Holly Hill Inn

Holly Hill Inn
426 North Winter Street
Midway, Kentucky 40347
859 / 846 - 4732

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History of the Holly Hill Inn


Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Holly Hill Inn has been in continuous operation as a restaurant since 1979. The history of the building itself goes back to the early 1800's. The current site, at the crossroads of the Leestown and Georgetown roads, was home to a stone and brick structure built circa 1800 known as Stevenson's Tavern.

There, in 1832, Midway's first Post Office was established. Small outlying buildings housed a store, a shoe shop, servants' quarters and barns. In 1839, the tavern was sold to Hancock W. Davis. A fire destroyed the tavern several years later, and Mr. Davis built the handsome Greek Revival structure which exists today, incorporating some doors, walls, windows and fireplaces from the earlier building into the new home. Davis lived in the house until 1854, when it was sold to Squire William A.. Moore, a local magistrate and president of the Midway Paper Mill Company. Moore and his wife added some Victorian touches to the house, and they lived there for several decades.

In 1903, the home was purchased by Issac Parrish, a local farm owner. Major renovations were undertaken, and a large Colonial style front Veranda was added. Its design was intended to provide Mr. Parrish's children with ample room to play, and a concrete deck was poured so the children would have a place to roller-skate. The house was named "Hermosa" after an English rose found growing on the grounds. The house and grounds were a well-run, self-sufficient community with orchards, chicken yards, servants' quarters, stables, and even a mushroom growing operation housed in an old ice house.

The Parrishes were well known for their hospitality, and the home was the center for many festive gatherings of family and friends. In 1979, the home was converted by Isaac Rouse's grandson Ike and his wife Jean into a modern country inn. Originally operated by Rex and Rose Lyons, the Holly Hill Inn was purchased by current owners Chris and Ouita Michel in 2000. The Michels carry on a long tradition of hospitality and welcome you to dine with them in this historic home.

We believe that our customer deserves the very best we have to offer. Our philosophy is simple: Good food prepared using the freshest ingredients available, and served by a knowledgeable and caring staff. We are dedicated to preserving local agriculture, and use as much locally grown meat and produce as we can.

Holly Hill Inn is owned and operated by Chris and Ouita Michel. Ouita is Chef, and Chris is host and Sommelier. Chris and Ouita are both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America.

Media inquiries via e-mail to publicist Genie Graf, or call her at (859) 846-4732.

Our Media Kit (in pdf)
Holly Hill Inn Restaurants Fact Sheet
Chef Ouita Michel Bio
August 2010 Chicago Tribune article: Grazing in Horse Country
June/July 2010 Kentucky Monthly article
Taste of Derby 2010 article by The Voice-Tribune
Ouita Michel profile in April 2010 Chevy Chaser/Southsider magazines
Winter 2010 Prep article on Cassoulet Dinner
Other articles about Holly Hill Inn



Winter 2012 Hours

Dinner
5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Lunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Brunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Group reservations for 12 or more for lunch, brunch or dinner are available any time; for availability, please call Donna
at (859) 846-4732 or e-mail her.

Because of the inn's limited seating capacity, we strongly recommend reservations. The inn is always available for private parties of 15 or more. A three-course lunch for groups begins at $18 a person. If you would like to be on our mailing list, or would like to request other information, please call us at (859) 846-4732 or e-mail us.


Dear Guest: We serve only the freshest seafood, meat and eggs and often enjoy them raw or lightly cooked. Please remember that eating raw or lightly cooked meat, eggs and seafood always presents a possible health risk.

 

 

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