Keepers of the Castle

An exciting new chapter for a Kentucky landmark

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung

A fascination with storybook castles is not exclusively the domain of little girls. Proof positive is the cadre of professional adult men who collaborated to acquire Castle Post, the medieval-inspired castle on the hill that continues to fascinate passersby on Versailles Road in Woodford County since construction began in 1969. This past July, with the literal keys to the castle in hand, the new owners immediately set about transforming the property into their interpretation of a modern manor, and The Kentucky Castle was reborn.

Owners Ryan Dawson, Danny Bramer and Matthew Dawson

Their first order of business was elevating the interiors out of the Middle Ages and into the present day. Under the direction of Ryan Dawson, one of the property’s five owners, overtly thematic elements were swept away in favor of more ethereal elegance. In November, just four months after taking over, Architectural Digest recognized The Kentucky Castle as the Commonwealth’s most beautiful hotel as part of an article titled “The Most Beautiful Hotel in Every State in America”.

Two of the other partners— Danny Bramer and Matthew Dawson—are physicians, and they have made developing a comprehensive property-to-plate experience a priority. According to Matthew Dawson, a food labeled “organic” by the USDA may still be grown or processed with the aid of synthetic substances. “It’s not enough to know where your food comes from, you need to know what you eat eats, and get to know a farmer and their philosophy,” he added.

There are approximately 55 acres surrounding the castle, which eventually will be home to a working farm able to help supply the on-site Castle Farms restaurant. At present, construction is complete on a chicken coop; several beehives are in place and awaiting the arrival of their tenants; lavender plants and grapevines are planned for the castle’s “front yard” (which will provide a four-senses experience for guests in the turret rooms); and in March, a mycologist from Oregon State University will visit the property to help lay the groundwork for cultivating French black truffles. “It really speaks to the level of quality ingredients we want to be able to provide to the restaurant,” said Matthew Dawson.

In the interim, Castle Farms executive chef Jason Walls, a soft-spoken native of Wilmore, who also operates a small farm in Frankfort, works with local producers to procure the best of what’s local. “Jason is absolutely incredible with fresh ingredients,” said Bramer, who added that Walls earned the job after making a spot-on and on-the-spot dinner for the owners at Matthew’s home using the random ingredients contained in his weekly CSA box.

Castle Farms Executive Chef Jason Walls with his wife Tiffany and their daughter Ava

The menu changes seasonally, and Walls, whose wife is a vegan, is conscious of including vegetarian options, and can also accommodate special requests with advance notice. “We want everyone who walks through the door to be treated like the family we like,” Dawson said with a laugh.

Complimenting Walls’ outstanding cuisine is a thoughtful wine, spirits and cocktail program, developed in part with Tim Knittel, a certified Executive Bourbon Steward through the Stave & Thief Society, who serves as the Bourbon Steward-in-Residence for The Kentucky Castle. The cocktail menu will also rotate with the seasons. At the height of summer, for instance, cocktails will become more berry-forward and incorporate native Kentucky spirits and ingredients whenever possible.

In addition to hosting nearly 25-30 events per month of varying size, the Kentucky Castle offers a comprehensive on-going calendar of special events, including murder mystery dinners, daddy/daughter princess dances, bourbon dinners, and a Bourbon University (led by Knittel).

Mushroom Torte

Like good knights in shining armor, the owners have developed a Kentucky Castle Fairytale program, following a request from Baily Ford (who has an aggressive form of cancer she has been battling since the age of four), to have her 10th birthday party at the castle. Making Baily’s dream of being a princess for a day come true has inspired a larger philanthropic effort to give back to the local community, as well as provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to other deserving individuals.

Chambord Extra Royale Cocktail

Although they are less than a year into their reign as the owners of one of Kentucky’s most famous landmarks, the changes made by the partners are both palpable and positive. With momentum continuing to build, there is little doubt that having fun storming the castle will become another feather in Central Kentucky’s illustrious cap.

Warm brussels sprouts salad

Castle Farms restaurant, located inside The Kentucky Castle (230 Pisgah Pike in Versailles), is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday by reservation only. For more information or reservations, visit thekentuckycastle.com or call 859.256.0322.