Savannah Historic Hideaways: Privacy Meets Luxury in Downtown Savannah

by David Norman

In 2001, when Mike and Suzanne Schulz bought the properties that were to become Savannah Historic Hideaways, they had to use a crowbar to get into the main house. Obviously, repairs and restoration were in order. However, any renovation had to be done in a way that would foster the house’s unique and native charm. Their best bet, they decided, was to go back to the original blueprints and use as much of the 140 year-old on-site materials as possible, while taking care to add all the expected modern conveniences. Fortunately, for residents of Savannah and visitors alike, they were more than up to the challenge.

The primary building is the Taylor Manor, a three-story structure that sleeps six to ten and boasts a marble foyer, heart of pine hardwood flooring, tall windows, and expansive ceilings. The living room somehow feels both spacious and cozy at the same time, no doubt attributable in part to the built-in bookcases that stretch from floor to ceiling and the leather decor and mahogany tables that warm the room. Throughout the house, Mike and Suzanne’s goal of using original on-site materials whenever possible is evident. The dining room’s black and gold marble fireplace, for instance, has a mantelpiece created from the site’s original wood, now over 400 years old. Likewise, the kitchen’s handmade countertops are constructed of that same pine, recovered from the original site. With handmade cabinets and stone-tiled flooring, the kitchen itself is large enough to accommodate an antique oak dinette set with seating for four, if you prefer not to eat in the residence’s main dining area.

The Manor, like the Carriage House in back, combines southern charm with modern conveniences. There’s a 30-inch widescreen TV/VCR/DVD in the living room, as well as TV/VCR combinations in the upstairs bedrooms, a jetted tub in the master bedroom, and all the modern appliances one would expect in the kitchen. But for a change of pace, stroll through the faux-French doors in the back to enjoy the quiet of the redbrick patio, beautifully landscaped with foliage and flora and surrounded by white stones. The area is complete with a charcoal grill, iron umbrella table and chairs, and built-in benches for outdoor entertaining.

On the second floor, the master bedroom has a walk-in closet along with a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, and the two queen-sized bedrooms, which are joined by French doors that can be left open to form one large suite, have mirrored closets built in, brick and mortar fireplaces, and plank floors. The third floor bedroom features an attic-design that is particularly suitable for children and includes its own TV, VCR, and Nintendo GameCube.

If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, you might try the Carriage House, which is a separate, freestanding residence. With its own entrance off East Jones Lane, it’s the ultimate getaway and has room for two vehicles in the off-street driveway. (In fact, if you rent the Taylor Estate, a combination of the Taylor Manor and the Carriage House, you can park up to four cars off the street, a rarity in downtown, historic Savannah.)

Like the Manor, the Carriage House is decorated with overstuffed leather furniture and antique tables, but the walls have an added nicety: tapestries and oil paintings along with attractive black and white photographs.

Savannah Historic Hideaways’ location is perfect, and City Market, Bay Street, Forsyth Park, and River Street are all within easy walking distance. To top it off, you’ll not meet hosts who are more friendly and gracious than Mike and Suzanne. Whether you’re looking for the privacy of the Carriage House for a second honeymoon or want to enjoy the luxury of the entire Taylor Estate for a family reunion or wedding party, you can hardly go wrong with Savannah Historic Hideaways.

Visit Savannah Historic Hideaways website at www.SavannahHistoricHideaways.com.