Atlanta is home to many iconic residences — from historical landmarks to modern masterpieces.
These houses become a place of wonder to be studied and enjoyed. Some of these modern masterpieces have amazing architecture, some have intrigue, but all have their own story.
Villa Juanita
Located in Buckhead, Villa Juanita is the epitome of the 1920s era. Called “the Great Gatsby house,” the Mediterranean-style estate boasts 10,000 square feet and more than seven acres. This historical landmark has 14 principal rooms with four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half bathrooms. It features a breathtaking 70-foot pool, walking trails through the forests, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, sauna and gorgeous gardens. Located near the Governor’s mansion, this home has many stories along with its beauty. According to Buckhead.com, “Atlanta’s Great Gatsby house has seen many distinguished visitors from former New York Mayor Jimmy Walker, Ethel Barrymore, Jane Fonda and more.”
Swan House
The Swan House is “traditionally known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta,” according to the Atlanta History Center. Built in 1928, it reflects the grace, beauty and luxury its time period. The Second Renaissance Revival style makes the home feel stately and elegant. While the architectural detail on the interior is beautiful, the true experience at the Swan House is in its gardens. The lavish outdoor area features cloverleaf pools, cascading fountains, a terraced lawn and a rose covered retaining wall. All these luxurious details were probably the attraction for the set designers who chose this as President Snow’s home in the Hunger Games movie franchise.
“The Blind Side” home
The movie “The Blind Side” was filmed on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which doubled for Memphis, Tennessee. While the movie touched the hearts of Americans, design lovers couldn’t tear their eyes away from the beautiful home.
The Tuohy family’s home was filmed in two locations: one for the exteriors and the other for the interiors, both of which were private residences in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood, Hooked on Houses reported. The homes are massive but have a cozy and welcoming feel, fitting the movie perfectly.
Atlanta’s “Zombieland” house
This extravagant home boasts 33,000-sqaure-feet, nine bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.
Well-known for its European architectural flair, the home has bounced on and off the market for over a decade, according to realtor.com. And while the estate is no doubt beautiful and detailed, it may be a bit ostentatious for the traditional Atlanta home buyer.
“The home has elaborate molding and colors, and there’s approximately $2 million of gold gilding. It’s not for the conservative at heart,” listing agent Barry Milam said to the real estate site.
It is located on a beautiful property with two gated acres in Argonne Forest, across the road from the Governor’s mansion and the Gatsby house. The home features a 20-person steam room, screening room, wine cellars, a cigar room, a lavish ballroom, gaming areas and a hair salon. The outdoor area is the true feature here with its resort-style swimming pool and private courtyard.
The mansion has been featured in several movies including “Zombieland” and “The Three Stooges,” and Kim Zolciak spent time in the house when she was on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” — it was her boyfriend Big Poppa’s house.
An original Life magazine dream house
In the 1990′s, architect Robert Stern assisted in designing dream houses for Life magazine readers. They were high-end mail-order homes that were an attempt to make architectural beauty and quality accessible to the average reader. Lucky for Atlanta, one of these beauties was built in Legacy Park in Kennesaw, Hooked on Houses reported.
This open concept dream home features a covered veranda, full gourmet kitchen and an adorable window seat. As with most great homes the beautiful details are everywhere and include coffered ceilings, crown molding, custom chandeliers, and high ceilings. This house is the American dream, all that’s missing is the white picket fence.
Avery Newmark of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this story.
About the Author
