The Rotherwood
A Private Victorian Farm Estate
Welcome to the Rotherwood- in Winchester, KY
This modest estate was built by Asa Sphar as a gift to his bride Emily French in 1887 - Engaged couples can share and add to the history of the Rotherwood by carrying on the legacy of a house built on love.
Rotherwood Events is located on a historic estate in Winchester, Kentucky, just minutes from Lexington and the I-64 corridor. The property is centered around a late-19th century Victorian home, offering a rare blend of historic architecture and modern event space.
The Rotherwood House: Built in the 1880s
The Rotherwood House originally begun construction in 1885 and was completed in 1887 by Asa Rodgers Sphar, as a seed farmer.
Some locals say that Emily Sphar (French) dropped her pearl earring on the grounds while the house was being constructed, and it has never been found.
The Sphar family of Winchester can trace their roots in America back to 1749, when ancestors emigrated from Switzerland.
Architectural Style and Features
Rotherwood is recognized as a brick Victorian estate, often associated with the Queen Anne style common in Kentucky during the late 1800s.
Historic features of the home include:
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Large-scale brick construction ( 3-brick-thick walls)
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High ceilings (approximately 12 feet)
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Original hardwood floors
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9 fireplaces throughout the home
- total of 11 chimneys
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Detailed interior millwork
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Original horsehair plaster
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Expansive porch overlooking Bluegrass farmland
The home has been noted as a Kentucky landmark as a heritage site. The craftsmanship of yesteryear is rarely seen today in modern day built homes.
A Bluegrass Estate with Deep Roots
The property was once part of a 750-acre family tract. Today it is almost 26 acres, but still reflects the agricultural foundation of the region.
Like many estates in Central Kentucky, Rotherwood functioned as a gentleman’s farm, supporting crops, livestock, and rural living while overlooking the rolling Bluegrass landscape that defines the area today.
Tile from fireplace in dressing suite- Young soldier grown into an older soldier- Encaustic mottled Victorian tiles
Original stained glass door with Kokomo glass.
Preservation and Modern Restoration
In 2021, the property was acquired by Aaron & Holly Kuster, who began restoring and revitalizing the estate with a focus on preserving its historical integrity while adapting it for modern use.
Efforts have included:
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Structural restoration of original features
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Preservation of historic materials where possible
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Development of a purpose-built barn venue
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Infrastructure improvements for events and guest experience
The goal remains to protect the legacy of Rotherwood and continue restoration efforts while opening it to the community as a place for gatherings, weddings, and celebrations.
Sphar & Co. in the Bush Warehouse, 1948 (Sphar family photograph, Bluegrass Heritage Museum)
Visit Rotherwood Events
Rotherwood Events is located at 3565 Paris Road in Winchester, Kentucky, serving couples and guests from Lexington, Richmond, and across Central Kentucky.
The Blue K Homestead Company LLC
Blue K Homestead Company LLC was founded in 2021 by Aaron and Holly Kuster. What began as a working farm always carried the vision of welcoming visitors through agritourism.
After securing a variance approval for the property, the company launched its venue operations under the name Rotherwood Events—a tribute to the historic Rotherwood house on the land. This venture helps fund the ongoing preservation and stewardship of both the house and the surrounding property.
A Continued Stewardship
The estate has been shaped through successive ownership. After the Sphar family sold the property in the 1970s, a later owner in the 1990s brought the home into modern use—updating electrical systems and replacing the original cistern water supply.
As the fifth owners, Aaron and Holly Kuster continue that stewardship, restoring the home and grounds from years of deferred maintenance while preparing the property for its next chapter.
Survey of Historic Sites in Kentucky-Clark County
Holly
Kuster
Today
A New Chapter
Aaron and Holly acquired the property in 2021, drawn to its character and potential. Originally inspired by years of travel and hospitality experiences abroad, their vision evolved into creating a place centered around gathering, celebration, and shared experience.
Thoughtfully Built
Since 2023, the estate has been carefully developed, restoring the home, improving the land, and building a barn designed to complement the property.
Each step has been guided by a balance between preservation and purpose, ensuring the estate supports a seamless wedding experience.
Rotherwood continues to evolve as a private estate for weddings and gatherings—offering a setting that feels grounded, intentional, and complete.