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?
-
Bravo Holly! I think there are plenty more great Atlanta homes to go. Getting down to 12 must have been a struggle.
-
WAY TO GO HOLLY!!!
-
I am with Terry andBlayne on this, Holly! You choose wisely, your taste impecable we all know, I am certain I would not have been up to the task, but job well done! I hope you quest blog here more often!
-
Holly, I couldn’t come up with just one. So, whittling your list from 12 to 3…the enchanting Tudor, the quirky Shutze and the well-proportioned Stan Dixon house….By the way, I referenced your blog on inglenooks in my most recent post. http://graciousinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/04/nooks-and-crannies.html
-
My favorite? Shutze’s McRea House. But it’s a landmark. “Home” doesn’t quite describe it.
-
Wonderful post!
My favourite homes are numbers five and seven! -
Of all of those I like the Shutze and the ivy covered home. I like the angles of the roof and imagine there are quiet nooks as well as spacious entertaining rooms in those houses.
I wonder what you would choose if you were picking favorite cottages, those lovely gems that aren’t quite so massive. -
Each month I look forward to receiving my copy of Atlanta Homes Magazine. The homes and interiors are always and consistently stunning.
I have to say that the Yong Pak residence really strikes a nice chord with me.
All the selections are very nice Holly.
-
Holly, I’m so proud! All of these homes are lovely, but the brick English style home with the steeply pitched front gables has always been my favorite Atlanta home.
-
I love them all! Too hard to pick a favorite. Your picks to get to twelve are great.
-
…neel reid homes…anything by neel reid…
-
If there is ever a time I find myself househunting and/or working with an architect, I want to hire you as a consultant!
-
Love them all…and the Tom Wolfe quote is so perfect! Here is my confession….prior to reading Holly’s blog, my only exposure to Atlanta homes was The Real Housewives…to say that Holly has changed my perception of Atlanta, is an understatement! I now read several amazing blogs based out of Atlanta, and look forward to the day that I can visit this city in person!
-
Love your blog and love to see your guest post on AH&L. Although I love many, my favorite is the recently renovated home by Brad Heppner.
-
I had the opportunity to see the inside and the gardens of the McRea house recently – it is spectacular.
-
The Neel Reid of course! I’m all about Neel Reid. All of the houses are great though, we have so many beautiful houses now. Quite a feat for a city that burned and then tore down many of it’s beautiful older houses. I’m also partial to Brad Heppner since he was my architect.
-
I had to come back and re-visit this post. I’ve been thinking about it all evening! If had to choose a favorite it would be the Yong Pak design. I hope we can do this again some time!
-
How lovely to see you here, Holly! Ever since I landed in Atlanta, I have just been blown away by all of the beautiful homes here. (I had no idea!) And just when I think I’ve seen it all, you post something even more incredible. As usual, these homes are amazing and there’s no way I could ever choose a favorite.
-
Such a wealth of beauty. But these are all homes for millionaires. Wouldn’t it be interesting to choose 20 Atlanta homes, with, say, a pricetag of under $500,000? With all of Atlanta’s historic intown neighborhoods, not to mention outlying suburban towns with great bungalows, I’ll bet there’d be lots to choose from.
-
FABULOUS list. I 100% agree – you’ve added the best Holly. Especially the James Mean with semi-circle gardens. So exquisite – the symmetry is perfect.
-
love your selections holly, and i’d definitely take the last one to be my very own!
-
Bravo from me too Holly! What a list – how did you choose? You have remarkable taste…perfect!
xo Terri
-
I love the Schutz home however they are all great picks!!
Karena
Art by Karena -
Great post Holly! If this were the Oscars (and I was a member of the Academy) I would be torn between the Schutze home and the Reed home. Gorgeous.
-
oh boy – they are classics indeed!
-
A wonderful selection Holly, each and every home is exquisite, xv.
-
Love them all, but the ivy covered tudor and the Bill Baker house are particularly wonderful!
-
Who doesn’t like a good Tudor Revival? That and the rain grey asymmetrical Philip Trammell Shutze house would be my picks.
-
Congratulations Holly! What a perfect fit! Atlanta Homes should add you as a columnist. Would love to find you in my postal box each month. Nice work!
~Angela
-
Favorite: #10 by Stan Dixon–symmetrical, modest, perfect!
-
Both the James Mean homes capture my heart!
-
All 32 homes are amazing. I can’t pick one favorite – at least not yet!
-
Great post as always, Holly!
My favorite two are the house renovated by Brad Heppner, and the home with the ivy, fifth picture down.
Driving down the streets of Atlanta is a real treat and I for one am a danger on the road when I am behind the wheel and spot one of these beauties!
-
Holly, I enjoy receiving your “Things That Inspire” blogs with beautiful pictures and comments on the architecture and decoration of beautiful homes. I am truly inspired.
Selecting from these 12 homes, my favorites are the Neel Reid in Druid Hills; the Brad Heppner; and the James Means. -
The James Means with the circular maze garden in front was my fave. These are stuff that dreams are made of!
-
I want to thank all of my readers and AH&L fans for the lovely comments on this post! I am enjoying reading them and learning what you like. Thank you for your support, and thank you to Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles for inviting me to do this post!
I love the Zhush’s comment about her previous impression of Atlanta being based on the Real Housewives! That is definitely not the Atlanta I know – in fact, I don’t think any of the Real Housewives actually live in Atlanta (as far as I know) – they all live in the suburbs.
-
The homes are all so beautiful. Wonderful job!
-
All of these homes are beautiful. During our last visit to Atlanta I was impressed by the beauty of the architecture. I truly had no idea that Atlanta had such a rich architectural history.
Congratulations on a wonderfully written piece. I’m sure it is the first of many for AH&L and other publications!xo
Brooke -
Love them all, but my fav is the Neel Reid Druid Hills home.
-Trish -
Many beauties, but for my favorite it’s the Philip T. Shutze manse.
-
Brad Heppner house. It is magisterial. None of he other houses has the “LOOK”, mature plantings, perfect architecture, grandure and maintenance. All the other houses lack something, either the grounds, setting, imperfections of architecture, wrong color, or they try too hard.
The Bill Baker house has a tacky lawn with a prominent driveway. French house has too many planters with greenery, Neal Reid house needs landscaping badly, your “all time favorite” just looks old, the James Means house would be fine in a story book setting but it lacks dignity, the Shutze house is decrepit, needs work, the Pak house is exquisit in detail BUT, the stairs leading up to the front door actually take away from not add to the entrance, they focus too much attention on themselves, the Means house looks dumpy but it is ok its just sort of . . . dumpy, the Dixon house looks like a thousand others, the Tom Wolf house – the east coast is carpeted in them, big but not distinguished, and last, the Neel Reid house, well the picture does not help it that’s for sure it needs everything, definition, color, landscaping and a photographer. I rest my case. Ann
-
Well done Holly! I am in total agreement on the homes you selected. Since I’m out here in Dallas and cannot see these homes in person, I am so glad I have your blog to go to when I need an Atlanta home fix.
-
Holly your selection is fabulous. I love number 4 & 5.
Classics’ -
Beautiful. Makes me want to redo the front of my house.
-
Amazing choices! I liked several of them so much that I have saved a copy of the photos as inspiration for when I build my own house soon. Thank you!
-
I started to list my favorites and when I went back to get the names of the architects I realized I might as well just say …”I agree wholeheartedly with all of your choices!” Congratulations!
-
Great group of houses! Though very different, I love the Stan Dixon house and the ivy covered house most. Bravo!
-
Tudor…………….pure grace and charm!
-
Great job Holly. I have to agree with you on # 5, the ivy covered English manor house and on #12, which is so serene and elegant – if it were a person I would describe them as being comfortable in their own skin. Thanks for sharing!
59 comments
Comments feed for this article
Trackback link: http://blog.atlantahomesmag.com/real-estate/twenty-beautiful-homes-take-two/trackback/