Ashland

Ashland is an Italianate mansion on an 18-acre estate in Lexington with period furnishings, formal gardens, and architectural features dating from the 1850s. The building showcases tall rooms, ornate details, and sweeping porches that reflect the wealth of its era.

Henry Clay, an influential U.S. Senator and Speaker of the House, acquired the estate in 1806 and retained it until his death in 1852. The property served as his home during crucial years when he negotiated major political agreements.

The house holds belongings and papers of the Clay family, showing how wealthy politicians of the early 19th century lived and conducted their affairs. The rooms tell the story of everyday life among people who shaped national politics.

The house is open to visitors through guided tours offered throughout the year. Plan time to explore both the building and its grounds, as hours change seasonally and some sections may have restricted access.

The gardens contain plant species that were grown there in the 19th century and remain maintained as they were then. Walking through them reveals how gardeners of that era organized and selected their plantings differently than today.

Location: Lexington

Inception: 1811

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.02861,-84.48000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03