Explore a captivating journey through Charleston and Savannah, where the echoes of history whisper through the walls of 20 classic homes.
Each house, with its unique tale, stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of these charming Southern cities.
From architectural marvels to historical landmarks, these homes offer a window into the past, inviting you to discover the stories that have shaped the region. Join me and let’s embark on an adventure through time, unveiling the secrets and splendor of these iconic residences.
1. The Owens-Thomas House
Elegant and steeped in Southern charm, the Owens-Thomas House in Savannah feels like walking through a living diary of the 1800s. This Regency-style beauty wows with detailed ironwork, lush gardens, and interiors that hint at lives once lived in luxury and complexity.
Even more impressive? It had indoor plumbing before the White House—talk about ahead of its time. As you wander its grand rooms and quiet servant quarters, you’ll uncover layered stories of both privilege and hardship. It’s not just a house—it’s a beautifully preserved window into Savannah’s rich, and sometimes complicated, past.
2. The Nathaniel Russell House
Charleston’s Federal-style Nathaniel Russell House is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s an ode to architectural audacity. Built in 1808, its free-flying staircase is the talk of the town, defying gravity and expectations.
Art and antiques pepper the halls, each piece a page from history’s book. Feel the elegance as you glide through the rooms, imagining the grand parties once held within these walls. This house isn’t just a building; it’s an experience that takes you back to Charleston’s golden days.
3. The Mercer-Williams House
Cue the dramatic music as we enter the Mercer-Williams House, the star of Savannah’s architectural stage. With its Italianate design and lush gardens, this 1860s beauty has stories that could fill a novel—or a true-crime documentary!
Once home to Jim Williams of ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ fame, it offers a peek into Savannah’s intriguing past. Its haunting charm is irresistible, inviting you to explore its mysterious allure and perhaps uncover a few secrets of your own.
4. The Edmondston-Alston House
Ahoy, history enthusiasts! The Edmondston-Alston House in Charleston offers a front-row seat to the harbor’s bustling past. Built around 1825, this Greek Revival beauty boasts a panoramic view that’s worth the trip alone.
Inside, the past comes alive with heirlooms and period furnishings that whisper of bygone eras. Walk through its halls and imagine standing shoulder-to-shoulder with history makers, gazing out at the world with the harbor as your backdrop.
5. The Davenport House
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a time capsule? Savannah’s Davenport House is your golden ticket. This Federal-style abode, with its iconic spiral staircase, is a slice of historical heaven. Built 200 years ago, it’s more than a structure; it’s a storyteller of the city’s evolution.
Wander through the lush courtyard and let your imagination roam free. With each room, you’ll find yourself wrapped in the warm embrace of the past.
6. The Calhoun Mansion
Fancy yourself a Victorian explorer? Charleston’s Calhoun Mansion is the ultimate time-travel destination! With its late 19th-century charm, this Victorian wonder is a feast for the eyes.
Each room is a sensory overload of intricate woodwork and plush interiors. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a period drama. Well, now I want to transport myself over there immediately!
7. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Calling all adventurers! The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah is a monument to girl power! This Victorian beauty is where the Girl Scouts’ founder first dreamed big.
Every room is a tribute to her legacy, filled with period furnishings that echo an era of empowerment. Imagine the conversations and ideas that brewed within these walls.
This isn’t just a visit; it’s a pilgrimage to the birthplace of a movement that continues to inspire girls worldwide. Let the spirit of scouting ignite your curiosity!
8. The Boone Hall Plantation
Tree lovers, Charleston’s Boone Hall Plantation is your dream come true! With over 300 years of history, this plantation is a living museum.
The avenue of live oaks alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat. Walk the grounds and feel the weight of history in every step.
9. The Green-Meldrim House
For those with a flair for the dramatic, Savannah’s Green-Meldrim House is your stage. This Gothic Revival mansion, with its 1850s charm, is a masterclass in grandiosity.
The cast-iron work is a symphony in metal, and the interiors? Pure drama! Imagine General Sherman himself, lounging in the parlor during the Civil War.
History echoes through its halls, inviting you to step into the narrative and become part of its legacy.
10. The Williams Mansion
Charleston’s Williams Mansion is the perfect setting for a history buff’s daydream. This Renaissance Revival masterpiece, built in the late 19th century, is the epitome of opulence.
The ornate interiors are a feast for the eyes, each room a tale of artistic grandeur. Imagine yourself amidst the lavish parties, mingling with Charleston’s elite.
Every corner of this mansion speaks of its rich history, offering a glimpse into a world of wealth and sophistication that once reigned supreme.
11. The Andrew Low House
Elegance is the name of the game at Savannah’s Andrew Low House. Built in the 1840s, this classical mansion is a testament to refined taste.
The gardens alone are worth a visit, offering a serene escape into nature’s beauty. Inside, the rich interiors tell tales of a bygone era, where every detail was curated with care.
12. The Aiken-Rhett House
Walking into the Aiken-Rhett House feels like stepping straight onto the set of a Southern Gothic film—minus the drama, plus the charm. Tucked away in Charleston, this 19th-century Greek Revival gem doesn’t just whisper history; it practically sings it through its time-worn walls and creaky floorboards.
With original fixtures still in place and an art collection that feels like a curated diary of the past, the house is less of a museum and more of a memory preserved in plaster. It’s moody, magnificent, and a must-visit for anyone who loves their history with a side of faded grandeur.
13. The Joseph Manigault House
A symmetrical symphony is the Joseph Manigault House in Charleston! Constructed in the early 1800s, this Federal-style treasure is a visual feast.
The verdant gardens are a peaceful haven that invites you to stop and think. Every nook and cranny of the interior rooms evokes the grandeur of a bygone period, creating a canvas of beauty. It’s an invitation to enter a world of elegance and charm, not just a house.
14. The Sorrel-Weed House
Mystery-lovers are drawn to Savannah’s Sorrel-Weed House. This Greek Revival home, which was constructed in the 1840s, is a historical treasure trove.
Stories from the past seem to permeate the air as you move through its corridors. Its appeal is enhanced by the mystery that some claim it is haunted.
This home promises a voyage into the unknown that will leave you with more questions than answers, regardless of your interest in history or ghost hunting.
15. The Heyward-Washington House
Step into the pages of history at Charleston’s Heyward-Washington House. Built in 1772, this Georgian-style residence is a time machine to the past.
The period furniture is a delight, each piece a window into an era of elegance and craftsmanship. Imagine George Washington himself gracing these halls during his visit. The house is a testament to the city’s rich history, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the nation.
16. The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
Literary enthusiasts, rejoice! The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home in Savannah is your Mecca. This simple yet charming house, built in the early 20th century, is where the famed writer penned her early tales.
Walk through its rooms and feel the inspiration that sparked a literary legacy. Each corner holds whispers of creativity and wit, inviting you to delve into her world. It’s not just a house; it’s a shrine to storytelling, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a literary genius.
17. The Miles Brewton House
Stepping onto the grounds of the Miles Brewton House feels like crossing into another century—one defined by symmetry, elegance, and old-world craftsmanship.
Built in 1769, this Georgian masterpiece in Charleston radiates colonial grandeur, with its striking brickwork, perfectly balanced facade, and sweeping gardens that frame the home with quiet dignity.
Inside, each room is a time capsule, furnished with care and brimming with 18th-century charm. Ornate woodwork and carefully preserved artifacts tell the story of Charleston’s elite with every creak of the floorboard.
18. The Pink House
If you find yourself wandering the cobbled streets of Charleston, the Pink House is a must-see curiosity that feels plucked from a storybook. Dating back to the 1690s, it’s one of the city’s oldest buildings—and it wears its age with undeniable charm.
The rosy stucco exterior and distinctive gambrel roof hint at its rich, shape-shifting past, from tavern to law office. It’s quirky, intimate, and full of character—proof that even the smallest houses can hold the biggest stories.
19. The Old Sheldon Church
Quietly powerful, the Old Sheldon Church ruins near Charleston feel like something out of a forgotten legend. Built in the 1740s and weathered by fire and war, its towering brick columns and scattered walls stand defiantly beneath a canopy of moss-draped trees.
Often mistaken for a Greek temple, the site carries a solemn beauty that draws you in, whispering stories of past grandeur and human resilience. Once a proud symbol of prosperity, it now invites reflection and wonder.
Whether you’re a history lover or simply seeking stillness, this hauntingly graceful ruin leaves a lasting impression in the most poetic way.
20. The Rhett House Inn
Nestled in charming Beaufort, near Charleston, the Rhett House Inn is a gem of Southern hospitality. As a historic bed and breakfast, it captures the essence of classic Southern living.
Imagine sipping sweet tea on the porch, surrounded by the whispers of history and the scent of blooming magnolias. Each room offers a blend of comfort and nostalgia, inviting you to unwind and soak in the ambiance.