Opening the Broodmare Barn

Paul Mellon

Paul Mellon is one of only five people to have been named "Exemplar of Racing" by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. His extraordinary Rokeby Stables produced champion thoroughbreds, like 1993 Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero and the legendary Mill Reef, rated the #8 horse in the world for the 20th century by John Randall and Tony Morris.  This year, a complete renovation of Paul's Broodmare Barn was completed, realizing his dream of creating a space to benefit visiting scholars.

The barn, constructed in 1950, comprises three rectangular wings around an open sided courtyard. It is situated on the northeast end of the property, a peaceful space with exceptional views of the fields and mountains.  Care was taken to preserve the original character of the barn, with only minimal changes made to its exterior. Name plates outside the stalls will remain as they are, identifying the horses that once resided there.

Each room is named after one of Paul's champion racehorses. The building will provide accommodation for visiting scholars and conference participants in an atmosphere that is conducive of peace, creativity, and collaboration. Look through the slideshow below for a glimpse at the barn's renovation.

In April 2017, the Oak Spring Garden Foundation celebrated the opening of the Broodmare Barn with locals and members of the OSGF board of directors.

The Mill Reef Conference Room provides a space for lectures, meals and meetings. With its video teleconferencing system, we are able to conduct meetings with participants around the world.