JULY/AUGUST 2012
KENTUCKY HOMES
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KENTUCKY HOMES
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Published by RHP Publishing, LLC PO Box 22754 Lexington, KY 40522 859.268.0217 Publisher: Rick Phillips rick@rhppublishingllc.com Associate Publisher: Carolyn Rasnick carolyn@rhppublishingllc.com Associate Publisher: David Bishop david@rhppublishingllc.com Circulation and Distribution: rick@rhppublishingllc.com Advertising Sales: Rick Phillips 859-268-0217 rick@rhppublishingllc.com Advertising Sales: Mimi Leet 859-273-7616 mimileet@windstream.net Editors: Rick Phillips, Carolyn Rasnick Senior Associate Editor: Kirsten E. Silven Photography: Walt Roycraft Contributing Writers: Jerry Shrout Emilee Coomes Kirsten Silven Bill Henkel Kathie Stamps Christina Noll Art Direction & Design: Tim Jones tim@timjonescreative.com Printing: Freeport Press 121 Main St. Freeport, Ohio 43973
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ANTIQUES
by Jerry Shrout
Caricatures of Characters: A SHORT HISTORY OF VANITY FAIR PRINTS
Photography: Walt Roycraft
1 Each week from 1868 to 1914, during the gilded age of Victorian and later Edwardian Britain, each issue of the magazine Vanity Fair was greeted by the upper echelons of society with glee. What was to become an iconic publication in British history included details of the comings and goings of Society, financial updates, political commentary, book reviews, word games, travel reports, and theatrical criticism of the latest openings in London’s West End. The magazine was the brainchild of its founder, publisher and editor, Thomas Gibson Bowles. Although Vanity Fair became an informative and respected literary piece, its ultimate legacy resulted from the publication of cartoon caricatures which began to appear in the magazine in January 1869. Over time, the cartoons took Vanity Fair’s readership by storm and became the most anticipated feature of each issue. The first caricatures were political; Benjamin Disraeli and his arch-rival William Ewart Gladstone were 2 the first two subjects. As the popularity of the caricatures increased, the subjects expanded to include others, both famous and infamous. Categories of Vanity Fair caricatures include politicians, athletes and other sporting personalities, royals, doctors, lawyers, financial professionals, stars of music and theatre and group scenes of social events.
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In the beginning, some may have dreaded being included as a caricature in the magazine, as for many it was viewed as being made to look ridiculous. However, as their popularity grew, being included as a Vanity Fair caricature became something of an honor. Soon, the more popular cartoons were being reprinted and sold separately from the magazine. Today, the re-prints, or “re-strikes” are the most common prints available; the originals are far more valuable due to their rarity. Adding to the allure of Vanity Fair caricatures were the personalities who created them. Carlo Pelligrini was Vanity Fair’s first caricaturist. For over twenty years, Pelligrini, who originally signed his work as “Singe” and later as “Ape,” is credited with catapulting the magazine’s circulation and subsequent advertising business which helped to assure the publication’s future. Arriving penniless into London from Italy, Pelligrini rather quickly secured a spot into London’s Café Society set and was known by his ability to produce immediate cartoons of its distinguished diners. In the Fall of 1871, ‘Ape’ left the magazine for a period, at the request of the Prince of Wales, to produce caricatures of all the members of the prestigious Marlbourough Club, but upon his return to Vanity Fair was highly diligent and produced every cartoon from January 3, 1874 until January 15, 1876.
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5 produced over a thirty year span – from 1881 until 1901. Issued on November 30, 1885, the cartoon “The Paddock at New Market” depicts a scene from Lexington’s English sister city, New Market, and is a Kentucky favorite. It features, among others, Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward) and Earl Spencer, the ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales. The cartoons left to us as the legacy of Vanity Fair magazine reflect a unique pictorial history of the golden age of the British Empire. Today original caricatures from the magazine can even be found in museums and libraries, such the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the University of Virginia here in the United States. To historians, they are seen as an important contribution to Victorian and Edwardian history.
Sir Leslie Ward, the most iconic of the Vanity Fair illustrators, was known by the nom de crayon “Spy” and became Ape’s successor. Ward was a fixture at Vanity Fair for over 40 years and produced 1,325 of the approximate 2,300 caricatures that appeared in the magazine. Because he was so prolific, many incorrectly refer to Vanity Fair caricatures as “Spy prints.” Eaton educated and socially obsessed, Ward was quite different than his predecessor. The pen name ‘Spy ‘was appropriate, as Ward was known for thorough and methodical study of the “victims” of his work. Many of his sketches were inspired by observations he made of prominent figures at one of several London social clubs of which he was a founding member. Of particular interest to Kentuckians are the Vanity Fair prints of jockeys and Thoroughbred racing scenes. These prints grace the walls of some of Kentucky’s finest homes, as well as the Clubhouse at Keeneland. The jockey cartoons were
Jerry Shrout is the proprietor of Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington. He can be reached at 859-233-9375 or tagallery@windstream.net.
1. “Newmarket 1885.” A paddock scene of Lexington’s English sister city was caricatured for Vanity Fair in November, 1885
3. “Danny.” Jockey Danny Maher, who began his career at age 11, as caricatured for Vanity Fair in September 1903.
5. “A King’s Jockey.” Also known as “Diamond Jubilee Jones, jockey Herbert Jones was caricatured for Vanity Fair in September 1904.
2. “Descended from Edward Longshanks.” Caricature of polo player Sir Michael Frederic Rimington, published in Vanity Fair, October 1898.
4. “Frank Wooton.” Caricatured by Spy (Leslie Ward), Wooten was only 16 years old when this cartoon appeared in September 1909.
6. “Hard Hitter.” English heavyweight champion Walter Edgeworth-Johnstone as cariactured by Spy (Leslie Ward) in Vanity Fair, July 1896.
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LANDSCAPES
by Bill Henkel
PROPER WATERING TECHNIQUES FOR KENTUCKY GARDENS 14
Soils in construction or traffic areas can be compacted, damaged or hard panned. Hard pan is a compacted sub-surface layer that is impervious to water movement. Plant success is generally compromised in hard pan areas. Newly installed trees, shrubs and perennials have different water needs than established materials. When they need water they generally need a lot and need it fast. Irrigation and rain may be too slow. Applying larger volumes of water with a hose and diffuser is often better. Newly planted materials need thorough and complete watering. This means the entire planting hole is filled with water. The soil mix and root ball should be completely saturated. This takes time and attention and slow, thorough, deep watering is best for deep root growth.
Water, water everywhere and not a single drop where it is needed or useful! Water waste is not a crime yet, but it could be sometime soon. One of our most precious resources, the source of all life on the planet, is misunderstood, disrespected and taken for granted all too often. Your garden is an investment you have made and it should be an asset by helping to improve the quality of your home life. After careful planning and proper planting the next most important function in the garden is management. The first role of management is proper watering. Without water, the garden will not survive. Proper watering means the garden can do more than survive. It can thrive! The general rule of thumb for the gardener is 1” of water per week during the growing season of April to October. This applies to lawns, trees, shrubs and most other plants in the ground under normal conditions. That 1” of water, measured in a rain gauge or coffee can, may be supplied by rain water, hose, irrigation or a combination of all three. However, newly installed trees and shrubs have different needs. (See recommendations below). A perfect Kentucky growing season is one of weekly soft and slow gentle rains of 1” every seven days. I have lived here 47 years and experienced that only one season! Supplement dry weeks with water from irrigation or hose. Be aware that rainfall distribution is not consistent all over town. Pop up thunderstorms are proof of that. Weeks of heavy rain may leave beds and low areas over saturated. These areas may be able to go up to 10-14 days between watering.
I use a hose and diffuser or soaker hose to put water where I want it. I use a ½” diameter rebar to measure the depth of water in the soil. Establishing seed beds and lawns is different. This will be addressed in the fall when the seeding season approaches. It is important to visually monitor your newly installed plants in your garden. Check for wilting or flogging, yellowing or leaf discolor. It is as easy to under water as it is to over water. One can be as damaging as the other. Under watered plants wither and wilt, struggling to grow. Over watering can bring on an entirely different set of issues such as root damage. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if the problem is too much water or not enough. This is where the soil probe is useful. Consult your County Extension Agent for questions on soil type and plant disease. Employ experienced landscape architects with a specialty in plant materials and garden construction if you are unsure about how to begin your garden. Purchase quality materials from known growers in the region. Plant the right plants in the right place. Water as per these guidelines and observe your plants to enjoy your gardening efforts. Unless your lawn is ablaze, do not water your lawn with a sprinkler during the heat of the day. Most of the water evaporates before it hits the ground.
Water on slopes runs off faster and may not be available for the plant’s roots.
Plants need the water most during the heat of the day. Water in the early morning. Water applied at night might bring on fungal problems. If you need to water later, try to water early enough so that the water on plant foliage dries within four hours.
Plants in exposed conditions of sun and wind will dry faster and could use more water than 1” a week.
Using these guidelines will help you maintain a healthy garden and also will keep you from wasting one of our most precious resources..Water!
Clay soils are slower to wet and take longer to drain and dry out. Loam and sandy soils are more receptive to water infiltration and dry out faster.
Bill Henkel, Landscape Architect and Certified Healing Garden Designer Partner, Henkel Denmark, Inc. Total Landscape Care magazine’s “2012 Landscaper of the Year” company recipient www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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HOMESCAPES
by Christina Noll
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FRONT & CENTER THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR BLENDS AESTHETICS, FUNCTIONALITY AND ARCHITECTURAL APPROPRIATENESS TO WELCOME VISITORS IN STYLE.
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3 If you’re like most homeowners, you may not have thought about your front door in quite some time. Perhaps you don’t even enter your home through the front door. But in fact, the front door deserves careful consideration because it is a focal point of beauty for your home. “The front door is a destination point,” says Ann Gregory, Owner/ Partner with The Door Store & Windows in Louisville. “The entry way should be drawing people to it, welcoming them to your home.” Selecting the right front door for your home is more than just choosing a pretty design. The Door Store offers one-stop shopping where customers can pick out the type and style of door they like from a multitude of options. “We’ve really tried to make it easy for our customers to pick out the style and type of door they like,” says Ann. “We help them select the design that best fits their lifestyle.” “We like to start with what the door is actually constructed of—wood, fiberglass or steel,” says Laurie Scarborough, Owner/ Partner with The Door Store & Windows. Wood doors tend to be the standard choice, mostly because they offer unlimited possibilities
for customizable design. Composite products, like the steel and fiberglass, can be more durable and require less maintenance, but often are more limited in choice of style. The location of the door, and the amount of exposure to the elements of wind, rain and sun, should be a deciding factor when choosing the type of construction. Doors that face west, or have no overhang, require a significant amount of maintenance, especially if a wood door is chosen. “We try to find out what a customer’s maintenance threshold is, and then move them to a product that will fit their lifestyle,” says Laurie. Once a material is chosen, it’s all about personal style. Consultants listen to you talk about what you find appealing and help you find the perfect match in a front door, from traditional to completely unique. “We have seen so many new and different doors, so we try to take the homeowner’s taste and implement it for their home,” says Ann. “We walk the customer through the process.” That process starts in the showroom, and can include browsing websites and even picking out ideas on Pinterest, a social media website that allows individuals to create virtual bulletin boards of ideas. Whether someone is looking for a craftsman style door or a contemporary door, with a high-end budget, or one that is more modest, the options are there. “The best doors are the ones that are architecturally appropriate to the home, but also fit the homeowner’s personal style,” says Ann. “We love it when a customer is willing to make a daring, but beautiful choice.” Both Laurie and Ann say the biggest misconception when purchasing a front door is focusing only on the exterior of the home. “It’s just as important to think of the door from the interior, and consider how it will look when the door is opened into the home,” explains Laurie. “Many doors are so beautiful they almost become a piece of furniture in the entry hall.” Another important component to door shopping is installation. Door replacement requires a very talented skilled craftsman, so that both the appearance and functionality of the door look original to the home. “The most beautiful door in the world installed incorrectly is a recipe for disaster,” says Laurie. “You’ve invested money, so you want it done right.”
1. This fiberglass door is a beautiful and functional choice. It was selected because it can best withstand the harsh environment of the home’s exposed entryway. 2,3. This contemporary door is gorgeous on two different homes with completely different styles. On the Hall house, (bottom), the entry way wood work was completely recreated, changing from stained deteriorated wood to white, low maintenance Fypon, for durability.
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4. For this older home, it was important to keep the same style and look. An updated version that closely duplicated the original door complements the home perfectly.
The 39th Annual Bellarmine University Women’s Council
GATHERING IDEAS FOR YOUR PERFECT FRONT DOOR Laurie and Ann recommend looking at a wide range of front door styles before making a final selection. Choosing the right door starts with finding the ‘look’ you want:
Drive around your favorite neighborhood and take pictures of front doors that catch your eye. Browse the internet for ideas. The Door Store offers before and after photos on their site. “The internet is fabulous for ideas,” says Ann. “But we recommend that you never buy something unless you can touch and feel it in person. “ Create a ‘Door Board’ on Pinterest and collect ideas of your favorite looks. Not on Pinterest? The Door Store is happy to send you an invitation to join.
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Lexington Challenger Tennis Charities, Inc.
GARDENS
by Kirsten E. Silven
1 1. Several impressive American beech trees beautifully frame the historic Whitehall mansion, lending a real sense of the estate’s expansive grounds. Oakleaf hydrangea sprawl across the lawn in front of the home, which is best categorized as a Southern-style Greek Revival mansion.
LIVING HISTORY THE GARDENS OF WHITEHALL Photography: Michael Hayman The Whitehall gardens are at once expansive and intimate, providing a glimpse into Louisville’s storied past while looking forward to its future. Located on busy Lexington Road in the heart of Louisville, the Whitehall mansion and its impressive gardens offer visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life in the city. Free and open to the public from dawn to dusk seven days a week, the gardens encompass ten majestic acres, complete with walking trails, a magical arboretum, a nationally acclaimed woodland fern garden and a formal Florentine garden. “Whitehall is a bit like Louisville’s version of an English Country Estate,” observed Executive Director Merrill Simmons. “And it also preserves a piece of what the neighborhood was like in the mid-1800’s.” The grounds originally included a 20-acre lot that was first developed when John Marshall built the home circa 1855. Later, the property underwent significant changes in 1908 under the
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ownership of Mr. and Mrs. John Middleton. But it was Hume Logan Jr., who purchased the home from his parents’ estate in 1951, who first developed the Formal Garden, complete with reproductions of Italian statuary and wrought iron trellises from his family’s business, which specialized in fencing and steel products. Today, thanks to a generous bequest and endowment from Logan, the property is part of the Historic Homes Foundation and the gardens have become a beautiful collaboration of everchanging styles that help to tell the story of everyone who has lived at Whitehall and had a special affection for its gardens. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Landscape Director Michael Hayman, two part-time gardeners and members of the Jefferson County Master Gardeners Association, the current incarnation is a stunning mixture of color and masterful variation in texture that delights the senses and dazzles the eye. Renovated in 2004, the Entrance Garden is the first thing visitors see and also gives passersby a glimpse of what lies
beyond the perimeter. Continuing from the elegant wrought iron gates at the roadside, this garden meanders along a dappled path that is bounded by a woodland border and ends at an impressive expanse of lawn. Located near the home itself, the Formal Garden was first designed by Logan in the 1970s and is still characterized today by its original Florentine influence. The area is divided into garden rooms created by borders of taxus hedgerows and arborvitae, while a carefully tended herbaceous border featuring exotic tree peonies and butterfly bushes anchors the garden just outside the hedgerow. All areas of the Formal Garden are fully accessible thanks to newly expanded hardscape and pathways, while a new terraced area features a variety of gorgeous reblooming hydrangeas. It is a popular site for weddings and other events, including festivities associated with the annual Peony Festival each spring. One of Whitehall’s hidden treasures is found in the Ralph Archer Woodland Garden, which has been designated a Hardy Fern Foundation Display Garden, with more than 150 species, subspecies or named cultivars in the garden, including a recent addition of 30 named Victorian cultivars. Here, a variety of oak, hickory and other native trees provide plenty of shade, while a stumpery has been created where the site was once littered with fallen tree trunks and limbs. A stumpery is a Victorian garden technique that uses tree logs and stumps for the rustic planting of ferns and other woodland plants. It is a successful design that has also been implemented by the Prince of Wales in his own home’s garden.
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Finally, the Specimen Garden, which is also known as Annie’s Garden in honor of one of Whitehall’s gardeners, was designed and planted in 2001 and features a wide variety of bulbs, perennials, herbaceous plants, evergreens and specimen trees, wrapping around a beautifully winding pathway. Here, more than 50 varieties of peonies bloom each spring, filling the air with their fragrance and luxurious foliage. Truly one of Louisville’s hidden gems, the Whitehall gardens offer so much more than initially meets the eye, beckoning visitors to explore this lush oasis, which has surprises waiting to be discovered throughout every season of the year.
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5 2. This intimate courting bench lies in the heart of the Specimen Garden on a natural stone base. It provides a place for visitors to rest and enjoy the view, which includes yellow evening primrose, hardy hibiscus, crocosmia Lucifer and a black-eyed Susan. 3. This stately urn can be found in the Formal Garden and is filled with assorted annuals, including Million Bells, white petunia and yellow lantana.
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4. Here, colorful bunches of Red Grace and Pink Kisses peonies interact beautifully with a few delicate purple irises. 5. A weeping larch is just visible to the left in this view, which also features a center variegated cornus alternifolia, a Tiger Eyes staghorn sumac and several irises, surrounding groups of Red Grace, Pink Kisses and White Ivory peonies.
6. EmperorOne2: A vibrant Emperor One Japanese maple colors this view of the Formal Garden, framed by a Hicks taxus hedge in the foreground. 7. The bright pink blossoms of this Appalachian Red redbud tree provide a beautiful contrast to the delicate white dogwood blooms, while a stately mature cherry tree adds a sense of structure to the scene.
8. These stunning peonies, including White Cap, Snow Swan, Red Charm, Ludivica, Mrs. FDR and Mother’s Choice, lend bright pops of color to the Specimen Garden.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
by Kirsten E. Silven
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BE OUR GUEST GUEST HOMES IN KENTUCKY TAKE ON A VARIETY OF FORMS, MAKING THE MOST OF EXISTING SPACE AND PROVIDING A PLACE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CALL THEIR OWN WHILE VISITING.TY. Photography: Walt Roycraft
1. This charming cabin features an opaque stain on its exterior beams, which the homeowner selected to help the structure blend with its natural surroundings and to highlight knots in the pine logs. A bench from the family church in Tennessee was repurposed to provide seating on the porch, which has become a favorite meeting place for family members.
2. The knotty pine interior boasts cathedral ceilings that practically glow with warmth, creating a private sanctuary for friends and family. Here, a queen bed lies opposite a bench that was crafted from an antique full-sized bed found at an old stage coach stop outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, while a steamer trunk that belonged to the
homeowner’s mother and was used for steam ship travel around the world provides extra storage. 3. A wood stove provides warmth in the wintertime and is framed on one side by a cook pot that was brought over by the homeowner’s great great grandmother from Ireland, while the cow skull was
found during her time spent working cattle in New Mexico. The twin bed provides additional seating and a small kitchen area completes the design and makes the cabin a fully functional space for guests.
4 4. This delightful and highly functional structure serves as a guest house, workout space, pool house and garage. It is complete with a bedroom, full bath and refrigerator, 4 visitors plenty of room to enjoy an giving extended stay without feeling cramped in the main residence, which is a southern cottagestyle home located in one of Lexington’s older neighborhoods.
5. The living space for guests is located upstairs and includes this dressing area and ceramic tile fireplace. The imaginative sink was repurposed from a delicate light blue glass bowl in the shape of a flower, and the countertop is constructed from carefully arranged broken tiles.
Designing a successful guest home can be challenging, especially when space is at a premium. The best designs are both functional and comfortable, providing ample seating, sleeping and dining areas, using careful furniture placement to create division and maximize available space. CABIN HIDEAWAY This Louisville-area cabin is located just 50 yards from the main house, but it enjoys complete privacy thanks to a thick stand of evergreens. It is positioned on a slight rise to catch the western and southwestern breezes, which makes the porch a very comfortable place to sit and enjoy the quiet rural setting. At 620 square feet, it is equipped with everything guests need to enjoy complete autonomy from the main residence, including a full bath and kitchenette. Belinda Smith of Finishing Effects worked with the homeowner on the interior design, which incorporates a variety of items collected while she worked on a cattle ranch in New Mexico. They made smart use of the cabin’s large open design via 3 careful furniture placement and the use of area rugs to create a sense of division. The cabin has hosted a variety of guests throughout the years, including the homeowner’s daughter, who recently used it to record a collaborative album with a musician from northern Kentucky. Southland Log Homes provided the original logs, but David
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6. A four-poster queen bed and nearby sofa can easily sleep a family of three, and a separate crib is readily available for infants. The two hanging pendant lights have separate switches, making them ideal for reading.
Musselman helped with the final design and Tom Roach assisted in the carpentry to make the most of this space. MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE This charming structure serves a variety of functions and is an example of creativity at its finest. Located behind a southern cottage-style home in one of Lexington’s older neighborhoods, the structure was designed to complement the main residence and includes a guest house, workout space, pool house, office and twocar garage. The shake roof, dormer windows and lightly stained beadboard ceiling are evidence of the homeowners’ attention to detail, and the heated pool provides a luxurious place for guests to enjoy a midnight swim. A hammock completes the perfect picture of an urban backyard oasis, while a bubble glass block wall in the full bath provides added visual interest. Impressively, the homeowners designed the building and the pool themselves, making the most out of a very limited space. Their efforts successfully turned this tiny backyard into a magnificent retreat for friends and family, who can now come and go with ease.
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A COTTAGE RETREAT Situated on a picturesque farm outside of Lexington, this guest cottage boasts a storied past and is a beautiful example of how the old and new can work together organically to create a comfortable modern living space with some serious character. Originally constructed more than 175 years ago in Woodford County, the original masonry walls are 10 inches thick and the ceilings are 11 feet high. In 2007 the homeowners began a renovation of the structure, which had fallen into disrepair. Parts of the original ash floors had been replaced and the rest were too rough to be repaired, so George Gatewood of Longwood Antique Woods was consulted and a suitable replacement was found in the Shepard oak floors seen today. The original mantle was saved, along with the original ceiling beams, which were carefully washed and otherwise left in their natural state to lend a rustic feel to the interior. The plaster was repaired in places and a new addition was added to incorporate a modern, galley-style kitchen and full bath. The windows and doors were replaced using modern, energy-efficient materials, but were designed to accommodate the sizes of the original openings. The exterior brick was repaired in places but was left unpainted to retain a weathered appearance. The thick walls of the cottage provide superior soundproofing, working with the charming interior to make this historic cottage a favorite getaway spot for friends and family who enjoy its pastoral setting. ROOMS WITH A VIEW Originally designed as a carriage house around 100 years ago on the original Gainesway Farm outside of Lexington, today this guest house stands as a beautiful testament to what good design can accomplish. The original floor-to-ceiling windows on both ends of the building allow natural light to flood the space, while the natural stone and wood exterior seems to rise organically from the surrounding landscape.
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Today, friends and family of the homeowner enjoy complete autonomy while staying in this stunning guest house, which has its very own living room, laundry, fully-equipped kitchen with Bosch appliances and granite countertops, as well as a separate bedroom and full bath. During the recent World Equestrian Games the residence even hosted members of the Saudi royal family. Architect Frieda Myers, LEED AP, handled the renovation, while Julie Turok provided the interior design. According to Turok, the real beauty of a guest home lies in the privacy it provides – not only for the guests, but also for those living in the main residence. The homeowner can relax and enjoy the time spent together visiting, secure in the knowledge that all of the guests’ needs are met.
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7. This cottage was built around 1835 and later served as temporary housing for German prisoners of war during World War II. Today, it functions as a guest house with all of the necessary modern amenities, but its interior design incorporates a variety of historical features. 8. This view from the living room into the kitchen highlights the gorgeous Shepard oak floors from Longwood Antique Woods. The kitchen and bath, which is just visible here through the open doorway, are part of a new addition that was added on very carefully to avoid compromising the original structure.
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9. Two double beds provide ample sleeping room, while the glass door opens to a beautifully manicured expanse of green lawn. The wool rug was purchased in Romania nearly half a century ago, while the original exposed ash and oak ceiling beams lend a sense of structure to the space. 10. Originally serving as a carriage house on the original Gainesway Farm outside of Lexington, the estate’s current owner asked architect Frieda Myers, LEED AP, to oversee the transition to its new role as a fully functional guest home, complete with kitchen, living room, full bath, laundry and bedroom.
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11. This living room boasts rich bamboo floors and floor-to-ceiling original windows, allowing plenty of light to flood the space when the heavily lined custom draperies are open to the sun-dappled view of the grounds beyond. The glass tile fireplace beautifully complements the neutral color palette of the space, which boasts a contemporary staircase and handrail, lending added visual appeal to the room’s design. 12. Boasting a queen-sized bed and window seat, the bedroom works to bring nature indoors, incorporating a subtle leafy pattern and soft blue color on the selected fabrics. The floor is original to the structure, while large windows provide a stunning view of the surrounding grounds.
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ART
by Kathie Stamps
1. HERS: An avid gardener, Linda loves the different shapes flowers can take. This vase is 3 inches tall and is part of her “Kentucky WILD Flower” series. 2. THEIRS: Titled “Dangerous Goblets,” these 10-inch and 11-inch tall pieces were carved by Jack from big leaf maple and ebony, and embellished by Linda with Czech glass beads and freshwater pearls.
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LINDA and JACK FIFIELD PARTNERS IN LIFE AND ART How artistic is your dentist? Dr. Jack Fifield, whose practice is in McKee, Kentucky, became interested in woodworking while studying at the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota. He made dulcimers and banjos, along with furniture. In his junior year, he traveled a thousand miles to a health screening project in Knott County and met a Kentucky girl named Linda. They married a year later, in 1973, and Jack moved to the Bluegrass State. ”My career in dentistry has instilled in me a recognition and appreciation of the simplicity and pure elegance of naturally occurring forms,” he said. For the better part of the past two decades his woodworking has taken the form of carved vessels, which he turns on a lathe. “Ultimately what I do is very much connected to the inherent beauty of wood grain and I rarely try to color or stain the wood in any way,” he said. He finishes the pieces with a clear penetrating wood oil.
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6 3. HIS: Standing 9 inches high, the “Pagoda Vessel” was carved out of redwood burl and African blackwood. 4. HIS: Jack turned this vase out of peach wood, with its undulating grain pattern. He carved the base and highlighted the top with Santos rosewood. 5. THEIRS: Jack Fifield often uses wood he finds in the forests near his eastern Kentucky home, like this black walnut. Linda Fifield embellished the vase with Czech glass beads. 6. HIS: “Waves in Opposition” is a bowl carved from mesquite. Its foot is African blackwood.
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Linda Fifield has handcrafting talent in her blood. A ninthgeneration Knott Countian, she learned fiber arts at the feet of her grandmother. As a child, Linda was mesmerized by her granny’s deft hands as she crocheted, embroidered and quilted. “I made it my job to keep Granny Collins’ needles threaded with her jewel-colored embroidery threads,” she said. “Her patience and inner stillness had a profound effect on me. I often see her hands as I observe my own hands in motion.” Linda’s love of nature, particularly in and around the woods and creeks her family has called home for more than 200 years, is reflected in her creations. The slow pace of her work, stitching one bead at a time to create a beaded skin around a wooden vase, gives her time to contemplate her past. “I think of my ancestors who grew, spun and wove fibers for cloth,” she said. “Those that cut trees to weave baskets or make chairs and other objects related to basic needs of life.” Although Linda doesn’t have to make anything for necessity’s sake, her genetic “desire to create” is still strong. In 1974 the Fifields visited the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Linda was spellbound by the woven baskets and beadwork of Native American weavers and crafters. She found a one-inch illustration showing the construction of a “netting stitch,” and from that tiny drawing she taught herself to stich beads. Years later, Linda discovered that this stitch has been used by cultures all over the world. The earliest examples of glass beads date back almost 4,000 years to Mesopotamia. Combining Jack’s woodworking skills with Linda’s talent for beadwork has led them to create beautiful pieces of art together. Linda said, “In our shared projects we challenge each other to expand the boundaries of our respective mediums.” 7. HERS: From her “Hills of Home” series, Linda stitched glass beads that are 1/16 of an inch for the smaller piece. The taller vessel, standing 10 inches tall, used larger beads, 1/8 of an inch in size. 8. HERS: Titled “Ablaze,” this 6 ½” tall vase was hand-stitched by Linda with vibrantly colored beads. 9. HERS: Linda’s hand-stitched beading, with exquisite attention to detail, depicts an autumn landscape in this vessel’s design.
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Designer’s
DI RE C TORY
LOUISVILLE: Alexander Interiors Inc. is celebrating 20 years in business, with Mary V. Alexander as principal. Decorating should be an enjoyable process for everyone involved. We combine creative interior design with constant dialogue and responsible planning to create a living space that communicates your individuality while fitting your lifestyle and budget. Space Planning and Design ~ Lighting ~ Wallcoverings ~ Window Treatments ~ Furniture ~ Accessories. We provide consulting to full service interior design. 502-584-4406 LEXINGTON: Specializing in fine custom cabinetry for your entire home, Architectural Kitchens & Baths’ architect-led design team will manage your remodeling project from initial planning and budgeting through installation and final completion. Our professional team will produce unique designs that reflect your personality and lifestyle and then help you select quality cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, tile, paint colors and lighting. Whether full custom or semi-custom, quality cabinetry is available to meet your budget, including our newest line, Kentucky-based Mouser Custom Cabinetry. Visit our showroom today in the little yellow house at the corner of Euclid and Lafayette Avenues in Lexington. Phone (859) 268-0800 or online at www.akandb.com. LOU: Make a statement with textured granite. Cardinal Concepts, a division of Cardinal Kitchens, now offers uniform textured granite produced with its hi-tech bridge-based polishing machine. Choose from Honed, BrushedDry, Brushed-Wet, and Riverwashed finishes. This unique look is one of the hottest trends in kitchen and bath countertops, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. As innovators of new ideas, Cardinal Concepts offers resources and custom solutions for any countertop or commercial surface project. With over forty years of experience, the company provides you with the most competitive pricing, an advanced fabrication facility, and a skilled team of installers for your project. Visit www.cardinal-concepts.com or call (502) 363-3871. LOU/LEX: Closet Factory’s worked with over 6,000 Kentucky and So. Indiana homeowners to create smart, precision-crafted storage and organization solutions. Custom closets • home offices • Murphy beds • media centers • wine rooms • pantries • laundry rooms • mud rooms • garage storage • built-ins • craft rooms — we do them all with a lifetime guarantee. A multiple winner of the Louisville Homearama Best Closet Design award, we offer wood as well as laminates, plus custom painting and finishing. Love the way your house works. Call 502.489.3901. www.closetfactory.com/louisville. 13010 Eastgate Park Way, Suite 107, Louisville 40223. LOUISVILLE: Located in Louisville’s St. Matthews area, digs home and garden offers a wide selection of products to create or complete any outdoor living environment - from fine outdoor furniture products by Brown Jordan, Gloster, Summer Classics, Kingsley~Bate and others - to durable outdoor planters, pots, and even stylish unbreakable tableware - digs provides one stop shopping for anything on your list. We also offer design services to help create memorable and unique outdoor living spaces. digs is locally owned, and pleased to offer products and services statewide. LOUISVILLE: Dwellings, a professional design firm located in Louisville’s east end, offers over fourteen years of respected experience. Best of Louisville finalist, the dynamic design duo of Donna Outlay and Shane Pearson specialize in high-end furniture and accessories. Elegance and simplicity are redefined in everything Dwellings does. A knowledgeable staff, wide array of services, and the 8,000 square foot Showroom and Design Center are why homeowners choose Dwellings for all their Design needs. Come into Style... Come into Dwellings. 7404 New LaGrange Road. 502.896.2990. www.dwellingsfurniture.com
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Designer’s
DI REC TORY Ivy Downs Interiors, Inc. J ADDELL
INTERIORS
LOU/LEX. Hubbuch & Co. has been providing architecture and interior design services for residential and commercial projects from conceptualization to installation since 1933. Our professional design staff includes members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and Certified Interior Designers (CID). From condos to horse farms, our residential design team can assist you with any size project from our offices in Louisville and Lexington. Our corporate office is located in downtown Louisville at 324 West Main Street, 502-583-2713 and our Lexington office is located at 456 East High Street, 859-269-2306. View our portfolio of work at www.hubbuch.com. LEX: Interior design is the art of problem solving. It is based on communication, an intimate expression of self, personality, and lifestyle. What we surround ourselves with in terms of space, form, color and texture, sets a mood and conveys how we feel about the world in which we live. At Ivy Downs Interiors, I go beyond mere, “Interior Decorating.” You will find that I care and listen to what you desire and imagine your surroundings to be, no matter the size. I always strive to make my clients’ dreams become reality and transform their house into a home. Contact Jane Leake at 859.254.7819 or interiors@ivydowns.com LOU: J. Waddell Interiors offers comprehensive interior design services, from concept through specification and installation. As a boutique firm, our emphasis in on personal attention, customized details and results that are unique. Specialization includes custom home design, renovation and professional office design. Joan Waddell, owner, holds a degree from the University of Cincinnati Design School. Published nationally in Traditional Homes Magazine and many regional publications, she also served as the design columnist for Today’s Woman Magazine. Additional credits include award-winning design in the Kentucky Home Builders Homearama and participation in the Bellarmine University Show House for 12 years. Joan is a certified designer in the state of Kentucky and a member of ASID. LEX: Charm is evident in this unique shop on the corner of Euclid and High Street in the heart of Chevy Chase. As you leisurely explore, you will find quality handmade reproduction lighting, fine English-and American-made furniture, original oil paintings, elegant accessories, and the largest selection of fine lamps in this part of the country--all at discounted prices every day. Our friendly staff and designers are always available to help you with your selections. Parking is conveniently located directed behind the shop. 859 E. High Street in Chevy Chase. Mon.-Sat. 10-5. 859.266.2300 LOU: Lisa Lynn Knight is an Award Winning Interior Designer located in Louisville, KY. She started her business in 2002 and has gone on to participate in 17 Designer Showhouses, winning numerous awards for her Homearama homes. She was an EPIC Businesswoman of the year runnerup in 2010 and has been published in many local home-builder and design publications. Lisa prides herself in creating beautiful homes that have style and functionality. Lisa Lynn Designs is located at 12556 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243, Phone # 502-384-5966, Fax # 502-384-5967, Email: lisalynndesigns@insightbb.com, Website: www.lisalynndesignsLLC.com LEX: Our goal is to listen, understand and execute the clients’ needs in a professional manner. Our style will vary from project to project as it reflects our client’s personality and lifestyle, but our dedication to each job remains steadfast. A Kentucky certified Interior Designer with over 35 years experience ensures a job well done. Residential, commercial, office, or outdoor living spaces, we can create a space that is comfortable, tastefully designed and executed and within budget. We also have a showroom of unique accessories to complete our projects and also available to shoppers looking to find a few items to refresh their home. Contact Gail and her staff Monday through Friday from 9-5 at (859) 266-0699 or 2601 Regency Road, Suite 101 visit our work at wwww.regencyinteriorsbygailmoses.com
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Designer’s
R E SO U R C E
LOU: B. Deemer Gallery is located on Frankfort Avenue in Louisville’s Historic Crescent Hill neighborhood. You will find an eclectic collection of fine art available by over 60 21st century artists from our region and beyond. In addition to providing clients with fine art, the Gallery is also dedicated to assisting with the proper presentation and care of art through its highly respected custom framing department. B. Deemer Gallery is open Monday thru Friday 10 - 5:30 and on Saturday 10 - 3 Location: 2650 Frankfort Ave. Phone: 502-896-6687 Web: www.bdeemer.com
LOU: With a keen focus on helping clients create their own sublime, serene surroundings, Bedded Bliss is Louisville’s one-of-a-kind retail haven where it’s all about transforming a bedroom into a private oasis. Specializing in luxurious imported European linens from Italy, France and Portugal, Bedded Bliss is for the discriminating customer drawn to exquisite fabrication, enchanting embroidery and incomparable craftsmanship. Owner, Donna Osif, relishes in mixing designers, layering textures, and helping clients create personal spaces to complement their lives. 3936 Chenoweth Square, Louisville, KY 40207 | www.beddedblisslinens.com 502.899.5153 | beddedbliss@insightbb.com LOU: Boone Decorative Fabrics conveniently located in Middletown, stocks over 2,000 bolts of first quality fabric and trim suitable for bedding, pillows, draperies and window treatments or upholstery. The store includes an extensive selection of indoor/outdoor fabrics. All fabrics and trims are at low discounted prices every day! Special orders are welcome. The knowledgeable staff of designers and seamstresses is available to assist you with your project, should you desire. In addition to the extensive stock and expert assistance, Boone Fabrics offers custom bedding, window treatments and draperies, decorative pillows and furniture made in the USA! Phone: 245-6900. LOU: Merridian is your source for unique, handmade furniture and accessories from around the world, providing classic pieces to complement and enhance any style. Our signature Vestige Collection boasts an enormous array of hand-picked, one-of-a-kind imports while our exclusively designed reproductions and accessories team a distinctively timeless style with modern function. Our high-quality upholstery and wide selection of fabrics and frames make it easy to discover your taste and express your style. Visit our showrooms in Louisville, Nashville or Cincinnati, or find us online at www.merridian.com. Discover Merridian and enhance your world. LEX: THE BLINDS MAN provides various styles of energy efficient, child and pet friendly window treatments including automation. We carry established name brands like Hunter Douglas and Graber, at competitive pricing that will surprise you. Our prices include everything from measurement to installation. No Hidden Fees! We’ll listen to your needs and help find the best blind or shade for your home or business. We can also work with your favorite Designer. Most importantly, THE BLINDS MAN provides personal service, from friendly people who know what they’re talking about. Visit our Showroom at 468 Southland Dr., website www.theblindsman.net, or call 859-260-1551. LOU: We specialize in vintage and European inspired home accessories and gifts. A seamless blend of simple farmhouse charm infused with Paris Flea Market style and the nostalgia of a general store, we offer a unique variety of products including tabletop, linens, wall decor, stationary, home fragrance, jewelry and our featured custom pieces, handcrafted just for us. We invite you to make your home part of our Urban Farmhouse family. *We offer on approval accounts discounts for qualified interior designers Mon-Sat 10-5 Closed Sun 2830 Frankfort Ave Louisville, KY 40206 502-384-5434 www.theufm.com
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1 1. A circular drive and boxwoods welcome guests to the home’s Federal style façade, which is both sophisticated and understated. Interestingly, the entrance opens to the second floor, where a grand spiral staircase leads the visitor down into the home’s public areas.
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A COUNTRY ESTATE COMES TO LIFE By: Kirsten E. Silven Photography: Walt Roycraft
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3. Although the kitchen was part of a recent renovation and is all new, Love made sure that it retained the feeling of an older home in the details, which include a quarter sawn white oak floor, an impressive gas range, a curved granite island and stainless steel cup drawer pulls.
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2. This new addition was added to the home in 2009 and functions as the main family room. It boasts a coffered ceiling and gorgeous views of the back lawn, which includes a swimming pool, pool house and perennial gardens. In an effort to remain true to its original design, the window casings, door casings and molding mimics what is found throughout the home.
4. The rug, found at Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs, served as the inspiration for the formal dining room’s design. A mural by artist Jim Hurst adorns the walls and ceiling, while the settee gracing the bow window was found at Schumann Antiques.
Situated in eastern Jefferson County on more than 80 luxurious acres, this historic home has discovered a new lease on life in the hands of Homebuilder Penny Love and her husband, Developer Steve Canfield. When Penny Love of Design Innovations, Inc. and Steve Canfield of Canfield Development first laid eyes on this exquisite country estate in 2005, they immediately recognized it as something very special. Built in 1937 and dubbed Fincastle by its original owner, who was none other than George W. Norton III of the esteemed Norton family of Louisville, the home had suffered from a bit of neglect over the years and was in need of some updates. They began a major renovation that included restoring all of the interior hardwood floors and exterior wood, building a new addition and completely updating the kitchen and bathrooms. Penny and Steve drew on their combined experience, carefully taking the project one step at a time and leaving no corner of the home or its grounds untouched. The results of their efforts are truly spectacular, to put it mildly. Every room contains intricate architectural details and presents gorgeous views of the expansive grounds beyond.
4 “This is the first place Steve and I have lived without neighbors visible,” shared Penny. “We really enjoy the property and the incredible privacy it provides.” The back of the home, which faces Harrod’s Creek, is designed in the Georgian style of architecture, which is a surprising departure from the façade, which is in the Federal style. “Perhaps the most unique feature of the home lies in its two distinct facades,” shared Winfrey P. Blackburn, co-author of the book Country Houses of Louisville, 1899-1939, which includes additional photos and a more in-depth discussion of the home’s history. Also of note, from the front entrance the home appears to be single-story, but in fact it is a two-story dwelling, with the entrance positioned on the second floor and immediately leading down a grand spiral staircase to the first floor and the public areas of the home. At a little more than 9,000 square feet, the home boasts plenty of room for families and entertaining, but manages to retain an intimate feel despite its largesse. The home’s five bedrooms are situated on the second floor and can be accessed by two hallways leading off the main entrance. The master bedroom boasts its own private sunroom, which is a favorite
HOUSE CREDITS ARCHITECT:
MURAL (DINING ROOM):
RENOVATION:
ANTIQUES & FURNISHINGS:
ORIENTAL RUGS:
WOOD RESTORATION:
Ambrose Cramer, Jr. Bittners; Wakefield Scearce
Jim Hurst
Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs
Design Innovations, Inc Schumann Antiques
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5 place to relax and enjoy warm spring and fall weather, but a separate sitting room complete with a fireplace offers a cozy spot for cooler fall and winter evenings. Penny and Steve also sensed the need for a modern family room and set about designing a new addition that would work with the historical aspects of the estate. The finished space mimics the window and door casings found throughout the original areas of the home, and boasts a coffered ceiling that provides both volume and added visual interest. “We wanted everything we did to make sense with the original design, while also working to update the home so it could meet the needs of a 21st century family,” shared Penny. She also wanted the interior to feel both intimate and peaceful, which she accomplished by incorporating a variety of soft neutrals with pops of bright color. These natural hues provide a soothing backdrop for the home’s distinct character and unique design, which is undoubtedly one of Louisville’s greatest treasures and finest country estates.
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6 6. One of the home’s many delightful surprises can be found in this oval sculpture room, which opens to the outdoors, library and living room. The murals are original and although the artist is unknown, the subject matter depicts members of the Norton family on the farm during each month of the year, working and enjoying a variety of seasonal activities. The rug was handmade in Portugal and purchased by the Brown family.
7 5. The library’s rich walnut paneling features breathtaking natural color and pattern variations, which were painstakingly restored in some areas by Schumann Antiques to spectacular effect. A cottage that was originally built as an artist’s studio but now functions as a guest house is just visible beyond the beautifully landscaped courtyard. 7. The master suite is a study in elegance, with its own fireplace, adjoining sunroom and sitting room. The arched doorways open to a private bath and dressing room, while the built-in bookshelf was originally a window that was transformed as part of a renovation that took place in 2005.
8 8. Replete with intricate crown molding and elaborate door casings, the formal living room opens to the courtyard garden and cottage beyond. A neutral color palette creates a soothing aesthetic, while a baby grand piano completes the room’s classic design. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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A ‘FOREVER’ HOME THIS TRADITIONAL RANCH SURPRISES AND DELIGHTS WITH AN UNEXPECTED FLOOR PLAN AND MASTERFUL DETAILS THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME By: Christina Noll Photography: Walt Roycraft
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1 1. Finding it hard to buy new in this desirable area, the Haydons opted instead to build a ranch with a traditional outside style that fits the neighborhood seamlessly. Inside, the home is anything but traditional, with wide-open spaces, domed ceilings, geothermal heating and air, and a full electronic system controlling everything from the lighting to the music in every room. A true “smart house,� it even has both attached and detached two-car garages, making the most of the property’s space.
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2 At first glance, you might think the home of Steve and Carole Haydon is just another beautiful house that lines a gorgeous street in the Lakewood area of Lexington. And that’s certainly true. Step inside, though, and this custom built home is not just beautiful—it’s truly breathtaking. Careful consideration was taken to ensure that the outside of the home fit in to the established neighborhood, and the effect is terrific. “There was a lot of thought and time put into the design of the home,” says homeowner Carole. “The hard part was getting everything to work and fit into the neighborhood, taking into account the trees, property lines, and elevations.” Inside, however, the home is nothing like it’s traditional ranch counterparts. “We wanted a ranch, but we wanted it to be open and have a different feel once you get inside,” says Steve. “So we tried to give it a wow factor, make it different.” The first thing you see when you walk through the front door is the domed ceiling and open, circular foyer—completely unexpected in a ranch style house. Detailed paneling on the walls and ceilings link all the rooms, which flow into one another. “I think people are a little surprised when they come in, that it’s as open as it is,” says Carole. A circular theme runs throughout the house, featuring domed ceilings in the foyer and living room, arched openings and arch designs over the windows. Even the pool, visible through the living room window, contains an arch feature. “I’d say we got the inspiration for the home from Florida,” says Steve. Carole agrees, “I love the homes in Florida; the way they look. We found a house in Florida that we both loved and this is kind of a combination of that plan and our own ideas.” Completed in December 2012, Steve worked with his son, Greg, and architect Steve Graves of Murphy and Graves to build a home
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that offers convenience and versatility. The first floor features all the living areas two people need, but in order to add additional space, a basement was dug out and an elevator was installed for ease of access. The Haydons admit they spend the majority of their time on the first floor, however the additional 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room and full kitchen in the basement are wonderful for visiting guests and extended family gatherings. On the main floor, four covered porches blend outdoor living with the serene comfortable spaces indoors. “We improvised as we went,” says Steve. “We wanted every room to flow, but every room to be different.” Neutral walls lend themselves to a palate of muted colors on furniture and fabrics that flow through the open spaces. The result is something like being drawn into an exquisite painting. It’s a masterpiece. “We were really, really happy with how everything turned out. We had a lot of wonderful people helping us, inside and out, top to bottom,” says Carole. “It’s a home we can live in and enjoy forever.” 2. Offering an unexpected entry for a traditional ranch, the foyer features a circular dome that embodies the open feel of the entire home. The circular theme is carried throughout the home, including here in the slight curve of the wrought iron stair rail leading down to the basement. The floors throughout the main level are ash hardwood with a walnut stain finish.
3. Soft hues and an abundance of texture give the master bedroom its dreamy feel. The only bedroom on the main floor of the house, the master opens up to it’s own private covered porch, one of four to the house.
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4. Featuring a large, walk-in shower, Jacuzzi tub and double vanities, this plush master bathroom offers a serene setting for winding down or starting the day. But the real treat lies behind the closet door where custom built-ins, including a giant island, bring beauty and function together in an unlikely space.
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5. Designed by Greg Butcher, the custom cabinetry in creamy white gives the Haydon’s kitchen an open, airy feel. A farm house sink and maple countertop complete the simple, yet distinct look. Just off the kitchen is a butler’s pantry, complete with dishwasher and ice machine, making entertaining a breeze.
6. Guests and family can stretch out in the large basement that includes this inviting game room, along with a family room, full kitchen, three bedrooms and two and half baths. Coronado stonework around the television and fireplace in the sitting room is carried through to the window wells in all three bedrooms. A ceramic tile floor made to look like travertine is both functional and stylish.
7. Neutral walls are the perfect backdrop for a splash of color that defines this gorgeous traditional dining room just off the foyer. Note the custom woodwork and crown moldings, built on-site. The ceilings in all the rooms feature similar woodworking, but in different patterns. Just off the dining room, a built-in china cabinet can be seen from the front door, showcasing the Haydon’s dishes.
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8. Accessible and usable, the formal living room combines the open feel of a Florida inspired home with traditional, comfortable furnishings. The arch above the windows overlooking the backyard and pool continues the circular theme seen throughout the house. A see-through bar and columned wall separates the living room from the family room and kitchen area without closing off the space.
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1 1. Red aluminum clad windows, grand in size and designed by Eagle Windows in Wisconsin, decorate this walkout ranch. A cornado stone rock veneer creates a bold yet elegant faรงade and a rusted garden bike leans against a light post surrounded by Carney yellow flowers, pink roses, and midnighat soil. Mrs. Esposito drew the original design for the home and then collaborated with a CAD designer, to bring her graph paper sketch to life.
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IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR THE BUILDER’S SOUL IN
ELLERY ESPOSITO By: Emilee Coomes Photography: Walt Roycraft
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4 Walking towards the Esposito home on this Kentucky evening, spring crickets harmonize and the sun slinks behind the lush display of woods in the distance. The landscape is painted with an array of greens complimenting the lipstick-pink knockout roses overflowing onto the pebblestone walkway. Passing under the weathered-wooden pergola, I ring the doorbell and stand before the Goliath of a door. Anticipating my arrival, a winsome man with salt and pepper hair, wireframe glasses, and a smile, opens the door. His handshake is warm and familiar, one of an old friend, “So glad you could come,” he says. I like him immediately. As a successful builder in the Kentucky area for almost 40 years, Ellery Esposito remains a humble husband, father and boss to which two of his co-workers are his sons. By the aesthetic design of this home, it is evident to see why his success in the industry has been continuous. I am introduced to his spritely wife of 42 years, Kathi, and the story of Ellery Esposito, the builder, unfolds. Born the son of a New York City builder and real estate developer, Ellery learned from the ground up. Blazing his path through “osmosis” and slacking lime, he recalls his days as a young teenager on jobsites with his father during the time of hippie love and JFK. “In sum, I was the grunt,” he says through a smile with the trace of a New York accent. Shoving his hands into his pockets, his gaze is fixed on the sunset. I assume memories of his father’s legacy linger in his mind. As a special education teacher in Connecticut, Ellery and Kathi would spend their spring breaks visiting his brother who had moved to Oldham County years before. It was on a 1975 visit to
the Bluegrass, that he and his brother decided to go into business as partners and from there, Esposito Builders was born. Now fast forward 35 years later and here we stand in the third home the couple has built for themselves over the span of their four-decade marriage. Taking over two years to complete, it was their best “team effort”, which began with a blank canvas of an acre in this slowly developing Crestwood subdivision. The Esposito home’s warmth is elaborated by the distinguishing wood theme- pops of deep red hues and fireplaces. The couple has found design inspiration from their trips: a Hawaiian resort, a small Italian village sprinkled on the coastline, the clouded city of Seattle and the Wild West. We make our way into a combination of a hearth room, dining room and expansive kitchen. Unique windows are everywhere and there is an array of multicolored exposed brick walls giving the ambiance of an urban loft. These double brick walls have a frame 15 inches wide and their “dirty look” was an intentional design mixing new and vintage bricks with bulging grout. In the open kitchen, white oak floors and quarter sawn cabinets drink in the afternoon sun. Ellery admits the kitchen was designed with his chef’s hat in mind, “Lobster lasagna is my specialty,” he adds. The backsplash is colored in mute reds and is rough to the touch. Multiple ebony bar stools with spotted cushion seats line the counter facing the kitchen and it is where we find ourselves indulging in fine cheese and wine for the evening. Away from the city noises, serenity can be found from the screened-in porch just off the kitchen area. A flat landscape with a www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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2. Leading the way to the loft and basement, this extra wide stairwell has a width allowing two people to walk side-by-side. Local trim carpenters, Bill Nickles and Michael Lush, were utilized throughout the entire home, carving every wooden aspect by hand. Sharp lines add an angular feel to the foyer and a mixture of natural and artificial light bounces off every wooden inch.
4. The lavish six-burner stove top and double oven sparkle as if sterling and several lighting fixtures dangle over the red granite island top. Over two dozen quarter sawn oak cabinets are lavishly displayed, some with water glass doors offering a mystery to their contents inside. The hardware traveled from Seattle and serves as the perfect accent to this craftsman-style kitchen.
3. Dinner is served: An erratic display of framed art hangs above the wainscoting and sultry red walls enfold the formal table set for six. In the background, an elaborate shelf containing more than 30 compartments boldly stands in the formal living room. Oriental statues mix with family photos, glass art, and all-the-while a “Queen” theme resonates. Longlegged birds and nutcrackers share a shelf while a retro toy truck is parked beneath framed art.
5. The double-tray ceiling gives depth to the 11 foot ceiling in the oasis of leisure, the master bedroom. Sterling silver African necklaces boldly hang above the gas burning fireplace and four windows circle the sitting area.
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6. Designed with both genders in mind, the master bathroom has double shower heads and sinks. The specially ordered claw foot bathtub regally stands; its chrome feet gripping the white carrera marble floor. Granite sink counter tops and poplar wood dances with the pastel olive, black and white color scheme. 7. With countless parties to the basement’s credit, it boasts the perfect atmosphere to unwind. The mirrored back bar, a Dietrich’s original, creates an illusion of depth while whiskey bottles blend with floral print glasses and red goblets. The space behind the bar was expanded allowing three bartenders to prepare drinks at once behind this public bar from the past. Artwork from Italy faces guests and the builder’s love for wine is evident with countless bottles of Tuscan and Californian wines.
8. Stress clears one’s mind as relaxation settles in while the countryside surrounds you. In an expansive screened in patio, black wicker furniture creates the perfect area to get lost in a novel with cozy cushions patterned in loud caricature-style flowers. There is a burst of patriotic-colored flowers on the wooden table and all the while, a hammock sways in the country breeze. 9. Tapered poplar columns divide and conquer as bold statements between the formal living and dining rooms. Eclectic art and furniture patterns create a discreet wildness balancing well with the honeycomb colored walls and single-slope vault ceiling. Antique pieces mingle with contemporary ideology, exposing the love affair between old and new.
9 wooded backdrop paints the scene as the rare silence seems to sing a country melody. A rural wooden table for six has welcomed barbeques in the summer months and cocktail hours on pleasant nights. Ellery and I walk side-by-side to the second level. There is a vast view of the formal living room divided by a banister, shiny and smooth, with an intentional comb pattern. Thumbing over some current blueprints, he jokingly forbids me to comment on his style of office organization. He runs his rough-hewn hands over the edges to hold back their curled form and gives me a basic tour of a blueprint. “When we started in this business everything was elementary but now the media has opened the imaginations to design ideas from around the globe! The only boundary is one’s budget,” Ellery adds leading me to his favorite aspect of the house, the basement. Suddenly I am no longer in a home, yet a bar and in my mind, I am assuming there is a cover charge and my ID will be requested. In the walkout basement of the Esposito home, Dietrich’s Bar, a hangout of Frankfort Avenue’s past, lives on. So here we sit, at an authentic public bar that was dismantled and pieced back together onsite to its original curved shape. Ellery fumbles over a variety of wines and I take a seat in one of the ten barstools. A myriad of glasses and bottles are organized on multiple levels on the mirrored back bar, it too a Dietrich’s original, and homemade port wine ages next to the beer chiller.
Ellery Esposito and his wife make for an unexpected evening of personal conversation and a visit which lasts over four hours. Kathi explains how she has never understood Ellery’s ability to just “figure things out” on extraordinary requests he has never built before. It is this endowment that has made Ellery Esposito an arsenal of building knowledge and current President of Home Builders Association of Kentucky. Active on so many levels of the building world, it is hard to see how Ellery remains the unfaltering man who stands before me, his vigor unimpaired. His face shows no sign of stress and his easy nature shines with professionalism and effortless charm. With sons as equal partners, the business was renamed Esposito Construction, “I am still their dad, they can’t tell me what to do,” he adds with a muddled laugh through a mouthful of Red Burgundy wine. “I love my job, and my sons love it. The best thing about my business is meeting new people and together and as partners, creating their dream. ”
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BUILDING A NEIGHBORHOOD TOM AND NELIA PADGETT WERE THEIR OWN CLIENTS WHEN BUILDING THE HOMES THROUGHOUT LEXINGTON’S ST. IVES NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE EARLY 1990s. By: Kathie Stamps Photography: Walt Roycraft
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1 1. Large trees and a big sidewalk with an inviting entrance are hallmarks of the custom-built brick homes in the St. Ives neighborhood of Lexington.
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2 2. Another remodeling effort in 2007 was taking a former “straight across” wet bar and forming a sharp angle to make room for more guests when the homeowners entertain. Above the bar are wooden reproductions created by Seth Tuska, whose father, John Tuska, crafted the original sculptures in bronze for the façade of the Fine Arts Building at UK.
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4. A kitchen “facelift” in 2007 involved replacing a center bar with a granite island and adding tech lighting in the form of pendant lights. The original skylights allow for plenty of natural sunlight.
3. Off the main entrance, the formal dining room is an open section of the great room. The contemporary angles of the architecture make a nice backdrop for traditional furnishings and artwork.
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Padgett Construction built custom houses for the residents of St. Ives in 1992. “Most of them still live here 20 years later,” Tom Padgett said of his neighbors. “I take a lot of pride in those relationships.” He has great praise for Bill Hurt, whose original concept of the charming area is marked by beautiful streetscapes. “He did an exceptional job with all of it,” Padgett said. “It was all thought through.” Developer Bill Hurt was also the principal of Henry Clay High School in the 1970s and ‘80s. His plans for St. Ives included brick houses around 3,000 square feet that were designed to complement one another architecturally, zero lot lines, private courtyards, and rear garages accessed by alleyways behind the houses. Tom and Nelia Padgett were the last homeowners to have a completed home on the block. “We were too busy finishing the others,” Tom Padgett said. Their house, a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional, was live-in ready in 1994. “When a builder is building his own house, he gets a chance to make all the mistakes that he tries to keep his clients from making,” Tom said. For example, a then-new technology using hot water and forced air “was a disaster” and eventually had to be replaced. An elaborate whole-house sound system turned out to be too complicated. “That technology has evolved nicely over the years,” he said. On the other hand, a cutting-edge insulation method at the time saved a lot on energy costs and still does. As clients, Tom and Nelia Padgett were no different from any other homeowner. “You cannot keep yourself from letting every decision be far more earth-shattering than it really is,” Tom said. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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5 5. Contemporary and creative, the master bedroom features luxurious window treatments, grass cloth wallcovering and a leopard print carpet.
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6. Mottled bronze fixtures grace the master bath. The countertop is cultured marble, which was a new style at the time this house was built in 1994 (when granite was entirely too expensive). The master bath also has plenty of mirrors and good lighting, as well as his and her closets.
Tom Padgett has always loved contemporary houses, with lots of angles, sharp lines and an open floor plan. “When I started building in 1984 I thought I could establish a niche in contemporary homes since the prominent builder of those in Lexington was retiring,” he said. He soon discovered that very few Lexingtonians wanted that particular type of architecture in the 1980s, so he adapted and became knowledgeable about Williamsburg Colonial. The Padgetts’ house in St. Ives is as airy and open as it is warm and inviting. The foyer opens into the great room, which has areas designated for a dining room and living room. “It works great for entertaining,” Nelia said of the open floor plan. Tom added, “I don’t think you can find a better twist of this floor plan, even today.” Since 1994, the Padgetts haven’t changed much at all in their house, as it still suits them from functional and aesthetic standpoints. They did remodel the wet bar five years ago, making it a focal point between the great room and kitchen. The great room side of the angled bar accommodates more guests—and appetizers—while the interior side of the bar houses all manner of bartending supplies. Another favorite spot to entertain is the patio, which the couple turned into an outdoor room, and accompanying courtyard. The master suite is on the main floor. Upstairs there’s a sitting room loft, with a nice view of the great room. Tom uses one of the two second-floor guest bedrooms as a home office. The basement has two more guest bedrooms, an exercise room and full rec room, which is very much enjoyed when the couple’s four children visit and bring along eight grandchildren, who range from 7 months to 11 years old.
When family and friends aren’t around, Tom and Nelia are the only two inhabitants. There are no pets. “Our lives are too busy,” Nelia said. The Padgetts love their home and community, but they don’t travel very often. “He’s always too busy to take at least two weeks,” Nelia explained. “He has not allowed himself that privilege.” When Tom and Nelia got married in 1980, she encouraged him to do what he always wanted to do, which was build houses. Tom worked in central administration at UK for 13 years after earning his degree in sociology. In 1984 they formed Padgett Construction. A decade later they decided they would rather be married partners than business partners. “We’re two strong personalities,” Tom said. Nelia had gotten her real estate license. “I started doing more of that than the actual construction part,” she said. If they were going to be building a custom home for themselves today, Tom says he would “throw it in a bucket of water and shrink it.” Nelia would opt for a one-story house, “maybe a condo, with three bedrooms and a basement or rec room.”
HOUSE CREDITS BUILDER
Padgett Construction INTERIOR DESIGNER
KITCHEN ISLAND AND WET BAR
BC Woodworking
William Hellard, Carriage Trade Ltd.
7. Perfect for entertaining, the courtyard requires very little maintenance to keep the Japanese maple and shrubs beautiful. The Padgetts created an outdoor room off the kitchen that can be enclosed with breezy curtains. It leads to a stamped concrete patio, one of the first in Lexington, designed to look like slate.
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REAL ESTATE
by Christina Noll
BERNHEIM ARBORETUM AND RESEARCH FOREST
CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE You could travel around the world to try and find a place as special and unique as 14,500 acres of natural wonder in Nelson County, or you could simply travel an hour down Bluegrass Parkway, like I did. There I found Bernheim arboretum and research forest, with over 8,000 different types of trees and shrubs, a 600 acre arboretum, walking and hiking trails, gardens, overlooks and more—all designed to let visitors discover the wonder of nature. Once you’ve experienced Bernheim, it’s no secret why people travel from all over the world to enjoy this sanctuary of tranquility. “We’re helping people connect with nature; to learn more, see more, and be more involved with nature,” says Susan Ritter, Marketing and Communications Officer at Bernheim. Visitors can choose from an abundance of educational programs, outdoor
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exhibits and events, including monthly Full Moon Night Hikes, ECO Kids Nature Discovery Days and O.W.L.S. senior programs. Annual events, such BloomFest in May, the Family Picnic in July, or ColorFest in October, are all visitor favorites. “We have programs designed for all ages and to help every individual get more involved with nature,” says Ritter. Even aside from the programs, Bernheim offers so much to see and experience, a person could visit again and again and never tire of new discoveries. Over 32 miles of natural, shale and paved trails offer adventure at all levels of difficulty and distance for hiking, biking or just a leisurely stroll. I personally enjoyed the Rock Run Loop, a three quarter mile loop that took us over and around a rocky creek bed where we met a new turtle friend. Another visitor favorite, Canopy Tree Walk, took us on an easy stroll out among the treetops, a breathtaking 75 feet over the forest floor. Once you’ve tired of hiking, there are plenty of charming places to sit and observe nature, or enjoy a picnic. The beautiful sustainably designed, LEED certified visitor’s center features a café, gift shop and an outdoor exhibit by the artist in residence. During my visit, the artist was Patrick Dougherty and his creation was a large scale stick house, complete with windows and doors, made entirely from natural materials found at Bernheim, including willow saplings, sweetgum and maple. To say it was impressive is a massive understatement.
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“Art was very important to our founder, Isaac Bernheim,” explains Ritter. “It was just one of the things he was very interested in, so when he gave the park to the people of the region, he wanted to have an art component.” Today, visitors enjoy a variety of artistic features, from the still life art in the gardens and on the grounds, to the artist in residence, which brings in different artists, to temporary display features. “The art displays bring in something new and that gets people thinking in a different way about nature,” says Ritter. And it’s not an appreciation exclusive to adults. The unique children’s garden brings even the smallest visitors closer to nature, with a combination of nature-based play areas and traditional playground features. Other things you won’t want to miss are Lake Nevin and the sunset amphitheatre, Garden pavilion, Quiet Garden, and Two Ponds Loop where you can see Bernheim’s internationally known Hubbuch Holly collection, with over 300 types of hollies. At the end of the day, visitors to Bernheim will not just be exhilarated and more connected to nature; they will be planning a return visit. Truly not to be missed: Bernheim Forrest is located 25 miles south of Louisville in Clermont, Kentucky. Open daily from 7 am until sunset; admission is free on weekdays and $5 per carload on weekends and holidays. Call 502-955-8512 for more information or visit www.bernheim.org.
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