The Tour offers a rare opportunity to enter some of Savannah’s finest private homes and admire the special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations but seldom seen by visitors. In addition to walking tours, you will enjoy seminars, special evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer.

Savannah has the largest urban landmark historic district in the United States. In this 2.5 square mile area, there is an astonishingly preserved genteel city encompassing the beauty, architecture and history of the old South. Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Edward Oglethorpe whose colonial plan was based on a grid of residences and broad thoroughfares with spacious public squares at regular intervals. This design has blossomed into a gracious city whose downtown has been enhanced by more than fifty years of preservation activity. Twenty-one oak-canopied squares surrounded by lovely homes and churches give Savannah a character of its own.

For more information on the event visit www.savannahtourofhomes.org

IDS will be leaving March 26th at 6:00AM at the Carolina Place Mall and will be returning March 27th 12:00pm

Hotel Information

Marriott in Savannah Riverfront offering $175.00 for a double – Click Here to Book

The Historic Savannah Hampton offering $179.00 for a double – Click Here to Book

Choice of Venues on Friday

Home and Garden Walking Tour Southeast Historic Landmark District – 12.00pm -3.00pm, and 2.00pm -5.00pm

Stroll back 200 years through Calhoun, Lafayette and Troup Squares to view restored 19th century home (c.1825) featuring wrought iron, unusual architectural detailing and charming front stoops. This neighborhood blends historic buildings with new construction. Tickets are $25.

Exploring the Architecture of John S. Norris

John S. Norris designed some of Savannah’s most significant residential and commercial buildings in the mid-19th century. Tickets are $25.

Fine Furniture: Creating and Restoring

Master furniture Conservator Gregory Guenther opens his exclusive studio for our seminar. Mr Guenther creates exquisite furniture and restores priceless antique furniture to its original grandeur. This award-winning artisan has been featured on PBS’ Antique Roadshow, The New Yankee Workshop, and HGTV’s Modern Masters. For more information visit www.guentherwoodgroup.com. Tickets are $25.

Lunch at the Lady & Sons Restaurant – Seating at 1.30pm

What’s cooking y’all? Enjoy Paula Deen’s world famous Lady and Sons food in the comfort of a private dining room for Tour guests. Come hungry for this delectable buffet and savor the legendary southern cuisine made famous by Paula on her television program. Cookbooks will be available. Tickets are $35.

Trolley Back in Time – 5.30pm -9.00pm

This evening, step back into 19th century Savannah. Three  museums  will feature costumed interpreters, food and drink. At the 1820 Isaiah Davenport House visitors will sample and learn the social graces and importance of Madeira wine tradition. The rescue of this house in 1955 from demolition was catalyst for the formation of Historic Savannah Foundation. At the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of  America, a light supper will be served. Here, guests will experience activities that Juliette’s family would have enjoyed during the Victorian era in Savannah. The Andrew Low House, designed by famous architect John Norris, has welcomed such historic figures as General Robert E. lee. Period characters will welcome and treat you to one of America’s finest examples of Regency style domestic architecture. Tickets are $85.

Choice of Venues on Saturday

Home and Garden Walking Tour Southwest Historic Landmark District – 10.00am – 1.00pm, 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Built during the height of the cotton era, these homes (c.1825) feature many Romantic revival architectural elements. Stroll through Madison, Pulaski and Chatham Squares and visit magnificent Forsyth Park. Visit shops in the Design District on Whitaker and Jones during this tour. Tickets are $40.

Preservation in Progress Walking Tours – 9.00am -  10.30am, 11.00am – 12.30pm, 2.00pm – 3.30pm

John Dirk Hardison, Architect and Design Consultant, for an interactive walking tour through two homes: one is a complete restoration and the other is a work in progress. This seminar involves walking to different sites, one of which will be in a state of active restoration. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Tickets are $25.

Creative Ironwork in Savannah - 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Join Savannah’s most well-known blacksmith, Ivan Bailey, on a presentation of his magnificent ironwork. If you’ve ever been to Savannah, you’ve certainly noticed his scenes crafted and sculpted on gates, railings, and more. Join us for this highly anticipated seminar. Tickets are $25.

Lunch at Mrs Wilkes Boarding House – every 30 minutes from 11.00am to 2.30pm

This is truly a local institution with a menu of tradition Southern fare and served in boarding house style. Tickets for this event are exclusive because Mrs. Wiles’ is only open this day by special arrangement with the tour. Space is very limited. Tickets are $35.

A Book called Charlotte Designs began with a casual suggestion and then took a committee more than two years to produce. Now the handsome hardcover coffee table book by the IDS Charlotte Chapter is available for purchase. All proceeds will enable the Habitat For Humanity program in Charlotte to build one home.

The committee members who took the book from concept to publication are Martha Schrier, IDS Associate; Paty Byrd, IDS Professional; Rosa Plaza Dest, IDS Associate; Nancy Royen, IDS Associate; Debi Thomas, IDS Professional; Donna Comstock, IDS Professional; LuAnn Jordan Kirby, Commercial Member; DeWoolfson Down and Zanetta Kiziah, Graphic Designer.

The 178-page book features photographs of actual IDS members’ projects, complete with text and professional photography of each designer. The last 75 pages is a section packed with wonderful design ideas and tips written by the Charlotte IDS members. Topics such as mixing patterns, creating a guest room, and making the most of small rooms provide practical information that nicely complements the book’s interior design focus. The designers paid a fee to be featured in the book, another means of support of the project.

Charlotte Designs is available for $34.95  (sales tax included).

The mission of Athena’s Path is to empower girls by giving them the tools and perspective they need to become leaders in their own lives.
The Interior Design Society was given an opportunity help raise donation for Athena’s Path. Volunteer designers were given a chair frame and then asked to design a chair for auction. All the chairs were unique and beautiful
The event was held at the Pewter Rose in charlotte and raised over $700.00 for the organization

 

www.athenaspath.com

showhouse pictures and information can be updated etc