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The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience

Photo gallery for The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience

Stay among the treetops
A modern living room with a round coffee table, a sofa, a chair, and a staircase.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island with bar stools.
You would never know this was once an abandoned boiler room of a distillery.
Privacy assured in the heart of the Distillery District

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 6•3 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Lexington, KY
  • Place, James E. Pepper Distillery
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Barrel House Distilling
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Rupp Arena
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

1st Guest Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2nd guest bedroom

2 Single Beds

Primary Bedroom Suite

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Primary bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience

The Top Shelf is a space carefully crafted with amenities aplenty! Perched on top of the 90-year-old Pepper Bourbon Distillery, this condo is for the Lexington visitor who likes to be in the middle of the action. Soaring views, three balconies, and all the amenities to make your Bluegrass visit one of a kind. The Top Shelf is perfect for a discerning couple, an adventuring family, or for a large group of fun-seekers.

This is not an event space and large parties are not allowed.

LFCUG registration #: 15058077-1; maximum guests: 10

Note, for security there are three exterior cameras - 1) parking lot, 2) external stairs, and 3) entry patio.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children must be monitored
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Events

No events allowed
Inquire for event pricing
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Pets

No pets allowed
Small, well-behaved pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed on uncovered balcony
Absolutely no climbing on the distillery roof. Violators will be permanently removed from the property.
No parking in spaces not marked for The Top Shelf guests. There is ample parking in the main distillery parking lot for overflow guests
Absolutely no climbing on the balcony rails and no throwing anything off of the rails. Violators will be permanently removed from the property.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2040475vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Inquire for event pricing
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Lexington

Located in Lexington, this condo is in the city centre. The Kentucky Castle and Ethereal Brewing are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Victorian Square Mall and Hamburg Place. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Rupp Arena or Kroger Field. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like hiking and horse riding nearby.
Map
Lexington, KY

What's nearby

  • James E. Pepper Distillery - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Barrel House Distilling - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
  • University of Kentucky - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Rupp Arena - 3 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Lexington, KY (LEX-Blue Grass) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Clark's Pump-N-Shop - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Drake’s - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. - ‬2 min drive
  • Goodfellas - Distillery District

Frequently asked questions

Is The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Top Shelf Condo! For Explorers Seeking An Exclusive Kentucky Experience located?

Located in Distillery District, this condo building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ethereal Brewing and Rupp Arena. University of Kentucky is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Savannah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An absolutely gorgeous spot! We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 July 2026
Thank you, Savannah! We truly enjoyed having you as our guest.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Abby M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Will stay here again! The condo was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This condo is stunning! It’s a perfect location, we loved it and the area so much !!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2026
Thank you so much, Jessica! We so enjoyed having you as a guest at TopShelf😊
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vince L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very upscale property in a very cool location. We went to Keeneland for a day and came back here. I will be back . What a neat place and so unique !!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
Thank you so much, Vince, for choosing TopShelf for your visit to Lexington. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jerry K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome unit in a really neat entertainment district. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
recommendation instead of the twin beds in that third bedroom make it a queen and a hot tub.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
Jeff was an outstanding guest. We would happily welcome him back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property and location

We really enjoyed this place. Very clean and loved the location next to bars/restaurants to walk to.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2025
Thank you, Jeff! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Distillery District
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

dan w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
High end finishes, good location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traveling Bama Fans

Excellent location, excellent accommodations, excellent local eating options.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

JOHN S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Space & Location

I would highly recommend this location especially if you are going to a concert at the Manchester Music Hall.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nolan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow, what a place.

Fantastic place in a really cool area. Was perfect for what we needed. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2022
Nolan was a wonderful guest. Quiet, respectful, and the condo looked great when we returned Four stars ⭐️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Teri was so responsive and let us move in asap after we had had a nightmare at a different house. The place was very clean and exactly as shown in the pictures. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top shelf

Fantastic stay and location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kody B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

Perfect spot to stay and explore the distillery district!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

shannnon k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

We had the best time staying here! Can’t wait to come back! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2022
Shannon was a flawless guest. Communication was great & the apartment looked lovely when we returned.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rob Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

Quick overnight during the week. Super convenient location to downtown and a post-dinner location in the District. I'll certainly look to stay again, hopefully longer .
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2024
Thank you, Rob! Guests who lament having to leave TopShelf make us very happy!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ginger V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Definitely Top Shelf

Beautiful property Great location Five Stars
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2023
Thank you so much! We loved hosting Ginger & her group. Perfect guests.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jody G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic GetAway!

Top Shelf is hands down AMAZING!! Owners are VERY responsive, the attention to detail from decor to the amenities are beyond the imagination. We had such a wonderful time and are planning our next stay at Top Shelf. Definitely will NOT disappoint!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2025
Thank you for trusting us with such an important milestone for your daughter, Jody!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location!

The perfect place to spend our holidays with our 20 something’s! The condo was well appointed with everything we needed. We could get coffee, visit a distillery, a brewery, throw axes and grab a pizza all within walking distance!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2022
We are so glad Lisa & her group took full advantage of & enjoyed our little district. We’re pretty proud of it & love sharing it with wonderful visitors like Lisa!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Geoff G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Condo and Location

We visited our daughter at UK for weekend and absolutely loved this condo and the location in the Distillery District. We will definitely book here again. As the name indicates everything was "Top Shelf"
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2020
Thanks, Geoff, we loved having you be one of our first visitors! We'd love to welcome you back in the future. Thanks for leaving everything so nice.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful rental

The rental was very spacious and designed beautifully throughout the whole space. A lot of detail was put into decorating. It was also very clean. You were in a perfect location to restaurants and breweries and can get to downtown easily. We will definitely rent this space again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Amazing

This place really was amazing. Clean, convenient, and comfortable. Having a pizza place, distillery, and three or four bars in walking distance didn’t hurt either. The train in the morning is loud but a small price to pay for an otherwise perfect stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2022
Thank you John; we are so happy you enjoyed your stay! We consider the trash n part of its unique ambiance. LOL
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bruce T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bourbon Trail Stop

A great base for 3 couples looking to experience Lexington and the Bourbon Trail. Unique modern industrial decor. Well appointed. Location super fun for our short visit but perhaps too much for an extended stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2023
Thank you so much, Bruce! We love to hear that TopShelf guest’s have enjoyed their stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

taylor d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best Lexington getaway!

We loved our stay at the Top Shelf condo! It is the perfect getaway for a night in Lexington! The condo is adorable and the host is so easy to work with! The best location to spend with friends or family, in the distillery district. You are steps away from food and drinks. Couldn’t ask for a better location. Highly recommend, will definitely be visiting again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words, Taylo. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that the location was a big part of that; we are so proud of our little distillery!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

robert h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Day at Keeneland

Super cool property. Right in the heart of all the activity, but didn't have any issues with noise. Really cool deck set up. Inside was clean and nicely appointed. Great property. Highly recommend. Will def stay there the next time we are in town.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr 2024
Thank you, Robert! So happy to hear your stay went well. We realize the District can get noisy. Lol

About the host

Hosted by Teri Kelly

Host profile image
Hello!
We, sisters Teri & Delena, and Teri’s husband, Chris, got into the short-term rental business slowly. We started with one apartment in downtown Lexington in 2014. We were amazed how quickly we filled it up. It turns out Lexington is a destination city! And, we were so pleased with the results that we converted and renovated several other properties we own.

You can imagine how excited we were when we got to build a condo from scratch in Lexington’s Distillery District. What a joy to pick out everything new while combining it with items from the old distillery.

We are overwhelmed and grateful for the response we’ve had and love being in the hospitality business!

We are most accessible by text or email during the day. Thank you again, and we look forward to welcoming you to our hometown, Lexington, KY!

Why they chose this property

When we bought several properties in the dilapidated Distillery District in Lexington in 2013, we had no idea what it would eventually become. Our vision was small – perhaps storage, and (eventually) a place to brunch beside the calming sounds of Town Branch Creek. But the good citizens of Lexington made their wish for a new entertainment district known. A brewery opened, then a restaurant, then a pizza pub. More bars, a cidery, and it just keeps coming.

We were left with a 1500 sq ft space (expanded to nearly 2000 sq ft) overlooking the large patio and thought, why not have a residence amongst all the happenings? So, the planning of a three-bedroom condo began. Turns out it's not easy to build on top of a distillery! But everything was figured out and three years later we announced the opening of The Top Shelf, our premier vacation rental among the five we own. We hope you enjoy your stay in this very special property 90 years in the making!

What makes this property unique

A truly unique location; you won't find another property like it in the world. Built by us in a 1934 abandoned distillery, this project was a labor of love (and heartache and money!)

You can pop down for pizza, artisanal cocktails, craft beer or craft ice cream at any time. Or just sit among the trees on the balcony enjoying live music from the Goodfellas patio.

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