Welcome to The Columbine – A Historic Louisville Treasure
A Mansion with Charm and History
Step into timeless elegance at The Columbine, a stunning 19th-century Greek Revival mansion. With its four soaring 22-foot columns and grand entryway, the home immediately captivates. Inside, a graceful staircase and exquisite architectural details reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Owning a nine-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bath masterpiece wasn't practical for just two people—but opening it as a bed & breakfast allows us to share the adventure with you.
Hosting the World
Since opening our doors, we've welcomed more than 8,000 guests from over 50 countries and every continent—including a scientist flown in from Antarctica!
Our guest list includes:
Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners
Dr. Joyce Brothers and Emmy Award-winning journalist Harris Faulkner
Leading psychologists such as Albert Bandura, Walter Mischel, Ronald Melzack, Anne Treisman, Giacomo Rizzolatti, Vittorio Gallese, Leonardo Fogassi, Elizabeth Loftus, Leslie Ungerleider, Mortimer Mishkin and David Dunning
Renowned authors and thinkers like Sonia Sanchez, Marilynne Robinson, and Angela Davis
A Home for Music and the Arts
The Columbine has become a gathering place for some of the world's greatest musicians. We've had the honor of hosting recipients of the Grawemeyer Music Composition Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in orchestral, chamber, and choral music.
Our list of distinguished composers includes:
Bent Sørensen
Per Nørgård
György Kurtág
Unsuk Chin
Kaija Saariaho
Sebastian Currier
Peter Lieberson
Brett Dean
Louis Andriessen
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Michel van der Aa
Djuro Zivkovic
Hans Abrahamsen
Andrew Norman
A few of these great composers have even played our baby grand piano! It has also been played by Yekwon Sunwoo (2017 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist) and Yeol Eum Son (2009 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist).
From the Jazz world, we've welcomed the Hal Galper Trio and pianist/composer Amina Figarova, who has stayed many times. Each July, musicians from around the globe join us while attending the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops—the premier jazz improvisation program in the country.
English singer-songwriters Robyn Hitchcock and Emma Swift have stayed here while performing in Louisville.
Unique and Memorable Guests
Our doors have opened to:
12 Buddhist monks from Thailand!
A group of Wiccans celebrating a high holiday!
Ghost hunters exploring Louisville's haunted history, including Waverly Hills Sanatorium and our own mansion's legends featured in "Haunts of Old Louisville."
Whether you come for history, music, or mystery—you'll find stories waiting here.
Perfectly Located in Louisville
The Columbine is ideally situated:
📍 Just 2 blocks from the University of Louisville and the Speed Art Museum
🏇 Only 1.25 miles from Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby
🌳 Close to Louisville's nationally ranked park system and Waterfront Park, host of Thunder Over Louisville, the largest fireworks display in North America
🎨 In the heart of Old Louisville, the largest intact Victorian neighborhood in the U.S., and home to the St. James Court Art Show, America's #1 outdoor art show
Your Home Away from Home
After exploring Louisville's rich culture, vibrant festivals, and world-famous bourbon, return to the comfort of The Columbine. Relax in a mansion filled with history, character, and unforgettable stories.
✨ Experience the charm. Share the adventure. Stay at The Columbine. ✨
