The Clubhouse, once the residence of General John Payne, is rich in history and adorned with exquisite stonework.
Located two miles west of Georgetown on the old Frankfort-Georgetown Pike, the General John Payne House stands as one of Kentucky’s oldest and a prime example of the state’s “stone age” architectural style, as noted by Kentucky historian J. Winston Coleman. Stone houses, prevalent from the late 1780s to 1820, were commonly built by settlers of Scotch-Irish descent.
Constructed between 1787 and 1791, this notable fieldstone house was the home of General John Payne (1764-1837), an early settler in Scott County, Kentucky, and a significant figure in the War of 1812. Payne, originally from Virginia, relocated to Kentucky around 1786, settling in Scott County at Paynes Depot, near Georgetown. There, he served as the first county surveyor and contributed to the design of the town of Georgetown.
Post-war, Payne returned to his Kentucky family. In 1787, he wed Betsy Johnson, the daughter of Colonel Robert Johnson, a Revolutionary War hero and prominent Scott County pioneer. Payne constructed his stone residence on land provided by Robert Johnson. The Johnson family’s most distinguished member was Richard M. Johnson, Robert’s son, who served in the War of 1812 and later as a U.S. Representative and Senator. In 1836, he became Vice President of the United States, serving under Martin Van Buren.
Now repurposed as “The Clubhouse at Canewood,” it serves as the hub for all club activities, encompassing the pro shop and restaurant. The pro shop caters to both private and public play, offering equipment such as clubs, balls, gloves, tees, apparel, shoes, and snacks—essentially, all essentials for a leisurely round of golf. Our head professional provides lessons and club repair services.
The restaurant and bar are full service and offers a wide selection of beverages and a tasty menu for a bite after a round of golf or a day at the pool. Click here to see the menu.