LOUDON

Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1851

Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.

Strangely contrasting with the Greek revival and Georgian architecture to be seen elsewhere in and around Lexington is this Tudor type, built in 1851 by John McMurtry for Francis Key Hunt, son of John W. Hunt. McMurtry made a trip abroad and upon his return built "Loudon" and also its mate "Ingleside" at the opposite end of Lexington (South Broadway).

Dr. Elisha Warfield, master of "The Meadows," and his wife gave this section of their farm to their son-in-law, Mr. Hunt, "in consideration for their love & affection for their daughter, Julia G. Hunt." The tract contained more than 56 acres. It was the scene of many charming entertainments and was elegantly furnished. The hunts removed here from their home on Barr Street.

After Mr. Hunt's death, his widow and his daughter, Maria B. Dudley, sold the property for $25,000 to Wm. Cassius Goodloe, when it continued to be one of the noted "homes of hospitality" of Lexington.

In the present century a great part of the surrounding property has become "Castlewood" subdivision, and the residence and grounds a delightful city park.

When Elisha Warfield acquired the tract of several hundred acres extending east from the Bryan Station Road, the latter was referred to as the "old Limestone Road," as it was the pioneer road to "Limestone" (Maysville) with which so much early Lexington history had to do.

Transcribed by Pam Brinegar, June 2000