1855 Savannah Landmark With Ties to Flannery O’Connor and Julia Roberts Is Listed for $5 Million

A distinguished Greek Revival landmark property in Savannah, GA, that boasts a rich 171-year history—including ties to A-list actress Julia Roberts and acclaimed author Flannery O'Connor—has hit the market for $4.95 million.

Completed in 1855, the stately residence at 211 East Charlton St. overlooks Lafayette Square and offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Savannah’s architectural and cultural history—one that remained in the hands of one extended family for more than a century.

Along the way, it established compelling ties to both the literary scene and Hollywood.

Originally built for Catherine A. McMahon, the four-bedroom home stayed in her extended family for decades, which is uncommon even in Savannah’s Historic District.

After McMahon’s death in 1887, the property was passed on to her niece, Kate Flannery Semmes, who expanded the residence in 1928 by acquiring a half-lot from the neighboring property at 207 East Charlton St., creating the opulent spread that exists today.

The remaining half-lot at 207 East Charlton St. was purchased by other members of Semmes' family: the parents of Flannery O'Connor, who lived in the home from 1925 until 1938.

That adjacent dwelling has since been turned into the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home, a museum honoring the writer who is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in 20th-century U.S. fiction.

Meanwhile, the neighboring property at 211 has remained a private residence. It last changed hands in August 2000 for just $881,000.

“This residence is one of those extraordinarily rare properties where architectural integrity, provenance, and scale come together in a way that is uniquely Savannah,” says listing agent Corinne Cunningham Brown, with Corcoran Austin Hill Realty.

“The 80 feet of frontage on Lafayette Square alone sets it apart, as does the level of care the family has invested throughout their stewardship.”

Freestanding and beautifully proportioned, the 7,162-square-foot home exemplifies antebellum Greek Revival architecture, with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and grand, light-filled rooms.

The home's classic square-front orientation frames views of the square and its cathedral—an illuminated and dramatic nighttime backdrop just steps from the front door.

“This home represents the very best of antebellum Greek Revival architecture,” adds Brown, the listing agent. “Its setting, architectural completeness, and rich history contribute to a legacy that is truly unmatched.”

That history even includes a moment on the big screen: Scenes from the 1995 film “Something To Talk About,” starring Roberts, Dennis Quaid, and Robert Duvall, were filmed at the property.

Inside, the house offers a generous scale for a property so centrally located. Renovated in the early 2000s, the home features updated systems, baths, and a kitchen.

“It’s been inspected and is in very good overall condition for a house of this age,” says Brown. “You could move in tomorrow.”

The third floor includes three en suite bedrooms and a den, while the garden level comes with another bedroom and a full bath. Outside, a fully enclosed garden, side porch, and expansive rear deck create a private oasis in the heart of the Historic District.

The property’s long driveway connects Charlton Street directly to the carriage house, which provides parking for six vehicles, as well as flexible space for a studio or office.

“Opportunities to acquire a property of this scale and prominence on Lafayette Square are exceedingly scarce,” Brown says. “It’s a landmark in every sense—architecturally, historically, and culturally.”