On May 4, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs, where a sea of seersucker and sensational hats will flood the stands for the 145th annual Kentucky Derby. But what of the Bluegrass State the other 364 days of the year? From porch swings on the verandas of Greek Revival and neoclassical homes to American Thoroughbreds grazing peacefully in their fields, visitors to Kentucky may come for the Derby, but they’ll stay for all the beauty the state has to offer.
Equestrian Facilities in Simpsonville
Julie Beam & Beth Schilling, Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty
One city over from Shelbyville, American Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World, is where you’ll find Covered Bridge Farm, a Simpsonville property that stands as an elegant testament to both presence and style. Perfect for those on the lookout for a parcel of Southern refinement, this home features a Georgian-influenced façade and more than 8,000 square feet of meticulously fashioned crown molding, grand staircases, and buttery walls. Situated on 111 acres, the property’s manicured grounds include a pool and pool house, main barn and professional riding arena, and the covered bridge that gives this dignified home its name.
Expansive Luxury in Lexington
Steve Klein, Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty
Welcome to Lexington, and true horse country—or more accurately, the Horse Capital of the World, where the only thing more majestic than the Thoroughbreds roaming the pastures are the estates dotted in between. Sitting on a five-acre spread, this perfectly proportioned Lexington estate offers resort-style living. Those who love tradition will appreciate the home’s near-perfect symmetry, while inside, classic moldings, wainscotting, and ornamented mantelpieces add grandeur to nearly every room. With a generous wine cellar rivaled in size only by the outdoor terrace, this home awaits your next large gathering.
Custom Serenity in Louisville
Crystalyn Noland, Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty
This Louisville home places you at an easy distance to all things culture, from farm-to-table restaurants to the historic “Whiskey Row”. Located in the state’s largest city, the neoclassical home is rich in traditional touches, including curved staircases, 22-foot ceilings, and wall-to-wall mahogany, while also answering to the needs of the contemporary homeowner with a tennis court and fitness center. Whether you’re watching the race from your private home theater or from the stands at Churchill Downs (just a 30-minute drive away), you’re guaranteed a front-row seat come Derby day.
Contemporary Charm in Prospect
Crystalyn Noland, Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty
Tucked away on the bank of the Ohio River a short 20 minutes north of Louisville, Prospect, Kentucky is where bucolic charm meets urban living. One of the more affluent communities in the state, here you’ll find homes like this stylish recent build offering a refreshing take on Southern stateliness. Situated across from an amphitheater, the home offers its owners the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of summer concerts while sipping bourbon on the large wraparound porch. Inside, contemporary design strikes a balance between current and timeless with wide plank European oak flooring, white marble countertops, and an open-floor concept ideal for sharing conversation across activities.
Farmhouse Details in Goshen
Alex Holloway, Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty
Located in a city of roughly 1,000 residents, this custom-built countryside home offers updated farmhouse finishings fit for a modern lifestyle. Known as “The Dollhouse” of the Poplar Woods Estates, the home is designed for family-style entertaining, with a spacious kitchen, roomy seating areas, and a wide veranda complete with a porch swing. After an evening entertaining in the home theater and wet bar, retreat to the master suite, where an oversized spa shower and white marble soaker tub are on hand to bring the spa experience home.
While the thundering of the Derby is a thrilling two minutes, there’s much to bring visitors to the Bluegrass State year round. The lesser-known side of Kentucky is a place of open doors and open spaces, where anyone can feel at home.
Looking for more equine excellence? There are exceptional properties
