Sale Items
0 Itemsrecommended
EBTH is proud to present a collection of antiques and collectibles from one of Kentucky’s best known multi-generational thoroughbred farms, Forest Retreat Farm and Feather Ridge Farms. The property, located in Nicholas County, Kentucky, is steeped in history. Forest Retreat was originally the main residence of Thomas Metcalfe, who served as the tenth Governor of Kentucky from 1828 – 1832. It is said that the property was named by Henry Clay during a visit to the Governor who described it as a "veritable Forest Retreat.” Metcalfe also built the main house on Feather Ridge Farm in 1810.
The Forest Retreat “Big House,” which is a classic Federal style home built by Governor Metcalfe in 1814, is one of Nicholas county’s most prized historic possessions. The property is listed on the National Historic Register and as a Historic District to include the main house, the stone fence surrounding the farm, the hand-laid stone barn and the 1806 tavern house. The tavern house, later named the Forest Retreat Tavern House, was among the most lavish and hospitable pre-Civil War taverns and was located on one of the first roads built in the area. It was a popular stop midway between Maysville, Kentucky and Lexington, Kentucky and also served as an outpost for the Pony Express.
It was in 1935 that Dr. Elsie Asbury, a prominent surgeon in Cincinnati, purchased Forest Retreat Farm in his native Nicholas County, Kentucky. Dr. Asbury, having been born in a log cabin, was drawn to the property and found Forest Retreat Farm to be the perfect place to pursue his dream of thoroughbred breeding and racing. Among the breeding successes there, perhaps the most famous was Determine, who was winner of 18 races and the first gray to win the Kentucky Derby in 1954.
Over the years, additional properties were acquired to expand the family’s thoroughbred breeding and racing operations, including Feather Ridge Farm, owned and operated by Elsie Asbury’s son, Taylor, also a well known Cincinnati physician, and his wife, Cornelia. We invite you to peruse this sale of thoroughbred racing mementos and many items collected by several generations of the Asbury family to furnish Forest Retreat and Feather Ridge Farms.
There are some amazing, one-of-a-kind items waiting to be discovered. Sign in to start bidding!
Not a member? Sign up.
