Tour the Homes: Atlanta's West Paces Ferry Road
Dream Drives : Episode DRD-104 -- More Projects »
Looking at the lush, manicured lawns of this established neighborhood, it's hard to believe that West Paces Ferry Road was once a trail leading to ferry service on the Chattahoochee River. During the Civil War, Union soldiers also used the area for a base camp.
Figure A — In the calmer early 1900s, Atlanta's wealthy built summer retreats in this area just six miles north of the city. Today it is still an address that conveys status, and Georgia's governor calls it home. West Paces Ferry Road is an attractive mix of architectural styles, with each home displaying its own tasteful personality. Figure B — The first grand house built on West Paces Ferry Road was the Dickey House. Completed in 1917, it was fashioned after George Washington's Mount Vernon manor. Eight Tucson columns support two stories of southern architectural charm designed by architect Neel Reid.
Figure C — The inside is just as impressive with a double-curved staircase that invites further exploration of the 14,000-square-foot home. Figure D — Architect Neel Reid had a hand in constructing Rhodes House as well as the Dickey House. He combined his architectural experience with that of Phillip Trammel Shutze, and together they designed an Italian-style villa that resembles a Venetian chapel. The Santa Stae chapel in Venice was, indeed, the inspiration for the house.
Figure E — Mrs. Joseph Rhodes liked the shell and cherub motif that accent window and dormer moldings so much that she carried the theme indoors. Completed in 1926, the home was recognized by Atlanta Magazine as one of the city's most beautiful homes. Figure F — M. Emmert always wanted a house that would present a glimpse of itself amid pristine views. Dellbrook is that house.
Figure G — Built in 1929, the Georgian-style home that is Dellbrook offers a curved walnut staircase, paneled library and leaded-glass French doors that open to landscaped gardens. Figure H — According to Architectural Digest, Swan House "stands as a monument to the golden age of Atlanta architecture." Another design of Phillip Trammel Shutze, the house was designed for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Inman, heirs to a cotton fortune. The symmetry and clean lines of the house are in direct opposition to the more ornate architectural style of the Victorian era. Cascading fountains, lush lawns and the Palladian facade offer a picture-perfect view.
  Figure I |
Figure I — Inside is just as striking, where black-and-white marble floors and stately columns make the quintessential elegant statement. Wondering why this home is dubbed the Swan House? It's because of Mrs. Inman's fondness for the feathered creatures. Several architectural features and pieces of furniture such as this one carry out the swan motif.
Resources Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
Website:
www.atlanta.com
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