Exploring The Kentucky Castle: a unique stay in Versailles, KY
Most people, even in the Bluegrass State, don’t know much about The Kentucky Castle. It’s an actual castle that’s a total treat to see with a cool history. It’s in Versailles Kentucky a brief drive from Lexington. Although it’s inspired by the famous French attraction, the Kentucky city is actually pronounced like ver-sales. Sounds country, right? Well, you are in the heart of Kentucky horse country, so embrace it.
The castle offers an extraordinary escape with elegant rooms, yummy dining, and a variety of activities all detailed in my in-depth guide. Read on to learn what sets this place apart from any other getaway.
Key Takeaways
The Kentucky Castle provides a luxurious experience, offering 18 accommodation choices including staying in the castle towers like a modern-day Rapunzel. It is conveniently located near the Blue Grass Airport.
Guests enjoy farm-to-table dining at the castle’s restaurant, featuring locally sourced ingredients and food. There’s also a small swanky bar with a selection of small-batch bourbons and other fun drinks.
There’s a small farm area with goats and other animals that you can stroll through as well as the garden area that offers you-pick flowers during certain times of the year.
The castle not only offers guests a full-service spa and various recreational activities, but also serves as a venue for special events like weddings and corporate retreats.
It’s a great location if you’re looking to visit local bourbon distilleries and enjoy horse racing at the famous Keeneland Horse Track nearby.
History
Ok, so this is the part I love the most. The cool story of this place.
I recently surprised my husband with a quick overnight trip there for our anniversary. I had to schedule a bunch of bogus activities in our calendar to keep him from planning anything. I told him the kids had a school performance that morning and that’s why we needed to dress decently instead of sweats. I also said I had to emcee an event for a local charity that evening. After we dropped off the kids I told him I was driving. Instead of a right out of the parking lot, I took a left. I had secretly packed an overnight bag and put it in the back of the car. He was floored!
We drove the hour to Versailles, Kentucky. It’s a beautiful drive from the Louisville area where we live. We arrived early and signed up for the tour. I was on the fence about doing the tour and I’m so glad we did! We learned so much. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and animated and told us all about the history of the 110-acre property.
In 1969, real estate developer Rex Martin and his wife Caroline began construction after returning from a 6-month honeymoon in Europe. They were inspired by the rich European architecture and wanted to emulate it on their Kentucky property. Construction was slow and halted altogether when the Martins divorced in 1975. Our tour guide told us Caroline cited in the divorce papers that one of the main reasons for the demise of their marriage was the construction of the castle. Our tour guide said Caroline was still alive, living in Lexington and wanted nothing to do with the grounds.
Rex Martin decided to sell it.
He didn’t hire a fancy realtor. He didn’t call the hedge fund managers in town to gauge interest. He went to Walmart, our tour guide told us, got a “for sale by owner sign” and put it in the front yard where it sat for a long time. She told us numerous people were interested in the property but Martin would never play ball with them.
She told us Arnold Schwarzenegger called multiple times on it, but Martin never returned his call. She said finally, the body-building actor got ahold of Martin and told him he was interested in his castle. Our tour guide said Martin responded by saying… and I quote, “You can’t afford my castle!” And then hung up on Schwarzenegger. What a story!
It sat vacant for nearly 30 years until Martin died. In 2003 it was sold to a Miami lawyer with Kentucky roots who began to renovate the place. In 2004 it caught fire and the majority of the building burned. There was lots of speculation over what exactly happened there.
It was sold again in 2017, our guide told us, to a couple of investors from Lexington and Louisville. They’ve been working to make it what it is today, a destination.
Accommodations
At The Kentucky Castle, nestled among the rolling hills, you can choose from a selection of 18 accommodation choices and rooms. There are a variety of rooms you can access on the first and second floors. There are also multi-level suites in the four towers surrounding the castle farm which our tour guide said will set you back about $1000.
That’s not in my budget but I was intrigued by the recently added glamping option. It’s an air-controlled tent near the barn. It has electricity and a cozy bed. The bathroom is in the nearby barn though, so you have to walk a short distance outside to get to it. By the time I got my babysitter set and decided to book our stay, the one glamping tent was already booked. I was bummed because that was only going to cost about $200.
I then found out there were two tiny houses on site. I decided to book one of those (I think it was like $300 for the night) and we ended up loving it. It’s away from the main hotel past the swimming pool, the goats, chickens and the garden area.
There is also a Farmview Cabin that sleeps 8 and offers a little more of a secluded atmosphere.
The fact that the castle is located near the airport in Lexington adds to its appeal. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway (like my husband and me) or looking for a family vacation, the castle offers a sweet stay.
Farm-to-Table Dining
At the farm-to-table restaurant, the food revolves around locally sourced and property-grown ingredients. My husband and I enjoyed an intimate anniversary dinner there. There aren’t a ton of other restaurants nearby but we did find a cool brunch spot to eat at the next day in the quaint downtown area.
On our tour, we learned some local school kids involved in an agriculture program were allowed to plant their choice of flowers in the front of the hotel. They choose lavender. The surrounding bees infused the lavender in the honey. I bought little jar of lavender honey in the gift shop which was especially sweet…. literally.
The bourbon bar, with its warm atmosphere, and rich dark wooden decor, is a fun place to visit. You can savor a variety of small-batch bourbons and innovative cocktails. If you’re after a unique entertainment experience, the castle also hosts murder mystery dinners that add a dash of drama to your dining.
The formal dining room, located in the main building at 230 Pisgah Pike Versailles, KY, can accommodate up to 20 guests.
You can also get room service from the on site restaurant sent directly to you.
Relaxation and Recreation
The on-site spa is in a cottage distinct from the main area. We didn’t have time for the spa, but they offer a range of treatments. For those who are more active, there are recreational amenities, including goat yoga classes – this is seasonal as I assume the goats don’t love doing downward-dog in the winter. Sports enthusiasts can use the tennis court and basketball court, while those who want to relax can take a dip in the swimming pool- which is also seasonal and was closed when we were there in April.
Special Events and Celebrations at The Kentucky Castle
in addition to your normal events like weddings, corporate retreats, and birthday parties the hotel hosts other unique happenings. Those include superhero luncheons with Batman and Spiderman, events with characters for special needs children, and princess tea parties. The castle also hosts a Renaissance gathering which seems just too perfect.
The castle is a short drive to some great bourbon tasting including Woodford Reserve Distillery. Would you believe I’ve lived in Kentucky for 7 years and this is my first visit to a distillery? It was packed at like noon on a Tuesday! They have a nice gift shop area and regular tours. You can do a walking tour along with a tasting and they have a couple to choose from that vary in length. I’d recommend booking a reservation ahead if you want to do a tour and tasting.
Navigating Your Journey to The Kentucky Castle
The fact that the castle is located near the airport in Lexington adds to its appeal. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway (like my husband and me) or looking for a family vacation, the castle offers a sweet stay.
Check out their seasonal experiences including tea with Cinderella and paint your bourbon barrel classes.
There is free wifi and free parking but it is somewhat limited.
Summary
The Kentucky Castle offers a sweet blend of history, luxury, and local charm. From its enchanting rooms to its farm-to-table restaurant and array of recreational amenities, the castle sets the stage for a memorable stay.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a special event, The Kentucky Castle promises an experience that is as unique as it is luxurious. Make your own history at this remarkable destination in the heart of Kentucky. For more info go to website for The Kentucky Castle.
Feel free to check out more of our adventures including our family trip to Cinnamon Beach read on.
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
