Ashland

The First Floor

The Entrance Hall

The octagonal Entrance Hall remains much as it appeared after the installation of the Eastlake-style staircase in the 1880s.  Ash woodwork, “Pompeiian Red” walls and the gilt cornice and medallion are all features of the formal entrance into the house.

The Study

The Henry Clay Study is just to the left of the main entry. Artifacts in the room, many once belonging to Clay, illustrate his success as both a lawyer and “The Farmer of Ashland.”

The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room, the most formal room of the house, is where guests  gathered for conversation and music. Displayed here are Clay family pieces from different generations. Of particular importance is the painting of George and Martha Washington given to Henry Clay as a gift for his wife Lucretia. The Italian marble mantel  is one of the twelve that James installed when he rebuilt Ashland.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room table belonged to the McDowell family and has been in the house since 1883. It is American Empire in style and has two banquet ends that extend the table to accommodate large formal dinners. Prominently displayed are portraits of Anne Clay McDowell, her husband Henry Clay McDowell, and her parents Henry Clay, Jr. and Julia Prather Clay.

The Library. Photo by Andrew Huggins.

The Library is the most unusual room in the house with its octagonal plan and vaulted, domed ceiling. The two wings of the house, one of which includes this domed library,  were designed by Benjamin Latrobe, the architect of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

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The Second Floor

The Henry Clay Bedroom

The Henry Clay Bedroom displays many  objects that belonged to him and were in the original house. Henry Clay’s bed made by Lexington craftsman William C. Bell is a highlight.

The Nursery

The small bedroom adjacent to the Master Bedroom is the children’s Nursery and playroom. The two cribs (one a Sheraton style crib) were used by the Clay children and grandchildren.

Aunt Mag's Room

Aunt Mag’s Room is set up as a Victorian bedroom. The furniture in this room belonged to the Bullock family, the last of the Clay descendants to live at Ashland. Magdalene McDowell lived at Ashland in the early part of the 20th century and was the sister of Ashland’s owner at that time, Henry Clay McDowell. She was an artist, architect and patented inventor.

The Daughters' Bedroom

The Daughter’s Bedroom is arranged to look like the bedroom of one of the McDowell daughters. The furniture is American Empire style. Placed around the room are memorabilia from Nannette’s, Julia’s and Madeline’s lives during their time at Ashland.