Ward Hall Open House

Welcome to Ward Hall, an exemplar of Greek Revival architecture in Kentucky and an important mid-19th century classical building in the United States. Completed around 1857 at the significant cost of $50,000 in gold, Ward Hall is among the most well-preserved homes in the nation.

This mansion was built for Junius Richard Ward and his wife, Matilda Viley Ward, and was designed by the British-born military engineer and Lexington architect, Major Thomas Lewinski. Construction was overseen by Taylor Buffington with assistance from James Bailey, a free mixed-race man educated by Ward. The home features numerous design elements by Minard Lafever, drawn from his 1829 and 1835 pattern books.

The residence covers more than 12,000 square feet and is set on a six-foot high foundation made of brushed and hammered coquina limestone. Notable features include massive steps that lead up to a grand portico supported by four towering 27-foot high fluted Corinthian columns. These columns feature cast iron capitals and bases, and the house is beautifully decorated on all sides with pilasters and matching cast iron capitals set against Flemish bond brickwork. The exterior window and door enclosures are crafted in cut stone.