1790

Humble Beginnings

George Hikes came to Louisville about 1790 from Lancaster County Pa. Traveling down the Ohio River via flatboat he brought with him his wife Barbara Oleweiler. They settled on land given to Hikes for his service in the revolution as a Colonel. They built a home of which a porion still stands today just off Hikes Lane. The land was rich and suitable for farming and their endeavors began.

The family’s deep roots in the Louisville area, he says, provide a unique sense of his personal history. “I know where a good number of people in my family were born and died,” Claude says. “I don’t mean in Louisville — I mean within a few square feet.”

The historic house includes some 4,500 square feet — 10 rooms, with a cellar and an attic in addition to the two floors.

Looking back, Claude says he was so cozy with the home that he didn’t realize how special it was as a child. “I thought every child had some big old house; I just hadn’t seen theirs,” he says.

1820

Construction Begins

In about 1820 the home that is now Midlane Farm was constructed. A federal 5 bay L which was typical of the architecture of the time became the home of George Hikes Jr. and has remained in the family through the present day passing through the hands of Edward Hikes and, Lena Crawford Hikes and Charles Edward Hunsinger, Julia Hunsinger, Claude Hobson Hunsinger and Marguerite Alice Wilder Hunsinger, Barbara Ellen Hunsinger and Charles Edmund Stephens Jr to Charles Edmund Stephens III (Chas) and Kimberly Ann Laramore Stephens (Kim) its present caretakers.

1970

History in the Making

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in 1970 the home is full of Louisville and Kentucky history which Chas and Kim gladly share with their many guests.

Restoration

Midlane Farm has been updated over its almost 200 years but never been altered in any drastic fashion. The Back and side porches were an addition in about 1870, electrical was brought in around the turn of the century, coal then oil heat was added in the 1920’s, indoor plumbing was added in 1948. All of these systems were completely updated in 1983 when Barbara and Ed Stephens did a major renovation to the home. The historical integrity of the home was preserved during the process, all of the windows, doors, moldings, plaster and general look of the house is very much as it would have been centuries ago.

Over 255 Events to date - Weddings, Corporate, Birthdays, Special Events.”

2013

Midlane Comes to Airbnb

In the Fall of 2013 Chas and Kim decided that it was time to share more of Midlane Farm with not only our local community but our national and global communities as well. Stay with us sometime! We book for overnight stays exclusively through Airbnb, please visit the link and check out our many 5 star reviews. We always offer a glass of wine or drink of Bourbon to our guests and Kim will always have a breakfast for you (let us know if you have any dietary restrictions). If you want some stories let Chas know (he is more than happy to share). If you just want to be by yourself we are more than happy with that as well!

We have two options on Airbnb. The Travelers Quarters at Midlane Farm which is great for 1 or 2 people and Midlane Farm 1820 Federal Home which is great for a larger party. Your host’s (Chas and Kim) live in the main house with Rufus (Red Bone Coon Hound Lab mix) and Rosie (Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Chocolate Lab) and Beauregard (Feral tuxedo) all adopted and great pets. When the whole house is rented Chas and Kim (along with the pets) move to the Travelers Quarters.

“367 people were baptized that day.”

Nestled on two acres, the home and grounds are cared for with tremendous passion.

2015

21st Century Midlane Farm

The home has always been a welcoming place to all. With no land left to sell or develop, the property needs to be sustainable. Help us keep Midlane Farm as a vibrant place in Louisville’s rich culture and tradition. You are welcome at Midlane Farm.

Family and friends have always used Midlane Farm as a place of celebration. Whether the event be a class reunion, wedding, anniversary party, corporate event, celebration of life or any other reason to celebrate that you can dream up, Midlane Farm may be the perfect place. Please contact us to discuss the details, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.