historic farmhouse and pastureland from residential development.

Established in April 2021, the farm was created to introduce the Louisville community, neighbors from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and visitors worldwide to the beauty and magic of Thoroughbred horses. This beautiful 29-acre farm in Prospect, Kentucky, will serve as the “for ever home” for 11 retired Thoroughbred racehorses from the national herd of the TRF.

“Most horses are between 15 and 25 years old, and their job is to be ambassadors and help people learn more about the lives racehorses lead after retiring from the track,” Elizabeth said.

Alyssa Carinder serves as the Farm Manager and ensures every horse’s needs are met. Carinder hosts educational tours for visitors, showing them around the farm and introducing them to each of the retired racehorses.

The TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall is not open to the public. Visitors are welcome by appointment only. To make reservations for a private farm tour, please visit www.trfinc.org.

4 The lady’s parlor offers a comfortable space for guests to gather for libations. K.P. Designs capitalized on the bold gold and black floral wallpaper on the fireplace wall to create a contemporary take on the holiday decor in this room. The white Christmas tree is decorated with shiny black ornaments and an abundance of clear twinkling lights. A simple swag of gold ribbons and fresh greens decorate the hunt-themed chandelier, and a large lit wreath and many candles adorn the fireplace.

5 The stunning living room is furnished with equine-themed furniture, including two tufted leather chairs trimmed with brass nail heads and authentic snaffle bits. Riding boots sit beside one of the chairs. Horsey toile chairs and a comfortable sofa face the fireplace with large lighted topiaries in black urns, and the fireplace is luxuriously swagged with greens, ornaments, and plaid ribbons. The fantastical tree standing in the corner of the room is deco rated with pheasant feathers and an array of large hunt-themed ornaments. The elegant blue draperies, custom-made for the show house, are edged with wide embroidered trim. The living room was designed and furnished by Cherry House Galleries, La Grange.

6 The focal point of the formal dining room at Chestnut Hall is the mirrored fireplace. Using a blue and white color scheme for his holiday decor, designer Jason Jennings created an elegant space for a festive holiday dinner party. The wreath over the fireplace cleverly displays antique blue and white plates and a navy velvet bow. Fresh flowers in a silver ice bucket sit atop a snowy white table runner, and the brass chandelier is festooned with seasonal greens and navy velvet ribbons. Jason Jennings also created the sumptuous holiday arrangements for the outdoor urns in the garden and the driveway entry to the farm.

7 The kitchen at Chestnut Hall is decorated in traditional green, red, and white and incorporates an equine theme in homage to the farm’s retired Thoroughbreds. The counter stools at the breakfast bar are covered with custom holiday covers made especially for the show house event. Under the festively lit stairway are several small trees decorated with lights and candy canes. Glass jars of red, green, and white candies decorate the kitchen counters. Abbey Custom Interiors designed the kitchen decor.

8 The holiday table setting on the breakfast bar in the kitchen features Spode “Thoroughbred” dinner plates. Fun red placemats, gold chargers, apple-green goblets, and napkins complete the festive setting.

9 The family room, decorated by Little Mount Lavender Company in Simpsonville, featured natural materials and traditional ornaments to create a unique space for holiday entertain ment. The 12-foot tree abounds with unique woodland-themed ornaments and is topped with a generous lavender bow. Rustic fresh-cut branches flank the fireplace.

10 Rustic elements, including pinecones and evergreen branches, decorate the family room mantle. A cute carved woodland creature is nestled among the branches on the mantle.

1 Located in Lexington’s horse country, Brittan Bailey’s home is a reproduction of Carter’s Grove Plantation, a Virginia mansion built in 1750 that is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.

Year-Round Beauty in

By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography by Walt Roycraft

After spending time in Kentucky with her premier sport horse operation, Alabama native Brittan Bailey and her family wanted a permanent presence in the Bluegrass State. “Something special about Kentucky is how the homes and barns integrate seamlessly into nature,” she said. Such integration, staying true to the surrounding beauty and location of a property, was important to Bailey when looking for a place to call home.

Bailey found that very integration in a brick, 6,000 square foot home in Lexington’s horse country constructed nearly 50 years ago. With symmetry in the structure and placement of doors and windows, the home is a reproduction of Carter’s Grove Plantation, a Virginia mansion built in 1750 and considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. Classic proportions and decorative elements made the Georgian style the most dominant architectural trend in the colonies between 1700 and the Revolutionary War until the United States were formally established, and the American Federal style emerged.

Although the home met many of Bailey’s expectations, including a reverence for America’s early history, she turned to Birmingham-based interior designers Richard Tubb and Gary Olivieri and Lexington builder Coleman Callaway to modernize and refresh the interior. “We had worked with Brittan on properties in Birmingham, Dallas, Little Rock and West Palm Beach,” said Olivieri. “We knew this project would have to reflect her love for antiques blended with a youthful, contemporary style.”

Olivieri described the home’s interior as an eclectic mix of fine antiques collected over time or passed down through the family mixed with updated, transitional pieces that fit Bailey’s personality. Bailey agreed, saying, “I’ve had the opportunity to live and travel to many places, so my style is a combination of those experiences. I love historical pieces incorporated with cleaner lines and sophisticated pieces.”

2 An elegant grand staircase above balcony welcomes visitors entering the warm and inviting home.

3 Alabama ceramic artist Juanita Walker crafted the trees and angel decorations displayed the foyer of Bailey’s home.

“Whatever design elements I bring in, I want the style to be reflective of the surroundings,” said Bailey. To reflect the serenity of surrounding pastures outside, Olivieri chose a neutral palette inside. Starting with the same base color, “Different finishes on the wall, trim and ceilings keep the ivory paint from going flat,” he said. “I often use a gloss finish on the trim, a pearl or satin gloss on the walls and flat on the ceiling,” Olivieri explained. The original oak hardwood floors stained a rich walnut color are a perfect compliment to the ivory paint throughout the home. “We used a variety of textures and fabrics such as rich velvets and neutral linen to keep the rooms feeling bright and fresh,” he said.

Central to the home’s interior design from the start, the vision of bringing the bucolic exterior in was paramount when Bailey turned to Chad Salyers, design director at The Corman Marketplace, to enhance the elegance of her home’s interior for the holidays. “Chad took my general vision and pulled all the details together,” she said. “The feeling was to bring the outside in using natural elements,” Bailey explained of the seasonal ornamentation. By integrating family pieces Bailey wanted to showcase with decorative winter garland, pinecones, berries and small animal figures, Salyer created a warm environment reminiscent of picturesque Kentucky winters.

Thinking back to her childhood, Bailey recalled Christmas as a special time for her family to gather. “My mother was very big on making things grand and I inherited that quality,” said Bailey of the holidays. “We didn’t just put a wreath on the front door and call it a day,” she explained with a laugh.

4 An antique armoire rests against the ivory color wall in the living room; a painted portrait of Bailey’s mother hangs above the fireplace.

5A, B & C Holiday décor such berries, pinecones, winter greens and a hammered metal bowl with horn handle blend with, while also enhancing, the natural elements of the home’s interior design.

6 A painted portrait of the homeowner’s mother, Virginia Bailey, by artist Mark Carder.

Holidays at Ashland

The Henry Clay Estate

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft

1 The front elevation of Ashland—The Henry Clay Estate—stands as a regal testament to bygone days, a place of great history that once encompassed 660 acres and still covers 17 acres in the heart of southeast Lexington. Here, the façade is illuminated at twilight for the holiday season, giving its Italianate features a majestic glow.

2 The grand entryway at Ashland features a fabulous Eastlake Victorianera oak staircase, tastefully bedecked here with garland for Christmas, while an ornate ceiling medallion and crown molding can be seen in the room beyond and a portrait of Henry Clay by Matthew Jouett is just visible hanging in the stairwell.

Each year for the holidays, Ashland—The Henry Clay Estate— is transformed during the Christmas season, starting with a special Ashland Illumination ceremony, immediately followed by the first Candlelight tour on Saturday, December 3. Two additional Candlelight Tours will follow this year, held December 8th and 10th, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this historic property.

Ashland’s first incarnation began when the original center block was com pleted around 1809, followed by the addition of two wings in 1811, which were designed by famed architect Benjamin Latrobe, who also designed the north and south wings of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and oversaw its reconstruction after the war of 1812.

“After Henry Clay’s death in 1852, his son James purchased the home, but it had fallen into serious disrepair,” shared Jim Clark, who serves as Executive Director of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation. “This prompted him to dismantle the original structure—preserving whatever he could—and rebuild on the existing foundation following the original floorplan.”

The resulting residence - essentially the same one we can see here today— was carefully and thoughtfully reconstructed as a memorial to his father, with James Clay also choosing to incorporate Italianate and Greek Revival elements into the new design, bringing the house up-to-date with current trends of the time.

After its rebuilding in the mid-1800’s, Ashland spent a brief period as part of Kentucky University and the Agricultural & Mechanical College—the A&M later growing into the modern-day University of Kentucky—before Henry Clay’s granddaughter

3 As one of the most active rooms in Ashland for entertaining, the parlor offers ample space for gathering and is set here for the holidays, complete with luxe ropes of garland in rich tones of gold, green and cream, which prettily complement a perfectly preserved Victorian-era wedding gown. A stunning carved Italian marble fireplace and soaring ceilings with intricate plaster details complete the look.

Anne Clay McDowell and her husband returned the estate to family ownership in 1882. Another major renovation and restoration project immediately ensued, which kept the larger structure basically intact but made significant interior changes to once again modernize the design.

“Anne Clay McDowell was responsible for adding the extraordinary Eastlake Victorian staircase we see in the entryway today, for example,” shared Clark.

Since 1950, Ashland has served as a historic house museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Henry Clay, thanks in large part to the efforts of Anne Clay McDowell’s daughter Nanette McDowell Bullock, who worked to create the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation that still manages the property today.

This year, the Kentucky Historical Society has loaned a variety of gowns and formal attire for A Dickens Christmas at Ashland: A Carol for All Seasons, which features a Dickens-inspired theme in honor of the early 1840’s, which was a period in history when the holiday season started to become less austere, more celebratory and festive, with meals and gifts making gatherings feel more similar to what many of us enjoy today.

For more information about Ashland—The Henry Clay Estate—and upcoming events, visit henryclay.org or call 859-266-8581.

4 The second-floor landing boasts a massive floor-to-ceiling Palladian window that overlooks the front drive and is graced here by a glowing Christmas tree. The massive portrait of Henry Clay by John Neagle titled “Father of the American System” was painted for Clay’s 1844 presidential campaign, with the purpose of showing voters how he planned to promote unity and economic growth.

5 A portrait of Henry Clay hangs over an exquisite Carrara marble fireplace in the formal dining room, which also features a beautifully embellished plaster ceiling medallion and intricate crown molding. Here, gowns and formal attire on loan for the estate’s holiday exhibit from the Kentucky Historical Society work with a cheerful Christmas tree, elegant garland and a classic holiday table centerpiece to set the scene.

6 A cast metal bust of Henry Clay rests upon the generous window ledge found on the grand staircase, nestled here at twilight amid classic holiday garland.

7 Henry Clay’s personal study features a striking verd antique marble fireplace and is located just off the main entrance, offering the lauded attorney and statesman a cozy place to store important books and oversee business, including farm ledgers and related documents.

8 Garland atop the marble mantel in Henry Clay’s study gives a subtle celebratory feel to the otherwise solemn space.

9 Featuring a remarkable octagonal dome, the library is a study in sophistication, complete with a carved serpent dropping down from the center that at one time held a gas-powered chandelier. Here, a historic gown joins a merry Christmas tree and thoughtfully placed garland to create a festive vibe.

10 Even Henry Clay’s personal dressing room has a joyous feel, with a diminutive Christmas tree that is the ideal size for the smaller space and just a hint of garland atop the antique wardrobe and marble fireplace. Situated off the master bedroom, traditional formal attire on loan from the Kentucky Historical Society just for this exhibit completes the scene, which boasts a more masculine, understated feel.

the Holidays

for the Holidays

By Ray Hunter Photographs Courtesy of Visit Bardstown

IfWhoville-style holiday light displays are what gets you in the holi day spirit, then Bardstown is for you. Just about every home and local business in the tiny town of Bardstown comes out of their homes to decorate during the annual Hanging of the Greens, culminating in the whole town flipping the switch and making Bardstown a dazzling display of festive lights. The light-viewing route has more than 20 stops spanning entire blocks and many businesses, including all of 3rd Street.

In this small town, there is a little something to make everyone’s season bright, whether it’s sipping cocoa with Santa aboard the North Pole Express or caroling with a Victorian flair.

Every year, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train turns into the Polar Express for kids and adults to enjoy a holiday meal with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Riders experience the elegance of railcar dining during a gourmet, threecourse meal, toasty hot cocoa, and a big touch of Southern hospitality as the train meanders through the beautiful Kentucky countryside. Little ones will get excited for Christmas night as they participate in games and carols and can even wear their holiday PJs.

Bardstown is also known as The Bourbon Capital of the World and boasts 11 distilleries in a 16-mile radius. What better way to warm up when it gets chilly? At My Old Kentucky Home, visitors take a step back in time to the Victorian era when the 200-year-old mansion was alive with these time-honored holiday experiences and some weirder ones as well.

1 Enjoy the official lighting of Bardstown’s Christmas tree with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, music, refreshments, and

of holiday cheer.

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3 The Bardstown Kiwanis Club’s Annual Christmas Parade enchants the town with the holiday spirit.

4 On this special all-access holiday tour, visit several of Nelson County’s private historic homes decorated for the season.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 1

Bardstown Kiwanis Club’s Annual Christmas

The Kiwanis Club’s Annual Christmas parade, presented by WBRT Radio and WOKH. The parade features floats and bands located downtown.

December 3

Wickland Decorator Christmas Challenge & Christmas Tree

Area decorators will gather at Wickland and prepare it for the holiday season! A Christmas tea will be held featuring savory and sweet treats and specialty teas.

December 4

Guthrie Opportunity Center’s 2nd Annual Festival of Trees

The Guthrie Opportunity Center on Nutter Drive is hosting the 2nd annual Festival of Trees. A ticket reception will be held on December 8 to auction trees. The trees are beautifully decorated, and the event has a magical Christmas atmosphere that visitors won’t miss.

December 10

Christmas Tour of Homes

The Stephen Foster Music Club’s annual Candlelight Christmas Home Tour gives visitors the opportunity to visit several of Nelson Country’s private historic homes, featuring striking holiday displays.

You can tour the mansion when its halls are decked for the season with garlands, stockings, and six 12-foot Christmas trees for the Merry & Bright experience. Visitors can also enjoy An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol, complete with a visit from Charles Dickens and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

Visitors can snag treats for everyone on their list while in Bardstown. The Monks of the nearby Abbey of Gethsemani also operate farms, which afford a variety of preserves, cookies, honey, coffees, fudges, and even Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcakes. Holidays in Bardstown are great because of the small-town atmosphere, most of which are community-based, making it feel like something out of a Hallmark movie.

Bardstown is the second oldest town in Kentucky and was named “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by Rand McNally and USA Today. Settled in 1780, visitors fall in love with the Southern hospitality and the picturesque downtown, especially its main street. The town’s long history also makes for some interesting and historic visual subjects on the main drag to fill up any traveler’s Instagram feed. Thoughtful brickwork and intricate designs that make up many of the shops and restaurant storefronts give Bardstown’s 3rd Street a sense of stepping back in time.

While there are a number of small towns in America with picturesque main drags, downtown Bardstown is exceptional. The town’s main street features traditional architecture along with touches of Southern charm that con tinues into the rest of the downtown district. The Bardstown Main Street program worked to preserve the area and was accredited in 2017 with Main Street America as well as the Kentucky Main Street Historic Council.

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