Pecans, peaches, and peanuts might be the staples of Georgia, but the Peach State is also a treasure trove of ornate historic houses. Explore these eight stunning residences on your next Georgia road trip!
Swan House
Part of the Atlanta History Center, the Swan House in Atlanta was built in 1928 by architect Philip Trammell Shutze. This home is considered his finest residential work, and it’s no wonder why. As you explore, prepare to be enchanted by grand staircases, original period furnishings, and lush European gardens. Make sure to take a stroll through the 10-acre Swan Woods—if you wander far enough, you might stumble upon a hidden log cabin!
Owens-Thomas House
Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House in Savannah stands as a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. On a tour, you’ll discover a formal parlor adorned with suspended chandeliers, an intriguing indoor bridge, and the earliest intact slave quarters in the South, which housed up to 14 enslaved people before the Civil War. Before you leave, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped garden and courtyard.
Hills & Dales Estate
Tucked away in the rolling hills of LaGrange, the Hills & Dales Estate feels more like a dreamy Italian villa than the former home of a textile magnate! This gorgeous interior boasts arched doorways and rich woodwork, but the real star is the historic Ferrell Gardens. Known as one of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in America, this green space invites you to meander among extensive boxwood plantings, fountains, and fragrant herb gardens.
Andalusia Farm
This charming white farmhouse in Milledgeville was the haven of celebrated Southern writer Flannery O’Connor from 1951 until her passing in 1964. The 500-acre estate inspired many of her works. As you tour the house, you’ll encounter her personal belongings and writing spaces, offering a glimpse into her creative world. Don’t miss the tenant houses and agricultural buildings scattered across the property, where you might even spot some peafowl wandering about!
Pebble Hill Plantation
Originally built in the late 1800s, Pebble Hill Plantation was reconstructed in 1936 after a fire. Take a guided tour through the neoclassical Main House, featuring 16 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, and a jaw-dropping 24 fireplaces! Explore the Stable Complex, once home to horses, and the Fire House Complex, which offers overnight stays on the second floor. With sprawling gardens and numerous buildings to explore, you’ll need several hours to experience this plantation fully.
Plum Orchard Mansion
This Georgian Revival mansion on Cumberland Island, built in 1898 by the Carnegie family, provides a glimpse into the past of the rich and famous. As you explore its 22,000 square feet, marvel at the original woodwork, period furnishings, and even an indoor swimming pool! Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views of marshlands and the wild beauty of the island, where wild horses roam freely.
Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site
Roosevelt’s Little White House is exactly what it sounds like – located in Warm Springs, this historic site showcases a charming white house that was the personal retreat of President Franklin Roosevelt. Tour this well-preserved home, including the servant’s quarters, then check out the Historic Pools Museum to see the warm springs where FDR sought relief from polio. Be sure to glimpse the “Unfinished Portrait” left behind when the president passed away in 1945.
Hay House
Step inside the “Palace of the South,” known as the Hay House, a breathtaking example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. Completed in 1859, this extensive 18,000-square-foot home in Macon boasts 24 rooms and seven levels filled with hand-painted ceilings, stained glass windows, and hidden staircases. Marvel at the technological innovations of the time, including an early ventilation system and indoor plumbing—this home was truly ahead of its time!
