The Courier-Journal (Louisville)
1890s Old Louisville Victorian has decked its halls for the holidays
Like many homes in Old Louisville, Todd Reed and Kevin Milburn’s Victorian abode holds a wealth of history. Built in 1894, it is dubbed The Alexander House after its original owner, John Alexander.
In 2017, the property was featured in local author David Domine’s book, “Ghosts of Old Louisville,” as it has been the site of documented paranormal activity. In fact, Milburn has heard voices calling out “John” down in the basement.
He and Reed have been living in the house for 25 years. After all this time, the home is in the limelight for another reason: The first floor will be open to tourgoers on this year’s Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour.
Made of Memories
Over more than two decades, Reed and Milburn have made many memories in their house. But there’s one in particular that will forever hold a special place in their heart.
“In 2017, we were married on New Year’s Eve in front of the fireplace,” Milburn told The Courier Journal. “We’ve been married for six years, (but) we’re going on our 30th year together.”
He explained that Old Louisville’s unique character brought them to the home in the first place — and the property offers a front-row view of the eclectic neighborhood.
“I grew up in older homes, so they were kind of comfortable,” he added. “You’re not technically an owner of (a historic) home – you’re a curator.”
As curators, they’ve done everything they can to preserve the home’s historic elements as much as possible. The flooring, pocket doors, and grates are all original — as are the stained glass and the clawfoot tub.
“The house has never been cut up,” Milburn said. “It’s always been single-family, (and) we are the eighth owners.”
Outdoor Oases
The outdoor spaces are just as comfortable – if not more – than the inside. The downstairs porch overlooks a park behind the house, while curtains and blinds on two sides minimize the view of neighboring homes.
And upstairs, the balcony boasts treehouse vibes, with wooden floors, bamboo siding, and a huge willow tree creating a canopy with its feather-veined leaves.
“We planted it in a pot (many years ago),” Reed said, adding that the tree has since rooted itself in the backyard, becoming a permanent fixture of the property.
Reed and Milburn even built the downstairs bathroom to bring the outside in. Glass blocks allow natural light to permeate the space, which features a rainshower head and a bamboo wall.
Final Holiday Hurrah
Reed and Milburn had planned to move out of their Old Louisville home earlier this year, so they thought 2022 was going to be the last time they were in charge of holiday decorations at 1453 S. Second St. – but plans changed.
“Last year, I purged and got rid of a third of our decorations,” Reed said with a laugh.
Though the house isn’t stuffed from top to bottom with trees, ornaments and lights this year, the couple has tastefully incorporated their remaining decorations throughout. They’ve even found ways to incorporate random finds into the holiday decor. On the kitchen counter, for example, a small tree covered in tiny flamingos and drink umbrellas looks like it’s ready for a Christmas cocktail party.
“I was upstairs looking for old decorations,” Milburn said, “(when Reed) came across (those, which) we bought for a party 25 years ago. They were still in the bag, (so) I made a pink flamingo tree.”
Since the move didn’t happen this year, Reed and Milburn are set on leaving next year, which is why they’ve decided to pull their remaining holiday adornments and put them on display for all of Louisville to see.
“Why not go out with a bang?” Reed said.
Milburn added that Old Louisville has been a unique place to live, as it offers a true melting pot of residents.
“We have been fortunate for the opportunity to embrace our style to this historic structure, leaving our mark for future residents,” he said. “(We’ve) become an extension to the home and the neighborhood.”