History

Our KENTUCKY MANSION is situated on acreage which has a fascinating historical past. Near the end of the Revolutionary War, ( c. l778), this area adjoined the outpost Fort Lexington compound: the Fort having been constructed to defend settlers against possible British troop and renegade Indian attacks. Three families of Scottish heritage (the Gays, Stevensons and Dunlaps) came to America first to Virginia, then soon after ventured across the Appalachian mountains in search of farmland for homes on the frontier. Because of concerns for their safety, however, when they arrived in Kentucky, each family took refuge within the Fort Lexington compound (less than 3 miles from here)- where they remained for nearly 3 years. In l782, however, both John Gay and his brother Thomas purchased or were deeded sizeable acreage in what was to become Woodford County: most of that acreage is still owned by the prominent families' descendants today.

The Gays owned this farm for over a century and a half, eventually selling it in l943 to a family named Colcorde, which, in turn, sold the 207 acre tract in l963. The purchasers, the Stilz family, renamed the farm Crescent Hill, and were involved with both the Thoroughbred horse industry and banking in Central Kentucky.

In 2005, the Stilz family sold the property to Thomas R. Post, Esquire. A Miami-based attorney who graduated from the University of Kentucky and its Law School, and whose love of the Bluegrass area prompted him to purchase the Castle estate just across US 60 in 2003.

The US 60 'highway' which connects Woodford County ( and the city of Versailles) to Fayette County (and Lexington) to the east and our state capital Frankfort to the west- was originally traveled by foot, then in succession by horseback, buggy, carriage, stagecoach and eventually by motorized vehicles. In l899, the road was one of the first in Kentucky to be 'macadamized' (paved) and in l904, tracks were installed down the road's center to accommodate the "Interurban"- an electric trolley car line which ran all the way from Lexington to Frankfort. Newspaper stories from that era describe how the trolley line "played a very important part in the lives of Woodford Countians."would-be passengers could 'flag down' the trolleys at any point on the route, and could then travel comfortably to Keeneland Race Course, or to downtown Versailles, or to Lexington to shop or to attend live theatre at the Opera House. During the school years, students who attended State College (now the University of Kentucky) or Transylvania University were frequent riders. The last Interurban car was run in l934, its popularity having been surpassed by post-depression era automobiles.

Today, this mansion stands as a proud link between the area's past and its promising future. Less than a mile away, you'll find world-famous Keeneland Race Course, with its glorious Spring and Fall Thoroughbred racing meets, and its high profile horse sales. Across US 60 from Keeneland, our bustling Bluegrass Airport- serviced by 8 major commercial carriers, with nearly 150 commercial flights in and out daily.

This entire area of Central Kentucky has been officially deemed to be the Horse Capital of the World- and for good reason. Our unique soil which sits atop an ancient limestone shelf produces both our 'bluegrass', which combine with our natural water supply provide optimum conditions for raising dozens of breeds of horses- particularly Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Our Kentucky Horse Park is a national treasure not to be missed (there you'll be able to meet and greet over l00 different breeds of horses) - and the Park and our entire area will proudly host the 2010 Alltech International FEI World Games. And, yes, many of our horse farms with their rolling acreage and splendid barns in which reside some of the most famous horses in the world (think Three Chimneys Farm, Calumet, Airdrie Stud, Claiborne, along with Smarty Jones, Storm Cat, and many more) - can be toured, by appointment.

Due east, in Lexington, you'll discover the University of Kentucky campus, Rupp Arena (home court of the oft-National champion Kentucky Wildcats), and some of the most beautiful and historic home places in America. Among them- Ashland, the l9th Century estate of Kentucky's most famous statesman Henry Clay, and in the center of downtown- the childhood home of Mary Todd, who became the wife of Abraham Lincoln. To the west, the historic and charming small town of Midway, where fine dining, eclectic shopping and 'antiquing' opportunities abound, and yes, the trains still run right down Main Street. We hope you enjoy your stay in our Kentucky Mansion, and that 'you-all' will come back soon!