Davenport House, Savannah

Sitting on a corner of Columbia Square and threatened with demolition in 1955, this Federal-style building is what encouraged the concerned citizens to recognize the architectural significance and to launch preservation of this and other historical buildings in Savannah that ultimately saved hundreds of them.

In 1820, Isaiah Davenport built this home for his wife, ten children, and nine slaves. A century later, the once stately home in a fashionable neighborhood became a rundown and dilapidated rooming house in a seedy part of town. A group of community-spirited locals gathered to purchase it – the first act of the newly organized Historic Savannah Foundation, which went on to save hundreds of buildings in the city. Moreover, in 1955, Davenport House became the Foundation's headquarters and opened to the public as a house museum in 1963.

Since the mid-1990s, the museum began a restoration process that resulted in a more authentic experience for visitors, including period wallpaper and room furnishings reflecting the inventory taken at the time of Davenport's death in 1827.

Although not as opulent as some other historical properties in Savannah, the 40-minute tour of this house – which starts with a brief, very well-done video – is quite appealing. Each room has been carefully renovated with strict attention to the tiniest detail, and great pains have been taken to recreate even the original designs of the floor and the wallpaper.

Tip:
Enjoy the beauty of the garden after the tour, but also visit the gift shop, whose profits go to pay for the continual improvement of this beautiful property.