Tour a Stunning Historic Savannah Home Filled With Contemporary Art

Part of the Savannah College of Art and Design's revitalization of downtown Savannah began with the university's founding in 1978 by president Paula Wallace (learn more about SCAD's history and Wallace's role in founding the arts college at SCADstory, the new interactive exhibition at SCAD that debuted in spring 2019 to commemorate the school's 40th anniversary) and SCAD's effort to reclaim historic buildings. The meticulously restored 1888 Victorian mansion in the Queen Anne-style Smithfield Cottage in downtown Savannah is a guest house for SCAD visitors (actress Salma Hayek and designer Derek Lam have stayed at Smithfield while in town), and is a billboard for SCAD's creative side. The home is filled with artwork by SCAD alums. Paula Wallace and her designer husband, SCAD grad and the university's chief operating officer Glenn Wallace have integrated Asian elements and historic touches at Smithfield to create a sublime blend of the contemporary and the timeless in this beautiful space.

The charming courtyard behind Smithfield Cottage features a trellis adorned with jasmine, a Philippe Starck gnome for a cheeky nod to the garden gnome tradition and a long, communal wooden table where guests can congregate in this private, shady oasis. The Astroturf backyard means lower maintenance and a more sustainable design.

One of the most interesting aspects of SCAD's Smithfield Cottage guest house design is how it embraces the imperfect. Found objects, unconventional artwork and unexpected details like this long table accessorized with multicolored metal chairs mean the house never feels stuffy or too formal.

A communal table perfect for parties dominates the private courtyard at the rear of Smithfield Cottage.