PHOTOS: $2.9M for Greek Revival mansion blocks from Marietta Square

You have the chance to be a part of something nearly two centuries in the making. It’s survived hard freezes, economic booms and the Civil War.

But it’s going to cost you — like $2.9 million.

As for what you get, well: The four-bed, four-bath beauty was built in 1843 and features 14-foot-high ceilings along with 10 fireplaces, a seven-car garage and 28-inch-thick exterior brick walls with a stucco finish.

You can view a 47-photo gallery of the home or keep reading for more pictures.

The home sits at 303 Kennesaw Ave. in the nationally recognized Kennesaw Avenue Historic District — one of Marietta's five historic districts — mere blocks away from Marietta Square. Outside, a sign stands explaining some of the history of The Archibald Howell Home.

Credit: Live Love Atlanta

Credit: Live Love Atlanta

The current owner has lived in the home 40 years.

According to research by Live Love Atlanta, which is handling the sale, Archibald Howell had construction start on his home in 1838 and finished in 1843. He claimed it cost $18,000, which was a bundle back then.

“As one of the largest slave owners in the state of Georgia, it is believed that over 20 slaves helped to construct the home,” according to Live Love Atlanta.

The Georgia Trust, a group aimed at preserving the state's historic structures, said word was that Howell was the richest man in the county before the Civil War.

Willis Ball was the Connecticut architect-builder of the home. He designed at least three Greek Revival homes in Roswell, including Bulloch Hall and Barrington Hall.

Credit: Live Love Atlanta

Two Doric columns each more than 11 inches thick sit in front of the home’s entrance.

Once built, the was used by officers on both sides of the Civil War, according to Live Love Atlanta. After the war, Howell got into financial trouble and the house became The Harwood Seminary for girls and opened with 76 students in September 1887.

About that time, public schools were starting in Marietta. So while the schools were being built, the Harwood School became the city's first grammar and high school.

Credit: Live Love Atlanta

“Marietta appreciated the school but had a hard time affording it during the Reconstruction. The old blackboards are still painted on the walls, underneath the current paint and wallpaper,” the real estate website reads.

From there it traded hands a couple times and was remodeled a bit.

Some of the classics are the front steps and porch floor made from Stone Mountain granite delivered by ox cart along with the 21-light chandelier had to be dismantled to fit in the sunroom.

You can check out even more about this property on the seller's website and view more pictures of the property below.

Credit: Live Love Atlanta

About the Author

Ben Brasch

Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.

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