Kentucky Homes & Gardens Nov/Dec 2017

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

KENTUCKY HOMES

&GARDENS

Your wardrobe fits, shouldn’t your closet?

“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE CLOSET!” You should have a fabulous closet—a smartly planned personal space that makes every day easier. Closet Factory is the only Kentucky closet company to offer natural wood closets with custom paint or stain finishes, as well as state-of-the-art textured, metallic or laminate solutions. Plus, we put our lifetime warranty in writing.

Call 502.489.3901 or 859.277.0277 for a free consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com Louisville Showroom: 13010 Eastgate Park Way, Ste. 107 Lexington Showroom: 246 Walton Avenue (inside WillisKlein)

Closets | Offices | Media Centers | Wall Beds | Garages Mud Rooms | Laundries | And More ©2015 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

the art of organization

VENTFREE I VENTED GAS LOGS I GAS & WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES WOOD BURNING & GAS INSERTS I WOOD STOVES I AND MORE

Barnhill Chimney sells, installs, and repairs hearth appliances of all types.

VISIT US TODAY! Mention this ad and get $50 off a gas log set!

1123 DELAWARE AVENUE I LEXINGTON I 859 2198736 BarnhillChimney.com

www.lexfurniture.com • www.lexingtonorientalrugs.com 3024 Blake James Drive, Lexington, KY 40509 • 859-254-4412 Hours: Mon 9-8, Tues-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sun

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY OPERA THEATRE

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

OPERA THEATRE presents

March 2-4, 2018

Show Boat changed musical theatre forever with favorites, “Ol Man River”, and “Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man”.

SingletaryCenter.com • 859.257.4929

Kentucky Homes & Gardens November/December 2017 Volume 14 Issue 6

36 On the Cover:

A Home for Every Season Turn to page 36 to see more.

Photography by Walt Roycraft

Contents

14 Holiday Gift Guide 16 Cooking in Kentucky

22

Buck’s Restaurant & Bar

18 Landscapes

Enhance Your Home With Hardscapes

20 Homescapes

16

Chimney Checkup

22 Gardens

32

24

Woodland Hideaway

26 Special Feature

Luxury Fire Pits

32 Artist

18 6

20

Michelle Weston

36 A Home for Every Season 44 Holiday Magic 52 A Collection of Stories Stitched Together 63 Discovering Kentucky

Abbey of Gethsemani

KENTUCKY HOMES

&GARDENS

Published by RHP Publishing, LLC PO Box 22754 Lexington, KY 40522 859.268.0217 Publisher: Rick Phillips 1rickphillips@windstream.net

Landscape Remodeling

Associate Publisher: Carolyn Rasnick carolyn@rhppublishingllc.com Circulation and Distribution: 1rickphillips@windstream.net Account Executives: Lexington/ Central Kentucky Rick Phillips 859-268-0217 • 1rickphillips@windstream.net Mimi Leet 859-797-6305 • mimileet@windstream.net Louisville Zach Lorenzen 317-441-3643 • zachary.lorenzen.khg@gmail.com Editors: Rick Phillips, Carolyn Rasnick Senior Associate Editor: Kirsten E. Silven Photography: Walt Roycraft Contributing Writers: Bill Henkel Christina Noll

Heather Russell-Simmons Kirsten E. Silven

Art Direction & Design: Meghann Burnett meghann@papermeteor.com Printing: Freeport Press 121 Main St. Freeport, Ohio 43973 Kentucky Homes and Gardens is published six times a year by RHP Publishing, LLC. 859.268.0217 www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Subscription price: $24.95 for one year (six issues). Single copies: $8.

Kentucky residents add 6% sales tax.

Subscriptions and change-of-address should be sent to Kentucky Homes and Gardens, Subscriber Service Center, PO Box 22754, Lexington, KY 40522

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FIREPLACES & OUTDOOR KITCHENS Free Consultation! Call (859) 621-3691 or email Brian@Dengers.com

BCD IND. LLC

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G I F T C A R D P U R C H A S E O P T I O N S A R E I N D I V I D UA L O F F E R S A N D C A N N OT B E CO M B I N E D

bluegrasshospitality.com

(859) 885-0015

Warm up your backyard with an outdoor fire pit or fireplace.

Take a moment to review our recent projects: www.KentuckyBackyard.com

Interior Design Architecture Residential & Commercial Furnishings LEX 456 East High Street Lexington, KY 40507 859.269.2306 LOU 324 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202 502.583.2713 www.hubbuch.com

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10/19/17 3:54 PM

Holiday Gift Guide Over 30 years providing unique Kentucky-made or inspired gifts, foods, and goods for personal use or corporate gifting.

Derby Pie, Bourbon Barrel Cakes, Bourbon Balls & Modjeskas Candies. Bourbon goods, gifts & accessories, sauces, art, crafts, and much more.

3 Louisville locations.

Local delivery or nationwide shipping.

Barry Wooley Designs is a one stop shop for your holiday shopping needs!

Visit us in the NULU district for a beautiful variety of home decor and unique gift items.

We have something for everyone in your life...for him, for her and for the home!

Design services also available to spruce up your home just in time for holiday gatherings.

835 East Main Street Louisville, KY 40206 www.barrywooley.com 502-569-7101

www.atasteofky.com 800-444-0552

450 Old Vine Street Suite 205 Free private parking FULL SERVICE MASSAGE THERAPY STUDIO & SPA DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM

We have been playing dress-up on the corner of Maxwell & Upper for the last 37 years. From first dates to weddings and Derby, we have something for everyone.

We are proud to be voted your #1 boutique in Lexington and favorite place to buy a Derby hat, another year in a row!

126 W. Maxwell Street Lexington, KY 40508 www.bellarosestyle.com 859-255-2565 Hours: M,T,W,F 10-6, Th 10-7, Sat 10-5 It’s never too early to start thinking ‘home’ for the holidays—and you can get everything you need to create the perfect setting for holiday entertaining, or that perfect gift for under the tree in one stop—Digs Home and Garden in the heart of St. Matthews. If you haven’t seen our new wearables collection, the holiday season is the perfect time to see our latest addition!

4310 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40207 502-253-6922 www.centuryliving.com M-F: 10-7, Sat: 10-6, Sun: closed

Great Packages & Gifts TRIFECTA PACKAGE $180 30 min. massage plus 90 min. customized facial plus Dermaplaning treatment

TAILOR MADE PACKAGE $175 1 hour massage plus 1 hour facial plus a $20 product credit

Now Through 2017 Buy $150 Gift Package or Certificates Get $25 Gift Certificate for Yourself!

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It’s Fall in the Bluegrass and that means Fayette Gallery has been in its New Store for 2 Years! Join us for the Celebrations! Save with 20-50% off select original artwork and custom framing. Enter to win Free Art, Gift Certificates, and grab some Great Door Prizes. See you soon!

2573 Richmond Rd, Ste 380 Lexington, KY 40509

859-272-7111 www.fayettegallery.com Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm

Holiday Gift Guide Leather, Inc., located in Palomar Centre in Lexington, is the place to go for all your luggage and travel needs. For 30 years, this locally owned store has specialized in luggage for the casual as well as the business traveler.

We also carry a huge selection of briefcases and business items, including the largest selection of writing pens in the state, with over 1700 to choose from. Men’s and women’s wallets and a large selection of chess sets are just some of the great gifts you will find at Leather, Inc.

3735 Palomar Centre Drive, Lexington, KY 859-273-1382 • www.shopleatherinc.com

Mark Your Calendars!

Midway Old Fashioned Christmas Nov 4 - Dec 24, special activities every Saturday Midway Chocolate Stroll Feb 10, 10-5

www.MeetMeInMidway.com

Sara’s Oriental Rugs, llc Sara’s Oriental Rugs, LLC: Specializing in sales & service of antique, semi-antique & new rugs.

Buy • Sell • Trade • Appraise Clean & Repair ALL RUGS Integrity, Quality, & Value!

502-896-2277

www.SarasOrientalRugsKy.com

Edgy Unique Fashion Brighton • Charleston Shoes Sizes xs - 3xL Across from Hardin Memorial Hospital

S

Mon-Sat 9-5, Sunday by appointment Visit us at

3702 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40207

KHG00011 The Lamp Place_. 2/4/11 3:23 PM Page 1

ARONNA

910 N Dixie Avenue Elizabethtown, KY 42701

The Lamp Place

GET YOUR GLOW ON AT THE SKIN GROUP!

The Lamp Place offers unique lamps, fine lampshades and a large selection of finials.

We can also repair your favorite lamps or make a custom one for you.

Buying a lampshade without your lamp, Is like buying a hat without your head!

662 East Main Street

662 East Main Lexington, KY www.thelampplace.com 859-255-8717

Call today for a Holiday Gift Certificate!

Say goodbye to tired, dull skin and hello to brighter, younger-looking you!

The Skin Group is excited to announce our new ThreeForMe laser treatment to give you the best skin possible.

This all-in-one treatment only takes 30 minutes & is the proven solution to solve 3 common skin conditions— wrinkles, brown spots/redness, & facial veins—all at once!

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It’s as easy as one, two, ThreeForMe! Call today for a free consultation.

502-583-6647 444 South First Street, Ste 100, Louisville, KY 40202

WHAT’S COOKING IN KENTUCKY 1

2

Buck’s Restaurant & Bar OFFERS COMFORTABLE FINE DINING IN OLD LOUISVILLE

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography Courtesy of Buck’s Restaurant & Bar

B

uck’s Restaurant & Bar has been a much-loved fine dining destination in Old Louisville’s historic Mayflower building for more than a quarter of a century, drawing a consistently diverse, loyal and always-evolving crowd with its distinctive blend of charm and class that somehow never feels stodgy or tired.

“We pride ourselves on never being the least bit stuffy,” shared Karen Shane, who serves as sommelier, manager and special events coordinator for Buck’s. “We are always a place of celebration, no matter what the occasion.”

The experience at Buck’s has never strayed too far from old-fashioned fine dining ever since founder Hensel “Buck” Heath opened the business more than 25 years ago; even after he sold it to Curtis Rader, who shared the original vision for the space. Expect to see gorgeous white blooms including Star of Bethlehem flowers on the bar and tables at Buck’s, creating an ethereal “moon garden” effect.

And when every woman leaves the restaurant, she goes home with a white flower—just one of the restaurant’s many special touches!

Another essential component of the Buck’s family came more than 22 years ago when Rick Bartlett, a Louisville native and opera singer who also happened to be a prolific piano player, returned home from New York and began performing at the restaurant. Today, Bartlett is still a treasured part of the Buck’s fine dining experience and has become a local legend who still regularly enjoys entertaining guests as they dine or have a drink at the bar.

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Executive Chef Colter Hubsch came to Buck’s in December of 2010 after learning about the job opportunity from a close friend.

Colter has demonstrated immense talent and creativity during his time at this long-established institution on the Louisville dining scene and was recently approached by Food Network to appear on Chopped. He was raised on a large farm just outside of the Derby City and grew up visiting area farmer’s markets, which has led him to incorporate a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients into the menu at Buck’s.

“After so long, it’s hard to say exactly how much of the menu reflects my influences,” Hubsch shared. “Several of our newer dishes are mine and I contributed to many parts of the menu before I became the executive chef. If I had to guess, I’d say that about half of the current menu is either my creation or heavily influenced by me, including the pork chops, which I’ve shared here.”

As the Louisville dining scene has ebbed and flowed over the years, with a staggering array of different trends and concepts appearing and sometimes disappearing almost as quickly, Buck’s Restaurant & Bar in Old Louisville has stayed the course, remaining recognizable to longtime patrons and staying fresh for the next generation of foodies to discover.

For more information, call 502.637.5284 or visit www.buckslou.com.

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Bone-In Pork Chops with Maple Bourbon Glaze, Sweet Potato Mousse, Fingerling Potatoes & Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Topped with Smoked Gouda (2) Bone-In Pork Chops

Buck’s Restaurant & Bar hand cuts their own from Duroc pork loins.

Grill over high heat until medium, which is the best temperature for high-quality pork.

Sweet Potato Mousse

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth & creamy.

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AMOUNT INGREDIENTS 1 large Sweet Potato, peeled, diced & simmered until tender 1/4 cup Cream 1 tsp Butter A Pinch Salt 1/4 cup Real Maple Syrup White Pepper, Cinnamon & Cayenne Pepper to Taste

Maple Bourbon Sauce

Heat all ingredients in a double broiler until the cheese is completely melted, then fully emulsify in a blender.

5

AMOUNT INGREDIENTS 1 cup Shredded Smoked Gouda 1 cup Cream 1/2 cup Bourbon 1/3 cup Real Maple Syrup 1/2 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp White Pepper A Pinch Cayenne Pepper

Fingerling Potatoes

Roast fingerling potatoes in oven at 350˚ until tender.

Brussels Sprouts 1 Buck’s Restaurant & Bar has remained a beloved fixture on the Louisville culinary scene and has been located in the historic Mayflower building in Old Louisville for more than 25 years.

2 White blooms and bourbon on the bar at Buck’s help create the restaurant’s signature “moon garden” ambiance, as envisioned by founder Hensel “Buck” Heath, who is also the establishment’s namesake.

Quarter Brussels sprouts, then fry iin oil at 350˚ until golden brown.

Drain well, then toss in maple syrup, butter, salt & pepper to taste.

Spoon mousse onto the serving dish, then place potatoes & sprouts on top, followed by the pork chop.

Spoon sauce over liberally, & enjoy!

3 Executive Chef Colter Hubsch 4 The cast-iron seared Filet Mignon at Buck’s is nothing short of divine and is served with bleu cheese, bordelaise sauce, potato of the day and asparagus.

5 Some patrons come to Buck’s Restaurant & Bar in Old Louisville just to have the Crispy Fish with Hot Sweet Chili Sauce, which features tender cod sautéed in sesame oil and served over jasmine rice with bell peppers and red onions.

6

6 Bone-in pork chops with maple bourbon glaze, sweet potato mousse, fingerling potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts, topped with smoked gouda cheese. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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LANDSCAPES

1

ENHANCE YOUR HOME WITH

Hardscapes

By Bill Henkel

W

hen making landscaping plans, rarely do homeowners think of the importance of hardscapes like drives, walks, and patios. These usually come with a new home, and whether brick, concrete, stone or blacktop, owners usually take what they get without a second thought…but in landscaping, this is a mistake!

Homeowners should always consider hiring a registered landscape architect when installing or managing hardscapes.

These professionals are educated and trained in safety, site design and materials selections, will help avoid expensive mistakes, and can assist in creating the most memorable arrival and entry into a home.

The approach to a home is a first impression—the welcome mat and red carpet that speaks to friends, neighbors, and more importantly, the homeowner. A design that complements the home and paints the perfect picture is paramount to landscaping, and to do this, homeowners must consider the best materials for their hardscapes.

Consult your local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects to locate an experienced professional in your area.

When applying hardscape, one should consider the following before anything else: Safety: Are walkways clear and easy for people to navigate? Is parking manageable and does it allow for safe entry and exit?

Site Selection & Alignment: Are hardscapes located in the best place for entry and exit? Do they all flow together and complement the home?

Materials: Do the materials you’ve chosen fit your budget and complement the home and landscape?

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Bill Henkel, Partner @Henkel Denmark Leading Landscape American Society of Landscape Architects Healing and Therapy Garden Certified

1 The crushed stone drive leads visitors seamlessly to and from this home, and perfectly complements the limestone skirt that enrobes the base of the home. Photo by Walt Roycraft.

2 Cobblestone from a Boston street makes this home’s exterior and driveway a delightful view for visitors. Concrete pavers make an attractive transition between the drive and home. Photo by Walt Roycraft.

2

TYPICAL HARDSCAPE MATERIALS: BROOM FINISHED CONCRETE is durable and highly versatile, easily formed or shaped, and can be finished in many colors and textures. Concrete is a complex material and requires a professional to place. $$ BLACKTOP is durable, quiet in the landscape, and generally requires heavy equipment to install. It goes into place quickly once the subbase is ready. There are fewer options available for finish and color, and it requires an experienced contractor to install. $$ BRICK is rich and elegant with pedestrian qualities in scale. There are many options available in color, finish and shape. Patterns can be varied.

Brick can be expensive and requires an experienced mason to install. $$$ STONE is expensive, and quality local stone is not readily available or suitable for driveways. It can be combined with other materials for interesting patterns and effects. Requires a stone mason to install. $$$$$

PAVERS are mostly made of concrete. This product has evolved nicely over the last 40 years and there are many styles, shapes, colors and sizes to choose from. For the most part, they are high quality and can be used for drives, walks, patios and pool decks. Permeable pavers are also available for use in areas where water drainage is an issue. Some pavers come with salt resistance.

This is a highly versatile product that deserves greater application. $$$ CRUSHED STONE is an old standby and is most often used as a subbase for other paving materials. When starting with crushed stone, one can almost always build on top. Crushed stone is used most often in countries such as England and France around large estates and country homes. Crushed stone has a crunchy sound and easily alerts homeowners when a vehicle approaches. It is also porous and can be dusty.

Crushed stone is easy to place and shape and may require some occasional topping up or raking. $ It is possible to combine some of the above materials to create exciting effects in your paving.

Care is required in selecting and combining materials as each reacts differently to Kentucky’s freezing and thawing conditions of winter.

www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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HOMESCAPES

1

ChimneyCHECKUP

By Christina Noll Photography Courtesy of Barnhill Chimney Company

W

ith cold weather upon us, it’s nice to think about snuggling up in a cozy spot and enjoying time spent with family and friends. An indoor fire, whether wood burning or gas, adds comfort and ambiance to your home during this time. However, before you have that first indoor fire, be sure to double check that your chimney and fireplace are safe and that you have a well-maintained system.

Different types of fireplaces and chimney systems experience different types of wear that must be addressed before they are used again during cold weather. “Wood burning appliances like open fireplaces and wood stoves accumulate a deposit called creosote,” explains Brion Barnhill, owner of Barnhill Chimney Company in Lexington and CSIA Certified Chimney professional. “Creosote is a highly flammable substance and therefore needs to be removed.”

“If your chimney does not have a cap, it is very common to find that an animal friend has made a nest in your chimney,” he says. “Nests are obvious fire hazards but also prevent the safe passage of smoke to the outside.” A chimney professional certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) is trained to safely remove these deposits and inspect your fireplace and chimney.

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Wood burning fireplaces aren’t the only ones that need to be checked—gas fireplaces need to be serviced, too. “Because gas tends to burn clean, many assume that means it doesn’t need to be serviced and maintained,” Barnhill says. “Gas systems need to be maintained yearly to function optimally.” The most common issues with gas fireplaces are deteriorating or improperly placed logs, as well as carbon and other deposits that build up and impede the proper function of the system.

“The National Fire Protection Association recommends a yearly inspection of chimneys and fireplaces with cleaning maintenance and repairs to be done as necessary,” says Barnhill. Chimney professionals use a standard of care based on three levels of inspection.

Under regular use, most homes require a level one inspection, which includes examining all readily accessible portions of the chimney interior, exterior, and other accessible parts of the system. “We are looking for the soundness of the structure and the flue system and to verify that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits,” explains Barnhill.

2 3

A thorough chimney inspection also includes using a camera to see every possible angle inside. “At Barnhill Chimney, we include an inspection with a camera whenever possible,” Barnhill says. “That helps us see all the way up to the top inside your flue. Many of our clients like to watch the camera inspection. Spoiler alert, we have found some really neat stuff in chimneys, but no civil war treasure yet!”

Even if you don’t have a fireplace inside, you can still enjoy a fire and hearth outdoors using a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace. “We designed an outdoor fireplace called The Firewall Grill (patent pending) that we had on the show Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet,” says Barnhill. “Its unique design allows it to be bolted to your deck or patio.” Fire pits come in a wide range of styles and sizes, including some with laser cut designs in the sides that reflect your favorite image when a fire is lit inside.

1. The perfect home must sport the perfect chimney, installed by Barnhill Chimney Company.

2. Barnhill Chimney Company installed the twin chimneys on this stately Georgian-style home.

3 If your home doesn’t feature an indoor fireplace and chimney, try a firepit, like The Firewall Grill, designed by the team at Barnhill Chimney Company. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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GARDENS 1

1 A majestic koi joins a number of colorful goldfish in this charming pond, which is situated in the rear garden adjacent to the back door and nestled amid sweet flag ferns, papyrus and chameleon plant.

WOODLAND

Hideaway

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft

W

hen Melanie and Doug Roederer first purchased this home in 1998, the lot was overgrown with honeysuckle and poison ivy, while the rear “patio” consisted of nothing more than a tiny concrete pad and the steep grade presented its own set of unique challenges. Still, the couple could see through to a diamond in the rough and set about creating an exquisite place to call home, which included a garden they would enjoy throughout the year.

“The location in Chevy Chase close to Richmond Road is so convenient and it’s a great neighborhood,” shared Melanie. “It was nice to have a blank slate and start from scratch.”

Having come from a home of 20 years on Lincoln Avenue that had a fairly formal English garden with many flowering perennials, Doug and Melanie were focused on ease of maintenance this time around and determined to create a different type of outdoor space at their new home. The couple worked with Morgan McIlwain of M2D Design Group to come up with a basic plan for some parts of the garden, then finished the rest of the design themselves, with Doug even working to build the natural stone walls and walkways himself, while Melanie focused on the plantings.

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2

2 Leading into the forested rear garden area, this pathway is home to woodland pine and a wide variety of native ephemerals that bloom heavily each spring.

3

3 Situated just off the rear patio, this rustic carved stone birdbath was found at an art store in Louisville and is surrounded by Jack Frost brunnera, ferns and hostas.

“We learned so much from mistakes we made at our previous home, but of course we made a bunch of new ones,” she quipped. “Doug is really interested in conifers, so it seems like something is always green and vibrant in every season.”

Concrete pavers create a wide, meandering walkway with a distinct organic feel that winds through the rear garden, while two of the natural stone walls built by Doug weave through the mature plantings along the hillside, creating a second tier above the main lawn and a third beyond that, which is wilder and home to a variety of hardwoods, Buckeyes, Japanese maples and numerous perennials.

“The garden is quite low-maintenance after the spring push to get everything ready,” shared Melanie. “We get to just sit back and enjoy it.”

Which is easy to imagine, considering the privacy afforded by the mature plantings and the lush, tranquil, almost forested feel of the home’s outdoor spaces. From deep winter through early spring, summer, fall and in between, this prolific, well-established garden provides endless diversity of texture and color, always waiting to be discovered and framing every view. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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4

5 4 Situated just above a colorful koi and goldfish pond, this inviting pathway leads to the rear garden and highlights the property’s magical woodland feel, with crocosmia, hostas, climbing Chinese hydrangea, viburnum and Silberlocke (Korean fir) all visible here.

5 This view shows the lush, mature rear garden in all its glory, making the most of the grade change and offering an irresistible array of textures with subtle pops of color throughout. A vivid pink hydrangea is visible here, along with a variety of hostas, ferns, azaleas and Japanese blood grass.

6 This view of the rear garden’s second tier showcases the natural stone walls that homeowner Doug Roederer built to create a second and third tier that works with the lot’s steep grade.

Here a Coral Bark Japanese maple is visible in the foreground, followed by an array of perennials, barberry, arborvitae, lilacs and Bottlebrush buckeye.

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6

8 Viewed from the rear garden’s third and wildest tier, the Roederer garden appears to wrap itself lovingly around the home, creating a true oasis for the couple to enjoy. Here, umbrella pine is just barely visible, while blue spruce, Bloodgood Maple, crocosmia, hostas and an old chimney pot the couple found at Joe Ley Antiques in Louisville also make an appearance.

7 9

8 8 This Silberlocke (Korean fir) cone lends a festive touch, no matter what time of year it may be.

9 A weeping Blue Atlas cedar creates a fanciful focal point just to the right of the home’s front door and is accompanied here by sweet potato vine, begonias, Helen Von Stein Lamb’s Ear and a crepe myrtle. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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TURNING UP THE HEAT:

Luxury Fire Pits

By Kirsten E. Silven

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an ultra-warm sunken fire patio with a linear stone fire pit opposite a 1 Featuring mountain-style cabana that is winterized and complete with a full kitchen and

bar, dining area, change rooms and a bathroom, this dazzling outdoor area also boasts a pool house, kids’ play areas and hot tub, along with multiple dining and lounging spaces and an outdoor kitchen. Photo courtesy of Darren Bosch Architectural Photography. Landscape design by The Landmark Group.

www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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T

he task of transforming any outdoor area into a usable space presents a set of challenges that are always unique to each project, but regardless of whether it also incorporates a pool, patio, deck or some other type of open-air living area, a fire pit is one element that remains in style year after year.

“Fire pits add a very social element to any outdoor space,” shared Dave Miller, owner of Nature’s Expressions. “They are also a great way to extend the season, or take advantage of a stellar view.”

A fire pit can be used to create a focal point that is slightly remote but still connected to the home’s other outdoor living areas and is also strong enough to stand on its own in a smaller space. During the summer months, some outdoor fire pits can even double as planters for seasonal blooms and also provide additional seating for entertaining. Others are designed to provide just the right amount of heat for different times of the year, with easy-on, easy-off controls that make starting a fire as easy as pushing a button.

“We’ve also seen a move toward changing the height of available fire pits, including raising them to table height or lowering them to a true coffee table height,” shared Faye Schimke, store manager at Housewarmings. “Incorporating additional lighting into the base is another big trend, and in Lexington we’ve seen a growing demand for smaller fire pits to complement compact outdoor living areas.”

The ongoing popularity of fire pits in open-air living spaces is not really surprising, since fire is not only warm and comforting, but also

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mesmerizing! Flickering flame can set the mood for a space in a way that other elements struggle to do, and today’s wide range of outdoor fire pit shapes, styles, heights and colors provides an endless array of options for homeowners to consider.

“First, it’s important to decide whether a gas fire pit or a more traditional wood-burning design will work best,” shared Rich Thompson of R.W. Thompson Landscaping. “Our custom designs are built from natural stone and have very few limitations when it comes to style.”

Regardless of its design, a fire pit can also provide an excellent place from which to take in the surrounding views, whether those are urban or bucolic. Today, homeowners are spending more time outside at home entertaining and simply relaxing after a busy day, so the trend has been toward ease of use and low maintenance options, as well as fresh ideas when it comes to shape and size.

“I’ve seen a shift from traditional gas logs to the use of crushed media like lava rock or glass,” shared Brian Denger, owner of BCD Industries. “Round and square designs are still the most requested, but linear styles are swiftly growing in popularity as well.”

No matter what the look and feel, a well-designed, beautifully accented fire pit will add time to the use of Kentucky outdoor living spaces, which already enjoy extended fall and spring seasons that often bring with them unpredictable shifts in temperature. By incorporating a fire pit into an outside space, you will gain more time to watch the seasons change in comfort and to entertain in style.

3 2 This custom fire pit was designed by architect David J. Wade and fabricated in Arizona. It features a painted steel base with a granite top, while its placement offers an incredible evening view of the surrounding countryside, as well as the home’s cantilevered living room from the pool patio. Photo by Bill Timmerman Photography.

3 Offering a true outdoor living room experience, our primitive instinct to gather around the fire takes a modern approach here, with the fire pit serving as a centerpiece that combines form and function with 90-degree angles of copper and steel, mirroring each other to allow the negative space to sculpt the linear form.

The center plane of limestone and river rock houses a sliver of flame protected by glass blades, while the metal, stone and glass design complements the materials used structurally throughout the home, as well as its architecture.

Sofa, chairs and ottomans by Sutherland. Rocking chairs and side tables by Kettal. Furniture fabrics by Clarence House and pillow fabrics by Perennials. Photo courtesy of Vance Fox Photography. Design and installation by Anita Lang, Principal, IMI Design.

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4 Appearing to meld seamlessly with the forest and surrounding treetops, this stunning multi-level deck, pool and fire pit area creates a true outdoor playground for adults, featuring a beautiful wood railing with Feeney CableRail stainless steel cable infill and gently curving lines to create an organic look and feel. Photo courtesy of Bob Kiefer, Decks by Kiefer.

5 A rounded design creates a picturesque conversation space for this outdoor fire pit area, which features Umbriano® pavers, Rivercrest® wall seating and a fire pit with series 3000® accent stone. Photo courtesy of Unilock™.

5 www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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6 6 The Boardwalk fire table by The Outdoor Greatroom Company is shown here with their Tan Chat chairs and features a 12-inch by 24-inch UL listed stainless steel Crystal Fire™ burner. The multi-level design is White Onyx Supercast concrete on top of Taupe composite decking, while the base is Black powder-coated metal. Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Greatroom Company and Housewarmings.

7 Taking full advantage of the location’s sweeping poolside vistas, this enchanting steel and gas fire pit has a porcelain tile top that can double as extra table space and is done in a Coastal Grey finish, flanked by a Creighton sectional and club chair by O.W. Lee. Photo courtesy of O.W. Lee.

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8 The Weston Stone® fire pit by Belgard is ideal for those who prefer a cleaner, more contemporary look. Belgard’s Weston Stone® Universal Kit offers a pleasing visual alternative to some of the more textured products and is available in five popular color blends developed to complement most Belgard paving stone and retaining wall types.

Here, it serves as an excellent addition to a cozy open-air living area that also includes a pergola and outdoor kitchen. Photo courtesy of Belgard.

9 This versatile masonry and gas fire pit is part of an expansive outdoor living area that includes a swimming pool, covered deck and several patios. The fire pit is remote enough to serve as its own space, but also connected to the rest of the outdoor living areas.

During warmer summer months, the wide rim provides additional seating and a place to rest drinks or plates of food, while the easyon-easy-off design makes it a go-to feature from fall through early spring. Photo, design and Installation by Nature’s Expressions.

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10 The Outdoor Greatroom Company’s Tuscany Pergola lends instant elegance to this space and is crafted from glass fiber with reinforced concrete columns and ponderosa pine wood beams in a mocha stain. The dining height Colonial fire table features a 20-inch-round UL listed stainless steel Crystal Fire™ burner.

The top is made from marbleized Noche Supercast concrete and the table has a Dora Brown fiberglass base. Shown here with Empire dining chairs. Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Greatroom Company and Housewarmings.

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ARTIST

HOW GLASS INVITES A SENSE OF

Fluid Introspection

By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography courtesy of Michelle Weston

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ifteen years ago, artisan glass blower Michelle Weston moved to Berea by way of graduate school at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio; undergraduate school at Hastings College in Hastings, Neb.; and New Zealand where she was born. “I grew up in a small Nebraska town of 300 people, but I was aware of Berea,” she said. “When I was in grad school, I traveled up and down Interstate 75 for art fairs, and that’s how I rediscovered this craft community.”

Berea Tourism is an active organization that promotes craft studios and galleries, as well as classes and special events to draw locals and tourists to the area. “The focus on experience tourism allows people to take classes in studios,” explained Weston. “Folks aren’t limited to buying a souvenir when they visit here, they have the ability to take a lesson, experience the craft and create a work of art to take home and share.”

Visitors to Weston Glass Studio are welcome to browse the retail gallery where three large viewing windows look into the work space. There, the artist keeps a 2,000-degree electric furnace. Practicing traditional glass working techniques, Weston uses a stainless-steel pipe to pull liquid glass from the bottom of the furnace. “I use glass from a Swedish company because it is specifically made to be worked by hand, meaning it stays pliable through a wide temperature range. It’s also incredibly clear and crisp with no blue or green overtones.” Frit, or granular crushed glass, is used to add color in glass blowing.

Beginning with the same glass from Sweden, a German company mixes in metal oxides to create colored glass pieces of various sizes that Weston uses in her studio. Tools like a block, “It looks like half a sphere with wooden handles,” explained Weston, can be used to guide the shape while the glass is blown. Sheers are used to shape, direct and cut glass.

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In addition to physical tools, Weston also works with gravity and centrifugal force to create paperweights, ornaments, pumpkins, snowmen and decorative pieces. “The speed at which you spin glass lets you create wide and shallow forms. Gravity is where you get long, flat and narrow forms,” she said.

Natural forms, especially sea creatures, are of most interest to Weston. “I like the fluidity of those shapes.” For her, the smoothness of glass is an extension of that fluidity.

Glass also allows her to focus on light, an interest she first explored as a painter. “With watercolor, I was interested in how light is reflected and transmitted,” she said. “The attraction to this craft was layering colored glass like layering water color.”

“With my work, I’m trying to convey a feeling of wonder, of introspection,” explained Weston. She believes that intention is why dichroic glass paperweights are one of her most popular items. “Dichroic glass displays different colors in the light using a thin coat of metal, like gold or chromium or magnesium, on the glass. It was originally made for the aerospace industry, then adopted by artists in the 1980s and 90s. I use it in the starfish for my glass work.”

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Weston’s made to order wholesale work can be found in galleries along the coast in places like Florida and the Carolinas. Her art is also available in her studio and at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

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6 4 Glass blower Michelle Weston attaches two pieces of hand-sculpted glass to create a seahorse sculpture. “I made the body of the seahorse first and held it in a kiln at 1000 degrees,” she explained. “The scalloped shell base is still connected to a blowpipe. To add the seahorse, I use sheers to wrap the tail to the base, you can see the high temperature of the glass by the orange color in the photo.” The finished piece stands 7-inces tall.

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5 Hand-blown Glass, Various Sizes Ranging from 4”-7” The bodies of these snowmen were shaped with jacks, a glass blowing tool reminiscent of a pair of tweezers used to pinch hot glass. By heating the tip of pipe, Weston used cane glass to “draw” the addition of the buttons, eyes and noses. Colored frit created the colors in the hats and scarves which were stretched by gravity and attached with sheers.

6 Sculpted Glass, 8” “The jellyfish are illusions created by layering colors of glass,” said Weston, who started from the center and worked her way out to the surface. “The trick is to not touch them with tools. You have to manipulate the angle of the pipe and use gravity.” The tentacles were created by stretching colored glass.

7 Hand-blown Glass, 4” “This sample of giftware is an early production piece,” Weston said. Shaped by hand with tweezers, the handle was designed to resemble the tendril of a plant.

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8 Sculpted Glass, 5” Although sea creatures are a popular theme of Weston’s paperweights, she considered this particular piece more of an abstract sculpture.

“Instead of a smooth dome or globe shape associated with paperweights, this form mimics the ripples of water, which you clearly see in its reflection in the picture.” The visual elements within the sculpture are made with murine. The murine begin as a rod of glass with colors. When those rods are sliced into cross-sections, the resulting pieces are murine. Weston sets selected murine on a steel table in a particular pattern, then picks them up with hot glass.

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A HOME FOR EVERY

Season

By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft

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in a small, welcoming gated community in Lexington’s 1 Situated popular Hamburg area, this charming home sits on a park-side lot that backs up to a picturesque green space and gazebo.

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2 A double door of glass, iron and knotty alder is adorned with tasteful holiday garland, providing a welcoming introduction to the Collier home’s posh entryway, which also features a stunning antique buffet that belonged to Rhonda Collier’s great grandmother.

3 Flooded with golden sunlight every morning, this classic “sitting room” is one of Rhonda Collier’s favorite spaces. The muted blue hue on the walls works wonders with the complementary blend of colors, textures and custom fabrics, creating an inviting place to relax with a book or visit with friends.

4 A noble, golden-hued reindeer and holiday garland in muted jewel tones adorn a stunning antique buffet in the home’s elegant entryway.

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uilt in 2014 in an intimate gated community in Lexington’s thriving Hamburg neighborhood, this delightful home is designed to ease owners Bill and Rhonda Collier into their later golden years and offers a trouble-free lifestyle that is perfect for the couple’s large family. Decorated here for Christmas by Rhonda with some help from Dwayne Anderson of House by JSD Designs, the home is a study in practical elegance, with just enough whimsy to keep it interesting.

“I enjoyed collaborating with my sister Sherry McEwan on some aspects of the home’s interior design and handled the rest myself,” Rhonda shared. “Having worked as a contractor in the past, I’ve always had a love for the design process.”

From the moment of entry, it’s apparent that every inch of this home has been considered, from the tasteful crown molding, custom cabinetry and woodwork throughout, to the three-inch-wide white oak wood flooring and flexible color palette, nothing has been overlooked. The heart of the home lies in the open-plan kitchen, dining room and great room, which provides ample space for the Collier’s large, 13-person family to gather and spend time over the holidays and throughout the rest of the year.

As for the Christmas decorations, they blend seamlessly with everything that remains year-round, seeming to be part of the everyday décor, not merely placed upon it as seasonal items so often are.

“I’ve kept the holiday décor simple and subtle so it complements the existing look and feel,” shared Rhonda. “Many of the items I’ve even made myself over the years.”

Notable changes to the home’s original plans include the addition of windows over the built-ins found flanking the fireplace in the great room, as well as a larger window facing the front walkway, which together allow even more natural light to flood the space. All doors in the home measure eight feet in height and other custom touches abound, such as decorative tile on the kitchen backsplash and in the master bath, as well as a masterfully-designed laundry room built to Rhonda’s specifications.

Offering a first-floor master bedroom suite, a guest suite for caretakers in case that ever becomes a necessity and enough style to satisfy even the most discerning tastes, this enchanting abode is sure to provide many more years of lasting enjoyment for this close-knit family.

“I didn’t want a sense of real formality in the home’s main living areas,” Rhonda stated. “Instead, I wanted it to feel timeless.”

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5 The open floor plan in the great room and dining room also includes the kitchen, which is not pictured here but also opens to this space. It is ideal for entertaining and visiting with the Colliers’ large family of 13, but foregoes any semblance of stuffy formality in favor of a casual yet sophisticated style that permits ample opportunities for creativity in the design. A 10-foot coffered ceiling and repurposed hutch that was hand painted in bright turquoise by Vivian Cox lend structure and focus to the space, which also features built-in bookshelves and opens to a large screened-in porch.

5 6 This view of the great room shows the subtle grace of Rhonda Collier’s Christmas décor, which includes a gorgeous tree, subdued garland over the fireplace and a variety of other appropriately-themed accessories, including a collection of Santas perched atop the custom built-in shelving.

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7 Three-inch-wide white oak flooring with a medium walnut stain and a cheerful neutral color palette on the cabinetry creates a welcoming feel in the home’s custom kitchen, which opens to the dining room and great room beyond and features an auburn stain and black glaze on the distressed center island. A collection of snowmen on the countertop lends a festive touch that can outlive the limited Christmas season, while a glittery tree and wreath create a holiday-themed centerpiece on the natural quartzite island.

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8 8 Featuring ornaments, garland and other finds from House by JSD Designs in Lexington, the faux tree is Rhonda Collier’s own dazzling creation. Awash with tones of gold and silver, bright pops of color here and there work with the beautifully-wrapped gifts just waiting to be opened on Christmas morning, creating a timeless scene.

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9 The master bath continues the inviting elegance of this beloved home, featuring basket-weave tile around the tub and in the shower, travertine on the whirlpool tub and floor, with one large mirror stretching above the entire length of the counter and double sinks, which also makes room for a vanity and treasured antique bench that once belonged to Rhonda Collier’s great grandmother.

10 10 Situated just off the garage, the laundry room is a study in functional design, with ample desk space, a stainless-steel farmhouse sink and plenty of storage, leaving room for a bit of holiday cheer on the counters and chair back. A bright neutral tone dubbed “Buchram Binding” by Sherwin Williams adorns the walls, while dove grey custom cabinetry and granite countertops work with the ceramic tile and bright pops of turquoise on the window treatment and seat covering to complete the look.

HOUSE CREDITS BUILDER Justice Builders

COUNTERTOPS Quality Stone Countertops

HOUSE PLANS MBM Design

CHRISTMAS DÉCOR Dwayne Anderson, House by JSD Designs

CABINETS Burns Custom Cabinetry WINDOW TREATMENTS Tapestries Closet & Window Designs

LIGHT FIXTURES Brecher’s Lighting PAINT Sherwin Williams

Interior Yardage

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the front staircase, a lit garland is made possible using a 1On plug that Joe installed just this past year for this purpose. Going up

the stairway are reproduction Audubon prints. The floor was also laid

by Joe and then distressed and stenciled with the crisscross pattern. The wall covering is a handmade paper from Colorado that came in 18x24 inch sheets, which Joe tore so the edges were ragged and then installed piece by piece. “It was almost like decoupage rather than wallpapering,� he says.

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HOLIDAY

Magic

Blending a mix of classic and whimsical, the Richardson’s find joy in turning their home into a Christmas showcase each year.

By Christina Noll Photography by Walt Roycraft

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2 2 A traditional green wreath features tiny gold balls glued to the end of each pine needle and welcomes visitors to the Richardson home. “The wreath is 25 years old, but we decorate it differently every year,” says Joe. The golden theme is completed with large, over scaled gilded acorns at the top of the garland and all gold roping and gold ornaments.

3 In the living room, soft greens and golds work together with the neutral palate and is offset by a garland with purple and lavender accent colors. The tree has a twisted icicle, which gives dimension as opposed to just hanging down. The sleigh and reindeer on the fireplace started as simple brown craft pieces until the Richardson’s adhered tiny beads all over them to make them seem golden. The federal style mirror with gilded eagle hanging above the mantel belonged to Joe’s great uncle. It is balanced by the brass coffee table, one of the first things the couple bought together 40 years ago when they got married.

4 Elfin Santa’s by Mark Roberts decorate the lit garland on the half banister in the front hall staircase. They are part of a collection of many different Santa’s the Richardson’s have collected over the years, both large and small.

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“We change it based on how we feel,” he says. Most years, the couple has a total of four trees in the house, including one in the living room, the family room, the study and a 10-foot tree in the sunroom.

Their current home is a 35-year-old, federal style two story with wings on either side of the central living space. At approximately 3300 square feet, the home includes four bedrooms, living room, family room, study and garden with a brick patio in the back. The Richardson’s bought the house while it was under construction and are the only owners. Now that both of their sons are grown, they have the large house to themselves.

Accumulating enough supplies to adequately decorate such a large home can be expensive, however the Richardson’s express that it’s doable if you invest in a little bit every year, over time. “Through the years we have bought and collected enough to decorate three homes,” Joe says. Then, each year, think of using the items in different ways. This makes it not only seem fresh to you, as a homeowner, but also anyone who comes in your house. “If you have enough product to work with, you can create anything you want,” explains Joe. “Every year I start different ways. We don’t just take it down and put it up in the same location. It’s sort of rediscovering things you haven’t used in a few years and thinking, oh I enjoy that so I’m going to incorporate that this year.”

or Joe and Debbie Richardson, decorating their home for Christmas is a festive occasion. Their love of decking the halls began as a way to turn a sad event into something joyous. Joe’s father died in a previous home on Christmas Day, making it difficult to celebrate the holidays there and prompting the Richardson’s to buy their current home. “I think I overdo Christmas to compensate for that sad time,” explains Joe. “We have a lot of different people here during the holidays. It keeps your mind on the fun part.”

Throughout the house, the Richardson’s have made improvements over the years, adding their own unique style to the traditional style home. The love of creating and designing spaces holds true when it comes to decorating for the holidays. “We always enjoy buying all the different components and then making the decorations together,” says Joe. Some years the couple chooses a theme in gold, others in red and some it may even be pulsating white lights.

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5 Polar bears collected from several locations adorn the seven-foot round dining table, surrounded by Chippendale style dining chairs upholstered in brown mohair. The chandelier used to hang in the oldest African American church in Simpson County, where Joe grew up. The Dupioni silk curtains are offset by copper and gold gilded garlands featuring magnolia leaves and glass ornaments. Joe painted the landscape theme mural himself. “The mural was multi-colored and when we re-did the dining room several years ago, I painted over it in a sepia tone for a brown and neutral tone,� he says.

6 The Richardson’s remodeled the kitchen about five years ago and removed the soffit over the island to expose the joists and create an effect of more height in the room. They also installed an oversized island with granite countertops and a cork floor, which is comfortable to stand on while cooking. The cabinets, which used to be exposed wood, are made new with a five-step prime, paint, distress and glaze technique that Joe did himself. A new hutch, stained to look older, supplies space for barware.

To make the space more festive, fresh pepper berries stand out on the window sill, while glass Christmas trees and antiqued snowmen make a scene on the island.

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9 7 In the study, Christmas comes alive with a traditional multi-colored tree and an abundance of Christopher Radko ornaments.

A pierced cut out metal screen covers the working fireplace (one of three in the home), and the mantel is topped with garland featuring glitter red ribbon with traditional ornaments. The Santa and reindeer are from the gift shop at Keeneland from about 20 years ago.

8 In the family room, the Richardson’s went with a rustic, woodland theme that includes a Christmas tree adorned in all kinds of little handmade animals, made out of pine and dried materials, and acorns. An antique corner cabinet is decorated with pine and little owls and the fireplace is covered in pine cones and dried materials with twinkle lights, along a forest-land Santa Claus.

Normally there is access to the doors, however the Richardson’s re-arrange the room for winter so that everything is focused on the fireplace for a cozier feel.

9 A tiny hedgehog, made of pine cone seeds, dried grass and burlap, lives among the nature themed tree in the family room.

He’s part of many woodland creatures on the tree, including deer, elk, armadillos and rabbits, all done with natural fibers.

The ribbon on that tree is also burlap.

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A

Collection OF STORIES Stitched TOGETHER

By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography by Walt Roycraft

1 1 Washington Square is an area Michael wanted to live in years before the Hoskins’ moved there in 1995.

“When I was a young designer, I was called to help a woman who lived in one of these,” he said. “And I said to Deb, ‘If we could ever live there…’” Twenty years later, Deb and Michael were looking for an apartment for their daughter as she prepared to move for college. “It was Father’s Day,” said Michael.

“We saw a For Sale sign here, called a friend in real estate and it was done by Wednesday.”Now residents on Washington Square, Deb decorates the building entry hall.

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n first impression, it is obvious that Deb and Michael Hoskins are collectors. English and Continental antiques, Italian Florentine frames, embroidery, English porcelain, MacKenzie-Childs accessories and needlepoint are just a few of their interests. Yet, as the Hoskins talk, it becomes clear that their collections are more than the items in their home. Their collections are the stories that each piece tells, the memories shared during 45 years of marriage.

At Christmas, their story begins when guests first walk up to their 1,750 square foot condominium on Louisville’s Washington Square.

Deb said the front door wreath, which includes her European style needlepoint ornaments, “Let’s you know what you’re in store for.”

Michal agrees, “It’s an amuse-bouche!”

That small taste of the couple’s style continues in the entry, where a collection of English miniature porcelain fills a small antique bookcase. “The tea cups and saucers have no specific scale,” explained Michael. “They are representative of actual porcelain patterns that were made into dinner services.”

Antiques and needlepoint are intermingled throughout the home.

The back of a 19th century blue Oriental embroidered robe and its two sleeve liners make up a trio of framed pieces in the sun room. Sitting on an 18th century pine overdoor is Deb’s collection of seven needlepoint Santas, each representing a different country the couple has visited.

“When it comes to holiday decorating,” explained Deb, “Michael’s advice is to take nothing away but freely incorporate and embellish.”

In that spirit, 12 snowmen, each framed with a poinsettia border, are hung in the sun room windows the week before Thanksgiving, when Christmas decorating begins. “At a needlepoint shop in Indianapolis, I saw this set of snowmen—one for each month of the year.

I thought a few would be cute, but Michael said to get them all!”

Additional needlepoint snowmen also join to the sun room as part of the holiday decorations. “I tuck them into the bookcases and hang some from the chests and door knobs,” said Deb. Deb has done needlepoint almost every day for 40 years. “When I first began, purses, belts and pillows were the norm and all done in the basket weave stitch using wool threads.” Her love of Christmas led her to focus on holiday items and provided opportunities to try new threads, fibers, stitches and embellishments. From her first needlepoint snowflake to a recent 30-inch needlepoint Nutcracker with boots stitched in patent leather thread, Michael said, “Deb’s stitchery is spectacular and a very large part of our home and our lives.” www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com

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3 Deb sees her needlepoint as a compliment to her husband’s creativity. “Michael is an interior designer for Hubbuch & Co.,” she said. “So, he gets much of the credit for our interiors throughout the year.” When it comes to holiday decorating, however, “That’s when it’s about me.” Once the couple moved into their condominium in 1995, Deb had the opportunity to make a decoration dream come true by devoting a Christmas tree to her collection of over 100 needlepoint ornaments. “We have a more traditional tree decorated with family ornaments, too,” she added.

In addition to ornaments, snowmen and Santas, Deb created a collection of 15 miniature three-dimensional buildings including a church, reindeer farm, antique shop and, of course, a needlepoint shop.

“When we travel, Michael looks for antique shops and I look for needlepoint shops,” Deb said. Every building in her collection is expertly crafted from roof to foundation and along all four sides. The town is picturesque on the dining room sideboard, sharing the room’s spotlight with two carved and gilded Italian candle burning chandeliers true to their origin. “Those chandeliers have never been wired, they only burn candles,” said Michael.

When asked to describe their style, Michael recalled a quote from Hillwood Estate, a former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Born in 1887, Post owned the company that became General Foods Corporation and was one of the first women to join the board of directors of a major American corporation. A shrewd businesswoman and dedicated philanthropist, she is remembered for her extravagant tastes, including the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia. The quote Michael fondly recalled from Hillwood was, “Minimalism is not a concept that appealed.”

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“We know our home is more formal than most, but this is how we chose to live” said Deb. “One of the things I like most about our home is how livable it is, it’s so easy for people to come over and have a good time.” Especially during the holidays.

4 2 The wreath on the front door of the Hoskins residence features four of Deb’s European style needlepoint ornaments, each on a yellow canvas. Just beyond the front door is a vibrant introduction to the home’s color palate. “Deb’s favorite colors are red and yellow, mine are blue and green,” said Michael. “The entry wallpaper into our home has all those colors; we throw it all in the moment you walk through the door.”

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3 Deb has a difficult time identifying a single favorite holiday decoration. “I like the anticipation of adding something to the collection each year. Whatever I add this year, that’s my favorite!”

One of those recent favorites is the small tree she adorned with a collection of ornaments that state encouraging words like love, believe, create. “My needlepoint inspires me,” she said.

4 With over 175 items hanging on the living room walls, it could be easy to miss one of the most sentimental pieces among the Hoskins’ collections. Resting on the oval coffee table is an 18th century tea caddy Michael used to hold’s Deb’s engagement ring when he proposed. “That’s when she should have known she was in trouble,” he said of the couple who began frequenting antique shops while they dated in college.

5 In the kitchen corner, headed toward the sun room, sits a collection of three-dimensional needlepoint treats and cookies for Santa with cinnamon drop beads.

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6 6 The kitchen’s black and white accessories are handcrafted enamelware from MacKenzie-Childs, and many of the pieces are gifts given to Deb. The seat of the Venetian style desk chair is a needlepoint pattern based on the carpet of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. “It was a pillow, but we added black ultra suede to make it a cushion,” said Michael.

7 A collection of Pearlware, an earthernware pottery made popular in the 18th century, hangs on the dining room walls. “The Chrysanthemum pattern was made between 1805 and 1820 by two different companies in England, Spode and Wedgwood,” explained Michael. “The designer was a freelance artist, so if he got into a fight with one company, he’d go down the road and work for the other.” The dining room table centerpiece is a needlepoint gingerbread house and cupcakes. “When our youngest grandson was four, he mistook a needlepoint cupcake for a real cupcake and tried to take a bite,” said Deb. The Louis the 16th style armchairs that flank the sideboard were also painstakingly needlepointed by Deb. 8 To recognize their first Christmas together, Michael’s mother made him and Deb a small, table-top ceramic Christmas tree; that gift has a permanent home here in his office that also serves as the guest room. The tole chandelier was a wedding present and has been used everywhere they’ve lived. Tole, an 18th century process of shaping enameled or lacquered metalware into decorative objects, was popular in both Europe and America.

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10 9 A love of texture and patterns comes to life in the aptly named sun room. “If you can put another pattern in the room, Michael will do it!” said Deb. In response with a laugh, Michael makes note of the paisley bordered pillow that reads, “If it doesn’t move, needlepoint it.”

10 Deb and Michael find inspiration in their trips abroad. A needlepoint canvas from Stockholm hangs on the door of the Master bedroom. Italian Florentine frames, some from trips to Europe, hold photos of their grandsons. A French antique chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Deb added the red-covered buttons on each pleat of the draperies after seeing a similar design in England. Michael wired 19th century tole French chestnut warmers into lamps. And among these, sitting in the chair to the right of the bed, is what Michael calls, “The pièce de résistance—Deb’s hand-made needlepoint and beaded handbag of a Christmas tree with its ornaments sewn on.”

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112 Ashley Woods Road

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4 Court of Champions, Nicholasville

5 Acres in an idyllic setting with views of lake and 3 golf holes from covered outdoor living spaces with fireplace! Elegant Kitchen by Cucina, vaulted Great Room with bar & wall of windows. Huge Master suite has spacious bath with huge dressing room area!

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312 Eagle Drive, Nicholasville

820 Brookhill Drive

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1414 Kentucky 982, Cynthiana

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50 Chandamere Way, Nicholasville

5000 Buggy Lane

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Gracious older, updated home in peaceful Main level living on 10 acres only 10 minutes setting. Fabulous Kitchen, Both Living & from Hamburg! Open floor plan, wonderful Dining rooms have a fireplace! Great storage. Kitchen, Great room & Spacious Master Suite.

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558 Central Avenue Handsome 2.5 story Brick Townhome: 5 BR, 3.5BA. Covered BreezewayPrivate Brick Courtyard to 2 car Garage.

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1409 Lakewood Drive Charming 3 bedroom ranch on a large corner lot.

Featuring hardwood floors throughout, enclosed sunroom, covered rear porch, full unfinished basement, 2 car attached garage and a fenced yard. $449,000 Rick Queen 859-221-3616

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1851 Sahalee Drive Sahalee Estates is a gated enclave of exceptional homes. This property sits on 20+ acres divisible to 10 acre tracts. Over 11,000 sq ft of exquisitely detailed living space. Formal Living and Dining Rooms, 2 story Great Room with a Luxury Kitchen. $1,650,000 Mary Dorval $859-494-3029 Hill Parker $859-608-8039

3323 Haley Pike Gorgeous 24 acre gated estate encompassing a 4BR, 5BA home, an in-ground pool, 3 car garage, 8 stall barn with tack room and, three pastures with auto water system.

Four board fencing surrounds the gated property. $1,639,000 Hill Parker 859-608-8039 Joan Davis 859-229-2085

1079 Jackstown Road A spectacular home, circa 1849 that has been completely redone with no expense spared. Overlooking Adena Springs Farm, one of the finest thoroughbred farms in the world. Top of the line Morton Barn, Including a formal office, 2 bathrooms, 12 stalls, multiple tack rooms and wash stalls, equipment storage, indoor training area with bull pens at each end. Outdoor ring, an additional 2328 Fords Mill Road 10 stall barn, garage apartment, and cigar bar/ The Circa 1854 estate has been lovingly restored while saloon! The main house sports a gorgeous open keeping the charm of yesteryear. Located at the end of floor plan with a gourmet kitchen, 1st floor a winding, tree lined drive and intricate brick walks. owner's suite, detailed moldings, outdoor enThe main house features 10' ceilings, ash floors, large tertainment area. 38 acres but will consider rooms, 10 fireplaces, and a first floor owner's suite with division. $1,295,000 Hill Parker 859-608-8039 2 bathrooms. The estate includes a 12 stall barn, 6 pad- Dennis Nobles 859-388-4237 docks/fields, guest house circa 1794, 3 car garage with apartment, in-ground pool, and 2 story pool house. 30 acres with additional land and barn available. $950,000 455 S. Cleveland Road Hill Parker 859-608-8039 & Betsy Lankford 859-707-9121 Super location for a 20 acre farm. The house features one floor 5235 Athens Boonesboro Road living possibilities.

Gorgeous contemporary home is nestled amongst First floor owner's trees on the palisades with outstanding views of suite, fireplace in great room, hardwoods, Boone Creek. Main floor has lots of hardwood. screened porch, attached 2 car garage, walkFeatures a stone patio on back and a covered porch out basement with full bath, separate laundry on the front of the home. The 22 acre farm sports a room on the first floor. 7 stall block barn and 4 5 stall ball, 2 tack rooms with bathroom, outdoor paddocks with wire mesh fencing. $675,000 ring, equipment building, managers house, 5 padHill Parker 859-608-8039 docks. $750,000 Hill Parker 859-608-8039

62

DISCOVERING KENTUCKY 1 1 Each year on the first Monday of September, the monks of Gethsemani mark Labor Day by processing around the workplaces of the monastery and blessing them with incense and holy water.

Abbey of Gethsemani

Set aside some time for solitude on the peaceful grounds of this community of Trappist monks.

By Christina Noll Photography courtesy of the Abbey of Gethsemani

I

magine a day, or even a week, free of the noise of daily life.

Now, imagine a lifetime. “It is rare for people today to share silence with others,” says Brother Paul Quenon OCSO of the Abbey of Gethsemani. The Abbey, located south of Bardstown in Trappist, is a monastery in the Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO), and part of the body of the Roman Catholic Church. For over 150 years, the community of Trappist monks has been sharing in silence on the beautiful and peaceful grounds.

As part of the monastic tradition of hospitality, the monks living at the Abbey welcome visitors.

For visitors, the Abbey offers the opportunity to enjoy the silence and truly listen to their hearts. “Whether one is practiced in prayer or not, there is an opportunity to come to terms with yourself and hopefully with God,” explains Br. Paul. “In the process, you may find that silence is more than a luxury, it is a necessity and essential to becoming who you are.”

Visitors can take part in this peacefulness as a day visitor, or through a longer stay (usually a few days) at the onsite retreat house. “Many people come in cars to attend Mass or Vespers on any day, or just to see the grounds and the Welcome Center and store,” says Br. Paul. The Divine Office and Mass are always open to the public at

the Abbey. Br. Paul explains that the liturgy is unusual because of its monastic practice of facing choirs and alternating verses of the psalms. “The profound bow at the end of each psalm is distinctive and impressive,” he says. “The music for the psalms and antiphons are distinctly our own, written in a plain chant style of Gregorian chant.”

Although the primary purpose of visiting the Abbey is prayer, there is also an opportunity to experience something of a way of life that has existed since the second and third centuries of Christianity. “It is to connect with a Benedictine tradition that has thrived since the end of the Roman Empire,” explains Br. Paul. “It is to sense what life can be for men who live for the transcendent and not for success, wealth and entertainment.”

More insight into the life of the monks can be found by watching the 30-minute video in the Welcome Center, filmed by a monk within our community. “There is a display of photographs, history and quotations expressing our spirituality in the foyer,” says Br. Paul. You can also explore the gift shop, which features books on spirituality, monasticism and tradition, as well as the fudge and fruitcake baked on site at the Abbey, and products from other Cistercian monasteries in America and Europe.

2 The Abbey makes a picturesque scene at dawn as the sun rises in Trappist, a small town south of Bardstown.

For a longer stay, the retreat house, which accommodates 45 people, is open all year except for one week. Approximately 8,000 to 9,000 men and women stay at the retreat house each year. “The retreats are open to adults of any religion or no religion,” explains Br. Paul. “The chief qualification is that you are willing to be quiet and open to the spirit…There is an amazing mixture of nationalities and beliefs that find a home at Gethsemani Abbey for a few days of recollection.”

During retreat, visitors spend time praying and reflecting— all in a silent space that allows for personal and spiritual growth. Long walks in the surrounding woodlands, quiet contemplation and reading classic and contemporary books in the library are some of the activities retreatants enjoy.

No cell phones, commuting, television or other distractions to keep you from truly reaching inside yourself. “You come to a sense of your center, of the true quiet self you were as a child,” says Br. Paul. “The effect is to leave you with an increased energy and sense of direction as you return to the life you set aside for a while.”

2

IF YOU GO: Hours:

January to August: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

September to November 14: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Special Hours:

November 15 to December 22: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Gift Shop Hours:

Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Holidays & Holy Days)

502-549-4406

64

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