Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, Savannah (must see)

Begin on the west side of Oglethorpe Square, facing the pale mansion across Abercorn Street. What you see is the Owens–Thomas House, completed in 1819 and considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the United States. English architect William Jay designed it for merchant Richard Richardson, using balanced proportions, curved stairways, and imported decorative materials inspired by fashionable buildings in his home country's town of Bath.

Before entering, walk towards the right-hand side of the property, along East State Street. Look up at the cast-iron veranda attached to the southern wall. Its supports are decorated with curling acanthus leaves. From this veranda, the Marquis de Lafayette addressed Savannah residents during his visit in 1825.

Return to the main entrance and step inside. The central hall is dominated by a staircase that rises to a landing before dividing into two flights. Decorative finishes make parts of the woodwork resemble marble, bronze and oak. The dining room lies on the northern side of the hall and can be identified by its curved wall, dark fireplace and amber-colored window. On the opposite side, the front parlor has a gently curved ceiling designed to suggest a shallow dome.

The rooms contain English Regency, Georgian and American Federal furniture, Chinese export porcelain, silver, textiles and artworks dating mainly from 1790 to 1840. Some pieces belonged to the Owens family, who purchased the house in 1830 and retained it until Margaret Thomas donated the property to the Telfair Academy in 1951.

Continue through the rear of the mansion into the enclosed courtyard. The clipped hedges and geometric flower beds form a formal parterre garden. Follow the central path towards the long brick building at the far end.

This is the carriage house and quarters for enslaved people. The carriage section once housed horses, vehicles, and a hayloft, while the adjoining rooms accommodated enslaved men, women, and children who cooked, cleaned, washed clothes, and cared for the household.

Inside the living area, look up at the blue-painted wooden ceilings. The color is associated with West African and Gullah traditions and was believed to protect occupants from harmful spirits. These modest rooms provide a powerful contrast with the decorated mansion opposite.

Museum tours go off every 15 minutes and numbers are limited, so arriving early may help you join a smaller group.