The History and Legacy of Charles Stanley House

One of Atlanta, Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks is the historic Charles Stanley House. Over the course of its 125+ year existence, this lavish Beaux-Arts estate—built in 1897—has functioned as a private residence, event venue, and historic site. Let’s delve into the intriguing backstory of one of Atlanta’s architectural gems.

The Birth of a Mansion

Charles Stanley, a successful Atlanta merchant and real estate magnate, planned to construct a stately home in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He planned to build his mansion on a sprawling plot of land he bought on Peachtree Street. Stanley commissioned the Beaux-Arts style, which was popular at the time and was characterised by ornate decoration and impeccable symmetry, from the New York architectural company Bruce & Morgan.

The Charles Stanley House took two years and more than $100,000 to build. It was finished in 1897. The three-story mansion was characterised by its distinctive mansard roofs and brick and limestone facade. There were more than fourteen thousand square feet of residential space spread across twenty-eight rooms. Anchored by an exquisitely curved stairway, the vast hall towered two floors above. Charles Stanley moved into his new estate and began throwing lavish parties for the elite.

The Home’s Storied History

This house was occupied by Charles Stanley till he passed away in 1905. He and his relatives continued to live there for many more years after he passed away. William Taft and Woodrow Wilson, both presidents of the United States, stayed at Charles Stanley House during their travels to Atlanta around this period.

The property was bought by the local American Legion post in 1925 and became their headquarters the following year. In addition to a ballroom, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, they enlarged the property. Community gatherings and fundraisers soon found a home at Charles Stanley House.

Following his father, Coca-Cola creator Asa Candler Sr., the next important owner was Asa Candler Jr. After buying it in 1948, he brought it back to its previous grandeur as a home. Before it was sold and turned into a venue for events in 1971, Charles Stanley House was owned by the Candler family. It served as a popular location for social gatherings, corporate events, and weddings for the decades that followed.

Saving a Landmark

After years of renovations and abandonment, Charles Stanley House was in a state of degradation by the 1990s. The historic home was subject to a demolition permission. The Atlanta Preservation Centre spearheaded a community-wide movement to prevent the mansion’s demolition in response to this.

Charles Stanley House reopened to the public in 1995 after undergoing substantial restorations and improvements paid for by private benefactors. Much of the interior decoration and the outer façade were restored to look like they did in the nineteenth century.

A National Historic Landmark was bestowed upon Charles Stanley House in 1996 in honour of its rich history and architectural importance. This recognition solidified its position as a legendary Atlanta gem. In 2003, the house was purchased by affairs to remember, an event company that delicately renovated the ballroom and grounds for social and wedding occasions.

The Allure of Charles Stanley House

Its stunning Beaux-Arts design elevates it to the level of an antique work of art. Some say it’s the best example of Beaux-Arts architecture in the Southeast still standing today.

Its grand hall, ballroom, library, and dining room are just a few examples of the exquisite rooms that showcase the wealth of the United States’ industrial era. The inside is decorated with details such as stained glass, ornate chandeliers, sculpted marble mantles, and bronze sculptures.

Historic Frederick Law Olmsted gardens, spanning 28,000 square feet, provide a peaceful retreat in the middle of bustling Atlanta. The house is encircled by an orchard, rose gardens, fountains, and manicured lawns.

Its status as one of Atlanta’s few remaining mansions from the 19th century allows modern-day visitors to feel a connection to the area’s history. Affluence and culture from a bygone era are reflected on the estate.

With a long list of notable residents that includes Charles Stanley, the original owner, and Asa Candler Jr., an heir to Coca-Cola, the home exudes an air of bygone grandeur. Adding to its legendary story are the visits of Taft and Wilson, the presidents.

The mansion was saved and revitalised in the 1990s as an event space, ensuring that it would be kept for decades to come. The monumental landmark’s history will live on thanks to the thorough repair work.

One of the most breathtaking examples of Atlanta’s rich architectural and cultural history is the Charles Stanley House. Elegantly preserving its rich heritage, this historic estate never fails to captivate visitors. It has great potential as a venue for events and a memorial to a more hospitable era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Stanley House

Some frequently asked questions regarding this historic Atlanta home are as follows:

1. Where is Charles Stanley House located?

The Midtown neighbourhood of Atlanta, Georgia is home to Charles Stanley House, which can be found at 311 Peachtree Street NE.

2. When was Charles Stanley House built?

Charles Stanley, the owner, had the residence completed in 1897. Architects from New York, Bruce & Morgan, were responsible for its design.

3. What architectural style is it?

Beaux-Arts symmetry, decorative features, and French influences are hallmarks of the elaborate Beaux-Arts style, which the house exemplifies.

4. How large is the estate?

Situated on a multi-acre property, it offers indoor living space of 14,000+ square feet. Expansive lawns, gardens, and ancient outbuildings make up the grounds.

5. Is Charles Stanley House open to the public?

Nowadays, Affairs to Remember uses it as a location for private events. On some dates throughout the year, guided tours are available to the general public.

6. Is it a National Historic Landmark?

The United States Department of the Interior did, in fact, bestow this honour upon it in 1996.

7. Has the mansion ever been demolished or reconstructed?

There have been minor internal reconfigurations over the years, but the major rooms and the exterior are the originals. Restoring it in the 1990s brought back its old charm.

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