It just isn't summer in Lexington until you've attended a wedding at the Bodley-Bullock House.
The 1814 mansion, with its Federal and Greek Revival details, is located in the heart of Lexington's Gratz Park Neighborhood and is a perennial favorite event space for Lexington brides.
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| Gratz Park houses, next door to the Bodley-Bullock. |
The Bodley-Bullock House was built for Lexington mayor Thomas Pindell, and was most notably owned by General Thomas Bodley, a War of 1812 hero, and Dr. Waller Bullock, a prominent Lexington physician. Upon the passing of Dr. Bullock and his wife Minnie, the home was left in trust to Transylvania University and was renovated by the Junior League of Lexington in 1984. It is used as both the Junior League Headquarters and a rentable event space. The house is similar in architecture and decor to many other Gratz Park-area houses, including the
Hunt-Morgan House.
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| View from the window of Minnie Bullock's bedroom |
This weekend, I attended a family wedding at the Bodley-Bullock House. The dramatic staircase and old-fashioned touches provided an absolutely stunning backdrop.
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| My gorgeous cousin Amy |
I've attended dozens of weddings at the venue. I've put in my share of Junior League meetings and picnics there as well. It's always been one of those comfortable, friendly houses that just embodies Old Lexington, and it's always been rumored to be just a little bit haunted. The best houses always are.
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| Looks like the bride and I inadvertantly disregarded Miss Minnie's wishes. |
I recently ran across an interesting anecdote about the Bodley-Bullock House. It seems that the late Mrs. Minnie Bullock was not only a community leader, but also a vehement teetotaler. Apparently,
the original terms of her will provided that alcohol could not be consumed in her home, even after her passing. It seems that this provision was later changed, to Miss Minnie's dismay -- it's said that
her ghost has been known to flicker lights and crack tables when she doesn't like the happenings in her home. Now, I've had more than my share of celebratory toasts in this venue, so I hope Miss Minnie can forgive me. Rumor has it that Dr. Bullock wasn't above kidding Miss Minnie about her temperance beliefs; he
hung a portrait of the "town drunk", William "King" Solomon, in their home, where it still remains.
The Bodley-Bullock House is a charming example of Lexington's old Downtown. I so enjoyed Miss Minnie's hospitality this weekend, and I do hope she can look past my bubbly endulgence!
