Pope Villa (a.ka. Latrobe House) - Lexington, KY - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

Latrobe House. There’s no furniture, and in fact, some of the walls have been torn out. But that’s precisely what attracts most visitors – particularly those with a serious interest in architecture and preservation — to the Latrobe House at 326 Grosvenor Avenue near downtown.

Within easy walking distance of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Latrobe House offers a rare opportunity not only to see a restoration in progress, but to see the restoration of one of only three remaining homes in America designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Latrobe was one of the designers of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, and is known as the "Father of American Architecture." He is considered America’s first trained professional architect.

The house in Lexington, also known as the Senator John and Eliza Pope Villa, was designed for a prominent early Kentucky politician in 1811. One of its most interesting architectural features is a rotunda set in the middle of the square house plan. Over the decades, however, the house’s facade and interior were greatly altered and remodeled. It wasn’t until a 1987 fire and subsequent cleanup that it became apparent that the house was built exactly to Latrobe’s design, a factor that makes it even more architecturally significant.

During a tour you’ll get an explanation of whatever work happens to be underway. Plans include restoring the facade to its 1811 appearance and restoring the original interior layout. When the restoration is complete the house will serve as a center for preservation.

Latrobe House is owned by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, and is open for tour by appointment (call 859-254-POPE or 859-253-0362). Admission charged.