History
With a history dating back to 1822, the Humphrey House has stories to share.
Meet the owners
It takes tremendous passion to preserve a historic home like the Humphrey House. Meet Mike and Brian — the visionaries behind the Humphrey House Bed & Breakfast.
Mike
Mike is a chef who studied culinary arts at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY. He moved to Dubuque, IA to work in the non-profit sector before beginning his catering business. While catering, Mike had the privilege of catering for the Mayor and the VP of the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas party. He was also voted as one of the “15 Best Chef’s in Dubuque,” and was asked to cook for 15 guests at the “15 Best of Dubuque Dinner,” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Mike began working at the University of Dubuque as a chef/head saucier for the Heritage Center for Fine Arts, before moving back to Louisville to continue his career for a private school in Louisville as cafeteria manager/chef.
Brian
Brian is a CNA who has won numerous awards for being the “CNA of the year,” across the state. His ability to instinctively know what his patients needs are is why he is so successful in the hospitality field.
The Humphrey House Bed & Breakfast LLC, (formerly known as the Eagle Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast), is a Victorian “Painted Lady” built in 1899 by John Cole Batcheldor for Henry Addison Humphrey, (a prominent landowner), and his wife Elizabeth Dugan Humphrey.
Addison and Elizabeth were married on September 2, 1871, and they had three children, Infant Son Humphrey (1872 - 1872), Sallie Walden Humphrey (1876 - 1891), and Hattie Dugan Humphrey (1880 - 1900).
Addison enlisted in the Confederate States Army, serving in Company A of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry. He was captured in Clarksville, Tennessee, by the Union Army on June 7, 1863, and released as a prisoner of war on May 20, 1865 at Fort Delaware.
Situated in Bloomfield, Kentucky, a city established in 1790 before Kentucky became a state, the property was originally part of Virginia.
The original back section of the Humphrey House predates 1822 and houses the original fireplace. Notably, this fireplace is one of only a few in the country that has remained intact throughout its existence and has maintained its original location since its construction.
The house boasts seven original fireplaces, two operational on the main floor and the others serving as decorative pieces.
The Humphrey House enjoys a convenient location on the Bourbon Trail, just 10 miles from Bardstown, Kentucky, the renowned Bourbon Capital of the World.
The house has undergone a meticulous restoration and update, preserving its original southern charm with its warm, natural woodwork, hardwood floors, and authentic indoor wooden shutters. Stain-glass windows adorn the foyer entrance from the front porch as well as the main foyer.
Nestled amidst picturesque flower gardens and tranquil fountains, Humphrey House offers a serene haven on its spacious back porch. Invite yourself to unwind and immerse yourself in the soothing melodies of native songbirds. Step onto the grand front porch, (covering 1,000 square feet), adorned with charming gazebos at each end, and indulge in the comfort of richer furniture. Imagine yourself enjoying a leisurely breakfast, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Humphrey House, a Kentucky Landmark House, holds a special place on the National Registry of Historic Places, serving as a testament too its rich history and architectural significance.