Versailles, Kentucky: The Kentucky Castle

I have pictures of the inside of the swimming pool, the guard towers, the gates and walls. I visited there when I was dating my husband in 1979. Back then, it wasn't locked up, and anyone could go inside. It was really awesome to be inside the huge walls.

I have some more information on the castle near Lexington. Recently I came across an article that appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal a few years ago. It is owned by a developer named Rex Martin, a very private person. It was built back in 1969 when his wife got the idea while vacationing in Europe. Inside the stone walls is a 10,400 sq.ft. residence, with six bedrooms with their own baths, three car garage and a 20x50 ft. swimming pool. Work stopped on it a few years after his marriage ended in the early 70's, much of the interior is unfinished. A caretaker of the property lives nearby. Mr. Martin supposedly lives in Florida. As of this date I believe the castle is still for sale and cattle still graze around the grounds outside the walls. It is located on Versailles Road, west of Keeneland Race Course, just inside the Woodford County line.

Concerning the Castle near Lexington -- I have heard many stories about its origin, but the one I've heard most often is that is was built by a real estate developer who told his girlfriend that if she would marry him, he would build her a castle. She said yes, so he built it. She later left him and he went bankrupt. That is why it is now for sale and has been for several years. He must be really broke because I have even seen cattle grazing on the grounds several times when I have driven past..

There is a castle in Lexington, KY. See it everytime I go to University of Kentucky. don't remember name of road, but you take I-64 east and get off at Frankfort-Versailles exit. Turn right, you go past some of the most beautiful horse country in the world, and some of the most expensive barns ever built for the animal of kings. You go to the end of the road, which puts you in Versailles KY, and turn left at the light. The castle will be on your left several miles down the road.