Loudoun House

Loudoun House is a historic residence located at the corner of Bryan Avenue and Castlewood Drive in Lexington, Kentucky. Constructed in 1851, this architectural gem stands as one of the largest and finest examples of Gothic Revival style in the state. The home was designed by the renowned New York architect Alexander Jackson Davis and built by local contractor John McMurtry. It holds significant historical value as one of only five surviving castellated Gothic Revival villas designed by Davis that remain in the United States today. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 6, 1973, recognizing its unique design and cultural importance within the region.

The mansion was originally commissioned by Francis Key Hunt, who inherited a substantial fortune following his father's death during a cholera epidemic. Hunt built the estate on fifty acres of land gifted to him and his wife, Julia Warfield, upon their marriage. Although initially projected to cost ten thousand dollars, the final construction price tripled that estimate and required four years to complete. Hunt named the residence Loudoun in honor of the song The Bells of Loudon, which was his wife's favorite musical piece. The design was inspired by the W. C. H. Waddell mansion located on Murray Hill in Manhattan, reflecting the owner's desire for a sophisticated and grand dwelling.

Today, Loudoun House serves as the headquarters for the Lexington Art League, continuing its legacy as a center for culture and community engagement. While the original estate encompassed fifty acres, the current listed property covers approximately three acres. Despite the passage of time since its completion in the mid-nineteenth century, the structure remains a prominent landmark in Lexington. Its preservation ensures that visitors can appreciate the intricate details of Gothic Revival architecture while participating in artistic programs hosted within its historic walls.