The Prospect farmhouse known as Chestnut Hall was built in the 1860s. The home — which sits on a 25-acre property — features vintage fireplaces as well as original flooring and crown molding. This holiday season, its historic charm is enhanced with Christmas decor inside and out for the 2023 Holiday Designer Show House.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation‘s sanctuary farm at Chestnut Hall is home to a small group of retired thoroughbred racehorses, but the organization itself cares for a herd of more than 420 thoroughbred retirees. It saves horses who are no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter.
The annual Holiday Designer Show House supports these horses, as the event is produced by volunteers — including local designers — and ticket proceeds benefit TRF.
Same place, new designs
“Every room is designed by a different designer,” Nikki Bernstein, farm and events marketing manager at TRF told The Courier Journal, “(and) they do a different design every year.”
This ensures that showgoers have something new to look forward to with each yearly visit. Though some of the designers are repeat participants, all — with the exception of Cherry House Galleries in the living room — worked on a different room this year.
The 2023 designers include Mandeline Hetzel Interiors, KP Designs, and Charissa’s Floral Design, to name a few.
Local designer Emily Gilbert was in charge of decorating the primary bedroom, which features white walls, a black fireplace, and a black and white damask rug. Gilbert’s accessories include a wreath, several small trees, and other green and gold accents.
“We’re just trying to keep it classic and kind of simple,” she said, adding that the clean and uncomplicated design aesthetic honors the historical home.
Though designers were assigned to most of the rooms, the library was decorated by owner Julia Carstanjen, and there are a few parts of the house that have been decked out by TRF volunteer Kim Toney.
“We wanted to include holidays and traditions … from around the world,” Toney said, pointing out a wall of shelves filled with Hanukkah decor, and one of the upstairs Christmas trees that are decorated with the theme of peace on earth.
Decor with a cause
The Christmas tree in the kitchen as well as the staircase bannister boast a plethora of handmade decorations featuring pictures of TRF horses. Crafted by the organization’s volunteers, they are being sold during the show for $10 each, with all proceeds going toward the largest and oldest thoroughbred rescue organization in the U.S.
And new to the show this year is another way for showgoers to support TRF. Dubbed Santa’s One-Stop Shop, a selection of home decor and entertaining items — like vases, mugs, and pitchers — are available for purchase by KP Designs, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the organization.
Fit for family
Outside in the barn, there is another tree covered in horse ornaments to benefit TRF. Also in the space is hay bale seating. A couple of rectangular bales are outfitted with horse saddles, while the middle bale boasts a backing and a pillow for Santa, who will be in attendance from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.
Children and adults alike are welcome to take photos with him, with giant candy cane and lollipop props. There is even a mailbox specifically for letters to Santa, so those who are too shy to make their Christmas wishes in person can drop Saint Nick a little note.
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].
nuts & bolts
Owners: Julia and Bill Carstanjen. Bill is the CEO of Churchill Downs, Inc. and Julia is a stay-at-home mom and volunteer.
Home: This is a 4-bed, 3-and-a-half bath, 5,500-square foot, historic farmhouse at Chestnut Hall in Prospect. It was built in the 1860s.
Distinctive elements: Original hardwood flooring, crown molding, and vintage fireplaces.
Applause! Applause! Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation would like to thank its volunteers for their hard work and dedication, and Bill and Julia Carstanjen for their donation of the exterior lights and constant support of the TRF. Special thanks also to all the designers who worked with TRF to produce the event: Julia Carstanjen – study/library; Libby Helgeson Design – dining room; Cherry House – living room; KP Designs – family room; Kim Toney – kitchen; Charissa’s Floral Design – front foyer and back area; Hartman Interiors – gallery hall and bar; Emily Gilbert – king bedroom; Holly Schroering – queen bedroom; Madeline Hetzel Interiors – twin bedroom; TFV volunteers – upstairs landing.
Holiday Designer Show House
WHAT: The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is opening Chestnut Hall to benefit the organization’s herd of more than 400 retired racehorses. The historic farmhouse will be adorned inside and out with holiday decor. The event is being staffed by volunteers and friends of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
WHEN: Dec. 8, 9, and 10; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Chestnut Hall, 12611 W HWY 42, Prospect
TICKETS: Pre-sale tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at donorbox.org/events/495319. Admission is $25 at the door.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the Holiday Designer Show House at trfinc.org/event/holiday-showhouse-2023/.