Allenhurst (Scott County, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Allenhurst
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Georgetown, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1850 |
| Architect | Thomas Lewinski |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000829 |
| Added to NRHP | April 2, 1973 |
Allenhurst, also known as Oakland, is a special historic house in Scott County, Kentucky. It is located west of Georgetown on Cane Run Pike. This beautiful house was built in 1850. It was designed in the Greek Revival style by a famous architect named Thomas Lewinski. Allenhurst was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 2, 1973. This means it is an important place worth protecting.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Allenhurst
Building a Grand Home
In 1837, William G. and Polly Craig bought the land where Allenhurst now stands. This property was in Scott County, Kentucky, near Georgetown. William Craig was a Baptist minister and also taught at Georgetown College. In 1850, he built a large Greek Revival mansion on his land. He named this impressive home "Oakland."
The Story of Its Construction
A local story tells how the house was built. According to Ann Bolton's book, William Craig asked his cousin, Newton Craig, to help. Newton Craig was the superintendent of the Kentucky State Penitentiary. The legend says that the house was built using labor from prisoners. This story suggests that both the superintendent and the state made money from this project.
A New Name: Allenhurst
Later, a man named H.C. Allen bought the property. He was famous for starting the first American herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. When he bought the house, he renamed it Allenhurst.
Architecture: The Design of Allenhurst
A Masterpiece by Thomas Lewinski
Allenhurst was designed by Thomas Lewinski. He was known as one of the best architects of the Greek Revival style. The outside of the house shows a very complete use of the "temple-style" look in Central Kentucky.
Key Features of the House
The house has a two-story high portico with four large columns. There are also fluted Doric columns paired on each side of the main entrance. The temple-style design includes "triple windows set under stone lintels." These windows are even repeated on the basement level.
The Smokehouse
North of the main house, there is a pillared smokehouse. It has a hipped roof, matching the style of the main building.
