Middletown and Lake Forest Real Estate Listings of Houses and Homes for Sale in Jefferson County, Kentucky

Middletown and Lake Forest Houses for Sale

Middletown and Lake Forest

Middletown is a place of the past and the future. The community was established in the late 18th-century and incorporated as a city between 1797 and 1962. It is believed that Middletown was named for its location between Louisville and Shelbyville. Late-18th century travelers found Middletown a convenient stopping point along the 40-mile trek between the two larger cities. For this reason, tourist homes and cabins became a strong, local economic sector.

Today, Middletown’s downtown area consists of historic buildings and antique and boutique shops. Nine buildings within the community are registered historic places: Captain Benjamin Head House, Frank House, Bull House, Joseph Abell House, Beynroth House, Davis Tavern, Bank of Middletown, Middletown Inn and Middletown Methodist Church. Other significant sites include the Middletown Historic Museum, the Historic Gas Station and the Middletown World War II Memorial Monument.

Each of these landmarks has its own story to tell, which can be fascinating to residents and visitors alike. Middletown Inn is an example. The structure was built with logs around 1800 and was added on to in 1804. The Inn’s 15-step stairway symbolizes Kentucky as the 15th state. The restaurant in the building was forced to close in 1890 when a minister and doctor led an anti-drinking crusade.

The Head House is an impressive three-story stone building with two-foot thick walls made from hand-cut stone from the rocky hills. The stones, now yellowed with age, vary in size from that of a brick to a large door panel. The house includes nine great rooms, an immense entrance hall and a stairway that rises two flights. Exterior buildings include an old brick servant house, framed chicken house, doctor’s office, log cabin and livery stable.

Today, Middletown and neighboring communities maintain the ties to history, while continuing to look towards the future. Middletown welcomes new businesses and the growth of its local economy. Lake Forest, the largest subdivision of Louisville, has set an example of success for the communities currently in planning or development. And despite the growth of luxury communities like Lake Forest, the region remains family-friendly and community-oriented.

Locals participate in numerous community events each year. At the Middletown Milestone Festival, more than 60,000 attendees enjoy a free weekend of entertainment and activities. Middletown also holds Derby Dancin’!, a premier national dance team competition held the week prior to the Kentucky Derby.

In recent years, this area has developed into a golfer’s paradise. Local facilities include the Lake Forest Golf Course, the Polo Fields Golf Course and Country Club, the Valhalla Golf Club and the Long Run, a public course. Valhalla hosted the 1996 and 2000 PGA Championship. Residents of Middletown and Lake Forest also have access to many shops and restaurants. There are five malls in the greater Louisville area, including Oxmoor Center, The Mall St. Matthews and The Summit. Various restaurants can be found along Hurstbourne Lane, and specialty shops are located throughout the east end.