This grand Victorian mansion at 1355 S 3rd Street, Louisville, KY, is a striking example of Beaux Arts architecture and was built in 1899 for Gilmer Speed Adams of the notable JB Speed family. Designed by renowned architects William Dodd and Arthur Cobb, the home boasts beige Roman brick, a limestone foundation, and steel beam-supported bay windows—showcasing advanced building techniques for its era. With 6 bedrooms and 6 baths, including lavish suites and Egyptian-styled bathrooms, the house features exquisite stonework, intricate leaded glass, antique fireplaces, red oak-paneled library with coffered ceilings, and beautiful pocket doors. Offering a rear carriage house and a Koi pond garden, this meticulously maintained property is listed for $2,500,000.
Front Entryway
A grand front entry featuring two large stone columns that frame a portico, topped by intricate Corinthian capitals. The entrance has an arched transom window with delicate metalwork above a double wooden door, both adorned with ornate, leaded glass. Creamy yellow trim with decorative gold accents and floral motifs surrounds the door, while a vintage lantern-style light fixture is mounted on the left. The house number, 1365, is painted above the door, and the building’s name, Century Court, is engraved in weathered glass along the top. The style suggests historic, classical American architecture.
Front Entry Door
Ornate wooden double doors with stained glass panels present a grand entrance to the home. The stained glass displays intricate geometric and floral patterns, lending a historic and elegant touch. Through the glass, two massive stone columns and decorative urn planters are visible on the front porch, framing a view of the tree-lined street outside. The warm wood tones of the door are complemented by the soft yellow interior walls, and classic moldings add to the vintage American charm. The scene reflects timeless craftsmanship and a welcoming, refined entryway.
Entryway Design
Warm yellow walls with elegant white trim and gold paneling highlight this inviting entryway. The double wooden front doors feature ornate, beveled glass panels beneath a dramatic arched transom window, allowing natural light to fill the space. A sparkling crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, providing a touch of vintage grandeur overhead. On either side of the doors, plush antique chairs add both style and comfort. Decorative sconces mounted on the walls further accentuate the room’s historic charm. Ornate rugs cover the polished hardwood floors, while adjoining rooms are visible through wide, trimmed openings adorned with elaborate window drapes.
Grand Foyer Staircase
A spacious entry hall with a grand staircase curving upward on the left, featuring dark wood handrails and white spindles. The walls are painted a soft yellow with gold accents, complemented by classical columns and tall arched doorways. An ornate crystal chandelier hangs in the center, illuminating a richly patterned Persian rug beneath. Vintage wooden furniture lines the walls, including a glass-fronted curio cabinet and a long console table decorated with blue ceramic statues and lamps. Upstairs, a dark wood balustrade frames the landing, set off by large floral arrangements and deep red drapery in the background.
Formal Parlor
A classic parlor with ornate Victorian decor features deep burgundy walls accented by elaborate gold and maroon valances atop large windows draped in sheer white curtains. A white, carved fireplace with an elaborate mirror above forms the focal point, flanked by candelabras and decorative figurines. Richly upholstered sofas—one gold, one burnt orange—sit opposite each other on a dark green carpet, complemented by carved wooden furniture and elegant table lamps. Decorative moldings and high ceilings give the room an air of grandeur, while period artwork and fine details reinforce a feeling of historical opulence and tradition.
Library Sitting Area
Rich wood paneling and coffered ceilings create a warm, historic atmosphere. A patterned, upholstered sofa with decorative pillows sits in front of a grand piano, while an ornately carved armchair anchors one corner beside the stone fireplace. Mullioned bay windows allow soft daylight to fill the room, featuring decorative glasswork. Built-in bookshelves filled with volumes line one wall with trailing greenery draped above. The ambiance is classic and inviting, with vintage table lamps, intricate chandeliers, and elegant busts adding layers of period charm. The overall palette features deep woods, golds, and warm neutral tones, evoking timeless luxury.
Library Sitting Room
Warm wood paneling and coffered ceilings create an inviting atmosphere accented by crystal chandeliers. Built-in bookshelves filled with colorful volumes and ornate display cases line one wall, while lush greenery decorates the upper shelf. An antique pipe organ stands as a focal point beside intricately carved wooden chairs, their backs featuring detailed designs and ornate upholstery. A plush patterned sofa with richly textured pillows sits atop a red and ivory area rug with bold motifs. Table lamps and collectibles add layers of history and character to the space, conjuring the coziness and elegance of a historic American home.
Formal Dining Room
A spacious dining room adorned with historic elegance, featuring a long polished wooden table surrounded by ten chairs, each with cushioned seats. The centerpiece chandelier is crystal and dramatic, suspended from a detailed plaster medallion on the high ceiling. Walls are a warm golden tone, complemented by heavy royal blue drapes framing a large window with sheer white curtains, letting in natural light. A richly patterned oriental rug covers the hardwood floor, while a classical white fireplace with ornate molding anchors the room. Above the mantel sits a gilded mirror, and traditional artwork adds a cultured ambience.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features elegant classical design elements, highlighted by two grand white columns framing a sitting area. An ornate dark wood piano with intricate carvings sits in the foreground, accompanied by traditional table lamps topped with decorative shades. The ceiling hosts a stained-glass style chandelier that adds vintage character. The color scheme includes olive-green walls, neutral carpeting, and deep green drapes over large windows, allowing ample natural light. Furnishings mix tufted and wooden chairs with rich, dark finishes. Decorative objects, framed art, and cozy lighting create a warm, sophisticated, and inviting atmosphere typical of a historic American home.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features a long sectional couch upholstered in neutral brown fabric with patterned throw pillows, positioned along the left wall near a row of large windows that fill the room with natural light. Track lighting runs across the ceiling, highlighting various framed artwork and photographs on the beige walls. Across from the sofa is a large flat screen TV mounted above a wooden media console. The carpeted floor and wood tones from furniture add warmth, while accent lamps and a decorative ceramic vase provide character. At the back, a glimpse of an adjoining room suggests an open, inviting layout.
Dining Room Details
A cozy dining room with deep green walls and patterned tile flooring in tan, cream, and black. At the center is a rectangular glass-topped dining table surrounded by six wicker chairs. Natural light pours in through three large windows adorned with floral curtains, creating a soft, inviting glow. Artistic details abound with framed butterfly and bird illustrations, nature motifs, and various knick-knacks covering the walls. Several potted plants and vibrant flowers are clustered near the windows, enhancing the space with freshness and life. Overhead, warm spotlights add to the inviting ambiance, accentuating the room’s eclectic, botanical charm.
Kitchen Island Area
A spacious kitchen featuring a large, uniquely shaped granite island with two woven rattan barstools set against warm wood cabinetry. The countertops and backsplash continue the golden, swirled granite pattern, giving the space an earthy yet luxurious feel. Stainless steel double-door refrigerator anchors one wall, while cabinetry reaches up toward the ceiling for ample storage. Modern built-in oven, glass-front cabinets displaying glassware, and decorative vases with vibrant artificial flowers add personality and color. Soft overhead lighting and large windows with wooden blinds create an inviting, well-lit atmosphere. Checked tile flooring in tan and brown complements the natural stone and wood accents.
Grand Foyer
An elegant entryway features intricately carved woodwork, with a sweeping staircase accented by white spindles and dark wooden railings. The centerpiece is a round table adorned with a large decorative vase, resting atop an ornate Persian rug. Warm golden walls are trimmed with wainscoting and classical molding, complemented by sconces and gold-framed mirrors. Eclectic antique furniture, including armchairs and a sculptural accent piece, enhance the historic atmosphere. At the far end, natural light filters through glass-paneled double doors, illuminating the welcoming, opulent aesthetic of this stately and inviting foyer space.
Grand Staircase Entryway
A spacious entry hall dominated by a sweeping, curved staircase with intricate white balusters and dark wooden handrails. The staircase is carpeted in a rich, patterned fabric. The upper landing wraps around, bordered by a classic balustrade and decorative vases with tall floral arrangements. Warm cream-colored walls are adorned with framed artwork. A grand chandelier hangs above, casting warm light throughout the space. Below, an ornate rug covers the wooden floor, anchoring a round wooden table with a decorative vase. Flanking the entry to the next room, two antique-style lamps with pleated shades sit atop small tables, framed by burgundy drapes.
Grand Staircase Entry
A sweeping staircase with white balusters and dark wooden railings curves to the left in a luxurious entryway, under a tall ceiling topped with a stained glass transom window. A glittering crystal chandelier hangs above, casting warm light over the space. Walls are painted a buttery cream, accented by ornate moldings and period wall sconces. Intricate Persian-style rugs cover polished hardwood floors, and period-appropriate tables and chairs are arranged to create an inviting feel. The adjacent room, visible through an arched opening, features rich woodwork, more antique furnishings, and a grand fireplace, elevating the home’s elegant historic atmosphere.
Bedroom Suite
A grand, historic bedroom filled with ornate Victorian furnishings and rich textiles. The space features a carved wooden wardrobe, a matching headboard, and a marble-topped fireplace with an elegant gold-framed mirror above. The bed is dressed in a patterned, gold-and-rust bedspread with pillows and a dark throw. Thick draperies with gold accents frame tall windows, filtering warm natural light. Intricate floral rugs layer over polished hardwood floors, complementing the wallpaper’s vertical stripes and decorative floral border at the ceiling. A golden chandelier hangs overhead, casting a cozy glow that accentuates the room’s opulent, inviting atmosphere.
Bedroom Sitting Area
Warm, inviting bedroom with antique charm and dual functions, highlighted by an ornate white fireplace adorned with delicate decor and a dark floral robe. The soft cream walls are contrasted by a striking dark ceiling with subtle star-like accents. Deep red curtains frame two tall windows with lace sheers, pairing with period wooden armchairs and a leather tufted settee on a detailed rug, creating a cozy sitting space. A carved wooden bed dressed in a floral ivory quilt anchors the sleeping area. Accents include turn-of-the-century lamps, framed art, and rich wood furniture, lending the room a timeless, historic ambiance.
Bathroom Corner
A quaint bathroom features a deep soaking bathtub with rounded edges, framed by cream-colored tile accented with a black border. Two large windows bring in natural light, softened by sheer lace curtains and horizontal blinds, while classic white trim adds a touch of historic elegance. Adjacent to the tub, a white wooden cabinet with frosted glass doors holds toiletries, and a trailing ivy plant softens the space. The room also includes a glass shower enclosure with horizontal frosted stripes, a traditional white toilet with a gray tissue box, and purple-painted walls that add subtle color contrast. The decor feels cozy and clean.
Bedroom Sitting Area
Warmly lit bedroom featuring a wooden sleigh bed draped with rich red fabric and crisp white bedding, creating a regal focal point. An elegant tufted leather sofa curves in front of the bed atop a detailed vintage area rug, inviting relaxation. A carved wooden rocker sits near tall windows adorned with delicate lace curtains and heavy red drapes, casting soft light onto the room. Multiple period-style wooden tables with ornate lamps and decorative accents add to the historic charm, complemented by neutral taupe walls, crown molding, and a black ceiling with subtle speckled detailing, evoking a sense of refined classic comfort.
Bedroom Suite
Warm golden lighting fills a spacious bedroom featuring an ornate chandelier at the center. Walls are decorated with vertical gold and cream stripes, topped by a dark, ornate floral border. The bed is dressed in richly patterned burgundy and gold linens with gold accent pillows. Opposite the bed, a white fireplace mantel is crowned with a large gold-framed mirror and flanked by decorative candlesticks and a vase of flowers. Tall, heavy drapes in dark red and gold frame a window with sheer curtains. Antique wood furniture, including an armoire, upholstered chairs, and a large polished desk, enhance the elegant, historic atmosphere.
Primary Bedroom
This space features a grand four-poster canopy bed with rich, dark wood and black and gold bedding, creating an opulent focal point. The room’s color palette consists of warm browns and gold tones, highlighted by the neutral beige ceiling and hints of deep blue in the drapes and side chair. Matching wooden furniture, including a wardrobe, nightstands, and a decorative chest at the bed’s foot, emphasizes cohesion and vintage charm. Two elegant lamps provide soft lighting and reflect off crystal and metallic details. Ornate curtains frame a large window, and a wooden fireplace with intricate trim adds further historic character.
Bathroom Decor
This eclectic bathroom features a striking Egyptian theme, dominated by a colorful sarcophagus standing upright against a deep blue accent wall with gold trim. The room is accented by gold crown molding and ornate fixtures, including a button-tufted beige door framed in gold. The vanity has a modern design with a blue glass vessel sink and a beige countertop, accompanied by wall-mounted fixtures and a towel rack. Various Egyptian-inspired art pieces and framed photographs hang above the dark wood floor, which is accented by burnt orange and rust-colored rugs. A beige shower curtain and mirrored surfaces add warmth and reflectivity to the space.
Upstairs Landing
Warm wood paneling covers the lower half of the walls, offset by creamy pale yellow paint above, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Several solid wooden doors with rich grain detail line the walls, their classic design contributing to a historic charm. An ornate chandelier hangs overhead, providing bright, ambient light. The patterned black carpet with cream floral motifs covers the floor, adding vintage elegance. A red upholstered armchair with a decorative pillow sits near a tall lamp and small accent table, suggesting a comfortable reading nook. Framed artwork and decorative mirrors adorn the walls, enhancing the home’s period character.
Laundry Room Setup
A spacious laundry room featuring pale yellow walls and bright overhead fluorescent lighting. The central focus is a large wooden folding table, with an ironing board on one end. Against the far wall, there is a white washer and dryer side by side, with a countertop and utility sink to the left. Common laundry supplies, such as detergent and cleaning products, are neatly organized above and beside the machines. Two large windows with white blinds bring natural light into the room, and a small wall cabinet with a vase of red flowers adds a touch of decor. The flooring is practical linoleum, and a chair with folded towels is nearby.
Bedroom Overview
A cozy bedroom with sloping ceilings and warm, muted lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. The brass-framed bed dominates the space, dressed in a patterned, richly colored bedspread with matching pillows. Dark wood furniture, including a dresser, nightstands, and a carved rocking chair, adds to the vintage feel. An ornate fireplace is nestled into the left wall, with decorative objects and a horse sculpture on its mantel. Two large ceramic lamps with fabric shades sit on either side of the bed. An area rug and plush carpeting provide comfort, while small windows tucked into the eaves offer gentle daylight.
Bedroom Details
A cozy attic bedroom with warm cream walls and a sloped ceiling, featuring a carved dark wood bed with an ornate headboard and a patterned comforter in earthy tones. Light streams in from a skylight and a small window above a classic radiator, brightening the intimate space. A round wooden nightstand with a black lampshade sits beside the bed, while a wooden dresser with an antique finish stands on the opposite wall, topped with two decorative dolls in elaborate costumes. The overall feeling is traditional and inviting, blending vintage charm with personal touches.
Hallway Library
An inviting hallway lined with beige carpet and off-white walls, bordered with dark brown trim. On the left, a vintage wooden dresser holds a red table lamp with a pleated shade and a classic vanity mirror. Further down, another lamp sits atop a small wooden cabinet, casting a warm, cozy glow. A built-in bookcase packed with colorful books dominates the end of the corridor, suggesting a mini library or study nook. Several gold-framed pictures adorn the right wall, infusing the space with a sense of history and personal touch. The atmosphere feels both traditional and welcoming, with early 20th-century decor.
Listing Agent: Steve Hughes of The Breland Group via Zillow