2022 update: We can’t help but look back at The Pink Palace and remember when it was for sale. It sold on December 9, 2019, just before the pandemic rolled in …
Here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about The Pink Palace from when this article was originally written. Enjoy!
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Have you heard the news? Surely you have seen it on social media … The Pink Palace is for sale.
If you are new to town and don’t know what The Pink Palace is, it’s a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion located in a most coveted location: at the top of St. James Court in Old Louisville. It stands there, resplendent in its pink glory, for all neighbors to see and for all St. James Court Art Show patrons to ogle in envy. When my girls were young, they thought a princess lived there in her pink castle.
Welcome to The Pink Palace, a Louisville legend.
Here’s the biggest surprise of all, though, which those of us who have only ever seen this house from the sidewalk don’t know. For all the years you’ve been traipsing through the St. James Court Art Show and peering in the windows of The Pink Palace, I bet you had no idea there was a pool and big yard in back. Yes, this property has a big private backyard with a pool and a two-and-a-half-car garage. And what’s more, this single family home has been lovingly maintained.
HISTORY
In our article about Walking Old Louisville, written by Lindsay McClave, she talks about the eye-raising history of this property and the origins of its signature pink color, as told to her by David Dominé of Louisville Historic Tours:
“One of the most familiar Old Louisville homes sits at the back of St. James Court, adjacent to Belgravia Court. Called The Pink Palace, this towering home once served as a casino and gentleman’s club before being sold to a new owner. In 1910, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) — one of the driving forces behind prohibition — purchased The Pink Palace (a red brick building at the time), unaware of its former life as a brothel. When the history of The Pink Palace was revealed to the WCTU, the women were so embarrassed they decided the only way to wipe the house’s slate clean was to paint it the bright shade of pink still decorating its walls today.”
Later, this property was converted into a single-family home. It sits on the corner of St. James Court and Belgravia Court, a beautiful, pedestrians-only street. This entire area of Old Louisville was developed by William Slaughter, who designed it to resemble the residential parks of London, with a central fountain and esplanade. And over 100 years later, it is still the quiet, beautifully green space that he intended it to be.
Built in 1897, the 5,231-square-foot home features five bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, three sitting rooms and even a basement apartment. And as mentioned, the surprise feature is undoubtedly the swimming pool and beautifully landscaped yard with flower garden and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining.
Alright, time to get to the good stuff. Let’s take a tour.
Notice the turrets on the outside? There are rounded rooms inside these turrets.
Beautiful views from the front porch onto St. James Court and Belgravia Court
The foyer shows off the beautiful stained glass windows and door.
Pocket doors open to — or close off — the rooms to both the right and left of the foyer. The beautiful staircase winds around leading up to the floors above.
The grand staircase extends all the way up to the third floor. This original wood is called “Tiger Grain” oak, for its black line striations throughout the wood grain, looking like tiger stripes.
Intricate wood molding designs are just one of the many features that make this home one of a kind.
We love the rounded shape of the sitting room in the turret — this one is on the first floor.
The original door panel and keyhole is truly fascinating.
The main kitchen on the first floor features exposed brick walls and pink and white flooring. And pink appliances. And pink pots and pans. Sensing a perfectly pink theme?
Another view of the kitchen
This upstairs bedroom features a built-in fireplace and a large window. You get the feeling that if the walls could talk, the stories they could tell would be amazing.
The beautiful stained glass in this bathroom plays well with the purple wall.
On each floor, there are rounded rooms in the turret, this one on the second floor. We love the old windows!
This second floor bedroom also features a fireplace and plenty of natural light.
On the third floor, you’ll find yet another bedroom with a fireplace. The gleaming hardwoods are gorgeous!
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The downstairs apartment features a living room, kitchen (shown), bedroom and bathroom — perfect for in-laws or guests who will no doubt appreciate their own space.
Outside in the backyard garden, you can walk the brick pathway to the swimming pool. Bet you didn’t know all of this existed behind The Pink Palace!
The large pool in the backyard is a wonderful escape from the summer heat. And who knew?!
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