Natchez and Savannah both stand as Southern titans when it comes to grand mansions, each flaunting its own unique take on opulence. Each city tells its own chapter of Southern history, one built on vast, rural fortunes and the other on urban refinement. Both cities boast remarkable histories, though Savannah’s architecture leans towards sophistication with a more urban appeal, whereas Natchez offers rural Southern grandeur. Natchez might win for sheer scale, but Savannah’s elegance and preservation might tip the scales in its favor for architectural variety. First up, ten of the finest Natchez Mansions followed by ten of the finest Savannah mansions.
Top 10 Natchez Mansions
In Natchez, Mississippi, the mansions seem to rise out of the cotton fields, built by cotton barons who didn’t shy away from flexing their wealth. These homes — like Stanton Hall and Longwood — are textbook Greek Revival, with towering white columns. They are palatial, almost audacious, sprawling estates that define antebellum grandeur. Yet, they carry the eerie ghost of a past tied to plantations and the Civil War, making them both stunning and sobering in equal measure. Here are ten of Natchez’ finest.
10. Linden – Natchez
Linden, built in 1790, is one of the oldest mansions in Natchez and stands as a testament to early Southern architecture. The mansion showcases a blend of Federal and Greek Revival styles, with its iconic six-columned portico and double galleries that recall a time when hospitality was an art form. While the grandeur of Linden may not match some of the more opulent homes in Natchez, its charm lies in its history and intimate scale. This house once functioned as a plantation estate, and its interior still whispers stories of Southern aristocracy with its original furnishings and creaky wooden floors. With an estimated value today of around $6 million, Linden remains one of the more accessible estates in Natchez, where the past clings to every corner like Spanish moss. Its worn elegance may lack the polish of other estates, but it certainly doesn’t lack soul.
9. Melrose – Natchez
Built in 1845 by a wealthy lawyer named John McMurran, Melrose is an architectural gem of the Greek Revival style. This mansion sprawls across 80 acres of meticulously maintained grounds and has been preserved as a historical site, offering visitors a living museum of antebellum life. The sweeping staircases, towering Ionic columns, and Palladian windows reflect the high aspirations of the Southern elite before the Civil War. Inside, Melrose is all about understated elegance, with imported European furnishings and grand chandeliers lighting the way through parlors and sitting rooms. With an estimated value of around $12 million today, Melrose stands as a dignified monument to a bygone era, more a sanctuary of history than a display of ostentatious wealth. It’s a place where history is preserved as carefully as the architecture itself.
8. The Burn – Natchez
The Burn, completed in 1834, is a classic example of Southern Greek Revival architecture. Its seven stately columns and expansive galleries overlook formal gardens, creating a picture-perfect scene of antebellum grandeur. Once functioning as a private residence and later as a school for girls, The Burn carries layers of history that give it a rich and storied past. Though it may not be the most lavish of the Natchez estates, it exudes a quiet grace that belies its role in Southern history. The estimated value today stands at around $8 million, a fair price for a mansion that whispers elegance through its aged walls. With its blend of historical charm and architectural significance, The Burn might not be the biggest, but it stands tall in the ranks of Natchez’s finest homes.
7. Longwood – Natchez
Longwood is perhaps the most enigmatic mansion in Natchez. Its construction began in 1860, designed to be an ambitious octagonal palace with a Moorish-style dome, unlike anything else in the South. Tragically, construction came to a halt when the Civil War broke out, and it remains unfinished to this day, giving the mansion an aura of mystery. Despite its incomplete interior, Longwood’s unique architecture—characterized by its octagonal shape and grand dome—makes it one of the most fascinating estates in the region. Had it been finished, experts estimate it would be valued at around $15 million today. The hollowed-out upper floors stand as a haunting reminder of what could have been, but the structure’s sheer ambition continues to draw admiration, offering more intrigue than even the most polished of Natchez mansions.
6. Stanton Hall – Natchez
Built in 1857 by cotton magnate Frederick Stanton, Stanton Hall is a shining beacon of antebellum opulence. The mansion’s Greek Revival style is on full display with its massive Corinthian columns, 14-foot ceilings, and marble fireplaces. The interior is as grand as the exterior, featuring ballroom-sized parlors, crystal chandeliers, and intricate woodwork that shows no expense was spared. This home exemplifies the extreme wealth that cotton fortunes could build before the Civil War. With an estimated value of around $18 million today, Stanton Hall is a true showstopper in Natchez. Its polished, glimmering interiors and historical significance place it near the top of any list of Southern mansions. Unlike some of the more subdued estates, Stanton Hall flaunts its grandeur, making no apologies for its display of wealth and power.
5. Auburn – Natchez
Built in 1812, Auburn is one of Natchez’s earliest grand mansions, designed in the Federal style with a strikingly simple yet elegant facade. The real architectural marvel of Auburn is its free-standing spiral staircase — an engineering feat at the time and still a jaw-dropper today. The mansion reflects a transitional period in Southern architecture, where the Federal style began blending with the more ornate Greek Revival that would dominate the antebellum South. Auburn’s understated elegance doesn’t scream for attention but earns it nonetheless. With an estimated value of around $9 million today, Auburn is more about historical significance than sheer size or flash. Its place in Natchez history is secure as a pioneer among Southern mansions, standing proudly as a testament to both its time and the craftsmanship that created it.
4. Rosalie – Natchez
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Rosalie is a mansion with both architectural beauty and an envious view. Built in 1823, the mansion combines Federal and Greek Revival styles, creating a breezy elegance that suits its riverfront setting. Its tall windows and columned portico are designed to catch cool river breezes, providing a natural ventilation system long before air conditioning was a thing. Rosalie is more than just a pretty facade; it’s a symbol of Natchez’s deep historical ties to the river trade. Estimated at around $14 million today, the mansion’s appeal is as much about its panoramic views as its architectural grandeur. The wide lawns and gardens make it a perfect spot for grand events, but its true magic lies in its connection to the natural beauty of the river.
3. Dunleith – Natchez
Built in 1856, Dunleith is the epitome of Southern grandeur, complete with sprawling wrap-around galleries supported by white columns that seem to stretch into the sky. This Greek Revival mansion sits on 40 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and woodlands, giving it the air of a private empire. Dunleith’s architectural significance lies in its near-perfect symmetry and the way its design blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. Once home to a grand hotel, Dunleith has seen its fair share of Southern high society gatherings, and its current estimated value of $17 million reflects that prestige. The mansion’s stately presence makes it a heavyweight in the Natchez mansion scene, a place where you can almost hear the clink of mint juleps on a hot summer afternoon.
2. Monmouth – Natchez
Monmouth, built in 1818, represents the height of Federal-style elegance in the South. The mansion’s stately brick facade, tall windows, and sweeping lawns give it an air of refinement that sets it apart from more ostentatious homes. Monmouth is not just a mansion; it’s an estate, complete with gardens that rival any in the region. Its interiors are equally refined, with period furnishings that transport you back to the antebellum South. Estimated at around $16 million today, Monmouth’s real value lies in its impeccable preservation. The mansion’s historical significance is amplified by its association with John A. Quitman, a former governor of Mississippi and a general in the Mexican-American War. It’s a house with history woven into its walls, where each room whispers tales of Southern aristocracy and political power.
1. Lansdowne – Natchez
Topping the list is Lansdowne, built in 1853 and widely regarded as the grandest of Natchez’s historic mansions. This Greek Revival beauty sits on expansive grounds and has the rare distinction of still containing most of its original furnishings, offering an authentic glimpse into Southern life before the Civil War. With its towering columns, grand hallways, and meticulously preserved interiors, Lansdowne exudes an air of timeless elegance. Estimated at around $20 million today, the mansion is more than just a house; it’s a living museum. Unlike many other mansions that have seen their original furnishings scattered to the winds, Lansdowne has retained its sense of place and time, offering a window into a world that feels both distant and immediate. If Natchez has a crown jewel, this is it — luxurious, historical, and wholly unforgettable.
Top 10 Savannah Mansions
Over in Savannah, Georgia, the mansions tell a different story. Here, you’ll find a blend of Federal, Regency, and Gothic Revival styles, like the Mercer-Williams House and the Owens-Thomas House. These homes are more urbane, set against cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks. They suggest sophistication and old-world elegance rather than shout it from the rooftops. While Natchez sprawls, Savannah is contained — its charm lies in how it integrates these historic homes into a living, breathing city. Next are ten of Savannah’s finest historic mansions.
10. Owens-Thomas House – Savannah
Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House is a gem of Regency architecture. Situated in the heart of Savannah, this mansion is known for its symmetrical design, sweeping verandas, and one of the first indoor plumbing systems in the U.S.—even before the White House had it. Imagine the surprise of 19th-century visitors when they could flush indoors. The real charm, though, lies in the blend of architectural details, from the wrought-iron balconies to the elegant fanlight over the front door. Estimated at around $8 million today, the house is a reflection of early 19th-century elegance, where each room feels designed for both comfort and status. You can feel the weight of history here, as the mansion is tied to stories of Southern aristocracy, slavery, and the urban elite of Savannah.
9. Juliette Gordon Low House – Savannah
Built in 1821, this Federal-style mansion is best known as the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. It’s a house that blends the Federal and Georgian styles with an air of understated elegance, making it historically significant beyond its architectural merits. Today, you can almost hear the voices of excited Girl Scouts as they tour the home, soaking in the history of their movement. Valued at about $7 million today, the house is more modest than some of Savannah’s grander estates, yet its cultural footprint is enormous. The wide doorways and simple but stately rooms speak of a time when Savannah was a burgeoning hub of Southern culture.
8. Sorrel-Weed House – Savannah
The Sorrel-Weed House, built in 1840, is a stunning mix of Greek Revival and Gothic architecture. Its imposing facade, complete with grand columns and wrought-iron balconies, practically begs for attention. And if the architecture isn’t enough, this place is rumored to be haunted, adding a layer of Southern Gothic drama. Valued at around $10 million, it’s not just the paranormal stories that draw attention — it’s the grandeur of its design. The expansive courtyard and carefully wrought ironwork make it one of the most iconic homes in Savannah. Even the ghosts, if you believe in such things, couldn’t resist such a masterpiece.
7. Isaiah Davenport House – Savannah
The Davenport House, built in 1820, is a Federal-style home that helped kickstart Savannah’s historic preservation movement. It’s more restrained in its design, with clean lines and symmetrical proportions, making it an architectural darling for those who appreciate subtlety over grandeur. Estimated at $6 million today, this mansion’s simplicity hides its historical significance. It’s the house that set the stage for saving Savannah’s historical treasures, marking it as more important than its size or opulence suggests. The interiors, while not as lavish as some of the city’s other mansions, have a quiet dignity that reflects early 19th-century taste.
6. Green-Meldrim House – Savannah
Built in 1853, this Gothic Revival mansion served as General Sherman’s headquarters during his famous “March to the Sea.” With its elaborate ironwork, parapets, and pointed arches, the Green-Meldrim House looks like something plucked from a medieval European landscape. It’s as if Savannah decided to flirt with the macabre for a moment. Estimated at $13 million, the house’s historical ties make it more than just a pretty face. The grandeur of the staircase, combined with its military history, makes it a landmark in both Southern architecture and American history.
5. Andrew Low House – Savannah
This 1848 Italianate mansion was the home of Juliette Gordon Low’s father-in-law, and its tall ceilings, marble floors, and intricate plasterwork reflect the sophistication of the Italianate style. With an estimated value of $11 million, this home’s elegance is in its details — perfectly crafted archways, grand rooms for entertaining, and those marble fireplaces that scream high society. Its connection to the Low family adds layers of intrigue, with stories of opulent parties and Savannah’s social elite.
4. Hamilton-Turner House – Savannah
Built in 1873, the Hamilton-Turner House stands out for its Second Empire style, which gives it a bit of French flair amidst Savannah’s sea of Southern charm. Its mansard roof and intricate iron balconies exude a sense of European elegance that elevates it above many of its neighbors. Estimated at $12 million today, this mansion was one of the first in Savannah to have electricity — adding a touch of modernity to its Old World charm. It’s a house that’s been a backdrop for everything from opulent gatherings to ghostly legends, making it a cultural touchstone in the city.
3. Armstrong-Kessler House – Savannah
Built in 1919, the Armstrong-Kessler House is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece. With its classical columns, sprawling gardens, and marble accents, this mansion feels like it was lifted from the pages of an Italian villa fantasy. Estimated today at $20 million, the Armstrong-Kessler House is more than a residence — it’s a statement. Its grandeur lies in the sheer scale of its design, with grand rooms that demand attention and gardens that offer a serene escape from the bustle of downtown Savannah. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era, one where luxury was a way of life.
2. Mercer-Williams House – Savannah
Built in 1868, this Italianate mansion gained fame through the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Its dramatic staircase, grand windows, and lush garden make it one of the most iconic homes in Savannah. Estimated at around $18 million today, the Mercer-Williams House is as much a cultural landmark as it is an architectural one. The Italianate details, from the ornate cornices to the large windows, give it a refined elegance. The murder mystery surrounding this mansion adds a level of intrigue that makes it unforgettable.
1. William Scarbrough House – Savannah
Built in 1819, the William Scarbrough House is a stunning example of Regency architecture. This mansion, with its grand staircases, marble fireplaces, and intricate plasterwork, exudes a level of opulence that’s hard to match. Estimated at $22 million today, the house is a testament to the wealth and ambition of its original owner, William Scarbrough, a wealthy shipping magnate. The interiors are as grand as you’d expect, with elaborate chandeliers, spacious rooms, and those floor-to-ceiling windows that scream luxury. The William Scarbrough House remains the grandest of Savannah’s mansions, a regal example of Southern elegance.
