The Prospect farmhouse known as Chestnut Hall was built in the 1860s. Set on 25 acres, the home features a vintage fireplace, as well as original flooring and crown molding. This holiday season, the 2023 Holiday Designer Show House enhances its historic charm with interior and exterior Christmas decorations.
Although the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s conservation ranch in Chestnut Hall is home to a small group of retired Thoroughbred racehorses, the organization itself cares for a herd of more than 420 retired Thoroughbred horses. This saves horses that can no longer compete on the racetrack from neglect, abuse, and potential slaughter.
The annual Holiday Designer Show House supports these horses as the event is produced by volunteers, including local designers, and ticket proceeds are donated to TRF.
Same location, new design
“Each room is designed by a different designer,” Nikki Bernstein, TRF’s farm and event marketing manager, told the Courier-Journal. “(And) they do a different design every year.”
This gives showgoers something new to look forward to each year they visit. Some of the designers are returning participants, but everyone worked in different rooms this year, except for the Cherry House Gallery in the living room.
Designers for 2023 include Mandeline Hetzel Interiors, KP Designs, and Charissa’s Floral Design, to name a few.
Local designer Emily Gilbert decorated the master bedroom, which features white walls, a black fireplace, and a black and white damask rug. Her Gilbert accessories include a wreath, some small trees, and other green and gold accents.
“We’re trying to keep it classic and simple,” she said, adding that the clean, simple design aesthetic pays homage to the historic home.
Most rooms have a designer assigned, but the library was decorated by owner Julia Carstanjen, and some parts of the house were decorated by TRF volunteer Kim Toney.
“We wanted to incorporate holidays and traditions from around the world,” Tony says of the wall of shelving filled with Hanukkah decorations and the upstairs Christmas tree decorated with a global peace theme. He said while pointing at one.
decoration with a reason
The Christmas tree in the kitchen and the stair railing are filled with handmade decorations featuring TRF horse paintings. Created by the organization’s volunteers, these horses will be sold for $10 each during the show, with all proceeds going to America’s largest and oldest thoroughbred rescue organization.
And new to the show this year is another way for showgoers to support TRF. Dubbed Santa’s One-Stop Shop, a selection of home decor and entertainment items including vases, mugs and pitchers will be available for purchase by KP Designs, with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization.
family friendly
Outside, in the barn, there is another tree covered in horse ornaments that benefits TRF. This space also has hay bale seating. Several of the rectangular bales have horse saddles attached to them, and the center bale has a lining and a pillow for Santa, who will be in attendance on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. intend to do something.
Kids and adults alike can take photos together using giant candy cane and lollipop props. There is also a special mailbox for letters to Santa, so if you are embarrassed to express your Christmas wishes directly, you can also drop a small letter to St. Nick.
Know a home that would be perfect for Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza ([email protected]) or lifestyle editor Kathryn Gregory ([email protected]).
nuts and bolts
owner: Julia and Bill Carstanjen. Bill is his CEO at Churchill Downs Airlines, and Julia is a stay-at-home mom and volunteer.
House: This is a four-bed, three-and-a-half bathroom, 5,500-square-foot historic farmhouse located in Chestnut Hall in Prospect. Built in the 1860s.
distinctive elements: Original hardwood floors, crown molding, and vintage fireplace.
applause! applause! The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation would like to thank our volunteers for their hard work and dedication, as well as Bill and Julia Carstanjen for their outdoor lighting donation and continued support of TRF. A special thanks also goes to all the designers who collaborated with TRF to produce the event. Julia Carstanjen – Research/Library. Libby Helgeson Design – Dining Room. Cherry House – Living Room. KP Design – Family Room. Kim Toney – Kitchen; Charissa’s Floral Design – Front foyer and back area. Hartman Interiors – Gallery Hall and Bar. Emily Gilbert – King bedroom. Holly Schroing – Queen Bedroom. Madeline Hetzel Interiors – Twin Bedroom. TFV Volunteer – Land on the upper floor.
holiday designer show house
what: The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation opens Chestnut Hall to support its herd of more than 400 retired racehorses. The historic farmhouse will be decorated inside and out with holiday decorations. This event is staffed by volunteers and friends of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
when: December 8th, 9th, 10th.From 11am to 7pm
where: Chestnut Hall, 12611 W HWY 42, Prospect.
ticket: Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at donorbox.org/events/495319. Admission is $25 at the door.
For more information: For more information about Holiday Designer Show House, visit trfinc.org/event/holiday-showhouse-2023/.