Several weeks ago, I had the distinct privilege to be a volunteer for the Historic Savannah Foundation's 73rd Annual Tour of Homes and Gardens. As a head docent for the late march event (3/27-3/29) I was in charge of ushering visitors--thru a magnificent restoration at 19 West Gordon St. in the heart of Savannah's Landmark Historic District.
The home built in 1872 --received the 2007 award for Historic preservation from the Historic Savannah Foundation--and after being there I know why.
The home, situated just off Monterey Square,. is a pair of Italianate residences built in 1879 for John Williams an established builder of the time and the Savannah City assessor.
The home at 19 W. Gordon, was purchased in 2003 by Duncan Kuhn a former Savannah resident and accomplished artist. (She currently owns and operates a gallery in Charleston, S.C. as well as one on the street level floor at West Gordon--both of which feature local and regional artists) It took Duncan, two years to restore this grand 4 story residence and enclosed garden --which had been divided into 7 different apartments for the last 30yrs. Amazingly--most of the architectural details remained in tack, such as moldings, marble fireplaces (there are 8 in all), medallions, plaster work and wood work.
Imagine dismantling 7 kitchens and 7 baths--to create a single family residential living space once again! The home is featured in the March/April issue of "Savannah Magazine" -and on the cover is a picture of the master bath "retreat" on the 3rd.floor. The only "new" additions to the home is an elevator which accesses all 4 floors and is neatly tucked into to the home's original dumb waiter and the re-creation of side porches on the west side of the home.
The residence was restored true to it's character--keeping the placement of the kitchen on the far back end of the home on the 2nd floor--which is not typical of most restorations. And probably the most fascinating feature of the home is the street level space (which is now used for the gallery) and the original kitchen/ cooking hearth for the home--which can be seen on the back side of the gallery.
As an artist, Duncan wanted a space to live and work and to that end the 4th floor is a true artists retreat where she paints and invites other artists to share studio space with her. 19 West Gordon is a vibrant space in the heart of the Savannah Historic District.
This home has accomplished the twin goals of preserving history and making history functional for the 21st century --a true tribute to preserving historic Savannah in style!
If you haven't been to Savannah, the Annual Historic Tour of homes is a great introduction to the fabulous homes that have been preserved and maintained as functional residences. For tickets to next years event go to http://www.historicsavannahfoundation.org/ tickets sell out early-so I suggest checking it out now for next yr. And if you can't wait a year -but would like to see what Savannah has to offer or if you have questions about properties available ---call or send me an email.
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