By:VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Kathryn Harrington and Mallard Hall Estate
Mallard Hall Estate, a remarkable blend of history and modern luxury, has undergone a transformative journey that mirrors the evolving legacy of the Bluegrass State itself. Situated in Shelby County, Kentucky, this estate, with roots tracing back to the 1790s, has been meticulously restored by its current proprietor, Annette Vitale.
The estate’s origins as a Federal Style farmhouse connect it deeply to Kentucky’s early history, surviving the vicissitudes of time, including the Civil War and the expansion of America westward. Over the centuries, Mallard Hall has seen several transformations, from its early days as a settler’s homestead to its reincarnation as a lavish Saddlebred horse farm in the 1980s under the Greenberg family. However, it wasn’t until Vitale purchased the estate in 2020 that its full potential was realized.
What drew you to the estate?
I live in Shelby County and drove by the property hundreds of times over the years. Since the completion, so many people have told me they also drove by and, once our renovation started, they followed the progress being made.
One of the times I was passing the property, I noticed an “Open House Tonight” sign in the yard. I went in and toured the estate along with approximately 50 other curious and / or potential buyers. After speaking with the listing realtor, I learned that the current owner was selling because she became too ill to renovate the estate. I was told she was accepting cash offers only and was making a decision within 24 hrs. I also learned that there were four existing offers on the table.
After urgently talking my family into taking this risk, I submitted an offer along with a written letter to the owner explaining my intentions to preserve the historical estate and bring it back to its original grandeur. Twenty-four hours later my offer was accepted! It wasn’t until then that I learned that three of the offers were submitted by developers with the intention to tear down the estate and build a subdivision.
I could see that this home had once been something special. I envisioned the potential for it, given a lot of love, time, energy and money. With the support of my family, my three-year labor of love to renew, renovate and elevate this property began with the vision to preserve the historic significance within the walls and elevate the property by incorporating every modern luxury that was sure to exceed our guests’ expectations at every turn.
Were there any unique challenges or interesting discoveries during the renovation process?
I never knew what I was going to find, which was challenging, creative, and interesting. We took a house built in 1790 that was updated in 1980 - ensuring the integrity of the estate’s rich history and its vast transition over the past 200 years was always kept top of mind. Fortunately, the estate and surrounding grounds provided a plethora of material and elements to work with and some hidden treasures to incorporate into the design plan, i.e., the custom etched-glass windows, an elevator, the floor-to-ceiling burl wood built-ins, and commissioned art sculptures found on the grounds.
A critical challenge was finding and building reliable, trustworthy relationships with subcontractors who were committed enough to follow along the three-year journey. Although that process was frustrating at times, and time consuming, I am fortunate to have developed lasting relationships with great companies and people that are now on my team, people I can trust, and many of whom I consider friends.
How have you managed to seamlessly blend the historic elements with contemporary amenities?
Mallard Hall Estate is a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury. This blend is evident in every bespoke design choice, and state-of-the-art amenity. We added heated floors, a steam shower, whole-house surround sound, and top-of-the-line appliances including the GE Monogram and Café Series appliances.
Having separate parts of the estate built in different centuries presented a design challenge. The estate has seen many changes, from its origins dating back to the 1790s, through the Civil War, to hosting prominent Kentucky politicians, and eventually becoming a homestead and legendary Saddlebred farm in the 1980s. I wanted to maintain and highlight the historical aspects of the original home, while honoring the transitions of the estate over the past 200 years.
To provide a cohesive design throughout the home, and with the help of Niki Zdanow of Arden Haus Designs, we sourced many antiques and architectural design elements, i.e., 11-foot-tall European wood sliding doors; 200-year-old hand-hewn beams in the grand corridor; an antique vanity and lead-glass window in the mallard-themed half bath; and antique, 12-inch, tin crown molding used in the speakeasy.
Incorporating luxurious amenities to the property came naturally because the previous owners had elevated the style of the estate. Although done in the 80s, the home included many luxurious features such as the solid burl wood built-ins, a gorgeous retreat-type atmosphere including a 50 x 30 inground pool and plenty of room to dream.
Making some functional changes and opening up the floor plan proved to be inevitable for the property. Additional amenities such as whole-house surround sound, heated flooring, a steam shower, EV charger, and elevating the entertaining spaces to include an outdoor kitchen, covered fireplace area and 12-person saltwater spa all elevate the guest experience.
We also secured a partnership with GE to ensure our guests could enjoy state-of-the-art appliances such as Monogram 48 in. gas range, Advantium Ovens, All-in-One washer and dryer combo, Nugget Ice makers, fresh grind coffee and espresso machines, and a pizza oven.
What is your favorite feature of Mallard Hall, and why?
There are so many!
From the moment you drive through the gated entrance, you are welcomed onto 10 acres of beautiful landscaping, complete with a 2-acre tranquil pond with a dramatic fountain and a miniature replica of the estate that serves as house for local and transient ducks (thus, the estate’s new name - Mallard Hall). There is a beautiful brick walkway leading from the estate to pond landing and a new 700 sq ft stone patio.
The warm, welcoming feeling I have when I walk into the house. The entire home has abundant natural light and tall ceilings.
The 200-year-old, hand-hewn beams in the grand corridor.
Speakeasy ceiling with framed artwork.
The custom ceiling mural in the parlor.
Etched glass Saddlebred windows in the great room.
I especially love the garage door that opens into the indoor, poolside area that has a café vibe.
Are there any future plans or additions you envision for Mallard Hall?
Of course!
An intimate evening with singer and songwriter Paula Cole is set for Sept 19. Mallard Hall is the only Kentucky stop the Grammy-Award-Winning Artist will make during her current tour. Less than 200 tickets will be sold for the outdoor concert experience. The evening will include expertly crafted cocktails made with premium spirits from Castle & Key; locally made beer, ale & seltzers from Ten20; heavy hors d’oeuvres specially prepared to complement the signature cocktails; and exclusive access to Mallard Hall Estate’s grounds, first floor, and the “speakeasy style” lower level. Guests will have the option to upgrade their tickets for a meet & greet and photo opportunity with Cole.
The estate grounds are truly special, so I plan to expand / enhance the outdoor experience for our guests by creating more formal and informal gardens around the estate; build a walking path around the entire pond, and eventually plan to build a conservatory overlooking the pond to accommodate intimate special events year round.
What is the process for booking a stay at Mallard Hall?
We are fortunate to host both small groups looking for a weekend retreat, as well as larger gatherings where a more sophisticated venue is needed to host and entertain guests. The private 10 acres, 2-acre pond, picturesque gardens, and the interior ambiance provide a warm, comfortable feel for those looking to unwind and connect. At the same time, Mallard Hall is the epitome of luxury and entertainment, with our open floor plan and seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces, even offering our most discerning guests the option to arrive or depart via a helicopter.
Our website www.mallardhallky.com has a “book directly” feature, as well as a gallery of images and room type descriptions to help while planning a stay or event. Our partnership with Ellen Archer of Luxury Rentals Louisville, combined with our concierge services, allows us to curate truly luxurious stays for our guests, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed to enhance their experience.