The Ludlow Historic Society is hosting a Christmas Walk spotlighting historic Ludlow houses on December 14th from 4-8:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Ludlow Railyard Storehouse, future home of the Ludlow Museum. This is the first Ludlow Christmas tour in 10 years. Eight houses will be featured. Most of these houses date from after the arrival of the Railroad to Ludlow in the 1870s--reflecting the majority of Ludlow's built environment. The tour combines houses of long-time Ludlow residents, many of them "serial rehabbers" who have long advocated for the preservation of Ludlow's historic buildings and are "handy" at doing their own restoration work. Other homeowners represent Ludlow's newer families. Over the last decade, many younger residents have moved to Ludlow, often with their children, attracted by the town's size, convenience, schools, and historic character. These younger homeowners are often in arts-related fields, including painting, graphics, architecture, interior design, and contracting. Ludlow has experienced an influx of residents that urbanists call "the creative class," who are interested in the character, craft, and authenticity of historic buildings. Their homes reflect their artistic tastes.
236 Elm Street
This is an 1880s townhouse in "Latta Row," Ludlow's only Victorian urban row. Built by Luella Latta, daughter of the noted Latta family, this house has a beautifully restored front. Inside, the contractor-owner has created dramatic open interiors with extensive rear additions, and a "rooftop room" with exciting city views. The interior decor combines original features such as mantelpieces with striking modern lighting, and items that recall the house's varied history, such as signage from the "Ludlow Yellow Cab and Bait Shop" that occupied the house in the mid-20th-century.Â
244 Forest Avenue
Completed in 1820, this is the oldest surviving building in Ludlow. Called "Elmwood Hall," it is a Federal-period neoclassical villa that was once the center of a 1,000-acre farm that eventually became the town site. Although altered in the later 19th-century, the house still contains much of its original interior detailing. Architectural historian Clay Lancaster called the entry hall (now dining room), with its elaborate plaster and woodwork, "the most beautiful room in Kentucky." The owners have decorated their rooms in different styles and go all-out for Christmas.
253 Forest Avenue
23 Butler Street
317 Elm Street
330 Oak Street
204 Adela Avenue
529 Elm Street
This 19-teens or '20s bungalow house has been rehabbed by its young owners with gardens, porches, decks, and terraces, to enhance its bungalow character of "semi-outdoor living." The gardens feature "legacy plants" like a family-descended Wisteria vine, while the interiors display custom built-ins, open spaces, level changes, and a beautifully crafted modern kitchen. Original features, such as interior woodwork, are found side-by-side with whimsical artwork and quirky antiques. Don't miss the giant pencil that recalls the Ludlow High School just down the block.Â
Proceeds from this event will benefit the ongoing renovation efforts of the Ludlow Railyard Storehouse, the last remaining building from the Ludlow Railyard. Once completed, the renovated Storehouse will be the new home of the Ludlow Heritage Museum. Fundraising efforts for a new roof are currently under way.
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