Here in Kentucky, we’re not only world-famous for bourbon; we live, breathe, and sleep bourbon. Whether it’s traveling the Bourbon Trail, exploring an abandoned distillery, or dining at the world’s oldest bourbon bar, our love for this sultry spirit runs deep. In Versailles, you’ll find what is perhaps the most unique spot for Bluegrass bourbonites: The Ruin, a converted distillery B&B that’s truly extraordinary — and about as quintessentially Kentucky as it gets.
All across the Bluegrass State, there’s evidence of our history, especially with regard to bourbon. While many of our original distilleries continue churning out liquid gold to this day, some are happily in retirement… at least, in terms of bourbon making.
The Ruin B&B
This is The Ruin, a beautiful B&B in Versailles, Kentucky, that was once home to a booming Bluegrass distillery!
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Formerly Glenn Springs Distillery, it was the first distillery in America to employ Dr. James C. Crow, an acclaimed chemist credited as the perfecter of the sour mash process used in creating bourbon whiskey in the 1800s. In short, he’s a bit of a Kentucky legend!
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But at some point prior to 1903, the distillery was sold and shortly thereafter it was closed and dismantled. That is, until Ron and Elise Wallace purchased the property in 2010.
The Ruin B&B
With a grand vision, a team of skilled and passionate contractors and laborers, and years of blood, sweat, and tears, The Ruin B&B opened its doors to guests in 2015.
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Maintaining the integrity and history of the building, the interior was built with repurposed and reclaimed materials, including old fence boards, old tobacco barn siding, beams from a railroad warehouse, and even the flooring from an old tobacco warehouse in Louisville.
The Ruin B&B
The result is nothing short of amazing, especially considering that the former distillery sat abandoned for a century!
The Ruin B&B
Inside this well-appointed, rustic-yet-luxurious space, you’ll find all the comforts you’d expect from a Southern B&B: plush linens and charming ceiling fans in the bedrooms…
The Ruin B&B
…a beautiful outdoor patio space that beckons folks to come and while away the afternoon, with a cup of sweet tea – or glass of bourbon! – in hand…
The Ruin B&B
…and loving touches like the hearty, Southern-style breakfasts served up each morning.
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Escape to Versailles, Kentucky, and revel in this beautiful and charming little piece of Bluegrass history!
The Ruin B&B
Learn more and book your stay at this distillery-turned-B&B in Kentucky at The Ruin’s website. And for another fairy tale accommodation in Versailles, check out (or into) this real-life castle!
The Ruin B&B
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Jackie T/TripAdvisor
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Address: 3629 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
