Ashland for the Holidays

Southern Living, Nov 2004 by McKinney, Wanda

Stroll through this Kentucky mansion while it's decked out for the season.

Statesman Henry Clay tried three times, but he never became President of the United States. However, you can see one of his still-existing successes in Lexington, Kentucky. His home, Ashland, welcomes visitors now much as it did in the early 1800s. Stop by for a visit any time from Thanksgiving to Christmas when this mansion gets spiffed up for company.

Downstairs

Ashland (named for the blue ash trees on the property) consists of 18 rooms and sits on 17 acres of land just outside downtown Lexington. First built in 1805 (then rebuilt in 1854), the mansion stands as a fitting tribute to the man who said he'd "rather be right than be President."

As you enter the six-sided Entrance Hall, take note of the Eastlake-style staircase, Pompeian red walls, and gilt cornice and ceiling medallion. Then watch the short video that tells about Henry Clay's life as Senator, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State and his three runs for President.

In the dining room, you'll see the safe where the silver was kept under lock and key. One of the neatest rooms is the octagonal library, paneled in walnut and ash with secret storage areas behind the bookcases.

Upstairs

As you ascend to the second floor of the house, you'll learn that Henry cClay and his wife, Lucretia, did not escape sorrow. Of their 11 children, none of their 6 daughters survived them. One son was killed in the war in Mexico; another spent time in a mental institution. Henry was also known to gamble and participated in two duels. One oil painting in the upstairs master bedroom was won by "The Great Compromiser" in a card game. Most of the personal items and furniture in the house belonged to the Clay family, whose last descendants lived here until the 1960s.

The house speaks loudly of the many contributions clay made to his state and his country. He had a sense of humor, too, once asking Congress to approve a National Day of Prayer when his prize bull died. Now that's a Bluegrass original.

WANDA MCKINNEY

Ashland: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington, KY 40502; (859) 266-8581 or www. henryclay.org. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Final tour is at 4 p.m. (Closed January.) Admission: $7 adults, $3 ages 6-18, and free for ages 5 and under.

JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS

* Beginning November 26: Enjoy viewing the five decorated trees that adorn Ashland, which represent the five generations of Henry Clay descendants who resided in the home until 1964.

* December 12,4-8 p.m. After being welcomed at the front door, take a candlelight tour of Ashland, highlighted by musical performances. Five other homes in the area are included in the excursion, and hot cider and sweets are provided. Tickets are $15.

* December 26, 6-8 p.m. Take your time with this post-holiday tour of Ashland. Actors portraying Henry and Lucretia Clay welcome guests to the home for this one-stop, after-Christmas visit. Music and refreshments are included. Tickets are $10.