Architectural traditions passed down for generations. Materials sourced from our surroundings. Designs that respond to the landscape. All of the work that we do, from historic home renovations to custom equine estates, is deeply rooted in the place we call home.
The story really starts with the landscape: rolling hills covered in lush bluegrass, forests of ash, black walnut, and oak, and countless creeks cutting through limestone.
This natural foundation deeply influences our projects – informing, for example, the positioning of each building on a custom farm estate, or the materials chosen to adorn an exterior facade.
To create truly timeless designs that are well-integrated with their surroundings, we are always looking for ways to tie design and material choices back to the land. At one of our recent custom estate projects, this was done part by implementing dry masonry techniques first brought to Kentucky by Scotch-Irish settlers.
On another custom estate, we worked with our architect partners to position the main residence so that it highlighted views of a creek running through the property. The landscape is one of the first things we consider in our custom builds, and what keeps us both rooted and inspired through every project.
A deep-rooted architectural history
Our hometown of Lexington is a treasure trove of architectural history. Colonial Revival homes populate some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods, the Federalist Ashland Estate has served as a residential landmark for over 200 years, and Midcentury modern gems can be found in several enclaves.
We’ve had the privilege of restoring the work of some of Lexington’s most famed architects – work we consider vital in preserving the history of our city, and the legacy of generations of central Kentucky builders.
The versatile work of Robert McMeekin has shaped iconic local landmarks like Keeneland, Calumet Farm, and many residences in Lexington’s historic center. Richard Isenhour was a visionary and prolific residential architect whose work brought modernist design to Lexington and celebrated local limestone.
At home in horse country
The land itself has also contributed to central Kentucky’s renown as world-famous horse country. Between legendary horse farms and iconic racing facilities, equestrian life has influenced the region for more than two centuries.
Many of our clients share a deep love for this equestrian heritage, and it’s a joy to help create residences, riding arenas, and entire equestrian estates that will bring this tradition to life for their families and our community for generations to come.
Other elements of Kentucky’s agricultural tradition also inform our work. The common sight of black tobacco barns dotting the landscape, for example, has informed the design and building approach of some of the barns we’ve built for our clients.
A living legacy in central Kentucky
In both historic restorations and new custom builds, we carry these legacies with us – a connection to the land, an attention to craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the centuries of beautiful architecture, design, and construction here in central Kentucky.