Southern Living: 7 Homes in the American South

Some of the most beautiful exemplars of domestic architecture are in the American South. The image of the grand, colonnaded mansion is embedded in popular consciousness—whether in Georgian, Neoclassical, or Greek Revival style; the vast Colonial estate and Second Empire townhouse have been cemented into the imagination by film classics such as Gone With the Wind and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The call of the South is manifold: high ceilings and ceiling fans in cool, shaded rooms for long, hot sunny days; milder winters; and, a culture of welcoming hospitality, tradition, music, barbecue and foods that feed the soul. Herewith, we present seven fine properties south of the Mason–Dixon line.

Cottage 441 on Sea Island, Georgia

Cottage 441 is a secluded private estate on the north end of Sea Island, Georgia, one of America’s most renowned private residential communities. This grand Southern estate sits on an oversized waterfront lot with panoramic views of a tidal salt marsh and rivers. Built from Savannah gray brick, the six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom manor blends Old World structural and decorative elements with contemporary appointments. The grand living and dining rooms are ideal for elegant entertaining. The kitchen, appointed with mosaic tiles and top-of-the-line appliances, is a chef’s delight. Several sets of French doors open to a stone patio with an outdoor kitchen and firepit, ideal for alfresco dining. The primary suite, conveniently located on the ground floor, has its own breathtaking view of the salt marsh. On the second floor, a wraparound veranda overlooks the magnificent walled grounds and the marsh beyond. Framed by mature oak trees, the English-style formal gardens are graced with brick pathways, original sculptures, serene fountains, boxwood detailing, a tree folly, and benches in secluded flowered alcoves for serene reflection. The teak-trimmed pool offers another yet another view of the marsh.

Georgian Revival-Style Mansion in Rivercrest, Fort Worth, Texas

This elegant hilltop manor sits on more than two acres of formal gardens in the heart of Rivercrest, just moments from downtown Fort Worth and the city’s renowned museum district. The stately three-story residence pays homage to Georgian Revival architecture. Six Doric columns grace the home’s front and rear facades. Inside, the elegance continues with the entrance gallery’s majestic spiral staircase. Other Georgian-inspired details include vaulted ceilings with dentil crown moldings, arched doorways, marble fireplaces, and gleaming wood floors. An elevator serves all three floors. There are five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms, including the second-floor primary suite, a private retreat with dual bathrooms and a fireplace in the sitting area. The main floor opens to a stone terrace with views of the countryside. Just beyond is an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, alfresco living space, and the rear gardens.

Eaglecrest in Charlottesville, Virginia

“Magisterial” is perhaps the best word to describe this 140-acre estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Set within a private demesne of woodland and parklike gardens, Eaglecrest is a world away—yet just two hours’ drive from Washington, DC. Built in 2000, the main house was inspired by the presidential mansions of Mount Vernon and Monticello. The column-framed brick portico opens to regal reception rooms with hardwood floors and wood panels. The centerpiece of the main floor is an octagonal, two-story living room. The gleaming chef’s kitchen adjoins a bright breakfast area and family room, both with walls of glass that open to a large screened porch and brick herringbone terraces leading to the pool and the wider grounds. There’s a formal dining room, main-level owner’s suite, two offices, a conservatory, and a private club-inspired recreation floor with billiards/game and media center. The estate also includes a four-bedroom gate house, a carriage house with space for 10 vehicles and an office on the upper level, a log cabin with a full kitchen and loft bedroom, and a pavilion. Another delight is a “flower house” adjacent to the orchard and vegetable gardens. Four miles of roads and trails, two barns/equipment sheds, an artesian water spring, several large ponds, and a stream with a charming covered bridge are further highlights of this timeless Southern estate.

FairWinds on Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida

FairWinds, a unique two-acre oceanfront estate, is tucked away on a secluded beachfront lot in downtown Islamorada on Upper Matecumbe Key. Inside its gates are shady, lush tropical gardens with specimen plantings and palm trees. Its private sandy beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, and the calm waters are a habitat for bonefish and tarpon. Its views extend to the historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. This very special compound blends privacy with abundant recreational opportunities, ideally suited to create cherished memories with family and friends. The three-story main residence evokes the classic Keys “conch house,” with a wraparound porch; wide, shaded verandas; and ceiling-high doors and windows that bring in the views of white sands and turquoise seas. The guest house with three-bay carriage house is topped by a private separate captain’s quarters. All this is steps from the village of Islamorada.

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Journey’s End Farm in Landrum, South Carolina

The aptly named Journey’s End Farm is a 31-acre refuge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina. This serene private estate offers superb equestrian facilities, resort-inspired amenities, and spectacular views of Glassy and Hogback Mountains and the Blue Wall Preserve, yet is just a short drive to main street Greenville and Landrum. A meandering drive flanked by lush pastures leads to the Colonial-style main residence. The portico opens into a two-story living room with a mezzanine balcony, a formal dining room, and a charming breakfast room with fireplace and pizza oven, and fully equipped kitchen. There are four bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms. The guest suite has its own entrance. The primary suite offers spectacular views of Glassy and Hogback Mountains across the pastures. The lower level has a billiards room, custom-built bar, a vast dining area, and a catering kitchen; and, there is a private den with fireplace and a heated pool and gym (or second office). Journey’s End’s equestrian amenities include a six-stall Morton barn with tack room and wash rack, multiple fenced pastures, a run-in shed, riding arena, equipment sheds, and a hobby barn with caretaker’s residence. There’s also a 1,300-square-foot guest house, an RV pad, landscaped gardens, paved roads, and a three-car detached garage.

Stratford Towers in Asheville, North Carolina

The grand country houses of England live on at Stratford Towers, a stately manor house surrounded by nearly three acres of parkland in Asheville, North Carolina. Built in 1925, the 7,681-square-foot manor underwent extensive renovations which preserved the stately brick façade, slate roof and elegant interiors, while adding modern conveniences. The views are breathtaking, whether they’re observed from the reception rooms, stone terraces, or en suite bedrooms. The reception hall has a beautiful wooden staircase. The family parlor features a gilded ceiling and wood-burning fireplace, and opens to a stone terrace. Beyond are the lovely grounds, an oasis of tranquility with rolling lawns, flower and meditation gardens, a grotto, a reflecting pool with fountain, an arbor, a gazebo, and a carriage house with a three-bay garage and guest quarters. A Donald Ross-designed golf course, tennis facility and wellness center are nearby at the Country Club of Asheville. Historic downtown Asheville is just 10 minutes’ drive.

Fairview Estate in Easton, Maryland

Fairview Estate is a magnificent 75-acre property sited at the end of a peninsula on the Miles River, a 12.9-mile-long tributary of Chesapeake Bay, on the storied Eastern Shore. This historic estate dates from the 1600s. According to the architectural survey, Fairview is of great architectural importance on two counts: It is a great Federal-period mansion, retaining some of the best features of that period, as well as being a great Greek Revival structure in a land where few remain or were constructed. Also of note is Fairview’s beautifully restored box garden, which is a superior example of an early 19th-century formal garden. Over the last 32 years, the current owners have carefully preserved, extended, and transformed Fairview into a grand and gracious estate. The white brick main house, with 14,300 square feet of living space, was designed in the Neoclassical tradition in keeping with Fairview’s colonial heritage. It is sited at the far end of the property to take in the splendid views of the Miles River and its spectacular sunsets. Adding to the allure of the estate are its numerous outbuildings,19th-century formal gardens, and world-class amenities, including a nine-hole golf course, tennis court, pool, and 2,100 feet of shoreline with a private beach and a tidal pond with pier.