Previously known as Castle Post, Martin Castle, and the Versailles Castle, this 110-acre estate is located just outside of Lexington in Versailles, Kentucky. The Castle, built over 30 years ago, had been owned by real estate developer Rex Martin until he died last August. Castle for sale for over 20 years, but no one was allowed to see it! We have 60,000 cars a day going by," says co-owner Matt Dawson. The Kentucky Castle was first built in 1969q. Although this was passed, the ball and chain would still be used as punishment for prison offenders until 1940. 1157. The residents in the area did not want to open their neighborhood up to commercial businesses, fearing high-rise construction and traffic congestion. Special events are held throughout the year including Bourbon tastings and dinner theater. On July 1, 2018, DeEdra Hart was named the first female warden in the history of the Kentucky State Penitentiary. Were really committed to the community the castle does a lot of things for the community. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. People hoping to live like royalty will have to wait a little longer to realize their dream, because the owners are not actually selling the castle. CastlePost is often referred to as "Martin Castle", or "The Kentucky Castle." It was a surreal experience and one of the most beautiful places I've ever photographed. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Inmates in the minimum security unit are given additional privileges, including fishing in Lake Barkley in their spare time. According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, prisoners provided labor to help build the prison while Italian stonemasons were hired to help New additions included luxury suites, a ballroom, library, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. He and his new bride honeymooned in Europe, where she fell in love with castles. Kuss tells WKYT's Nick Oliver the story behind the multi-million dollar facility begins in 1969 when, then owner, Rex Martin built the castle as a home for his wife. Unfortunately, the project was never . Its a veritable castle economy! It was in fact true, the rumor that Mr. Martin hung up on an offer by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. The Kentucky Castle was purchased and renovated in 2003, but it closed down the year after because of a fire on the construction site. Future plans include a pond not merely as a water feature but also to serve as aquaculture for the restaurant as well as a fruit and nut orchard, edible gardens, and grazing fields for goats, sheep, and cows. Inmates would wear baggy denim pants and jackets, cloth hats, and cotton shirts. After a tour of Europe, like many castle builders both modern day and of yesteryear, the trip inspired him to build a castle of his own for him and his bride like a lord and lady of old. Reality show stars came to the Castle when Vanderpump Rules stars Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartright, a Kentucky native, celebrated their wedding in 2020. Table of Contents show How much is a one night stay at the Kentucky Castle? He began renovations immediately, but an electrical fire in May 2004 destroyed much of the improvements and Post had to start over. Castle Farm is a true farm-to-table dining experience sourcing local and property grown ingredients to create amazing meals. Castle denizens celebrate holidays too. We invite you to experience our farmland and community to breathe, move, grow and rest. The Kentucky Castle is a unique property with a storied history. A rebuild later, the castle was transformed into a bed a breakfast, serving guests until 2017 when it was purchased. But when you look a little. Dawson and the group of physicians who bought the castle want someone to improve the hotel. Then again, the cryotherapy chamber does sound like it came right out of the Middle Ages! Martin sold it to Tom Post for $1.8 million. Old Taylor Distillery was the birthplace of bourbon tourism in the Bluegrass and my, was it something. Words dont do The Kentucky Castle justiceits a magical place you have to experience yourself. Now owned by 5 people, it acts as a luxury hotel, restaurant, and event center even holding celebrity weddings and featured on the silver screen. Local townspeople were abuzz at that one. VERSAILLES, Ky. - The Kentucky Castle has been a staple in Woodford County since it was first built back in 1969. The cause was unknown, but may have been triggered by a lightning strike to a turret.. [05/10/2004] Complete News Story Castle - The Straight Facts Some of you guys need to get your facts straight. "To us, the most important thing is the person. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. For decades, people called the number on the sign to inquire about the property with the still-unfinished castle, but Martin was not interested in returning calls. The penitentiary houses Kentucky's male death row inmates and the commonwealth's execution facility. The Insiders Guide to Lexington and the Kentucky Bluegrass. Inside the walls, visitors can bask in the swimming pool, play at the tennis and basketball courts, or visit the greenhouse whose harvest is used for the Castle Farms restaurant. For those who want a little more Game of Thrones at the Castle, murder mystery events are regularly hosted and going with the medieval feel, troubadours or traveling musicians regularly visit the Castle with musicians entertaining castle denizens during the Troubadour concert series. Lexington Visitors Center Following Mr. Martin's death in 2003, the so-called "Martin Castle" was sold to Thomas R. Post, a Miami lawyer with Kentucky roots. The castles stone grew cold, windows covered by thick red velvet curtains until 2003, when Mr. Martin passed away. Welcome to the heart of Lexington, Kentucky Real Estate and life in the Bluegrass State! Book A Table. In any castle or episodes of Game of Thrones, the turning of the seasons bring with it holidays and events, and the Kentucky Castle does it in style! Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. But for decades it was a mysterious sight on the side of the road with no one at home. It was in fact true, the rumor that Mr. Martin hung up on an offer by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. 215 W Main St, Suite 75 The General Assembly allowed some inmates to work outside of prison walls, sometimes even unsupervised. Known historically as Atalaya, this castle was built in 1931 as the winter home of industrialist and philanthropist Archer M. Huntington and his wife and sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. A part of the 1910 reform bill was to separate convicts by age and crime. A hill overlooking the Cumberland River was chosen as the site for the new prison. Looking to buy a fixer-upper? No one lived there, and no one answered the phone if you called the number on the sign. Kaplansa via Wikimedia Commons // public domain. The Kentucky Castle is a majestic property that sits on 100 acres in Versailles, not far from Lexington and right in the heart of Horse Country. Kentucky does a lot of farming and produces a lot of food and we want to highlight that. It reopened in 2007, and was subsequently sold for $9 million. Construction of the Kentucky State Branch Penitentiary began in 1884, using massive granite blocks quarried from a site down the Cumberland. In the 1960s, Rex Martin and his wife Caroline Bogaert Martin traveled to Europe and were impressed by the many medieval castles they saw. Nestled in spectacular horse farm country, The Kentucky Castle offers a unique luxury experience for your next corporate event, private party or wedding. If entering through the rear parking lot youll pass the pool, across from organic raised garden beds and a greenhouse with a lily pond beneath a pergola meeting in the center. In 1900, he bought the previously uninhabited (and allegedly haunted) Pollopel Island and built storerooms, an arsenal, and a grand castle inspired by the Scottish and Moorish castles. Were just looking for a really good partner and were flexible on how we find the partner," adds Dawson. In spite of an ambitious start, construction met with many obstacles over the next few years and was ultimately halted completely when the Martins divorced in 1975. We have goats, chickens, sheep, and apiary with our beehives producing honey for the restaurant and truffle orchard on the northeast corner. Rex Martin never returned to the castle, and died in 2003. THE KENTUCKY CASTLE - 539 Photos & 140 Reviews - 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, Kentucky - Hotels - Phone Number - Yelp The Kentucky Castle 4.0 (140 reviews) Claimed $$$ Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces Edit Open Open 24 hours See hours See all 544 photos Write a review Add photo Review Highlights Today, The Kentucky Castle offers boutique hotel accommodations, an estate-grown farm-to-table restaurant, and an event center for both private and public gatherings. This was Kentucky's second penitentiary. Weekday rates are as low as $195 a night. All convicts under 30 years of age should be kept in a reformatory and those over 30 years of age should be kept in a penitentiary. The castle is surrounded by emerald sweeping grass, an ornate fence locking roadside with an uphill drive leading to stone barrier, opening to a fountain and iron double-door entrance. So the farming part is what I've been most excited about an expansion and there's actually honestly a lot more that we could do with the farm in the future," explains Dawson. The Kentucky Castle is a boutique hotel and event space located in Versailles, just outside of Lexington KY. We offer guest rooms and accommodate weddings and events of all sizes. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. As of 2015[update] it had approximately 350 staff members and an annual operating budget of $20 million. The Castle offers a fine dining restaurant, a boutique hotel, a spa, events, and tours, but they've recently added a glamping experience that many may find appealing. Reconstruction was completed in 2007 when Mr. Post opened up a bed & breakfast in the updated building. The main issue with the Kentucky State Penitentiary in this period was the correctional officer force, always low in numbers and low-paid. Additions to the castle have included a pool, ballroom, restaurant and even a farm. Our vision is to teach people where their food and true health comes from - the land, nature, and inside themselves. 456 reviews. Everyone feels at home at the Castle, and the people of Versailles, KY can hold their heads high their hamlet hosts a true roadside attraction and a true castle in America! Kentucky, the Bluegrass State. Download it here, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information/Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising. One of the tour guides on the ground in July 2019 said that the story behind the multi-million dollar facility begins in 1969 when, then owner, Rex Martin built the castle as a home for his wife. Find this stunning castle-house located on the corner of N. Ewing Street and Park Street in Guthrie, KY, 42234. Special events are held throughout the year including Bourbon tastings and dinner theater. Rex Martin and his wife Caroline Bogaert Martin began construction on the castle in 1969, after they were inspired by the beautiful architecture of Europe during their honeymoon. Better, stronger, faster indeed to the Kentucky Castle! After the divorce, Rex Martin looked into turning the castle into a commercial property, such as a museum or an art gallery, but kept running into zoning ordinance problems. In July 2016 author Steve E. Asher published Hauntings of the Kentucky State Penitentiary, a book of accounts of paranormal activity at KSP. Guests enter through a gated entrance (sorry no moat) and park their steeds or more likely vehicles at the spacious parking lot inside the castle walls. Our luxury getaway spas are built for your comfort and indulgence, and once you're done treating yourself at our spa, visit our restaurant for finely . Location 4.9. Nestled within the sprawling horse farms of Central Kentucky lies a 50 year-old castle on a hill with sweeping views of 110 acres of farmland wherever one might look or explore. Tours of the castle and grounds are offered by reservation, and can include lunch or dinner. The formal dining room's capacity is 20. As an oenophile with first-hand experience as chef, bartender, and barista, White is a food and beverage journalist at heart. [1] It is visually situated off Lexington (Versailles) road. James M. Lloyd House ( Mount Washington) - Italianate and Late Victorian style residence; built c. 1880. Get inspired by everything there is to see, do, explore, eat, drink, and enjoy here in Lexington. They also would have numbers stenciled on their backs. The castle was put up for sale again in May 2014butwas removed in September of that year. This famous landmark was first built as a private residence. However, during the renovations, a fire struck the Castle. [4] In 1912 The Frankfort Penitentiary officially became the Kentucky State Reformatory and the Branch Penitentiary became the Kentucky State Penitentiary. Those levels and their respective uniform colors are: In addition to the main facility, there is a small minimum security unit outside the walls of the institution whose inmates have work assignments throughout the facility & grounds. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Much later, Caroline Martin reportedly said that she only wanted a house surrounded by stone walls, and originally they were looking for a small lot of just a couple of acres. . Open year round. The prison is currently under the administration of veteran Warden Scott Jordan who was appointed in 2020 after serving as the Warden for four years at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in Lagrange Ky. Five distinct custody levels make up the KSP inmate population. Dont want to go out? There were docks, turrets, a moat, and landscaping that Bannerman took on. Tours of the castle and grounds are offered by reservation, and can include lunch or dinner. The cause was unknown, but may have been triggered by a lightning strike to a turret.. [05/10/2004] Complete News Story Castle - The Straight Facts Some of you guys need to get your facts straight. Lexington, KY 40507 A total of $484,143.93 was appropriated by the Legislature for their construction, of which $470,753.41 was expended. Kuss tells WKYTs Nick Oliver the story behind the multi-million dollar facility begins in 1969 when, then owner, Rex Martin built the castle as a home for his wife. The "Branch Penitentiary" had been built in Eddyville, Lyon County, and officially opened December 24, 1890 to ease the overcrowding of the Frankfort Penitentiary. We have a really big organic garden. After reopening again in 2007, the comeback castle has been . "We didn't put a price on it because honestly the person and the partner is more important to us than the dollar amount," Dr. Dawson said. Sarah Altendorf via Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0. The Frankfort Penitentiary would soon be called Reformatory.[8]. I, Kim Soper - your trusted and experienced Realtor in Lexington, can help advise and find the home of your dreams in beautiful Kentucky! Castle Farms is a farm-to-table restaurant serving guests and visitors to the Castle. Those growing up here report seeing the castle as a mysterious, forbidden place. The estate was purchased by Tom Post for $1.8 million. Previously known as Castle Post, Martin Castle, and the Versailles Castle, this 110-acre estate is located just outside of Lexington in Versailles, Kentucky. Versailles, Kentucky, that is, near Lexington. Castle Post is a beautiful medieval-style stone castle completely enclosed by a stone wall with turrets on a 50-acre estate in Versailles. The 19,355-square-foot castle was built in the 1960s and sat vacant for years before it was damaged in a massive fire in 2004. It surprises many to see a castle here, feeling as though they time-traveled over to the big pond. A short drive through the rolling hills of Versailles horse country, and a four-steepled stone castle appears. Maximum security prison located at Eddyville, Kentucky, This article is about the current prison in Eddyville, Kentucky. As Jennifer Cason, the restaurant manager of the Castle Farms Restaurant, noted recently, the castle was "built in '69 1969, not 1669." The original structure was built by a couple after returning home to Kentucky from a European trip in which the architecture was undeniably tantalizing. In the first few years, around half of the fifty inmates working outside of the prison managed to escape. By using our site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Travelers' Choice. It just got larger and larger, she said. We are the best kept secret in Central Kentucky. Like the castles of old, castle denizens toil outside the castle walls at the vegetable garden, truffle orchard, lavender fields, and the mushroom forest found in the Castles modestly sized forest. . Harold McQueen, 44 years old, was convicted in 1981 of murdering Rebecca O' Hearn, a convenience store clerk, during a robbery that netted him $1,500. You dont have to be the Six Million Dollar Man or reality show stars to be at home at The Kentucky Castle. Martin sat on the unused property for nearly 30 years after a divorce. The entrance here offers access to seating at the bar and restaurant behind the staircase. . Not surprisingly, brides find the Castle irresistible whether its for wedding photography, bachelorette parties, and of course for storybook weddings. Upon there return to Lexington he built her this replica of a castle, but they divorced before it's completion. Post would be one year into renovations on the castle when the May 10, 2004 fire destroyed the structure only leaving the outer walls. We produce during the growing season about 80 to 85 percent of the food for the restaurant on site. He was elected governor in 1879[7] and immediately convinced the legislature to approve of a new prison. Capacity when finished: 1,000. . Take a day trip to The Kentucky Castle, a luxury restaurant and spa nestled in the idyllic scenery of Kentucky. Dine. The Kentucky Castle, Versailles: See 457 traveller reviews, 617 user photos and best deals for The Kentucky Castle, ranked #1 of 3 Versailles specialty lodging, rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The Kentucky Castle is truly a unique property that draws many to experience its architectural beauty, mystery and landscape. Kentucky State Penitentiary Kentucky Department of Corrections. It was almost full immediately. The Kentucky Castle in Versailles was first built in 1969. A group of investors, including two University of Kentucky Hospital doctors, bought the castle from a Miami lawyer in 2017. What is surprising to many, is to learn about our young, working farm at The Kentucky Castle and our commitment to running a nature-based business as well as producing food in a sustainable way. Learn More. Abuse rates by the guards and over-seers against the prisoners were at their highest ever, mainly because no one was supervising the handling of the prisoners. Most of them were sent to the reformatory. The first Kentucky State Penitentiary in Frankfort was made uninhabitable from the 1937 flood. . Martin Castle sat empty for more than 30 years. We are committed to stewarding the land and preserving it. Harold McQueen was electrocuted at 12:07a.m. Over one hundred death penalty opponents and twenty five supporters of capital punishment protested outside of the penitentiary. We only toured the castle. [6] Eddyville Branch Penitentiary completed and turned over to the State December 24, 1890. Its a castle so impressive that the Six Million Dollar Man himself Lee Majors and his then wife, Charlies Angel star and 70s hair icon Farrah Fawcett wanted to buy it. It was built in 1980. The interior of the castle in Versailles, Kentucky was destroyed in a blaze on Monday night, May 10, 2004. Built decades ago by a couple who admired the classic, gothic architecture of Old Europe; today, the Kentucky Castle is a . Years passed and construction continued apace, but unfortunately, in 1975, the Martin marriage ended in divorce. Service 4.8. Kentucky has their man! While Montezuma Castle is so fragile visitors aren't allowed to go inside, the views from below this ancient dwelling are not to be missed. Rooms were as high as $3000 a night when Castle Post first opened, but business picked up considerably when rates were lowered to less than half the amount. Prison life was something that Kentucky officials had really never focused on until Governor Luke P. Blackburn. See the rest of the story first-hand by booking a castle tour with one of our knowledgeable guides and discover the past, present, and future of our castle. Service 4.8. After Rex Martin passed away, Martin Castle became Castle Post when Miami lawyer Thomas Post bought the property. Today, it operates as a bed and breakfast venue that also hosts special events, weddings and it even has a farm to table restaurant that is fully operational, seven days a week. The decor, color palate, classic style along with numerous live houseplants add a bright and timeless feel.

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