Twenty Beautiful Homes, Take Two

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Holly of the popular design blog, Things That Inspire. In the December issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, there was a feature that I have already referenced three or four times on my blog, Things That Inspire. The story, “The Luxury of Timeless Style,” featured twenty beautiful homes all built upon the principle of classic design.  The article resonated with me on many different levels.  Of course, as an architecture aficionado, the houses themselves were a pleasure to see. I recognized most of them, but there were a few that were new to me.  As a fan and promoter of all things design and architecture related in Atlanta, I was proud of the glorious tradition of classical architecture in our fair city, both from the past and from current day (several of the houses AH&L top 20 houses are new, shining examples of the continuing tradition of outstanding architecture in Atlanta). And, finally, it was fascinating to see the styles that have stood the test of time; these are houses that last through many generations.

It must have been extraordinarily difficult to select only 20 homes for the AH&L article, and I appreciate the diversity in styles that were represented.  But I immediately noticed that some of my personal favorites were not on the list! It was like Academy Award nominees had been announced, and my favorite actor wasn’t mentioned.  So, to remedy this, the AH&L team is indulging me with this ‘Things That Inspire’ supplement to the Luxury of Timeless Style: 12 more homes that represent the best of classic design in Atlanta (I tried to limit myself to 10, and just couldn’t do it).  These are homes that bring a true sense of delight and appreciation to me every time I see them, and I hope you like them too.  Listed in no particular order; the architect is noted when known.

Bill Baker was the residential designer who helmed this renovation of a classic 1930 house in Buckhead.

This beautiful home truly represents the best of Southern style.  It was recently renovated by architect Brad Heppner; the transformation was quite dramatic. Photo credit: Brad Heppner.

This little gem of a house is so beautiful, with its very French style and landscapeing. It is quite tucked away; when I posted it on my blog last year, one of the most seasoned realtors in Atlanta emailed to ask its location as she had never seen it.  I love that green door.

A gorgeous Neel Reid house in Druid Hills. Such a beautiful example of the American version of eclectic classicism, with elements of French and English architecture styles. Photo credit: Whitehaven.

One of my all time favorite Atlanta homes.

A James Means stunner was that modeled after a home in France. I saved this picture from an old real estate listing, so I am not sure if this is the front or the back!

This extraordinary house, designed by Philip Trammell Shutze in the late 1920s/early 1930s, is designed in the English style.  The asymmetrical facade for Shutze is highly unusual for Shutze; this was client driven, as the family that built the house were modeling it after the Chicago childhood home of the lady of the house.  The rear of the house, as seen in the Peak of Chic’s recent post, has the symmetry that Shutze loved.  It was remodeled in recent years by Pak-Heydt, with landscape design by Howard Design Studios. Photo credit: John Howard.

This Yong Pak design is ‘hotel particular’ style, where the entry to the home is between two floors. Landscape design by Howard Design Studio. Photo credit: Harry Norman Realtors.

Another James Means house in the French style.  This house was featured in Veranda in 2008, and also in my ‘light on two sides’ post from last year.

This is one of my favorite Atlanta homes; it looks like it has been there for decades even though it is only a few years old. Architecture by Stan Dixon, landscape architecture by Alec Michaelides of LandPlus.

Every time I drive by this house I rubber neck a bit.  One would expect perfect symmetry in this style house, but the charming asymmetrical layout is what gives this home so much character.  This is the kind of house that Tom Wolfe wrote about in A Man in Full – where the lawns rise up from the street, and the house sits high atop the property.

The interiors of this home were a cover story of the May 2009 issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.  According to the article, the house was renovated by Neel Reid in the 1930s.  The combination of the architecture and the color scheme of this incredible home are sheer perfection.  Photo credit: Blayne Beacham.

I hope you enjoyed seeing twelve more incredible Atlanta homes!  Do you have a favorite?