Kentucky's historical homes are scattered throughout not only countryside but also in our cities and suburbs. And in Louisville, not all Federal homes are downtown or in Old Louisville. Bashford Manor gracefully sits on over two acres and is surrounded by neighborhood homes, Seneca High School and businesses. This historic manor once had 210 acres and was a thriving horse farm. Cynthia Cooke purchased Bashford Manor in 2007 and opened it as a bed and breakfast in 2008.
Bashford Manor is a two-story, white-painted brick manor built in 1796 by Samuel and Nancy Bray. The manor was expanded in a series of additions during the 19th century: a guest "Traveler's Room" was built in 1820, and in the 1880s the resident family created a kitchen. With a wedding in 1890, the family had a front porch built, and lastly, in 1914, the laundry and servant area was converted to a garage.
Besides the additions to the physical structure, the manor, of course, changed hands over the years and was the backdrop for interesting events. After Nancy Bray's death in 1865, the manor went to her brother Dr. Samuel Shipp, and 20 years later it was sold to the president of the L&N railroad, Milton Smith, and his wife, Anita. It was sold in 1868 to George Scoggan and then became a horse farm.
Bashford Manor remained in the Scoggan family line into the 1970s. The Modys family purchased the manor in 1977 and owned it until 1996. In 1980 Bashford Manor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cynthia's bed and breakfast features a well-appointed dining room, tall ceilings and windows saved and repaired to keep the original antique, wavy glass. All the poplar and ash floorboards from the first construction remain in great condition. The available rooms include the Traveler's Bedroom, the East Bedroom, the West Bedroom and the Library Suite. As I touched the old wooden stair rail and looked out to newly planted trees and gardens, I felt at home and warm despite the cold temperature outside.
Cynthia and her staff have worked diligently to not only create a well-kept and artfully decorated bed and breakfast, but also to incorporate green designs, energy efficiencies and a neighborhood garden helping to supply fresh produce for the manor. They have planted over 270 trees and shrubs, including magnolias, redbuds, black walnut trees, pines and cypress trees. There is an orchard along the south side with cherries and peaches. In addition to her work on the grounds and gardens, Cynthia also went about searching for period furniture and house furnishings. "I've become very familiar with shopping at Louisville's Habitat Re-Store, local thrift shops and antique stores," Cynthia said.
There are more historical and fascinating tidbits to discover about Bashford Manor. Cynthia reported that Abraham Lincoln visited the manor during the time of his breakup with Mary Todd in 1841, when he stayed at nearby Farmington mansion. Also, Civil War Union soldiers encamped at the manor and left tree carvings. While the land was being sold and parceled out, interesting portions of the past remain-such as one of the Scoggan's horse tracks becoming the track at Seneca High School.
Bashford Manor B&B is very conveniently located to Louisville shopping down Bardstown Road in the Highlands and just minutes away from most Louisville destinations. It was a pleasure to relax in the warm and welcoming house and to learn about its history. I think you will appreciate Bashford Manor, too.
For more information, visit www.bashfordmanor.com. Call Cynthia Cooke at (502) 295-9005, or email her at bashfordmanor@hotmail.com.
To Get There
To get to Bashford Manor B&B from Lexington, take I64 west to Louisville. Take Exit 13, Bardstown Road, and keep in the far left turning lane going south. At the third traffic light turn left on Bashford Manor Lane and you arrive directly at Bashford Manor. Turn right to come around to the driveway. The address is 2227 Bashford Manor Lane, Louisville, Ky.