Once upon a time at The Kentucky Castle
Chef Jason Walls gathers 90% of the food served in the restaurant directly from the farm and the garden. Photo: The Scout Guide Lexington
While the castle may have walls around it, everyone is welcome to The Kentucky Castle in Versailles 365 days a year.
“Anyone can eat at the restaurant. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner (reservations please),” says Chief Operating Officer and events director Christie Eckerline.
Its owners hope The Kentucky Castle, reopened in 2017, will be a place for the entire community to enjoy, with its hotel, spa, restaurant and events venue that can serve groups from 15 to 350.
With 14 rooms—the smallest, a King loft at $295 per night on weekends—it makes for a special night in the heart of the Bluegrass.
As the king or queen of the castle, you truly will be treated like royalty. Roam the castle’s 55 acres, lounge at the pool, indulge in spa services and view the kingdom from the rooftop.
And what little girl doesn’t want to dress up like a princess and visit a castle? “We often do Fairytale Tours and a princess leads you through the castle,” says Eckerline.
There are lunchtime tours, rooftop yoga, unique dinner offerings and holiday events for the entire family (tickets online).
Co-owner Dr. Matt Dawson’s passion for health, nutrition and wellness is an extension of The Kentucky Castle’s offerings. His medical practice, WildHealth.com, offers a free podcast, currently with daily updates on COVID-19.
“We have true farm-to-table offerings, with 90% of our produce from the farm garden,” Eckerline says, “as well as a chef’s garden right outside the kitchen.”
Locust Trace AgriScience Center students train on site, tending the organic garden. A mushroom farm, truffle orchard, lavender fields, apiary, animals, chickens and—new this spring—an orchard, round out this amazing fortress.
