Ashbourne Farms breaks ground on River Road Project

31 Jan Ashbourne Farms breaks ground on River Road Project

TOURISM NOTE:  Oldham County based Ashbourne Farms was established in 1937 with the marriage of W.L. Lyons and Sally Shallenberger. That year they purchased their first 150 acres of land which has become the agricultural legacy of the Brown family. Today it is a 2,250-acred third generation farm in La Grange, KY. With deep roots in agriculture, nature conservation, and the state’s bourbon legacy, Ashbourne Farms’ forebearers established the values that are the foundation of the current farm. The farm passed to the Brown’s daughter Ina Brown Bond, and then her son, Austin Musselman and his wife, Janie, who are the current owners. In Oldham County, Ashbourne Farms offers a gorgeous event space and CSA. Visit Oldham County’s Farm Tours to learn more about rural event spaces, organics, conservation, and animals farms.

By Jason Thomas – Managing editor, Louisville Business First      Jan 26, 2022

Ashbourne Farms has started construction on a marketplace and urban farm project at the former Lebanese Country Club site at 3032 River Road.

The 6,000-square-foot Haymarket, which was announced in December 2020, will feature an onsite urban garden where locally sourced, farm inspired, seasonal, healthy packaged meals, fresh produce, bakery products and other locally sourced items will be sold, an Ashbourne Farms news release stated.

The formal name will be Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms, opening in winter 2023.

Ashbourne Farms would not disclose its financial investment in the project.  Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms will support the local agro-economy and create an ecosystem promoting community-building, food quality, public health, education and greenspace, the release stated. Offerings will include a range of food and retail products, including fresh produce, refrigerated items, frozen foods, beverages, prepared grab and go foods, meat and wellness/lifestyle products.

There will also be an outdoor merchandising area for curated garden products as well as seasonal holiday items. Guests will enjoy an outdoor seating area where they will enjoy coffee or a grab and go meal.  “Haymarket at Ashbourne Farms will bring energy and vibrance, as well as an appreciation of locally sourced foods to the community,” said Austin Musselman, third generation steward of Ashbourne Farms, said in the release. “It will offer residents an opportunity to support local businesses, learn more about local agriculture and perhaps inspire a growing movement towards sustainable food sourcing.”

Photo credit:  HAYMARKET BY ASHBOURNE FARMS

The Haymarket will feature an open environment with decorative accents reflecting the rural agriculture and farm experience, the release stated. Operating seven days a week, the new project will support the local economy in a multitude of ways.

Locally sourced fruits and vegetables will be available, as well as bakery products made with Kentucky grains and milled locally, and locally roasted coffee.

The emphasis will be on local, sustainable and fresh foods prepared by a team of culinary professionals, according to the release. Locally made and stocked artisan products will also be available for purchase in a retail section. A morning drive-thru will offer an assortment of coffees and teas, fresh baked pastries and breads, ham biscuits, along with fresh juices, smoothies, bone broth and grab and go options.

In addition to the food and retail market areas, two acres of raised garden beds will support full production each season to ensure fresh produce year-round, the release stated. The greenspace on the property will provide welcoming acreage for guests to enjoy. The garden will be in full production each season to ensure fresh produce to the local communities year-round, using proven organic farming practices and techniques.

For the history of Ashbourne Farms please visit:  https://ashbournefarms.com.