The Poet's House Bed & Breakfast Ghent, KY - between Louisville and Cincinnati This National Register Federal style home overlooking the Ohio River was once the home of poet James Tandy Ellis. Contact Info | Email this page to a Friend | Click to see a map  | Additional Pages... Main House Guest Suites Breakfast in the Dining Room Special Packages Our Favorite Recipes The River Dance Cottage Reservation Request Form   Availability Search: See which rooms are available during your stay. Check in: Check out: Powered by Webervations Clear search results Rooms Available from  to  Learn more about these rooms These are our base rates - certain discounts and/or charges may apply

Looking for a quiet place that takes you back in time to the days of big side wheelers and little steam packets; watching them load and unload passengers and freight, then move up and down the Ohio River? Imagine standing on the wharf at "steamboat time", watching the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, bells ringing, boat horns blowing, men moving boxes and bales to be taken to nearby towns, Captains and their mates shouting orders. Oh, such a time it was back then when life was simple and James Tandy Ellis was a young man.

Exterior view of Front of the Poet's House

Sunroom overlooking the Ohio River

You may envision yourself in those days, as you look out the window of your suite at the Ohio River and watch the boats moving slowly by, or sit quietly upon a bench outside sipping lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite beverage of choice while enjoying the beautiful view of the Ohio and the hills of Indiana in the background as the sun slowly slips into the clouds, turning the sky into radiant hues of red, orange and pink.

James Tandy Ellis is recognized throughout Kentucky and the country as a soldier, politician, musician, author and poet. He published several novels concerning Kentucky life, and numerous poems. His singular wit and keen insight into the foibles of human nature earned him national recognition for his newspaper column "Tang of the South". He also served as Adjutant General of Kentucky. Mr. Ellis died in his home in 1942. Make a reservation to learn more about this colorful man. Today, the home of James Tandy Ellis is listed on the Kentucky and National register of historic homes. Built in 1863, it is a Federal style brick structure with walls "three" brick thick. The new proprietors of this lovely home, David Hendren and Rick Whitfill returned to Kentucky, purchased the home in March 2005 and after renovations re-opened in September 2005. "We feel that the home owns us, we have never felt such warmth in any of our previous homes. We definitely are home."

Elegant Parlor

Formal Dining Room

Enjoy a delightful and delicious breakfast in the lovely dining room, visit the General Butler State Park in nearby Carrollton, cross over the Ohio into Indiana and visit historic Madison with its' many antique shops and mansions. Travel through Switzerland County with its' beautiful hills and valleys, return to Kentucky via the Markland Dam and travel the backroads of Ghent and Amish country, returning to The Poet's House for another night of peacefulness and relaxation. A marina, located five miles from the Poet's House, is available for docking your boat. Arrangements can be made for guests to be met at the marina.

Local attractions include Kentucky Speedway for NASCAR opening in June 2000 just ten minutes from The Poet's House and the Belterra Casino opening in August, 2000 just across the river in Switzerland County, Indiana.

THE POET'S HOUSE is located halfway between Cincinnati and Louisville off of Interstate 71 (take the Carrollton exit #44) and U.S. 42. If coming from Cincinnati, take the new exit #55 and exit on Hwy. 42. Turn left. Upon entering the City of Ghent, we are on the right. Approximately one hour from either city.

Click-on these pages for more information:  | Main House Guest Suites | Breakfast in the Dining Room | Special Packages | Our Favorite Recipes | The River Dance Cottage | Reservation Request Form |

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