Stanford Inn opens Hart House; Ribbon cutting to honor African American pioneer Jack Hart
Published 10:26 am Tuesday, May 16, 2023
NEWS RELEASE
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road announces the grand opening of their newest historic renovation, a guest house available for nightly rental, which is located only two blocks from Main Street in the heart of Stanford. To celebrate the opening of The Hart House, the inn will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at 401 Lancaster St., followed by a brief reception.
The guest house dates back to 1820, making it the oldest home in the Stanford Inn collection. In keeping with the naming of guest houses for local pioneers, the Jack Hart House is based on research provided by the late Dr. Anne Butler, formerly a professor at Kentucky State University, who notes that Capt. Jack Hart came to Kentucky in 1774 as an enslaved person with Nathanial Hart. History shows that he was not only a member of Daniel Boone’s party marking the Wilderness Road, but was present for many historic events throughout the region and donated his rifle in support of the Revolutionary War. More historical information on Capt. Jack Hart will be available for attendees to read on the day of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The house itself offers a spacious living area with a queen plus sleeper sofa, a fully furnished dine-in kitchen, a large king bedroom with ensuite bathroom featuring Carrera marble counters, and a half-bath on the ground floor. Up a small staircase is a tiny room with a twin bed, and outside, a generous porch offers room for relaxing and dining. The house is complete with all the amenities you have come to expect from The Stanford Inn.
Many local artisans contributed to the restoration of the Jack Hart house, including local architect Garlan VanHook, Bardstown builder Jim Bickett, Garrard County-based McAlister Stone, Lexington landscape designer Lucian Dearborn and Wilderness Road Hospitality project manager David Sullivan. An extended list of the artisans who contributed will be available at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The house sits on a prominent corner of town and deserved special treatment. It has been our joy to work with so many artisans to bring it back to life and preserve so many of the original architectural features,” said Angela Correll, co-founder of Wilderness Road Hospitality. “We look forward to our guests enjoying the house and all the offerings in Stanford.”
Like other Stanford Inn guest houses, the Hart House is conveniently located near many local attractions.
The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Hart House. Visitors can tour the guest house, meet the staff and enjoy light refreshments. For more information, visit the Stanford Inn website at www.thestanfordinn.com.