Kentucky is filled with amazing architecture of all kinds, featuring many homes and buildings that are certainly eye-catching. Just drive past the sprawling farms in horse country or wander through The Highlands neighborhood in Louisville and you’ll be able to witness the beauty for yourself. However, there’s a surprising property with a fascinating story tucked away in Lexington, and it’s a true piece of Kentucky history. The Loudoun House is a unique, castle-like structure that is one of the last of its kind in the entire country.
The Loudoun House is appropriately located in the Castlewood neighborhood of Lexington, northeast of downtown. Its eye-catching stature is a rare find, not only in Kentucky, but in the entire country.
Facebook/Lexington Art League The mansion was built in 1850 for Francis Key Hunt. If that name sounds familiar, perhaps it’s because Mr. Hunt was named after his mother’s cousin, Francis Scott Key, who wrote our U.S. National Anthem.
Francis Key Hunt and his wife began work on The Loudoun House after his father passed away, leaving the couple a large inheritance. His father, John Hunt, was one of the first millionaires west of the Appalachians.
Wikipedia/Library of Congress Hunt hired famed New York architect A.J. Davis to design a castellated Gothic Revival villa, or in other words, a home that resembled a castle. After four years and triple the original $10,000 budget, the home was completed and, remarkably, still stands to this day.
The house is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only five remaining Gothic Revival villas designed by A.J. Davis left in the United State.
Google/will lindsey The Loudoun House sits on a large piece of property, right in the middle of a residential neighborhood that grew up around it. Its castle-esque architecture definitely stands out amongst the small Cape Cod-style homes and bungalows around it.
Today, The Loudoun House is owned by the City of Lexington and is the home of the Lexington Art League.
Lexington Art League
The city and Art League have worked to maintain and restore this historic property, and it now also serves as a stunning museum featuring contemporary and multimedia art exhibits, as well as live music and special events throughout the year.
Facebook/Lexington Art League
If you love art, historic homes, or both, The Loudoun House is a wonderful place to visit. The architecture alone is worth admiring and the art galleries add even more character and a modern appeal to the space.
Facebook/Lexington Art League
The Loudoun House is also a popular event space for weddings and other gatherings. As you can imagine, it makes for a unique atmosphere and backdrop.
Facebook/Lexington Art League
As with many old homes, there are haunted tales about the house, which, in this case, is really more expected than surprising.
Google/Rei C No matter who now wanders the halls of this Gothic Revival masterpiece, it remains a one-of-a-kind castle in Kentucky.
The Loudoun House is open for tours, as well as for art exhibits and events. We recommend calling ahead to confirm hours is you are interested in taking a tour.
Facebook/Lexington Art League You can learn more about the house and see an events calendar on the Lexington Art League website or by calling (859)-254-7024.
The Loudoun House is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and remains a hidden castle, frozen in time in Kentucky. Did you know about this now-art museum and event space? Do you think it’s beautiful or spooky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Facebook/Lexington Art League
The mansion was built in 1850 for Francis Key Hunt. If that name sounds familiar, perhaps it’s because Mr. Hunt was named after his mother’s cousin, Francis Scott Key, who wrote our U.S. National Anthem.
Wikipedia/Library of Congress
Hunt hired famed New York architect A.J. Davis to design a castellated Gothic Revival villa, or in other words, a home that resembled a castle. After four years and triple the original $10,000 budget, the home was completed and, remarkably, still stands to this day.
Google/will lindsey
The Loudoun House sits on a large piece of property, right in the middle of a residential neighborhood that grew up around it. Its castle-esque architecture definitely stands out amongst the small Cape Cod-style homes and bungalows around it.
Lexington Art League
Google/Rei C
No matter who now wanders the halls of this Gothic Revival masterpiece, it remains a one-of-a-kind castle in Kentucky.
You can learn more about the house and see an events calendar on the Lexington Art League website or by calling (859)-254-7024.
The Loudoun House is located at 209 Castlewood Dr., Lexington, KY 40505. For more information, visit its website here.
And for another incredible castle in Kentucky that even has its own restaurant and lets you spend the night, check out our previous article here.
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