Story by Angela Reeves | Photography by Alan Hudson
Historic Beechmont Farm is a beautiful property in Warren County out Old Richardsville Road, crossing the old iron bridge to come to the home now proudly owned by Lori Share Davidson. Beechmont turns 100 years old this year with a rich heritage of community engagements and elegant events. The home was featured in the Times Journal and Warren County Courier in the business and industrial edition of 1902, identified as James H. Wilkerson’s residence. Wilkerson was Bowling Green’s City Engineer as well as President of the Bowling Green Railway and one of the city’s ice companies. In 1903, Wilkerson married Katherine Topmiller and their marriage lasted until Wilkerson’s death in 1915. In 1919 Katherine married Thomas Morris Hunt. The couple rebuilt the home in 1924 and named the property Beechmont because of the grove of beech trees throughout the property, which to this day many still stand at over 300 years old. Mrs. Hunt was committed to social and education advancement and was one of the founders of the Bowling Green Welfare Center, formerly known as the community Home. She was a charter member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Music and Garden clubs. In 1920, an article in the society pages of the paper indicated there was a very elegant wedding of Eva Whitlock Hoag and M.P. Alfred Pearson, in the library at Beechmont.
To this day, owner Lori Share Davidson has continued the traditions of hosting events at the gorgeous Beechmont Farm. Events are predominantly held outdoors on the rolling ten acres utilizing tents, one of the two wedding arbors or gazebos, or the fountain garden area. There is lush landscaping with multiple settings for the perfect wedding ceremony and photography. Amenities also include a bridal cottage boasting two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen which opens to the family room, all furnished, as well as a covered three car garage to store event items (tables, chairs, bourbon barrels, chandeliers, etc) and a space for caterers to use.
The location of the farm is perfect, being only minutes from downtown, where you can see the lights of the city, yet feel you are far removed from civilization in the most peaceful serene setting. Guests are welcome to be photographed anywhere on the property and Lori’s horse, Stanley is often featured in wedding photos as he adds the beautiful backdrop for a Kentucky wedding! Lori says Stanley loves people and will do most anything for a carrot!
Lori grew up in Bowling Green and has had a love of horses since birth. When this home came on the market in 2001, she was so happy to be able to have her horse in the backyard and she immediately fell in love with the historical home. Her two children, Richie Davidson who is currently in Louisville, and Alexandra Davidson currently in New Orleans, both grew up on the farm and learned chores of feeding cows and horses and loved to roam the beautiful property.
“When my daughter graduated from WKU, she went to live and work at Yellowstone National Park. While living there and meeting new friends, she stayed in many Air BNBS and suggested I use the guest house to house guests for travel. I signed up one weekend and had guests the next! It has been a great platform to welcome guests to Bowling Green and the farm. Each visit something new is added and reinvested in the property, while it affords me to stay here and continue to work on renovating the main home,” said Lori.
It has been a very long remodeling process, with each step taking longer than expected, but everything done is in keeping with the historic home. A geo thermal unit was added in the home for economic heating and cooling. Lori had a wall opened up in renovating the kitchen and a bathroom remodel was recently completed. Designs are being planned for adding a master bedroom and bath on the first floor without taking away from any features. Lori’s favorite features include the high ceilings, crown molding, original chandeliers, intimate library, and the breathtaking views from every room. “I moved the dining room to the back of the house so you can enjoy the view of nature and the sun setting on the bluegrass as you dine, or have your coffee on the patio as the sun rises,” said Lori.
Lori feels extremely blessed to be living in a landmark and grateful to be able to share it with others. “I love to have people staying and enjoying the property, even if it’s only for a weekend to feed Stanley a carrot, or roast marshmallows in the fire pit! I enjoy hosting the sweetest intimate family celebrations from the perfect wedding or anniversary celebration to a tea party,” said Lori.
You can view the Historic Beechmont Farm on Facebook @BeechmontFarm or email Lori at [email protected] with rental inquiries.