Real Estate News, Georgia

41st Annual Holiday Tour of Homes in Savannah

Holidays in Savannah
Published on December 4, 2015

SAVANNAH GATED COMMUNITIES

Those seeking a place to retire with heartwarming Southern charm, historical architecture and in one of the best art towns in the country should see Savannah Georgia during the holidays. One of Savannah's signature events centered around exquisite homes is rapidly approaching and is an inspiring experience folks won't want to miss. Explore the spectacular city steeped in history, picturesque landscaping and majestic homes reflecting the antebellum style of the region, homes rarely open to the public.

The 41st Annual Holiday Tour of Homes in Savannah will be held on Saturday, December 12 in the afternoon.  This self-guided walking tour will feature 8 private historical homes and will take attendees throughout the scenic and historical sites that downtown Savannah has to offer.  The event started in 1974 when Jim Williams, President of the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) opened his historically preserved home on Monterey Square for the first annual “Christmas Tour”.  Jim, a highly successful antique dealer owned the Mercer House.  Today, 40 years later, the event draws visitors worldwide after Jim’s life events were portrayed in a book written by John Berendt called “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.  The tour is an event that showcases historical architecture combined with the charisma of celebrating this festive season in traditional Southern style.  Private home owners will open their doors to attendees to reflect and enjoy the exquisite architecture reminiscing times past.  Headquarters for the event will be the Massie Heritage Center located at the intersection of Abercorn and East Gordon off Calhoun Square.  Tickets are $50 each and are available for purchase online.

Here is some additional information and events regarding the 41st Annual Holiday Tour of Homes in Savannah:

  • The tour home locations are designated in a Tour Guidebook available at the tour headquarters at the Massie Heritage Center at Calhoun Square.  Pre-purchased tickets through Eventbrite will include a guidebook.
  • Tickets are limited to preserve the historical homes interiors and to insure that those attending can relish this incredible tour.
  • Parking is available on the streets along the tour route as well as fee parking nearby.  Complimentary parking can be found at Andrew Low House (corner of Charlton and Drayton Streets) and St. John’s Church (Charlton and Whitaker streets).  Be advised that there is no meter parking fees on Saturdays.
  • High heeled shoes are not permitted due to the age of the wood floors walking shoes are encouraged for event goers.  Most of the Savannah historical residences are “high-stooped” and have an average of 8 to 12 steps to climb, so comfort and balance are of utmost importance.  Due to that fact, wheelchairs are not allowed on the tour.
  • Only “well-supervised” children are allowed on the tour but will be charged full adult price for attending.  Infants, children that are carried and strollers are not allowed on the tour.
  • No pictures or videos are allowed to protect the privacy of homeowners who have donated viewing of their homes for the tour.
  • For food options, there are several restaurant venues within walking distance and bag lunches are offered for advance purchase at the Massie Heritage Center.
  • Tickets are not refundable.  If unable to attend, contact DNA to make arrangements to give the tickets to a friend.
  • Shopping is always fun.  Whether perusing a chic boutique or perhaps exploring a fabulous retirement home destination, Boomers and their families will find some drop dead gorgeous properties available in this majestic region along with tantalizing restaurants, year round activities and a nonstop view of some of the most beautiful landscaping in the country.

Other tour events of interest:

  • Community Choir Holiday Concert – Friday, December 11th, doors open at 6:30pm and the concert begins at 7pm.  This is a FREE event and seating is limited to “first come, first serve” so plan on arriving early.  This is the 2nd Annual Christmas Celebration of Music which will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church with four choirs performing; The Lutheran Church of the Ascension; Unitarian Church; Speedwell Baptist Church and the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir.
  • Colonial Dames and the Andrew Low House is offering a FREE tour on Saturday, December 12th for those who have their Holiday Tour of Homes ticket.
  • Lunch in the Square – Brown bag lunches will be available starting Saturday, December 12th at 11am at the Massie Heritage Center which is the Headquarter for the Holiday Tour of Homes.

Savannah with its signature Southern and historical appeal attracts over 6 million visitors annually and has been called the Hostess City of the South and Most Romantic City in the South by Huffington Post, and one of America’s Best College Towns, to name a few.  Cobblestone walkways, massive oak trees adorned with Spanish moss and historically preserved antebellum homes are the norm and truly reflect and preserve the memories of the past.  Mix that with the modern culture of students who attend the largest art school in the country, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and folks who make Savannah home realize the benefit of intermingling cherished history with the present.  Other points of interest include the Pirate’s House built in 1753, underground mystery tunnels throughout the city and culturally the Telfair Museums offering 3 distinctive art museums keep residents active and fulfilled year round.   Savannah offers the best of both the old and the new and is home to several of the best golf communities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide array of diversified restaurants, authentic and collectible antiques, quaint unique boutiques, art exhibits and over 200 festivals annually.  Savannah is one of the most happening cities in the South.  Savannah was named on the Top 100 Place to Retire list by Money Magazine and Best Cities to Retire by Forbes Magazine in 2012.  With some immaculate gated communities and impressionable waterfront properties on the Intracoastal Waterway with nearby beaches, it’s no wonder Baby Boomers are flocking to Savannah to enjoy the ultimate in retirement living with the flair of “good ole fashioned” Southern hospitality in the Lowcountry.  When searching for a city that provides a complete package during retirement, Savannah, Georgia is that place.  Here are a few Savannah gated communities and more to explore while adventuring in Savannah:

SOUTHBRIDGE

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers of all ages will love this amazing 1,400 acres property that encompasses woodlands, lakes, and lagoons.  This established golf community is just minutes from Savannah’s Historic District and features amenities that are unmatched by other developments in the area.  Traditional Southern hospitality makes Southbridge a friendly and cohesive neighborhood which draws residents to buy a home here.  Add a country club lifestyle with outstanding amenities and Boomers will find a place where retirement will be the ultimate experience.  Golfers love the 18 Hole Rees Jones Golf Course that is complimented with a highly social clubhouse that also features a fully-stocked Pro-Shop, the Georgia Golf Academy and the always alluring Vickery’s Tavern & Grille.  For pampering after a grueling round of golf or a workout at the Southbridge Racquet Club, the Southbridge Golf and Spa services at The Grand Lake Lodge are the solution for mending tired muscles.  After a spa treatment, perhaps a healthy and relaxing gourmet dinner at The Grille or a casual dinner at The Pub will be the perfect ending for another day in paradise living at Southbridge.

For active seniors, Southbridge offers tennis players 14 courts at The Southbridge Racquet Club, walking trails, beach volleyball, basketball, and group exercise classes that range from Yoga to Pilates to Spinning.  There are always activities going on at Southbridge with many very social clubs including Supper Clubs, Art Club, Card Gaming Clubs and yearly events for residents including the annual Concert on the Green.  Here is a complete list of amenities that can be found at Southbridge:

SOUTHBRIDGE AMENITIES

  • 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Rees Jones
  • 6,000 Square Foot Golf Clubhouse with Dining, Pro Shop and Driving Range
  • Southbridge Racquet Club with USPTA Teaching Professionals 
    • Clubhouse
    • 12 Clay Courts
    • 2 Hard Courts
    • Pro Shop
  • 21,000 Square Foot Grand Lake Lodge & Spa 
  • Fitness Center with Classes and Personal Trainers
  • Resort-style Swimming Pool
  • Full Service Spa
  • The Grill 
  • Ball Courts
  • Kids Klub Programs
  • Miles of Paved Walking and Biking Paths
  • Stocked Fishing Lagoons and Lakes

Southbridge neighborhoods vary in nature and include the following home selections:

  • The Woodlands Luxury Villas - Maintenance free homes with floor plans ranging from 2,300 - 3,100 square feet in close proximity to the Grand Lake Lodge & Spa
  • Waterford at Southbridge - Townhomes and single family homes with water or forest views
  • Cedar Creek at Southbridge - Estate and Executive estate size luxury homes
  • Oakcrest at Southbridge - Forest view homes on the southern end of the Savannah community

THE LANDINGS ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND

For home seekers looking for an active lifestyle with first class amenities, a visit to The Landings Club is a must.  Only 12 miles away from the historic city of Savannah, The Landings is the ultimate private golf club that features 6 championship golf courses, 2 boating marinas, 33 tennis courts, 7 superb dining options, 5 swimming pools and a state of the art wellness center. To us, The Landings is one of the best golf communities in the Lowcountry. 

This serene yet amazingly preserved setting provides residents the ultimate in retirement living in the Lowcountry.  Quietly nestled between the Wilmington River and Romerly Marsh, the gated community comes complete with exquisite greenery native to the region.  Mature and statuesque oaks and pines line the property that is also adorned with a lagoon and salt marshes that inhabit the Savannah gated communities.  

This is a golfer’s paradise with 6 championship courses designed by the best in the industry; Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills and Willard Byrd matched with some spectacular full service clubhouses that grace the community.  Golfing has become one of the favorite pastimes in the Lowcountry of Savannah and residents relish the experience at The Landings Club.  With an active social schedule, home owners always have plenty to do year round while mingling with friends and family.  Club members at The Landing hail from 40 states and 8 countries with residents as far as Japan and the Netherlands.  It’s no wonder Boomers are choosing this property to buy or build their perfect retirement nest.  Here is a complete list of the amenities that are offered here:

THE LANDINGS CLUB AMENITIES

  • 6 Championship Golf Courses 
  • 34 Tennis Courts - plus Bocce Ball and Pickleball Courts 
  • Fitness and Wellness Center (Including 3 pools at the Fitness Center itself, one at the Marshwood Clubhouse complex and one with two slides at the Franklin Creek Center.) 
  • 4 Clubhouses with a wide range of culinary offerings, rooms for card games and gatherings 

FORD PLANTATION

Another great property to check out is Ford Plantation which is considered one of the best golf communities in the area.  Town & Country magazine named Ford Plantation as one of the “top seven safe havens in the country”.  Located on 1,800 acres on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this natural setting allures abundant wildlife, sport fishing and provides serenity complimented by this preserved historical location.  Live massive and statuesque Oaks decorated with traditional Spanish moss decorate the community while golf, fine dining, and shooting ranges are a few of the activities that residents at Ford Plantation enjoy year round. The golf club Lake Clara is breathtaking and once was Henry Ford’s winter estate.  Folks who love spending time with nature and staying active choose Ford Plantation as that perfect place to retire with the appeal of Savannah only 30 minutes away.  Savannah offers the ultimate of “big city” life nearby with world-class dining, art exhibits, festivals, concerts, museums and a wide variety of boutiques available for discriminate shoppers.  One of Savannah's gated communities will only have 400 homes available and as a result, properties are selling quickly (140 homes have already been built).  Waterfront homes, golf course homes or privacy wooded homes are options at the plantation.

In addition to the spectacular golf course designed by Pete Dye, equestrians can enjoy a full service center to board and ride their horses, boat enthusiasts can enjoy a marina with boat slips and the Ogeechee Outfitters marina store equipped with fishing gear, apparel, boating accessories and bait and tackle.  There is also a majestic golf clubhouse that received a $7 million renovation in 2013 for discerning club members.  This pristine community sets the standard for first class living in the Lowcountry.  Here is an overview of amenities offered at Ford Plantation:

FORD PLANTATION AMENITIES

  • 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance
  • 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Pete Dye
  • 6,000 Square Foot Golf Clubhouse with dining
  • The Main House 
  • Full Service Equestrian Center
  • State of the Art Fitness Center
  • Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Children's Playground
  • Marina with Boat Slips
  • 10 Miles of Walking and Horse Trails around Lake Clara
  • Full Service Spa

Finding that perfect retirement destination will be easy after experiencing the Southern charm that makes Savannah truly unique. If you're exploring Savannah for the first time, ask for our free Savannah relocation information to help you get to know the area.