By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Matt Johnson & Provided By Rockdale
Initially drawn to Rockdale’s history and multiple historic buildings, owners Don Wenzel and Ron Darnell have been hard at work restoring the property and adding exciting new additions for those looking for a quiet getaway in Louisville.
Rockdale originated in the late 1700s as a land grant property acquired by Edward Tyler through grants and purchase of Treasury Warrants for his service in the Revolutionary War. The original stone house, ca. 1783, is made from 23-inch-thick limestone slabs quarried on the property. “The quarry is still here, and we continue to source native limestone for various landscape projects,” the couple shared. Built around 1845, the Georgian main house radiates a timeless grandeur, its historic authenticity unmistakable. Featuring eight fireplaces, towering 12-foot ceilings on the two main floors, a stately 54-foot entrance hall, and original bald cypress floors, it houses a level of craftsmanship that feels almost lost to time— they truly don’t build them like this anymore! Nestled on over 13 acres of rolling hills, pastures, and forested areas, the estate offers a pastoral escape just 15 miles from the pulse of downtown.
Rockdale underwent an extensive restoration process, as several of its historic structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To preserve the integrity of the main house, stone house, and springhouse, the owners secured historic rehabilitation tax credits, ensuring that all architectural elements remained intact. ” Inherent in the process of using historic tax credits for rehabilitation is the tight restriction on retaining all contributing architectural elements to ensure the object of historic preservation is achieved. Because we feel a deep sense of responsibility for care and custody of this amazing place for future generations, we embraced that dynamic,” said Wenzel.
“In three years, we have managed to complete a top-down rehabilitation of the main house, stone house and the spring house – all using historic tax credits (no, we didn’t sleep those three years!). It was a massive effort, and we are so gratified with the endresult, that while preservation was preeminent, theliving spaces are remarkably suitable for modern-day living. We don’t feel like we sacrificed practical and functional living to accomplish the preservation objective. Next up is the build out of the Rockdale event space on the adjacent parcel of land utilizing a historic ca. 1880’s barn frame. The scale of the project is immense, and we are beyond excited to create and activate this space so others can enjoy and experience Rockdale.”
Aside from their dedication to restoration and hospitality, Don and Ron share Rockdale with their two beloved dogs Cody, an 11-year-old West Highland White Terrier, and Finch, a 6-year-old English Setter, embracing the historic estate as both a passion project and a cherished home. Finch enjoys his time roaming and hunting, while Cody delights in the lively energy of frequent guests and gatherings. In their home, the design follows a firm principle—dogs are welcome in every room. After all, a home is meant to be lived in, not treated as a museum.
The word “eclectic” best describes Don and Ron’s style, the result of a lifetime of creative study, inquiry, curiosity and open eyes. “Within limits, we are okay pushing some traditional boundaries of what others might consider ‘good taste’; we don’t think there should be rules around what makes style and design ‘work’. If it makes sense for the space, we enjoy blending period American and European antiques with mid-century, Hollywood Regency, Art Deco and even some transitional pieces. When done well, this makes for a visually stimulating and interesting space that is also functional and comfortable. Extensive traveling, owning a retail design and home furnishings business, possessing several properties of various ages and architectural styles over many years, suffering some inexplicable losses and celebrating some unexpected victories – all have been contributing influences. In short, the breadth of our life has indeed defined our design style.” they explained.
At Rockdale, no single piece defines the space; instead, the collective curation tells an evolving story. Visitors often ask about a favorite item, but the owners believe each piece gains meaning through personal interpretation. The property adapts to large events, intimate gatherings, and everyday living. Texture takes precedence in Rockdale’s overall design, with neutral tones allowing the contemporary art collection to stand out as the focal point. The clean, near-Shaker aesthetic of the moldings enhances the home’s architectural integrity while providing a versatile backdrop. Texture is not only a visual and tactile element but also a fundamental part of the home’s structure, influencing the ambiance and functionality of each space.
Every space at Rockdale holds a distinct charm, making it difficult to choose just one favorite. The library in the main house, with its grand fireplace, salon-style paintings, and Le Corbusier LC-3 chairs, is a refined retreat. In the stone house, the gathering room transports visitors to the late 1700s. The springhouse offers a rare experience—listening to the gentle bubbling of a natural spring beneath the floor, perfectly paired with a sip of bourbon. Evenings often center around the outdoor fireplace, where guests enjoy wine on the stone terrace.
Future plans for Rockdale include transforming the third floor of the main house into a billiards room and speakeasy, converting the root cellar into a bespoke wine sanctuary, and repurposing an old cistern into a leather-clad bourbon lounge. “What is so fun about a property like this is the process of discovering these spaces and allowing our creativity to envision what these amazing and unique historic features CAN be!” said Wenzell.
At its core, a home should be an honest reflection of those who live there— their history, passions, and journey. Don and Ron have embraced this philosophy, Rockdale is not just a beautifully restored historic property but a place that truly represents their lives. They believe in authenticity over trends, encouraging others to create homes that reflect their own unique stories.
Now recently retired, Don and Ron have built a life rich with experience, from careers in finance and hospitality to various entrepreneurial ventures, including thoroughbred breeding, home design, and short-term rentals. Their shared love for entertaining, historic preservation, and travel—often in their Airstream with their beloved dogs—continues to shape their lifestyle. Yet, despite their many pursuits, their greatest joy remains the simplest: spending time together at Rockdale, a home that is not just a project, but a personal and ever-evolving expression.
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