Picture perfect Wedding Location in the heart of Central Kentucky and Horse Country with gorgeous landscaped and tree canopied lawns, Forest Retreat was the home of Thomas Metcalf, the 10th governor of Kentucky, designed and built by him around 1814 and restored in 1935 by Dr. and Mrs. Eslie Asbury, 17 beautifully landscaped acres on Kentucky's most scenic highway from Lexington to Maysville, with a stone wall perimeter, the historic property is considered an entire district with its 1806 Tavern, The stone barn, Main House, Carriage House, Guest House and historic cemetery where the Metcalf's along with the Asbury's are laid to rest. Forest Retreat was also home to the 1954 Kentucky Derby Winner Determine whose grave marker is also located on the property. Forest Retreat is considered one of Kentucky's best preserved examples of country federal design with décor and furnishings in the federal style, circa 1790 to 1840, additional modern amenities added to make guests feel at home. Come sleep in "The Governor's Bedroom", dine in the gorgeous dining room where Andrew Jackson dined on his way to his inauguration as president of the United States. Henry Clay is quoted as describing it as "a veritable Forest Retreat". The main house consists of Master Bedroom on the first floor with one and a half baths, sitting area, TV room, full kitchen with original stone hearth and mantel and adjoining sitting area, 2 bedrooms located on the 2nd floor with 2 full baths. Beautiful stone patio with iron furniture, screened in porch, wooded lawn with Tennis Court and Hammocks for relaxation. 2 Additional homes with added sleeping space available on the property, makes for a perfect family getaway, wedding weekend or ladies retreat.
