Savannah, Georgia is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful homes. The city is home to a large number of historic homes, each with its own unique story and character. From grand antebellum mansions to charming cottages, these homes are a testament to the city’s rich heritage and a fascinating glimpse into the past.
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While any walk around the city will result in beautiful homes here are a few you don’t want to miss.
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Mercer
429 Bull St, Savannah, GA
The Mercer House is a stunning example of Antebellum architecture and a fascinating piece of the city’s history. Built in the late 1800s the home is known for its striking design and as the setting for the famous book and movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.“
Designed in 1868 by John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer, a Confederate veteran, the home was designed in the Italianate style and features a distinctive four-story tower, spacious balconies, and a grand entrance hall. The home was built with the latest technology and design elements of the time, including indoor plumbing, gas lighting, and central heating.
After General Mercer’s death, the home was sold and went through several owners before being purchased by Jim Williams, a prominent antique dealer, in 1969. Williams restored the home to its former glory and filled it with a collection of antique furniture, art, and artifacts. He also opened the home to the public for tours and events, making the Mercer House one of the most well-known and popular homes in Savannah.
The Mercer House is perhaps best known for its connection to the book and movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The book is based on the story of Jim Williams and his trial for the murder of a young man named Danny Hansford. Quickly rising to best-seller status, the book was later made into a movie in 1997 starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. The house was featured prominently in the movie and is now a popular tourist destination for fans of the book and movie.
You can get a glimpse into the home’s history and stunning architecture of the Mercer House through a tour or one of the many events in the home.
Davenport House
323 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA
The Davenport House, located in Savannah, Georgia, is a Federal-style house that was constructed in 1820. The building was nearly demolished in 1955 but saved as the first project of the Historic Savannah Foundation. The three-story house features nineteenth-century furnishings, ceramics, textiles, and fixtures selected to match Isaiah Davenport’s inventory.
Today, the Davenport House is one of Savannah’s most historic homes and is a popular destination for visitors to the city. You can visit the home’s public museum for tours.
Green-Meldrim House
14 West Macon Street, Savannah, GA
Situated on the corner of Madison Square, this stunning home was built in 1853 and designed by John S. Norris in the Gothic Revival style with beautiful stained-glass windows, and stunning gardens. The Green-Meldrim House has a rich history and has played a significant role in the city’s past, having served as both a hospital and a headquarters for General William T. Sherman during the Civil War.
Over the years, the Green-Meldrim House has undergone several changes in ownership. It was originally built for a British subject named Green, who was residing in Savannah prior to 1854. The house was then purchased by Judge Peter W. Meldrim in 1892, who made it his residence until he sold it to St. Johns Church in 1943, thus ensuring its preservation.
Today, the Green-Meldrim House is open to the public and visitors can take guided tours to explore its many original adornments and learn about its history.
Gingerbread House (The Asendorf House)
1921 Bull St, Savannah, GA
Listed as a historic property in Georgia and included in the Historic Architecture and Landscapes of Georgia collection this three-story southern mansion has maintained its original design for more than 100 years. Built in 1899 in the Steamboat Gothic style. Today it is considered one of the most outstanding examples of the gingerbread style in the country. The house was built in 1899 for Cord Asendorf, a German immigrant who purchased the property on Bull Street in 1898. The house was built by the Hawley Construction Company for just $3000, but it is unclear whether the design came from a pattern book or was a whimsical collaboration between Asendorf and Hawley.
While the home is the site of several events each year, there are no tours offered at this time.
Sorrel-Weed House
6 W Harris St, Savannah, GA
The Sorrel-Weed House, also known as the Francis Sorrel House, is a historical landmark located in Savannah, Georgia. It is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival and Regency architecture in the area and has a rich, deep-south history. The house was built in 1839 by Francis Sorrel, a wealthy merchant and shipping agent, and his business partner, Henry Douglass. Both General Sherman and General Lee were entertained here during the Civil War.
The house has a dark history related to slavery, and it is said that Sorrel and Douglass were involved in the slave trade. Some of the slaves were reportedly mistreated and tortured, leading to numerous ghost sightings and paranormal activities within the house. The haunting stories have given the house the reputation of being one of the most visited haunted houses in America.
Today, the Sorrel-Weed House serves as a museum and is open for guided tours. Visitors can explore the house and learn about its architecture and the history behind the haunted house. With its rich history, unique architecture, and paranormal activities, the Sorrel-Weed House is a must-visit location in Savannah, Georgia.
Harper Fowlkes House
230 Barnard St, Savannah, GA
Sitting just off Orleans Square and built in 1842, the Harper Fowlkes House is an exquisite example of Greek Revival architecture. The house was designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey for local shipping magnate Stephen Gardner]. Gardner, however, only owned the house briefly before being forced to sell it due to financial troubles. The property changed hands several times before being purchased by Alida Harper Fowlkes in 1939 at a Citizens and Southern National Bank auction for $9,000.
The Harper Fowlkes House is known for its impressive architectural features and is now serving as the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Georgia after Alida Harper-Fowlkes bequeathed the house to the Society in 1985.
It is open to the public for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Savannah family in the mid-19th century.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
10 East Oglethorpe Avenue Savannah, GA
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a historic home that is the birthplace of the founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), Juliette Gordon Low.
Built in 1821, the house is now a museum dedicated to Low’s life and legacy. Visitors can tour the home learning about her experiences growing up in Savannah and how she went on to create the organization.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
124 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA
Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House is a stunning example of English Regency architecture. It was designed by British architect William Jay in the early 19th century and features one of the country’s first indoor plumbing systems.
The house itself is one of the best-preserved examples of William Jay’s English Regency-style work in the country and is considered a technological marvel of its time. It features a columned entrance portico, a beautiful cast iron balcony, a winding double staircase, and an indoor bridge.
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is a significant historical site that tells the story of the people who lived and worked on the property, both free and enslaved. The addition of the Slave Quarters to the name and tour of the house is an important step in recognizing the often untold and overlooked history of enslaved individuals in America.
The house has undergone conservation and restoration since the 1990s and now includes new interpretive exhibitions as part of the Telfair Museums Slavery and Freedom in Savannah project.
The home played an important role in sparking a movement within the historic home community to change the way history is presented. The addition of the Slave Quarters to the name and tour of the house has helped to uncover the untold history of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property. This change has inspired others to follow suit and consider the inclusion of previously untold stories in their own presentations.
The historic homes of Savannah are a testament to the city’s rich heritage and a fascinating glimpse into the past. From the grandeur of the Antebellum mansions to the charm of the Gingerbread House, these homes offer a unique window into the history and culture of this beautiful city. Whether you’re a fan of history, or architecture, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful homes, touring a few of these homes is a must-do during your Savannah visit.
