Entire home

Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion

Holiday home in Lexington with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion

Gated Entrance
Historical Registry
Built in 1850
Horse Country
First Floor Parlor

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10371.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion

Summary:

Step into a piece of Kentucky history with a stay at the Basye House, the last known Italianate Villa in the state, built in the 1850s and listed on the National Historic Register. Nestled in the heart of Lexington’s renowned Horse Country, this meticulously renovated mansion blends old-world elegance with modern comfort, offering an unforgettable retreat for families, friends, or groups seeking a unique and luxurious getaway.



The Space:

The property is protected with fence completely around the house and has a security gate on the driveway.



Guest Access:

Entry codes for security gate and entry doors provided upon booking.



Getting Around:

The property is located 2 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park, 10 minutes from Rupp Arena and Kroger Stadium, 12 minutes from Keeneland and 30 minutes form the ark Encounter.



Other Things to Note:

House has been totally renovated within the last year and nearly everything is brand new!



Interaction with Guests:

Complete instructions on the house provided at time of booking.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Remove all linens from the beds and place them in the laundry room Gather all trash and place it in the garbage cans located in the back of the house. Load and Run the Dishwasher
Load and Run the Dishwasher Place all dirty dishes, utensils, and cookware in the dishwasher. Adjust the Thermostat In summer set 78, in winter set 65.
Final Steps Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number STR-26-000015

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Lexington

Located in Lexington, this holiday home is in a rural area. Mary Todd Lincoln House and Hunt-Morgan House are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Victorian Square Mall and Hamburg Place. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Rupp Arena or Kroger Field. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like horse riding.
Map
Lexington, Kentucky

Getting around

  • Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Rose & Jim's Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Ramsey's Diner - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic 1850 Towering Italianate Mansion located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Kearney Hills Golf Links and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Kentucky Horse Park. The American Saddlebred Museum and Masterson Station Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay, besides being interested in the history since we are related to the Basye's. The house was beautiful and very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was perfect for us and our activity at the Kentucky Horse Park. Very close. Everything was clean, comfortable and easy. It's a great blend of historical with modern comfort.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Venue

After long days at a local Lexington event, it was a perfect place to come back to and relax. The house was large enough for the entire family to have some space to relax, whether it was inside or taking in the beautiful scenery on the deck.The large family dining area was also perfect for meals, and the kitchen allowed us to have some family time around preparing and eating meals.Would stay at this location again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay! The home was clean, beautiful, and absolutely perfect for our needs. Everything was comfortable and well cared for, and it truly felt like a home away from home.We had one small issue with the oven, but we notified the owner and he responded immediately, which we really appreciated and it didn’t take away from our enjoyment of the house at all. The only things we found ourselves missing were a few mixing or serving bowls and a small hand mixer, otherwise, everything was just perfect.We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a relaxing, well-kept place to stay!
Stunning home!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an incredible 5-day stay at this stunning property perfectly situated between Lexington and Georgetown—just a quick five-minute drive in either direction. The location couldn’t be more convenient, and the home itself is absolutely beautiful. Inside, we were greeted by elegant antique furnishings and thoughtful period decor that made the space feel both historic and welcoming. If you appreciate classic architecture and vintage charm, this place will steal your heart. The host was fantastic—friendly, informative, and accommodating. Everything we needed was right there, making our stay seamless and memorable. We highly recommend this spot if you are staying in the Lexington area.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

pam M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We came with 8 adults and one infant for a family wedding. Most of us were from Arizona so to stay in such a historic home was amazing for us all. The sheets were amazing, everything seemed brand new. The bathrooms are beautiful with all modern upgrades. We all loved hanging in the kitchen around the island slash table. Even 94 year old grandma climbed the magnificent stairwell. Truly remarkable stay. Thanks again for making every room beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Stephanie R.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

About the host

Hosted by Barry Jolly

Host profile image
Dear Valued Guests,
Welcome to our home away from home! We are Barry and Susan Jolly, and it’s our privilege to host you as you create lasting memories with your loved ones. For over 25 years, we’ve been proud VRBO hosts, offering high-end vacation properties in the beautiful destinations of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and across Kentucky. Our passion for family fun and enjoyment drives everything we do, and we’re thrilled to share our homes with you.
As grandparents to 20 wonderful grandchildren, we understand the magic a well-designed vacation home can bring to a family getaway. That’s why we’ve poured our hearts into ensuring each of our properties is super clean, well-furnished, and equipped with all the comforts you need for an unforgettable stay. Our high-end homes are thoughtfully crafted to enhance your vacation, providing a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and fun for guests of all ages.
We’re committed to making your stay exceptional, so if there’s anything you need or any way we can make your time here even better, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing our home for your vacation—we can’t wait for you to experience the joy and togetherness we’ve built into every detail.
Warmest wishes,
Barry and Susan Jolly
Your VRBO Hosts

Why they chose this property

Dear Guests,
We’re thrilled to have you stay at our lovingly restored property! I’m Barry, and together with my wife, Susan, we’ve been passionate rehabbers for many years. Susan’s lifelong dream was to renovate an old mansion, and when we discovered this stunning 1850s historic home, we instantly fell in love. The charm, the character, and the rich history within these walls captured our hearts.
We poured our heart and soul into this renovation, working tirelessly to preserve the home’s unique heritage while blending in modern comforts for you to enjoy. Every corner of this mansion tells a story, and we hope you feel the love and dedication we’ve invested in bringing it back to life.
We’re so excited to share this special place with you and hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought us. Make yourself at home, explore the history, and create your own memories here.
Warmest wishes,
Barry & Susan

What makes this property unique

Step into history at this extraordinary 1850s mansion, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nestled in the heart of horse country in Lexington, Kentucky, this grand home offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Spanning over 4,000 square feet, it blends the elegance of antique furnishings with modern amenities, creating a perfect balance of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.
Located just minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland, and the University of Kentucky, you’re at the center of Lexington’s vibrant equestrian and cultural scene. Plus, being in the heart of the Bourbon Trail, you’re surrounded by world-famous distilleries ready to explore. This historic treasure invites you to relax, unwind, and make memories in a setting unlike any other. We’re thrilled to share this piece of Kentucky heritage with you!

Languages:

English

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