Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast in Louisville, Ky., is an historic farm house that's welcomed Abraham Lincoln, Frank James and Kentucky Derby winning horses.

Almost every bed and breakfast claims to be historic. But to deserve that distinction, an inn needs to be more than just old. It needs to be well known or important.

With previous guests that include Abraham Lincoln; Frank James, Jesse’s older but equally brutal brother; and Kentucky Derby winning horses (don’t worry–they slept in the barn back when the property was a horse farm), Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast in Louisville, Ky., is  worthy of the superlative.

Built in 1796, this restored Kentucky horse farm blends modern amenities (like WiFi, tellyvision and indoor plumbing) with decor from the 1800s. Bashford Manor also combines old and new with its sustainability practices, such as supporting hydroelectric power, focusing on local foods and hosting green events.

Its sweeping back porch with a large mural of the manor is just one highlight from the large common areas, which also include a parlor, dining room and solarium.

Breakfast options include eggs, meats, pastries, quiche, breads and cereals.

Expansive sitting rooms abound at the Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast in Louisville, Ky.

Guests have their choices of three rooms (the West, East and Traveler’s Bedrooms), each with it own bathroom, as well as sleeping in the first floor’s Library Suite, which is available upon request. The Traveler’s Bedroom is where Frank James spent Derby Eve in 1889; the following day he bet $500 on an unknown horse named Spokane that won the Run for the Roses.

Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast is just nine miles away from Churchill Downs, where James had his big payoff and some of the manor’s previous tenants, such as Azra in 1892, won the Kentucky Derby.

The manor is also just a short drive from another National Historic Landmark, Locust Grove, which was established in 1790 by William Croghan, the surveying partner of George Rogers Clark, founder of Louisville and Revolutionary War hero.

Additional services (for an extra fee) at Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast include dry cleaning, flowers, laundry and massage.

Sleep in an 1841 full-size spindle bed in Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast's West Bedroom.

Call Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast at 502-295-9005 for its current rates.

Photos courtesy of Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast.

Bashford Manor Bed & Breakfast
2227 Bashford Manor Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
502-295-9005