Plush, modern accommodations for up to 8 guests Lighted bar Maker's Mark Exterior of the Samuels House Whiskey parlor Margie Samuels Historical architecture combines with modern touches Steeped in American history Relax after a day on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Stained glass window

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY - CALL TO INQUIRE!

Included in each guest stay is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to learn about the Samuels legacy directly from the family themselves. Call and speak with our Guest Manager, Missy Hillock, for all the details. Missy is a 9-year hospitality and industry expert – not to mention a 25-year bourbon drinker. She can provide details on this and other VIP experiences, making your stay one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

 

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Enjoy the Ultimate Kentucky Getaway

Premium vacation lodging steeped in bourbon legacy and American history – Welcome to the Samuels House. Owned and operated by the founding family of Maker’s Mark Distillery, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience an intimate piece of Kentucky bourbon history like an insider. Set amidst two acres fitted with mature oak trees and surrounded by horse pastures, the traditional features of a 200-year-old Federal-style manor home combine with the modern luxury of plush group travel accommodations that were as carefully crafted as the whisky they are known for.

Constructed circa 1820 by John Samuels, son of Robert Samuels - who made whisky for George Washington's troops in the Revolutionary War - the property remained in family hands until the 1950s. Now, under the ownership of Robert's namesake, Rob Samuels, an eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director of Maker's Mark, you're invited to visit this beautifully preserved home that has played such a significant role in the Samuels family history.

Today, the home has been meticulously prepared to provide discerning travelers exclusive access to the very heart of this rich bourbon heritage. You’ll find beautifully appointed spaces peppered with dozens of personal family artifacts never displayed before. Where else can you see the deep fryer that Margie Samuels used to perfect the iconic Maker’s Mark red wax seal? It’s here. And so much more. Come live the Samuels family legacy – and make a little history of your own while you’re here.

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State near Bardstown, KY, you’ll explore the unrivaled history, scenic natural beauty, and the birthplace of America’s native spirit. Dubbed the “Bourbon Capital of the World’, explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with over two dozen unique distilleries within a 25-mile radius.

Stay at The Samuels House

Experience the Samuels legacy like a member of the family and book your Kentucky getaway stay at a true piece of bourbon history. With exclusive use of the home during your visit, you'll be immersed in Kentucky bourbon culture. And with opportunities to enhance your stay with one-of-a-kind experiences - like sipping whisky while listening to tales from bourbon icon Bill Samuels, Jr. - you'll return home with your own stories to share for years to come. The 200-year-old family home has retained its architectural authenticity while being appointed with thoughtful amenities & modern comforts to ensure the ideal guest experience. Let us host you during your Kentucky bourbon adventure. Watch this video to see for yourself what makes the Samuels House special!

History of The Samuels House
History of The Samuels House

The Samuels House stands at the center of nearly 250 years of history for a family that is authentic bourbon royalty in Kentucky. Built around 1820 by John Samuels (whose father, Robert Samuels, made whisky for George Washington’s troops in the Revolutionary War), the house was the most prominent residence in what is known as Samuels, Kentucky. Over succeeding generations, the house has had a front-row view of history, including the surrender of the last armed group still fighting at the end of the Civil War. That group included the notorious Frank James who, standing in the front yard of the house, turned over his pistol to the sheriff, T.W. Samuels.

The Samuels Family Legacy

Comprised of eight generations of whisky makers with Scottish roots, one could say whisky runs through the veins of the Samuels family. Immigrating to America in 1713, John Samuels, Sr. began a lineage that would become one of the most noted whisky-making families in U.S. history. From Robert Samuels, Jr. distilling whisky for George Washington's Continental Army, to T.W. Samuels constructing the family’s first commercial distillery & marketing its first bourbon whisky, to Bill Sr. & Margie Samuels purchasing Burks Springs Distillery & later creating what would arguably become the most recognized bourbon around the world – Maker’s Mark – this family has truly left its ‘mark’ on the whisky world.

Bardstown Horse and Carriage
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Attractions

Welcome to Bourbon Country! From ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ to bourbon in the making, come experience what makes Kentucky great. Explore the rich history & natural beauty of the area, sip Kentucky’s finest aged whiskeys, and take in a little southern hospitality. Located seven miles to the town square of historic Bardstown, declared “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by Rand McNally and USA Today and smack-dab in the center of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, choose from over two-dozen distilleries within a 25-mile radius. Hankering for southern fare? Local dining options abound. Looking for city life? Downtown Louisville is an easy half-hour drive.

Margie Samuels
Community Initiatives

Giving back to our local community is essential. After all, you can’t spell community without ‘UNITY’. As such, the Samuels House is honored to support efforts for charitable fundraising and contribute to community scholarship opportunities. In honor of our own family visionary, Margie Samuels, we prioritize our charitable giving to causes supporting women entrepreneurs and other high-impact community programs.

The Samuels House Blog ...

June 14th is a much-celebrated day in the spirits world. It is officially National Bourbon Day. It also happens to be the birthday of Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark. You may have heard Bill referred to as a maverick, a giant in the distillery business, a marketing genius, a visionary, and the best friend the Kentucky bourbon industry has ever had.

An old photo on the wall of the parlor at The Samuels House may seem a bit unusual; here are a couple of guys in early-1930’s swimwear standing on a beach with another gentleman in a coat and tie. A little odd, perhaps, but the story behind it paints a picture of a unique characteristic among Kentucky distillers: your biggest competitor might just be your best friend.

The Samuels House takes every opportunity to create and execute pro-environmental practices. We love our earth and do our part to take care of it. Our environmental initiatives include:

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products (Norwex)
  • Recycling program
  • Towel and linen conservation program
  • Regenerative cocktail garden
  • Reduction of disposable plastic
  • Water conservation efforts
  • Energy efficient equipment

 

Official Sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail