We’re known for our gorgeous historic buildings here in Savannah, but did you know that many of them are museums, hotels, or restaurants? They aren’t all private residences, which means you can step inside and see them up close and personal—and maybe even sleep there! That might be a perfectly spooky endeavor for this final weekend of October … along with being known for their storied pasts and intricate architecture, these places are known for their ghostly rumors. Join us today as we share some historic Savannah homes. They each make great haunts for the lover of fascinating tours, comfy stays, good food, and, supposedly, the ghosts.
To Explore History Of Homes In Savannah
#1 Harper Fowlkes House
Photography Courtesy of Trolley Tours
According to the Coastal Heritage Society, which owns the Harper Fowlkes House today, this Charles B. Cluskey-designed home is “noted for its unique ‘Temple of the Wind’ columns, richly furnished interiors, important oil portraits, and original architectural details.”
This is a place that has played host to a long series of events, which a website dedicated to the home, harperfowlkeshouse.com, details in a chronological list here.
In an article featuring paranormal expert Shannon Scott, South Magazine said, “The Harper-Fowlkes is like a secret society meeting house of ghosts,” in reference to part of its history being the location of a secret society’s meetings.
#2 The Old Sorrel Weed House
Photography Courtesy of Trolley Tours
Whether you seek a history tour, a ghost tour, a paranormal investigation experience, or all three, The Old Sorrel Weed House has you covered! This hot spot for mysterious activity has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
The beautiful structure was actually also designed by the famous architect Charles B. Cluskey, who moved to Savannah from New York City in 1829 and subsequently made his mark!
Sadly, it has been the center of quite a few tragic events. But it was also featured in Forrest Gump, and preservation supporters will appreciate that it was one of the earliest homes to be restored in Savannah.
#3 Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Photography courtesy of Visit Savannah
Today owned and operated by Telfair Museums, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters invites one, as the website puts it, “to explore the complicated relationships between the most and least powerful people in the city of Savannah in the early 19th century.” This site enables one to learn about the darker side of the Hostess City’s past. Absorb the information on a tour or by yourself, and then reflect on its significance within the beautiful adjacent gardens.
From period rooms full of exquisite decorative arts to interactive exhibits for all ages, the things to do here are interesting, educational, and great for family outings!
Of course, as with almost every historic Savannah home, it may have ghostly visitors as well. Ghost City Tours offers an excursion centered on the home.
Homes In Savannah To Lie Your Head
#4 The Hamilton-Turner Inn
Photography courtesy of Hamilton-Turner Inn
The Hamilton-Turner Inn went from a grand family estate to a boarding house, to a home for Marine Hospital Service nurses, then back to a family abode before finally taking on its current iteration in 1997. It has been quite the versatile spot!
Today, you can spend a night or many cozied up in the beautiful mansion, located on Abercorn Street. It features absolutely stunning common spaces, including the most lovely dining room that overlooks the street through grand windows. For this reason, it makes for a good elopement or micro wedding location, as well as an appropriate place to host a holiday gathering with your closest friends and family.
Or maybe you’re just interested in staying the night among some spooky activity. It certainly offers that as well! Perhaps it seems unsurprising given the many different lives it has lived, but this place is full of bone-chilling stories.
#5 Kehoe House
Now if you wish to see a Victorian mansion, then Kehoe House might be your perfect fit among Savannah homes. Built in 1892 and towering at four stories, this home is a feast for the architecture lover’s eyes. It boasts some of the most ornate and intricate detailing, with Corinthian columns, red brick, terra-cotta moldings and Italianate “eyebrows.” The cast-iron trim, too, is fascinating.
As are the people that haunt its halls. One of the unique elements of Kehoe House from a paranormal perspective is that all of the stories center on family members. In an article about the home, hauntedhouses.com explained it by saying, “The Kehoe family spirits share their home with the living, letting their true personalities shine.” If you crave a touch of the other side but would rather things feel more friendly than fearful, Kehoe House has the paranormal moment for you!
On top of all this, it is considered a luxury inn, with accommodations like full gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, turndown service, and more. You’ll feel as grand as you should in such a Victorian marvel!
#6 The Marshall House
If you’ve ever looked up a single thing about Savannah, Georgia, you’ve probably glimpsed an image of The Marshall House. For those who seek a completely “Savannah” experience, you can’t beat this hotel stay. The staff is known for its five-star service. And, the Broughton Street location supports walkability.
Countless publications call it a most haunted spot. And delightfully, the website itself has this to say: “Rumors and reports include guests seeing ghosts in the hallways and foyers, hearing children running down the long, narrow halls late at night, faucets turning on by themselves, and much more.”
Oh my, the spook! Stay as a hotel guest or explore via a third-party tour—either way, The Marshall House should be on your mind.
Historic Homes In Savannah To Grab a Bite
#7 The Olde Pink House
Photography Courtesy of Visit Savannah
You also need somewhere to eat! And in Savannah, the historical fun doesn’t stop at a restaurant’s door. Take one of our most famous and universally beloved Savannah homes: The Olde Pink House.
The restaurant and tavern (get the Planter’s Punch) has a menu to delight just about anyone. From Low Country she crab soup and “Southern sushi” at the bar to decadent entrees like the crispy scored flounder and caramelized Vidalia onion and sweet potato ravioli, the dishes are almost irresistible.
A particular spirit is said to haunt the place: James Habersham, Jr. The wealthy cotton planter and original owner of the home was known as a gracious, classically Southern host. His apparition is said to appear from time to time, occasionally “in Colonial garb while drinking ale,” according to Ghost City Tours!
#8 The Pirates’ House
Another of our Savannah homes that make great haunts for good cuisine is The Pirates’ House on East Broad Street. If you like Southern food that feels homey and filling, this is your go-to! They also have a fun experience for kids, complete with “mocktails,” the First Mate’s Menu, and pirate hats.
Once you’ve finished enjoying one of the best meals you’ve ever had, you can swing by the gift shop. This isn’t just a few branded t-shirts (although they do have those!). The Pirates’ House gift shop is a destination for many a novelty Savannah treasure.
We actually talked about the haunted roots of this place in one of our blog posts last year. “Once a favorite haunt (pun intended) of sailors and pirates who longed for a drink and some relaxation after their seafaring journeys, The Pirates’ House was known for its rampant crime and drunken offenders. It is believed to have been a location for trafficking at some point, having underground tunnels that pirates would use to transport inebriated fellows to a life of servitude on their nearby ships.” So, a dark history, indeed. It has resulted, supposedly, in the sounds of heavy boots, objects falling from shelves, and the feeling of someone standing right in front of you even when no one is there …
#9 Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Photography Courtesy of Savannah Morning News
Every morning, a line gathers in the street to get into Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room at The Wilkes House. The food is that good! The truest of the true Southern home-cooked food is here, and it is something else. No trip to Savannah is complete without a meal here! And if you’re a local who hasn’t tried it, tonight is the night.
The roots of one of the most famous Savannah homes are that of a simple boardinghouse, where you could find hearty meals and warm beds. Of course, that can also be a recipe for ghost activity. That is what often happens when so many different people and their stories spend time within its walls.
The original Mrs. Wilkes’ family also still runs the place. You can support a historic Savannah family and eat some of the recipes Sema herself was famous for.
Well, one thing is for sure: Savannah has no shortage of amazing places to explore, rest, and eat your fill. If this list is making you think you might need to live here (or have your own special vacation home here), we would love to chat with you!
