7 minute read
Adena Springs
from LAND Winter 2021
ADENA SPRINGS
HISTORICALLY, ITS FOCUS HAS BEEN ON BREEDING CHAMPION RACEHORSES; THE WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE IS MULTI-FACETED, VERSATILE AND COULD BE EASILY CONVERTED TO ANY EQUESTRIAN DISCIPLINE, BE IT SHOW JUMPING, EVENTING, DRESSAGE OR ANY BREED SHOW PLACE. IT COULD EVEN BE A HORSE PARK OR CO-OP OPERATION WITH CENTRAL FACILITIES.
2,300± ACRES IN BOURBON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
“Since 2005, when the Stronach Group opened this state-of-the-art breeding and training facility, Adena Springs has left an indelible imprint on the Thoroughbred industry,” said Bernie Uechtritz, brokerowner of Icon Global, the international real estate brokerage that is offering the property. “The farm has produced and stood some of the greatest horses in modern history, including Awesome Again, Ghostzapper, Macho Uno, El Prado and Mucho Macho Man.
It, at 2,300± acres, is one of the two largest farms under one fence in the rolling heart of the Bluegrass Country, located near Paris, Kentucky, just 20 minutes northeast of Lexington.
In Bourbon County, founded at the dawn of America, the thrum of hooves is the region’s pulse. The climate, the geology and the generational know-how provide a competitive advantage unsurpassed anywhere on the planet.
Notably, any number of Kentucky Derby and stakes winners were produced within a 15-mile radius of the farm; Medaglia d’Oro was born right next door, Uechtritz said. Adena Springs has earned the prestigious Eclipse Award for Outstanding Breeder eight times since its founding.
“It is only fitting that Adena Springs Farm is a particularly rare jewel in Thoroughbred racing where a Triple Crown represents the pinnacle of achievement,” Uechtritz said. “The fact that FASIG-TIPTON for the first time ever allowed this historic sale to be announced at its illustrious Night of the Stars Sale in November speaks to the farm’s significance and stature.”
At peak capacity, Adena Springs can safely accommodate 1,000 horses. Historically, its focus has been on breeding champion racehorses; the world-class infrastructure is multi-faceted, versatile and could be easily converted to any equestrian discipline, be it show jumping, eventing, dressage or any breed show place. It could even be a horse park or co-op operation with central facilities.
“Adena Springs is a place of superlatives,” Uechtritz said. “If the farm was a hotel, it would be the Four Seasons. If it was a Texas ranch, it would be the 535,000± acre Waggoner. It is head and shoulders above anything else that exists.”
Its grand size also lends to the opportunity inherent in this property. While Adena Springs is offered as a whole, the farm can be easily subdivided into several parcel and custom-parcel combinations. Because the legendary facility has more than two miles of frontage along Cane Ridge Road and more than one mile of frontage along Jackstown Pike, each smaller tract could have its own private access.
From a business standpoint, demand is strong for equestrian properties.
“Since the announcement in early November, we’ve fielded serious inquiries from across the United States as well as England, Ireland and the Middle East,” Uechtritz said. “Equine enthusiasts know the potential of investing their time, energy and money in the historic heart of the Thoroughbred industry.”
THE FARM & FACILITIES
Guests arriving through any of the property’s five automatic iron entrances immediately know they have entered an equestrian estate of the highest order. Following one of the tree-lined interior roads, of which there are more than 25 miles, guests watch as the farm’s immaculate grandeur, designed in association with a famed golf course designer, unfolds.
With almost 1,500 acres of pastures, the intensely cleared farm offers the open vistas horses of all ages and stages need to graze, rest, run and thrive. More than 100 miles of fourplank and diamond mesh fencing keep the equine athletes safely enclosed.
Lakes and ponds dot the landscape, adding shimmering beauty; automatic Varner waterers, located in all the fields, paddocks and around all the run-ins, provide water throughout.
Arguably, the farm’s focal point is the two-and-a-half-story Office/Stallion Barn/Breeding Shed, situated in a verdant, landscaped environ that showcases the signature fountain and reflecting pool. Here guests get their first taste of winning hospitality.
The lobby, complete with custom trophy cases, recessed lighting and walnut wainscoting with an adjoining conference room and offices, is just the beginning. A staircase rises to a widow’s walk, which provides a 360-degree view of Adena Springs.
The office is directly attached to a 14-stall stallion barn complete with a large viewing area outfitted with rubber pavers, wood siding and a soaring ceiling with recessed lighting. And the stallion barn feeds into the teasing and prep area that includes two teaser and three mare stalls as well as a teasing area, full laboratory, a viewing area and two offices.
In addition to the main complex, the farm boasts seven identical 28-stall broodmare barns, built at an original cost of $2 million each and surrounded by cross-fenced 100-acre paddocks; 10 lighted run-in barns with three stalls, feed rooms and a loft, while the attached run-in sheds’ interior walls are lined with hay racks; one quarantine barn with five stalls; two hay barns (250’x30’) and one equipment building (60’x40’).
All of the outbuildings are constructed in a style and in materials that complement the main complex and one another. The barns all feature expansive aisles with rubber paver floors, and in many instances the stall walls and flooring are poured rubber, adding to horse comfort. For maximum safety, stalls are also outfitted with sliding metal doors.
“Anyone who has ever seen or been involved in the Thoroughbred industry will recognize that these barns have been crafted with an incredible amount of thought as well as the best materials and craftsmanship available to ensure both the physical and biological safety of the horses,” Uechtritz said.
RESIDENCES
Wanting to attract and keep the industry’s best professionals, Mr. Stronach designed an 11-residence employee complex featuring an in-ground pool, soccer fields as well as volleyball and basketball courts.
His attention to employee contentment extended to upper management, so the farm also boasts two large residences that are approximately 3,000 to 3,500 square feet with attached garages that currently house the general manager and staff veterinarian. An assistant manager’s home, measuring 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, and six manager’s houses, measuring 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, as well as three additional quad units round out the dwellings.
All residences are constructed from brick siding with faux stone accents and pseudo-slate roofs to maintain the farm’s aesthetic cohesiveness.
As part of Mr. Stronach’s thoughtful development, the farm’s premier building site has been retained. The tallest hill in Bourbon County, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, is within the farm’s boundaries and is the ideal location for an owner’s home or other signature building.
THE OPPORTUNITY
While horse-centric properties regularly come and go from the marketplace, rarely do legendary farms the likes of Adena Springs become available.
“The legend and legacy of Adena Springs is unparalleled,” Uechtritz said. “The farm is awaiting the next steward, who will take the reins and lead Adena Farms into the next chapter in its glorious history.”
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To stake your claim on one of the finest farms in the equestrian universe, contact Icon Global at 214.855.4000 or by e-mail at info@icon.global.
INFO@ICON.GLOBAL • 214.855.4000 • WWW.ICON.GLOBAL
