THE BENNETT HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST - RICHMOND, KY

Richmond KY's Little Biltmore

I grew up on the streets in Richmond Kentucky. We lived on the west end and I used to ride my bicycle to town. My Dad owned a Greyhound Station on Water Street that was totally interesting to hang out in. As I would leisurely ride my bike in the 1960's along Main Street, I would pass by some truly beautiful old historic homes. I would wonder what their lives were like and just who had lived there in the past.

One house that I truly loved to gaze upon was right across the First Christian Church on 419 West Main Street. Back then it was named Westover Terrace Antiques and owned by Mrs. Coy.

When it was built in 1891, it was known as the "Bennett Place" by Mrs. Elizabeth Chenault Bennett. The Cincinnati architect Samuel E. des Jardins built this one and several other historic homes in Richmond.

The Queen Anne style one and a half story brick has Romanesque detailing, a high hipped slate roof complete with a domed turret, a balcony coved grand double door stained glass entrance. Open those doors to a sweeping cherry wrap around staircase that leads to the second story. Gleaming hardwood floors and eight fireplaces enhance the house that has original hand carved mantles and tiles.

Later, it was home many other members of the Bennett family until 1957 then sold to Nay and Farry Coy. Mrs. Coy owned the house till her death and Pam Jones Price inherited the house and sold it to Pat Vencill and Sharron Oxendine that established the Bennett House Bed & Breakfast.

Since 2000 the fabulous Bennett House Bed & Breakfast has been owned and operated by Richard and Rita Smart.

Fast forward to 2008 and out of town guests, locals friends and neighbors all enjoy a plethora of wonderful experiences in this historic Bed & Breakfast. Drawing upon skills as a professional home economist, Rita Smart has offered up a heaping helping of southern charm and hospitality. Her exquisite tastes in Southern décor and attention to detail complement the aroma of baking coming from the kitchen.

Hungry guests wait patiently amid the fine antiques to sample the tasty food whether they are there for Saturday tea, private dinner or attending a little girl's tea party. Many are overnight guests that have enjoyed a good night's sleep in one of the bedrooms or suites and are now ready for breakfast. 

The best compliment a good cook gets is when someone wants their recipe. I'm sure Rita has been asked many times for her culinary secrets gathered over the years. So much in fact, she finally put them all together in one place. Rita can now add "famous author" to her resume as she spends time at book signings promoting the Bennett House Cookbook: Kentucky Delights.

Come step back in time and take a moment to enjoy this historic "experience" we have in Richmond, Kentucky. Bennett House Bed & Breakfast, Share it with a good friend or two!

"Life is an experience, where you want to stay, it should be an experience. When you fix food for people...it's the experience." Rita Smart says with a smile.

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Broker of Lizette Realty in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Lizette Realty, Kentucky Horse Farms,  Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience. Copyright by Lizette Fitzpatrick 2009 *The Historic Bennett House Bed & Breakfast In Richmond KY*