The Shanklin House by C&K

Experience Kentucky horse and bourbon country at Shanklin House by Castle & Key, a restored 19th-century Gothic farmhouse on a working Thoroughbred horse farm. This unforgettable Bluegrass escape features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sweeping views of rolling Kentucky hills, curated antiques, original art and historic architecture. Enjoy refined Castle & Key style, peaceful farm surroundings and an ideal location for exploring Kentucky’s bourbon, horses, dining and historic attractions.

Ready to welcome guests from around the world, all living spaces are available for guests to use, including the front portion of our private grounds and pond.

Situated in the heart of Central Kentucky, a place famous for its bourbon and horses, guests will be charmed by this recently renovated 19th century home. No matter your reason for travel, this home offers all the modern-day amenities a guest could desire, while paying homage to the craftsmanship and original details still intact in this Gothic Revival farmhouse.

Guests will be immersed into an authentic Kentucky experience from the moment they turn on onto Keene Road. Neighbouring a working thoroughbred horse farm, the drive to the farm is one from a movie. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a triple gable home that has been carefully restored. Once owned by Congressman George Shanklin, this historic home features many of the original details such as pine floors, ornate trim, soaring ceilings, cathedral style windows, stone foundation, and so much more. Also known as an American Castle, this Gothic Revival transports you from the Bluegrass to a European farmstead.

Thoughtful in every detail, guests will experience the historic charm through the signature style of Castle & Key, while having the opportunity to stay on a working farm.

First Floor:
Upon entry, guests will be warmly embraced by a mix of old and new. The journey begins as soon as you enter the foyer where the home's keeping room awaits. Guests can enjoy a curated cocktail on the leather chesterfield sofa after a long day, read a book while overlooking the Hickory King corn fields cultivated for the distillery, or simply play a game of chess. One detail that should not be overlooked in this room is the tobacco leaf wallpaper above the mantel from local artisan, Alex Mason and her company Feerick Mason.

To the left of the foyer, guests will enter into the living room. Carefully designed to not obstruct the breathtaking views, this space is the perfect place to enjoy conversations, watch a horse race, or get lost in a daydream. Featuring original modelling that mimics the turrets at the distillery, original wall art, Ferrick Mason fabrics, Samsung picture frame TV, and fine furnishings, this room is a true space of luxury.

The formal dining room comfortably seats 8-10 guests. Local designer, Julie Williams, captures and pays tribute to the traditional style of the home while balancing the perfect mix of contemporary flare. Enjoy a savoury dinner and cocktail while falling in love with the youthful and classic wallpaper by Ferrick Mason. Local chefs specializing in local cuisine and farm to table fare are available to cater upon request at an additional cost.

Beautifully refurbished, the spacious kitchen features original exposed beams, beverage station, hand selected quartzite, stainless steel appliances, custom island, and all the kitchen necessities. The kitchen is stocked with crockery and cutlery and full sized appliances. Fresh coffee beans will be stocked for each stay.

Off the kitchen is a quaint powder bath and private laundry room.

The right wing of The Shanklin House features the only first floor bedroom. Guests will enjoy a king size bed, luxury linens, memory foam mattress, ensuite with tub/shower, views of the farm’s pond and paddocks, original windows, cozy bench seat, and chaise lounge. This space is perfect for guests to journal, watch a movie, converse about their Kentucky adventures, or simply enjoy a good night's rest.

Second Floor:
When restoring this grand estate, the team made sure to keep the original character of the home intact. Minor changes were made to allow restroom facilities to be added, but much of the floorplan was left as is. We encourage guests to reference our floorplan in the photos for more details.

The property has two separate and private staircases. The front staircase off the entry takes guests to two additional private bedrooms with a private ensuite. Featuring lush textures and soft pops of florals, this portion of the home offers a modern take on the traditional feminine flare of design.

The rear staircase leads guests to a small storage room that has been carefully restored to full bath with Tub/shower. Guests will continue to climb to a small landing where the equestrian suite awaits featuring a king size bed.

Each bedroom in The Shanklin House features a Smart TV, picturesque views, and charming cathedral windows.

We invite you to join us , as you enjoy Kentucky’s hospitality at its best and become lost in this fairytale farmstead.