Holiday Designer Show House at Chestnut Hall

Holiday Designer Show House at Chestnut Hall

December 3 – 11

New years are for new beginning’s, but don’t wait for the New Year to roll around-start a unique holiday tradition now! Many counties offer holiday home tours, but Oldham County combines one special tour and a retired thoroughbred farm. Not only will this tour give you insight on a beautifully decorated historic home in Prospect, but also offer a glimpse of the special care given to retired race horses as they live out the rest of their days in solitude and comfort for all of the hard work they have done in their lifetime.

Oldham County is best known for is its idyllic horse farms nestled along U.S. Hwy 42. The Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall, one of four horse farms featured through the Farm Tour program of Oldham County KY Tourism & Conventions, will open its doors for a Holiday Designer Show House at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall on Dec. 3-11. Visitors will experience the holidays as only Oldham County attractions can display them – through horses and iconic traditional Kentucky settings.

The historic farmhouse and grounds of Chestnut Hall will be festively decorated by talented area designers from The Cherry House, K.P. Designs, Living Spaces by Lyn, Debhelin Designs, Little Mount Lavender, Jason Jennings Designs, Abbey Custom Interiors and All Lit Up. Lauri Bridges Jones, designer for The Cherry House in La Grange, said Chestnut Hall is a special place. “We’re all proud to be in Kentucky. The organization (TRF) does unbelievable work, and it’s a wonderful cause.” TRF, a 501(c)3 charity organization, is hosting this event. 100% of proceeds go directly to TRF.

Opened in April 2021, the 25-acre Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall is the permanent home of 11 horses from TRF’s national herd of 500 retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Founded in 1983, TRF is a national aftercare charity with a history of over 20 years of caring for retired or injured Thoroughbred racehorse in Kentucky. The organization is funded entirely by private donations. Chestnut Hall was added to the Oldham Farm Tour lineup offered through Oldham County KY Tourism & Conventions, to give tourists an up close and personal look at life after the track for these hard working horses. Additional horse farms tours that can be toured include:  Windy Meadows Horse Farm, Hermitage Farm, and Second Stride Retired Horse Farm.

“Our hope is that the attendees will be inspired and get into the holiday spirit while supporting a worthwhile charitable cause,” said Susan King, local volunteer and Publicity Chair for this event. “Built in 1864 the original Federal-style house has been updated and added onto many times over the years,” she said. “It was originally known as Hillcrest Farm. The house has a lovely vista of surrounding grasslands and is next door to Hillcrest Subdivision, where the neighbors enjoy watching these lovely horses living out their retirement.”

You can also “Meet the Herd” of 11 retired racehorses if you schedule a tour of the facility to learn more. Your TRF tour guide will lead you around the farm where visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the horses and experience the tranquility of “horses being horses”. The herd at Chestnut Hall ranges in age from 16 to 22 years old and they love meeting new people and having their photos taken. Each horse at Chestnut Hall is an Ambassador for the 500 horses cared for by the TRF and each horse has a story to tell! The tour will conclude on the porch of the historic farmhouse at Chestnut Hall.

So come experience Chestnut Hall through a variety of ways.  You won’t be disappointed and you might even be persuaded to spend a few extra days in Oldham County to experience the many additional holiday events such as the beautiful lights of Yuletide at Yew Dell. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens also offers wreath making and other holiday workshops. Or come to town a few days early and experience a hands-on Wine & Hats! Fascinator Workshop at Judith M Millinery in La Grange. While here experience small town hospitality by staying at one of three Bed & Breakfasts within the county:  Pillow & Paddock, Bluegrass Country Estate or The Inn at Spring Run Farm. Whatever your itinerary, Oldham County will provide a memorable stay with distinct attractions that will make you want to return again and again to see things found ONLY in Oldham!

Chestnut Hall is located at 12611 Hwy. 42 in Prospect, KY. Touring hours for the Holiday Designer Show House on Dec. 3 – 11 are from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Sunday hours are from Noon – 5 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased for $20 at on the website or at the door for $25.

 

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