The Times Leader

Chateau Princeton restores country charm.

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"A Nashville couple is reviving a historic landmark and turning it into a wedding venue and event space in Caldwell County.

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“We looked for about a year everywhere,” said Carrie Hardy Allison, owner of Chateau Princeton and new Caldwell County resident. “Within 100 miles of Nashville is where we looked.”

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Allison and her husband, Matthew, still operate businesses in Nashville, despite moving permanently to Kentucky three weeks ago."

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“We just wanted to get out of the hectic Nashville area,” Allison said.

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Country life is appealing to them because, they said, it is calmer and more peaceful than Nashville. They also were compelled to raise their children in a country setting.

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Chateau Princeton was previously known as Sparks/Byrds Barn, a Kentucky Heritage Council designated landmark, established in 1935.

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“Purebred Guernseys And Modern Barn Make Dairy West Kentucky Show Place” was an article from 1945 in the local Leader newspaper.

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The dairy barn was converted into a house in the 1990s by W.C. Sparks and his wife.

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At the time of the sale, Sparks’ widow was ready to move out and into something smaller because she was unable to maintain the property considering her aging conditions, Allison said.

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Although both Allison and her husband already own businesses, the wedding service is a first-time venture.

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While in Nashville, Allison’s neighbor repurposed part of their property into a wedding venue, which inspired her.

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Taking that initial idea, Allison and Matthew are rehabilitating the barn on their 20-acre property.

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Customizations taking place are a spiral staircase leading up to leading to the second floor, a horse-drawn carriage, a classic 1940s car for selfies, a pond, and other celebratory venue attractions.

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Allison is interested in hosting other events like proms and reunions. She said the space is perfect for any gatherings and for photography lovers.

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In addition to the wedding venue, Matthew is going to host team roping events and small rodeos on the property.

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Allison also works as a bail bondsman, Nashville Bail Bond Girl. She decided to start the business after working as a paralegal for six years.

Matthew owns a pool construction business. He is also familiar with the Princeton area.

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As a member of International Professional Rodeo Association, Matthew has competed in team roping events in Cadiz, Hopkinsville, and Lyon County.

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Allison is looking forward to settling in and traveling to the Land Between the Lakes. “I like the lake being close by. I grew up on a lake so, I’ll probably end up with a boat before it’s all said and done.”

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“We wanted to really move to the county and raise our kids upright,” Matthew added.

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Their goal is to complete construction early next year and book events for Spring 2022. Allison said she has three inquiries so far."