A Central KY escape was just named the No. 6 resort in the South by Southern Living
Versailles’ own Kentucky Castle was named among the South’s top fairytale getaways by popular publication Southern Living last month.
The castle landed No. 6 on the magazine’s list of the 10 best Southern resorts.
“We were incredibly honored to be included on Southern Living’s The South’s Best Resorts list,” the castle’s chief operating officer, Christie Eckerline, wrote in an email. “We have a beautiful location and we take great care to ensure our guests have a wonderful experience, to see the effort our team puts forth be recognized in this way means a lot to all of us. “
“It doesn’t get more storybook than spending the night in a picturesque castle set on 110 acres of rolling farmland,” Southern Living wrote. “For the ultimate unforgettable experience, you can even book a multi-level suite housed inside the resort’s iconic towers.”
The castle, which despite its medieval looks only opened its doors for the first time in 2008, sits a few miles outside Lexington. A night’s stay is $309 at the lowest, and tops out at more than $1,000.
The property hosts myriad events, such as an annual lavender festival, bourbon market and holiday market. It also offers fine dining and daily tours for $25 a head, $12 for children.
“Just strolling around this dreamy property is a luxury, but add in a full calendar of events like murder mystery dinners and special afternoon teas, and you’ve got a recipe for a winning stay,” Southern Living wrote.
The publication spotlighted The Kentucky Castle in 2024 as it was finding its legs under new ownership. The castle originally opened as a bed and breakfast and event venue, and in the past decade has transformed into a luxury getaway.
Southern Living’s top 10 Southern resorts
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
- The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, Asheville, North Carolina
- Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee
- The Kentucky Castle, Versailles, Kentucky
- Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
- The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Amelia Island, Florida
