Photography by Alice K Elliott

Kentucky is known for many things, including bourbon, basketball, bluegrass, and horses, but it may surprise you to know that a mere ten miles east of Lexington, you’ll also find a welcoming 110-acre estate aptly called The Kentucky Castle.

A long journey

For a relatively modern castle, this place has quite a history. It’s the brainchild of Rex Martin and Caroline Bogaert Martin, a married couple who sought to mimic ones they saw in Europe. Construction began in 1969 but was halted several years later when they split, leaving the property abandoned for almost three decades.

It was eventually bought in 2003 by a Kentucky-born lawyer; despite the structure burning down almost completely the following year, he successfully turned it into an exclusive bed-and-breakfast. New proprietors purchased it in 2017, opened the farm-to-table restaurant and spa, expanded event offerings, and developed a working garden. In 2023, the current owners took over; they plan to continue the tradition of Kentucky hospitality the castle is known for.

Take it all in

The perfect way to see all the castle has to offer is through a guided tour. Select the castle-only option, or take the combined castle-and-farm tour; you can also add a luncheon to either. Other offerings include yoga sessions on the castle roof, tea parties, and murder-mystery dinners at its farm-to-table restaurant. After a busy day, you can kick back and pamper yourself at the venue’s luxury spa.

Stay over

There’s a king’s ransom of accommodations to choose from, both within and outside the castle walls. Inside, you’ll find welcoming standard rooms and suites, while at the farm, options include a glamping site, cabin, farmhouse, and tiny houses. For the ultimate in luxury, you can even call one of the castle’s four towers home. Whether you visit or stay over, you’ll discover that The Kentucky Castle earns its self-imposed moniker: the best-kept secret in central Kentucky.

For more info, visit thekentuckycastle.com