EKU's Elmwood Estate in Richmond,KY

Thanks to Eastern Kentucky University and my daughter, I was privileged to spend a morning at Elmwood. Elmwood, a 20 acre wooded estate was built in 1887 by William Walker Watts for the unheard of sum of $35,000. After the Civil War, Watts, a Confederate soldier, went to Texas, where he amassed a sizable fortune in the cattle and cotton business. He returned to his native Richmond, KY in the 1880's a very wealthy man and decided to build a grand house befitting a Southern gentleman. The 10,000 square foot mansion is divided into 15 rooms with golden oak woodwork and ornate stained windows. The Watt's only child, Emma Parkes Watts, was born the year Elmwood was constructed. Upon the death of her mother in 1932, Miss Watts, who considered herself an aristocratic Southern lady, ruled Elmwood until her death in 1972. The EKU Foundation assumed ownership of Elmwood in 2011. Due to the home remaining vacant for nearly 4 decades, considerable structural damage has occurred. Yet, much of the original beauty - especially on the main floor of the home - remains untouched and seemingly frozen in time. I am glad and thankful that I was able to experience the home and I am excited to share it with you.