Savannah holds its history close, cradled in the grandeur of its mansions, each one a monument to the passage of time and the whims of those who lived inside. The city’s streets are lined with these towering structures, architectural marvels that stand like elegant ghosts of the Old South. Each mansion, with its sweeping porches and ornate facades, tells a tale of wealth, power, and sometimes scandal. As you walk by, you can almost feel the weight of Southern summers and hear the echoes of parties long past. The rich detail in every column and cornice is a reminder of a time when style reigned supreme and life moved at a different pace.
15. Hamilton-Turner House

A French Empire jewel, the Hamilton-Turner House looks like it belongs on the streets of Paris rather than Savannah. Built in 1873, it was the first home in the city to have electricity, making it a symbol of Savannah’s forward-thinking opulence. The mansion now operates as a luxury inn, and its timeless beauty, with a touch of ghostly charm, makes it an unforgettable experience. The towering mansard roof and elegant ironwork only add to its allure.
14. Forsyth Park Inn

Overlooking the famous Forsyth Park, this Queen Anne-style mansion, built in 1893, takes Victorian elegance up a notch. With its asymmetrical design, large verandas, and detailed woodwork, the Forsyth Park Inn makes a statement. Inside, the inn flaunts antique furnishings, period decor, and original fireplaces that whisper Gilded Age charm. The house has traded in its private residence status to become a popular bed and breakfast, but its prime location and beautifully preserved details still make it a standout in Savannah’s collection of historic homes.
13. Noble Hardee Mansion

The Noble Hardee Mansion is a classic example of Greek Revival architecture, standing tall and proud since 1860. Those massive columns and symmetrical design scream pre-Civil War opulence. Though currently vacant, this house still has a commanding presence with its ghostly reputation adding a layer of intrigue. It’s a favorite photo op for ghost-hunters and architecture lovers alike. Even in its empty state, the craftsmanship is undeniable and it’s still one of Savannah’s most hauntingly beautiful properties.
12. William Scarbrough House

Completed in 1819 for William Scarbrough, this early Regency-style mansion is a heavyweight in Savannah’s architectural lineup. Scarbrough, a shipping magnate, spared no expense in creating an elegant home with archways, tall windows, and rich wood detailing. Once the headquarters for the Georgia Historical Society, today the house serves as the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, which gives a nod to its nautical past. It’s like stepping into a grand ballroom of Savannah’s maritime history with one foot still in the 19th century.
11. The Kehoe House

Constructed in 1892, The Kehoe House is all about Victorian splendor, from its intricate ironwork to expansive balconies that practically beg for a mint julep. The house was originally built for William Kehoe, a big shot in the iron foundry business, and every corner of this mansion reflects his success. Today, it’s a luxury inn, but the grandeur of its past is palpable. This place is dripping in charm, with its massive bay windows and carved wood details adding to its status as one of Savannah’s most impressive Victorian homes.
10. Telfair Mansion

Built in 1819, the Telfair Mansion was Savannah’s first public art museum, and it’s still one of the grandest homes in the city. Its Regency-style design, complete with soaring columns and elegant proportions, sets the tone for the masterpieces housed inside. But don’t let the art distract you from the mansion itself — its sweeping staircases and intricate moldings are works of art in their own right.
9. Kessler-Armstrong House

Built in 1919, the Kessler-Armstrong House might be the new kid on Savannah’s historic block, but it sure knows how to flaunt it. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the marble facade, ornate carvings, and grand double staircase make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mediterranean villa. Originally built for a shipping magnate, it’s now a law firm, but don’t let that fool you—this house still oozes elegance. The marble floors, chandeliers, and wood paneling make it one of the finest examples of early 20th-century luxury in Savannah.
8. Harper Fowlkes House

This 1842 Greek Revival beauty is all about symmetry and grandeur, with its sweeping front staircase and stately columns. The Harper Fowlkes House has been lovingly restored, and the inside is filled with fine antiques and period furnishings. The well-manicured gardens make you feel like you’re stepping into a scene from Gone With the Wind. It’s a favorite spot for weddings and special events, and it’s easy to see why—this place practically hums with old Southern charm.
7. Sorrel-Weed House

Here’s where Southern Gothic gets real. The Sorrel-Weed House, built in 1840, is not only architecturally stunning with its Greek Revival and Regency-style elements, but it’s also reportedly one of the most haunted houses in Savannah. Massive columns frame the entrance, and inside, you’ll find grand parlors and original wood floors. If you’re into Civil War history, this house has got you covered — General Robert E. Lee was a guest here, after all. But let’s be honest, the ghost stories are what really steal the show.
6. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

The Georgian-style Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, built in 1821, is more than just a pretty house — it’s where the founder of the Girl Scouts grew up. The symmetry of the building, the grand balcony, and large windows give it a regal feel. Inside, the house is filled with period furniture, intricate plasterwork, and personal artifacts from Low’s life. It’s a house with history and heart, blending Savannah’s architectural past with a legacy that’s still inspiring generations of girls today.
5. Green-Meldrim House

Built in the Gothic Revival style between 1853 and 1861, the Green-Meldrim House looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The wrought-iron gates and veranda set the stage for what’s inside — grand parlors, sweeping staircases, and intricate woodwork. The house is historically significant too: General Sherman used it as his headquarters during the Civil War. This place isn’t just about looks; it’s a front-row seat to Savannah’s Civil War history, and you can feel the weight of its past with every step.
4. Andrew Low House

This Italianate-style mansion was completed in 1849 for Andrew Low, a wealthy cotton merchant. The grand iron entrance, low-pitched roof, and massive columns make the Andrew Low House a standout. Inside, it’s filled with period furnishings and exquisite woodwork. This is also where the Girl Scouts connection comes in — Low’s daughter-in-law, Juliette Gordon Low, lived here after she married William Low. With its ties to both Savannah’s economic boom and Girl Scouts history, the house has a dual claim to fame.
3. Isaiah Davenport House

Isaiah Davenport built this Federal-style home in 1820, and it’s still one of Savannah’s best-preserved mansions. It’s a brick beauty with simple yet elegant lines, hiding a stunning interior with detailed woodwork and period furnishings. The Davenport House was instrumental in launching Savannah’s historic preservation movement, so without it, many of these other mansions might not be standing today. Every corner of the house, from its chandeliers to its rooftop balcony, whispers history.
2. Owens-Thomas House

The Owens-Thomas House, built in 1819, is a masterclass in Regency architecture, with its iron balcony, symmetrical design, and fanlight windows. Designed by British architect William Jay, this house is all about elegance and balance. Inside, you’ll find original furnishings, lush draperies, and some of the best-preserved urban slave quarters in the U.S. It’s a house that blends beauty with the darker aspects of history, giving you a full picture of Savannah’s past.
1. Mercer-Williams House

Sitting at the top of the list is the Mercer-Williams House, Savannah’s crown jewel. Built between 1860 and 1868, this Italianate mansion is famous for its connection to the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The red-brick exterior, tall windows, and iron railings are straight out of an architectural dream, while the interior boasts museum-quality art and 19th-century furnishings. Whether you’re here for the beauty, the history, or the scandal, this house delivers on every front.