Central Kentucky Farm & Horse Property
I’m Janet Jones, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Elite Realty in Lexington. I help buyers and sellers of farms and horse properties across Central Kentucky, from a few acres outside Nicholasville to working farms near Versailles, Paris and Georgetown.
Buying a farm isn't like buying a house in town
Soil, pasture, fencing, water, zoning and financing all affect what a property is worth and what you can do with it, and most of that doesn’t show up in listing photos. This page brings together everything I’ve written for farm buyers and sellers in one place.
Where should I look for a farm in Central Kentucky?
Every county around Lexington has its own zoning rules, land prices and character. Here’s where my farm buyers usually start.
Versailles
Rolling horse country between Lexington and Frankfort. Agricultural use requires at least 5 contiguous acres.
Paris
Northeast of Lexington, with a long Thoroughbred history and a mix of large farms and smaller acreage.
Georgetown
Just north of Lexington along I-75. Good for buyers who want land with an easy commute.
Winchester
East of Lexington along I-64. A good option if you want to be in the country with a straight shot into Lexington.
Nicholasville
Just south of Lexington. A good place to start if you want a few acres close to the city’s shopping and services.
Lexington
Horses on residential-zoned land need 3 acres for the first horse and 1 more acre for each one after.
Farm Buyer and Seller Guides
The questions I hear most, answered in detail.
Buying a Horse Farm in Central Kentucky
Soil, zoning, infrastructure, farm financing and Kentucky’s equine liability law: the five things every first-time farm buyer should know.
How Much Land Does a Horse Actually Need?
About 2 to 3 acres of well-managed pasture per horse, and how rotational grazing changes the math.
Fencing, Water & Zoning
Whether the fencing is safe for horses, where the water really comes from, and what the zoning allows.
What's My Kentucky Farm Really Worth?
Why statewide averages are only a starting point, and how I price rural property in Central Kentucky.
What is your Kentucky farm worth?
Farm values depend on land use and zoning, how close the property is to development, and what’s already built. I’ll prepare a farm-specific number for you, not a statewide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with small farms and hobby farms, or only large estates?
Both. I work with buyers looking for a few acres for a couple of horses, and with sellers of larger working farms. The questions about fencing, water and zoning are the same at any size.
Can you help me sell a farm and buy a home in town at the same time?
Yes. I’ll help you plan the timing of both sales so you’re not carrying two properties longer than you need to, and I’ll work with your lender on how the farm sale fits into your purchase.
Which Central Kentucky counties do you cover for farm property?
My farm work covers Fayette, Woodford, Bourbon, Scott, Clark and Jessamine counties, around Lexington, Versailles, Paris, Georgetown, Winchester and Nicholasville.
Thinking about buying or selling a farm?
Farm deals have more moving parts than a typical home sale. I’d love to help you work through them before you make an offer or set a price.