Bardstown · Nelson County · and surrounding Kentucky communities
Marilee H. Short is based in Bardstown, Kentucky — the county seat of Nelson County and the Bourbon Capital of the World — and she serves buyers and sellers throughout Nelson County and the surrounding region. As a genuine local resident-agent, Marilee knows the distinct character of each community, from Bardstown's historic downtown to the rolling farmland of Bloomfield and the bourbon-distillery country of Loretto. Below are the primary areas she serves, each with its own unique real estate market, lifestyle, and appeal.
The heart of Bourbon Country. Bardstown is the second-oldest city in Kentucky, settled in 1780, with a population of approximately 14,000. Its historic downtown features beautifully preserved Federal and Georgian architecture, the Old Talbott Tavern (built 1779), the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Home to Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, Willett, and Lux Row distilleries, Bardstown was ranked #8 of Travel + Leisure's 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America.
Real estate: A mix of historic downtown homes, established neighborhoods, new construction, and investment properties with STR potential. Price range typically $200,000–$600,000.
Rural charm near Bardstown. Located just north of Bardstown in Nelson County, Cox's Creek offers a quieter, more rural lifestyle while still being a short drive from downtown Bardstown and about 30 minutes from Louisville. The area features larger lots, farmland, and a mix of modest homes and newer construction.
Real estate: Acreage, rural residential, and farms. Appealing for buyers seeking space and privacy without being far from town amenities.
Small-town Nelson County charm. Bloomfield is a quaint community in northern Nelson County with a rich agricultural heritage. It offers a relaxed pace of life, historic homes, and close-knit community feel. Known for its rolling countryside and local distillery connections.
Real estate: Historic homes, rural properties, and affordable residential options. A good value for buyers seeking Nelson County living at a lower price point than Bardstown proper.
Bourbon Trail community. New Haven is a small Nelson County town located along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, home to the Kentucky Railway Museum and close to several distilleries. It offers an authentic small-town Kentucky experience with easy access to Bardstown's amenities.
Real estate: Affordable homes, rural properties, and potential investment opportunities tied to Bourbon Trail tourism.
Home of Maker's Mark. Loretto is a small community in Marion County, just south of Bardstown, famous as the home of Maker's Mark Distillery — one of the most iconic stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The area is characterized by beautiful rolling hills, pastoral landscapes, and a strong bourbon heritage.
Real estate: Rural residential, acreage, and properties with scenic countryside views. Appealing for those who want to be immersed in Kentucky's bourbon country.
Historic Washington County seat. Springfield is the county seat of Washington County, adjacent to Nelson County. It features a charming courthouse square, historic homes, and a growing bourbon presence with the nearby Willett Distillery expansion. A quieter alternative with strong community roots.
Real estate: Historic homes, affordable residential, and rural acreage. Good value and potential for growth.
Regional hub in Hardin County. Elizabethtown ("E-Town") is a larger city about 25 miles west of Bardstown, offering more urban amenities, shopping, dining, and employment opportunities. It serves as a regional commercial center for the area and is convenient to Fort Knox.
Real estate: Diverse options from starter homes to luxury properties, new construction subdivisions, and investment opportunities in a growing market.
The wider Nelson County market. Beyond the named communities, Marilee serves clients throughout all of Nelson County — including Fairfield, Chaplin, Botland, and other rural areas. Nelson County offers a wide range of properties from in-town homes to large farms and everything in between.
Real estate: The county as a whole offers diverse property types at various price points, with the bourbon tourism economy providing a unique driver for investment properties.
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