(502) 753-9220 
4515 River Road, Louisville, KY 40222 
Resurrected in all of its glory, the Gaffney House on the Ohio River is a historical landmark of Louisville that is now open to the public for events and overnight stays.
About the History of the Gaffney House Louisville
This 20th-century house was built between 1910 and 1928 by Louisville architect James J. Gaffney, who also had a major hand in designing the ever-recognizable St. James Church Waverly Hills Sanatorium. 4515 River Road was James Gaffney’s primary residence until 1939 when he sold it and has since gone through residential phases that range from a single-family home to a stacked duplex-style residence. The house was brimming with family life up until 1979, when the last residents moved out and the property sat, empty and deteriorating, as the deed was passed down.
In October 2020, the house’s fate changed for the better when Gaffney Historic River, LLC purchased the property and began the task of restoring this beautiful piece of historic architecture to its former glory with help from WorK Architecture + Design and Wilkinson Builders Inc.
About the Architecture
The Gaffney House is a beautiful composite design that takes elements of Mannerist, Pre-Columbian, and Arts and Crafts-style architecture to create a truly unique structure. James Gaffney is well-known for his Frankenstein design approach – piecing the best parts and pieces from his influencing styles for a result that contains history and expert craftsmanship in every detail – and his River Road residence does not deviate. From a Pre-Columbian sun motif to the red clay roof that displays a Mayan-like sun design on terracotta tiles and brick, this house drips with personality, character, and nuanced features which contribute to a wondrous discovery of architectural beauty and awe-inspiring interior design everywhere you look.
How You Can Experience the Gaffney House Louisville Today
This is why Gaffney Historic River, LLC is offering the rental of the house – James Gaffney’s work is something to be beheld by all, and the house, meant to be lived in. The property has been restored and is now proudly offered as a unique rental stay in Louisville, KY for short-term visits, corporate retreats, and weddings.
The Gaffney House Louisville invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of our meticulously-restored historic riverside home, where each room tells a tale and every corner hums with the whispers of the past. For a glimpse into the work of one of Louisville’s most celebrated architects, visit the rest of our website to learn more about the rooms we have ready for you to book!
The History
Architecture & Design
Construction
