Must-See Historic Homes of Savannah
Savannah is big on history, so it’s no surprise that the city boasts a number of remarkable historic house museums. Whether you’re into architecture, interior design or simply history, you don’t want to miss the chance to step inside these marvelous homes.
Davenport House Museum
In 1955, this historic home was going to be demolished in order to become a parking lot. But hours before the home’s planned destruction, the Historic Savannah Foundation gathered just enough money to buy the American Federal-style home, saving it from obliteration. Today, the beautifully restored Davenport House Museum, which dates back to 1820, is one of the oldest standing brick structures in Savannah. Located on the quiet Columbia Square, this impressive restoration project includes period accurate wallpaper and furnishings that reflect the style of middle class homes in the 1820s.
Owens-Thomas House
Experience one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in America at the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Inside, this historic home has extraordinary features including intricate plasterwork and trompe l’oeil ceilings. The property has a formal parterre garden bursting with lush, perfectly manicured greenery. When you tour the Owens-Thomas house, you’ll also see the property’s original carriage house, which includes Savannah’s only intact urban slave quarters open to the public.
Sorrel-Weed House
The Sorrel-Weed House represents one of the finest examples of Greek Revival and Regency architecture in Savannah, and was one of the first homes in the State of Georgia to be designated a state landmark. At 16,000 square feet, the Sorrel-Weed House is one of the largest historic homes in Savannah’s Historic District. But don’t let the home’s exquisite beauty fool you – it is also one of the most haunted places in Savannah! While admiring the home’s elaborate details, you might encounter a chilling spirit. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Mercer House
This Italianate Mercer-Williams House was built in 1868, but it wasn’t until 1969 that Jim Williams, one of Savannah’s earliest private restorationists, bought the then vacant home and spent two years restoring it to the stunning structure that it is today. You may have heard about a murder that took place inside the home, which was made famous by novel and film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” If you tour the glamorous house, you’ll see furniture and art from Williams’ private collection, including 18th century English and American portraits and a wide collection of Chinese export porcelain.
Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
Flannery O’Connor, best known for her short stories and novels like “Everything That Rises Must Coverage” and “Wise Blood”, is one of the South’s most popular authors. This gorgeous Greek Revival townhouse is where the famous author spent her childhood, and it’s also one of the only museum houses in the country that is restored to the Depression-era. The knowledgeable guides at The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home have a great wealth of information about O’Connor’s quirky childhood, making this historic home the perfect place for book lovers of all ages!
T.C. & BRENNA LAUREN MICHAELS
We’re the husband and wife team behind Genteel & Bard.
If this world is a garden - we’re planting kindness.
Life tried to give us a big old bag of lemons, and we made the most delicious pitcher of lemonade. We’ve built a Southern Lifestyle company around beautiful storytelling, history, and the haunted.
Our manifesto? The world is full of beauty - why not choose a beautiful life?