In this feature, we’ve highlighted a handful of unique local properties that are currently on the market in Fayette County, including a historic downtown villa, a contemporary suburban retreat and a funky renovated downtown cottage.
511WShort (5 of 67)
Photos by Jeff Walker
511 W. Short St.
Built in 1870 for Captain John Wilgus – a successful Lexington banker, Union leader and avid art collector – this Italianate mansion became the location of the Lexington’s Orphan Home in 1907, and served that purpose for many years. Most recently the residence of Judge Ernesto Scorsone and John Davis, the historic villa is nestled on a 1.1 acre lot, an exceptionally large parcel for the downtown neighborhood.
Unique features of the villa include an octagonal room that once housed Wilgus’ extensive art collection, original ballroom chandeliers from the Phoenix Hotel, a detached historic log cabin from the 1700s in the backyard and a modern “chef’s kitchen.”
Asking Price: $1,290,000
Square Footage: 6,539
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 2
Half Bathrooms: 2
Age: 166
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westfifth_front
Photos by Julie Roberts
117 West Fifth St.
Located in downtown’s Mulberry Hill district along the North Limestone (NoLi) corridor, this home was built in 1900 and remodeled in recent years under the direction of BrokenFork Designs, a company that specializes in artful remodels. The crew preserved the historic charm of the home, including original moldings, floors, hardware and French doors, while incorporating funky contemporary details, such as new light fixtures and a mighty vibrant coat of exterior paint.
Asking Price: $135,000
Square Footage: 1,286
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Age: 116
westfifth_interior
cavehill1
Photos by Joseph Rey Au
2140 Cave Hill Ln.
In 1984, original owners Jane Mattingly and Mike Fugate purchased a modest-size Cape Cod on a one-acre plot in the Harrods Hill subdivision. Attracted to the urban-agricultural zoning of the area, they built an office behind the home to accommodate their landscape design business. Within a decade, the homeowners tore down the original Cape Cod to create a wholly singular home, built and designed by Martin Richards and Prajna Construction.
Built over 15 years, the home combines the coziness of the Arts and Crafts-style with contemporary details reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright; nods to Asian design and a healthy dose of whimsy are also thrown in for good measure. With a flowing, L-shaped layout, the house features a tower room, two loft areas, elevated walkways and other unique features, utilizing a medley of materials, including wood, stone, iron and brick.
Asking Price: $975,000
Square Footage: 6,843
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Age: 19 ss
