More Kentucky...

On yet another chilly and windy day we took a drive out to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, home of the Kentucky Shakers, the third largest Shaker community in the United States between 1805 and 1910.  With 34 original structures, the site is home to the country's largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky.  The buildings are surrounded by 3,000 acres of conserved farmland, native prairies, forests and wetlands along with 33 miles of trails for hiking and horse riding.  Several of the buildings have been renovated into hotel suites and they also have a farm to table restaurant along with several gift shops.

Broom making machine

Shakers made and sold brooms

Seed boxes

The washroom (above) where they did laundry had an indoor well (below)

Wheelchair

Sewing machine

On the Shaker property as well as on much of the surrounding farmland we saw rock walls/fences.  The masons of Ireland and Scotland perfected the building of stone fences, buildings, and other structures. In the 18th and 19th centuries these masons came to the United States and built many of the fences in Kentucky and taught their craft to people in the area.  These walls are dry stone walls meaning they were laid free-handed with no mortar.

Also on the property is a farm and garden.

Sheep and goats

Pigs keeping warm

Cows

Roosters and ducks

In nearby Versailles is The Kentucky Castle.  Rex and Catherine Martin began construction on the castle after a trip to Germany where they were inspired by the architecture.  The home was to have 7 bedroom, 15 bathrooms, a fountain in the driveway and a tennis court.  In 1975 the Martins divorced and left the castle unfinished. It was sold and renovations were completed in 2008.  It now has 12 luxury suites, a library, game room, music room, dining hall, ball room, swimming pool, formal garden, and sport courts.  It is used as a tourist inn and for weddings and special events.  It was voted most beautiful hotel in Kentucky by Architectural Digest and most romantic restaurant in Kentucky by Reader's Digest. It is a beautiful building and the meal after the tour was delicious.

The back of the castle

Each corner houses a 2-story suite

The ceiling in the foyer

The ballroom

Rooftop dining for special events

On March 12 we woke to our second snow in Georgetown.  This time it snowed about 4".  Hopefully that's the last snow of this YEAR!

Next we visit distilleries in the area.