Discover Historic Benson Farm

Discover Historic Benson Farm in Bourbon County

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft

1 Built by the Garth family in 1810, the majestic Federal style main residence at Benson Farm has grown organically from its original core throughout the years, evolving to span 9,800 square feet. The current façade (shown here) is actually comprised of what was originally the rear of this beautifully updated historic gem. A dappled green lawn dotted with plenty of mature shade trees lends an idyllic, old Kentucky feel to the home’s exterior, while natural stone hardscape frames gracefully sculpted boxwoods and bright red knockout roses in the foreground.

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2 The original Federal style architecture is perhaps more apparent from this view, which shows what serves today as the rear of the residence, but initially was designed to function as the home’s front elevation. Other updates visible here include the expansive two-story veranda, which opens to a magnificent paneled sitting room on the first floor and an oversized guest suite on the second.

Nestled in the heart of horse country and spanning 1,000 acres, Benson Farm lies in scenic Bourbon County and encompasses the very best of everything the Bluegrass State has to offer. The historic property enjoys both a storied past and dynamic present, dating back to the construction of its original Federal style core, which was completed in 1810. Since then, the property has only officially changed hands twice, but during that time it has undergone a series of smart additions and elegant updates, bringing the original structure into the modern era and expanding upon its original footprint to create a marvelous home that is both totally unique and yet somehow familiar.

Originally known as Greenwood and later Greenwood Lodge, the property was most recently purchased in 2016 by Tom and Gayle Benson, who wanted to establish a place in Kentucky where they could continue breeding and training thoroughbreds. The property had a reputation for exceptionally fine soils, allowing it to become one of the most prosperous in the region and making it an ideal locale for raising fine racehorses. A successful businessman, philanthropist and owner of both the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans sports teams, horses had always held a special interest for Tom.

“He was involved in the horse business many years ago, but Tom’s passion was rekindled decades later when he started dreaming of entering a horse in the Kentucky Derby,” Gayle shared.

The couple ultimately entered not one, but three horses in the Kentucky Derby and eventually renamed the Bourbon County property Benson Farm. Although Tom passed away in 2018, today Gayle is still carrying on his dream and maintains an active role in many of his endeavors.

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3 This view of the home’s original foyer shows the delightful maple leaf detailing that has been preserved on the hardwood floor, in reference to the farm’s initial moniker, Greenwood Lodge. Current owner Gayle Benson found the antique chandelier and chest just visible to the right here at Irish Acres Antiques.

At the heart of Benson Farm, the 9,800-square-foot main residence and its surrounding grounds boast a remarkable list of exceptional features and updates, including a heated infinity pool, a slate roof imported from Architectural Heritage in Gloucestershire, England, six reception rooms, five en-suite bedrooms, two half baths, nine working fireplaces, a dining room and breakfast room, a commercially-equipped kitchen, gymnasium, walk-in wine cellar, projector cinema theatre, elevator, two exterior seating porches and a three-bay garage.

Having spent more than 30 years in the design business, Gayle enjoyed selecting the various finishes for the home, including furnishings, window treatments, artwork and accessories. While the previous owners had effectively created a stunning foundation, Gayle was able to complete the interior with her own personal touches, resulting in timeless spaces that are both imaginative and classic at once.

Finally, there is a wonderful standalone chapel situated near the main residence, which New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond consecrated in the Catholic faith at Gayle’s bequest. This sacred space—much like the farm itself—held a distinctive draw for her from the first moment she arrived, and continues to serve as a place of peace and comfort to this day.

“The property is still evolving and probably always will over time,” Gayle stated in conclusion. “It’s just such a blessing that Tom got to see several of his horses compete in the Derby before he passed, and I still greatly enjoy the horses, the house and the farm.”

4 Situated near the main house and constructed by the home’s previous owners, this exquisite private chapel seats up to 40 people and was purchased in London, brought to Kentucky and skillfully reconstructed. The chapel interior features antique French limestone slab flooring and a variety of other historic treasures, including stained-glass window panels depicting eight different saints that came from St. Georges Church in London and date back to approximately 1895, along with vintage pews and impressive wooden beams. The home’s current owner, Gayle Benson, also added some personal touches to this incredibly serene and sacred space, including a magnificent painting behind the altar, a series of meditative statues from Italy and a special wooden cross handcrafted from 14 different types of wood made by her brother, Wayne LaJaunie.

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5 With pastoral views of Benson Farm beckoning at every turn, a tortoiseshell faux painted ceiling lends another layer of visual interest to the foyer, which also holds a charming array of antiques and opens to a delightful sitting room. The breezeway is flooded with natural light and leads to the master suite, paved with antique limestone slab flooring imported from L’Hôtellerie-de-Flée, France, that almost appears to glow from within.

6 The home’s bright, crisp kitchen features a clean black and white color palette, accented here and there by pops of color from a cheerful collection of pieces by MacKenzie Childs. Industrial appliances make entertaining a breeze and include a double-door refrigerator, single-door freezer and Wolf stove, with a total of four ovens, several refrigeration drawers, two warming drawers and two dishwashers.

7 Situated just off the dining room and also opening to the rear veranda, the walls in the stately living room are covered in oak paneling from Nerquis Hall in Wales that date back to around 1740. The ceiling is crafted from custom molded plaster that was inspired by an English country estate and is suspended, rather than attached directly, to avoid cracking. Above the polished marble fireplace hangs a brilliant portrait by Phyllis Unger of the late Tom Benson, who served in turn as a successful businessman, philanthropist and owner of both the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans sports teams, among other endeavors.

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8 In the formal dining room, a massive painting by Alex Harvie commissioned by Gayle Benson depicts two Benson Farm horses running in the Kentucky Derby, while a regency white marble statuary chimneypiece decorated with acanthus sheaths and floral garlands surrounding a maindenform dates back to around 1820. Originally housed at Morven, a historic home in Virginia, the Italian marble mantel is similar to one at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and is believed to have been acquired by Jefferson on behalf of the property owners. The plaster crown molding is also a work of art in itself, paying special homage to the legendary Triple Crown of racing by alternately depicting roses for the Kentucky Derby, black-eyed Susans for the Preakness and carnations for the Belmont.

9 Situated just off the entryway, this inviting sitting room features an original fireplace and a lovely collection of antiques. Owner Gayle Benson, who enjoyed a lengthy career in design, selected new window treatments and reupholstered the sofa and chairs in this space with chic French fabrics, in addition to updating similar finishes as needed throughout the rest of the home.

10 Featuring a wall of built-ins and a cozy, welcoming vibe with faux painted walls in a greenapple linen finish, the TV room opens to the home’s original foyer and features a Baker sofa and table. Gayle Benson also selected a chic antique floor covering, artwork and window treatments to tie the space together.

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11 Situated in the master wing, this reading room boasts a marble fireplace and lovely antique sofa reupholstered in French fabric selected by Gayle Benson, along with a captivating collection of antique books, many written in French.

HOME CREDITS š›

Various Furnishings & Accessories: Irish Acres Antiques

Living Room Paneling, Slate Roof: Architectural Heritage, Gloucestershire, England