The 1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B in Springfield, Kentucky is unusual in the sense that it also functions as an alpaca and llama farm, in addition to a fiber farm store. It’s ideal for travelers who truly need a peaceful and quiet retreat, but it’s also close to attractions such as bourbon distilleries and Abraham Lincoln’s historical sites. Guests can relax on the beautiful farmland and take nature walks, explore the gardens, and watch the animals graze. History buffs will be delighted by the incredible amounts of history that took place in this antebellum home. Innkeepers Todd Allen and Tyler Horton kindly took the time to answer the following questions for us about their unique B&B, why Springfield is worth visiting, and the fascinating history of their inn.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper?
We enjoy the combination of pride in ownership of a historic home and working farm, the ability to make friends with guests from all walks of life from all around the world, and the special connections and relationships created and renewed among our guests. Many of our guests have become close, lasting friendships that we cherish.
2. How long have you been an innkeeper?
Ten years, which have flown by and have been so very rewarding!
3. What was your inspiration for your creating your inn? Did you have a certain vision for it?
We had a vision for creating an inviting and relaxing historic property to share with guests, offering a blend of luxury and comfort, warm Southern hospitality, fine country gourmet breakfast dining, and a unique alpaca and llama farm experience for our guests to enjoy...and want to return again and again.
Our farm animals are rare, champion bloodstock Suri Alpacas native to South America. They provide Maple Hill Manor a notable niche on the lodging landscape and present something of a motif in the guest rooms and farm store. We have a wide variety of products made from alpaca fleece, including teddy bears, throws, sweaters, capes, gloves, scarves, and more, and several of the items cozy up the rooms.
This is a super silky, lustrous fiber. People often compare it to cashmere, but it's actually softer and superior to cashmere. Luxurious alpaca fiber blankets are found on all guest beds, an especially welcoming touch for nippy early spring nights. The cuddly teddy bears and swaddling throws add soft, homey touches in each of the seven guest rooms.
4. Why did you choose this inn and this city?
There was a desire to be close to family, help to preserve a pre-Civil War historic property with a fascinating past, surrounded by an abundance of local attraction opened year-round.
5. What sets your B&B apart from others?
We believe that our beautiful grand antebellum manor, along with its rich heritage and remarkable architectural features, its working farm operation and fiber farm store, central Kentucky location, and innkeeping service, hospitality, and award-winning food are the many things that set us apart from other B&Bs. We have been very fortunate to receive recognition throughout our years of ownership, which has been rewarding and helped to motivate us to continue to work hard at being the best we can. We strive to delight our guests and exceed their expectations: We were voted No. 1 in U.S. as the B&B with the "Most Historical Charm" by Arrington's B&B Journal, "Kentucky's Best B&B" by Kentucky Monthly Magazine, and "Best Breakfast in the Southeast," “Outstanding B&B in the South,” and most recently, “Top Innkeepers in the U.S.” by reviewers of Bedandbreakfast.com.
6. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
Our high number of consistent, outstanding guest reviews. By offering extra comforts such as lush padded bedding, designer luxury linens, and private baths with Turkish towels; many value-added amenities such as fireplaces and Jacuzzis for two; and providing hearty country gourmet breakfasts. Additionally, interest in the numerous tourist trails, festivals, antique shopping, and desire to stay at a working Kentucky farm have all contributed to the reasons why travelers choose to visit our B&B over area hotels.
7. Does your B&B have any special history?
Maple Hill Manor has had an amazing history, dating back to 1848-1851, the years in which it was built. This beautiful Greek Revival Manor is lavished with numerous architectural features. It is accented with Italianate detail, spans 7,000 square feet, has 14-foot ceilings, and a grand cherry spiral staircase. Its colorful past includes an antebellum plantation of 949 acres, Civil War Confederate encampment, as well as a Union field hospital after Kentucky's bloodiest battle fought at Perryville located just a few miles from the inn.
It was used as a barn during the Great Depression, was the birthplace and childhood home to well-known New York Giant's Quarterback and Super Bowl XXI's MVP Phil Simms, was used as a popular dinner hall and wedding site, and was a children's home that hosted over 300 foster children. Today it is a nationally-recognized B&B, alpaca and llama farm, and fiber farm store. The Manor is stately set on 15 tranquil acres surrounded by picturesque racehorse and working farmland in the heart of Kentucky's scenic Bluegrass Region and is considered to be one of the best preserved antebellum homes in Kentucky. Each of the seven antique-appointed guest rooms has a private bath and is spacious, airy, and comfortably and warmly decorated--some with a Jacuzzi for two and/or fireplace. Homemade desserts, 24-hour snacks and beverages, and award-winning full country gourmet breakfast is included.
8. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
Area attractions in Springfield include Kentucky's oldest settlements--historic Harrodsburg and Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park & Golf Course, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace National Museum in Hodgenville, Lincoln Homestead State Park & Golf Course, Old Fort Harrod State Park, Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, numerous Civil War museums cemeteries, and the Perryville Battlefield State Shrine, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and 12 area Wineries. There is also an abundance of outdoor adventure activities such as horse farm tours and horseback riding and carriage rides, numerous water activities due to several lakes and rivers in the area, plane rides and flying lessons, train excursions and museum, and countless hiking and biking routes. A complete list of area attractions and activities are posted on our website.
9. Do you have any food specialties?
We feature locally grown and Kentucky Proud ingredients wherever possible for that extra fresh flavor and true taste of Kentucky! Seasonal fruit is often used and available from our fruit orchard, raspberry patch, and herb garden.
Here is a sample breakfast menu:
- Coffee, tea, and juices
- Fresh fruit and homemade muffins
- Lemon souffle pancakes or buttermilk biscuits, signature egg dish or omelets, bacon or sausage,
and hashbrown casserole
- Assorted Maple Hill Manor jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups (also available for purchase from our Farm Store!)
10. Do you have any special offers coming up?
Wine, Dine, & Whirlpool for Two Package!
A great surprise for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special time. It includes:
* One-night stay in a Jacuzzi AND Fireplace Guest Room, luxurious queen size bed with luxury linens, and private bath.
* Limo will be arranged to take you on an exclusive VIP tour of two or three local wineries or Bourbon Distilleries and private tasting
* $50 Gift Certificate and pre-arrangements at your choice of the finest restaurant in the area
* Full country gourmet breakfast served
Package Pricing: Weekdays $479, Weekends/Holidays $499. Certain restrictions apply. Only one discount may be applied to any reservation.
Bourbon Trail Tour & Tasting Package
This package includes:
*A one-night B&B stay
* Complimentary bourbon distillery tours and tastings of Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center (trolley ride included), Tom Moore/1792 Distillery, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Jim Beam.
* Collect Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport stamps from six distilleries and you will receive a complimentary Kentucky Bourbon Trail T-shirt
* Complimentary tour of Kentucky Cooperage (where the bourbon barrels are made)
* Bourbon dinner for two at Mordecai's On Main ($40 value)
* Box of Rebecca Ruth’s Bourbon Chocolates
* 2 keepsake Maker's Mark rocks glasses
Package Price: $249 ($55/hour for shuttle transport arrangements)
We can also create a customized excursion based on your interests. Free tickets will be furnished to attractions for stays of at least three nights.