Lodgings Spotlight: Queenslake B&B
Written by Kathy Witt
Guests to Queenslake get the royal treatment, a five-star experience that begins as soon as they turn into the main gate of this quintessential classic Kentucky horse farm with tree-lined drive leading to a magnificent white-columned manse.
“From the horses in the pasture to our own line of bourbon, Queenslake celebrates the traditions of Kentucky,” said Claire Chmela, who owns the property with her husband, John Chmela. “It’s a very traditional farm with the classic four-plank fencing, barns, stables and rolling hills.”
A beautiful blend of country charm and resort elegance, it is also a place with stunning lakeside views, gardens popping up unexpectedly throughout the property and spectacular sunrises and sunsets – a perfect weekend getaway located about 10 minutes from downtown Georgetown in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country and not far from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Nearby attractions include the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland.
A sport horse farm, bed and breakfast inn and wedding and events venue, Queenslake has a scenic 40-acre lake and illuminated gazebo providing a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos. Additionally, the owners host seasonal activities, including outdoor movie nights and holiday lightshows.
Anchoring the farm’s 140 acres is the Greek Revival Federal-style estate home which overlooks the fishing lake. (Fishing poles are available for guest use.) Guests are free to wander the gently rolling grounds by foot or hoof or car. Horse boarding is offered, and facilities including indoor and outdoor arenas, covered round pen and miles of riding trails meandering around the lake and through the surrounding forest.
Three guestrooms usher overnighters into calming oases with king-size beds and views of the lake and pastures. The largest is the bridal suite with private bath and balcony. The other two rooms, one of which also has a private balcony, have a shared bath (which may possibly be reserved for exclusive use). All rooms feature 40-inch TVs with a smart speaker to connect to your phone.
“The favorite breakfast meal we serve is an avocado toast with eggs laid by our free-range chickens here on the farm,” said Claire. “Seasonally, we also serve zucchini fritters and fresh zucchini bread with farm-grown zucchini.”
“Guests love the over-the-top service, the farm-fresh homemade Kentucky breakfast and all the unique stories about the adventures on the farm,” added John. “We aim for a very high-end elegant experience for every guest.”
Queenslake has all health and safety protocols in place. In fact, Claire, an admitted germophobe, personally cleans the guestrooms herself because she doesn’t trust anyone else to clean them as well as she can or to her level of satisfaction.
“And because we’re so small – with just three rooms – people feel safer here,” she said. “Last year, people would rent out the entire B&B for themselves and their own group.”
Learn more about Queenslake as well as its facilities, services and amenities at 702-885-1263 or www.queenslake.com, where you can also watch an introductory video. Other videos may be seen on Queenslake’s YouTube channel. Keep up to date with activities and events by following Queenslake’s Facebook page.
Georgetown has more than two dozen unique stays, including lofts, bed and breakfasts and historic homes. See the choices here.
Fun farm fact: “There is no food waste on the farm since the chickens get any leftover breakfast foods! The chickens feed us and in turn we feed them.” Claire Chmela, Queenslake.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
