Reconstruction era treasure in Sandy Springs

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Reconstruction era treasure in Sandy Springs

Wanda and Voytek Godlewski's home in Sandy Springs is called the Mitchell House, and was built during the Reconstruction era.

Wanda and Voytek Godlewski have called the Mitchell House home for the last 20 years. Located in Sandy Springs, the circa 1870 home is a living reminder of the Reconstruction era and has received beautiful renovations over the years, while maintaining the home's original character.

A rustic sign greets guests as they approach the Godlewski home. The house is known as the Mitchell House, named after the original home owner. The driveway is made with hand-laid, individual pavers.

Exterior of the Mitchell House in Sandy Springs. The Godlewski's home is surrounded by trees, both in the front and rear of the property. The home has been recognized by the Sandy Springs Historical Society as one of the oldest buildings in the area.

Drawings and sketches are featured prominently in the main hallway of the home, creating a striking visual element.

Seen here is the cozy living room with restored fireplace featuring brick accents constructed with handmade bricks from Charleston. Some of the couple's china collection is perched on the mantel. The formal dining room can be seen to the left.

Artwork and decorative furniture pieces representing a variety of different styles are strategically placed throughout the home. Seen here is a decorative chest of drawers with a lamp featuring an Asian theme.

The kitchen was given a modern farm-style renovation, complete with pullout cabinets, subway tile, farmer's sink, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and a gas range. The Godlewskis were careful to match the cabinet and tile treatments with those found throughout the rest of the home.

View of the rustic breakfast area that is situated between the kitchen and the staircase. The home also has a formal dining room. Christopher Oquendo/AJC FILE

Wanda used stencils to hand paint the walls of the formal dining room. French and Polish lithographs are showcased in this room.

The staircase was part of a renovation done 20 years ago when the Godlewskis added a second floor to the home.

The master bedroom is notable for its unique ceiling design and the abundance of natural light streaming in from the trio of windows. Note the smart display of plates above the windowsill. The crimson rug adds a vibrant pop of color to the room.

This bonus room off the master suite features an eye-catching wall of windows at the rear, offering convenient access to the home's upper deck and woodland views.

The master bathroom is also filled with natural light, with windows matching the master bedroom. Situated beneath the windows is the sunken tub. The Godlewskis chose a Southwestern theme for this room.

A closeup of one of the original doorknobs from the home, constructed circa 1870.

This guest bedroom features a variety of styles, including some hints of Asian decor seen in the decorative headboard and nightstand. The unique wall treatment draws attention to more of the couple's impressive art collection.

View of the home's multi-level deck area, one of several areas in the home designed for entertaining.

The Godlewskis display some of their garden's bounty in their sunroom, along with decorative pieces.

"We like very much that you can sit in the hammock, read, relax, and listen to music," Voytek Godlewski said. The home sits on a large, well-manicured lot with dogwood, magnolia and towering oak trees.

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Wanda and Voytek Godlewski have called the Mitchell House home for the last 20 years. Located in Sandy Springs, the circa 1870 home is a living reminder of the Reconstruction era and has received beautiful renovations over the years, while maintaining the home's original character.

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