Originally, this home was designed for the grandfather of singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer. But years later, this home was bought and restored by antique connoisseur, Jim Williams. In 1994, it quickly became an attraction for tourists in Savannah, Georgia. This was due to the overwhelming success of the movie adaptation of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.”
The house is still family-owned today, and the famous red-brick house stands as a historical house museum today. Also in Georgia: Located in Covington, Georgia is The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, which is believed to be the inspiration for Margaret Mitchell’s fictional Twelve Oaks in the movie Gone With the Wind.
Oregon - The Pittock Mansion
Oregon Trail pioneers Georgiana and Henry Pittock lived in this reputable mansion for only a short period of time (1914-1919) before they, unfortunately, passed away. The two were huge influences in the development of the city years prior to living in the house. For example, Henry worked several years as a publisher of the Portland Oregonian.
After the house was put on the market in 1958, it stood empty for years. It was badly damaged in the Columbus Day Storm of 1962, and residents implored the city to buy it and turn it into a public space. In 1965, it opened as a museum. Also in Oregon: The Watzek House, built in 1935, is a modern home that is clearly years ahead of its time, stylistically.
Utah - The Beehive House
Located in Salt Lake City, this home was built in 1854 for Mormon leader Brigham Young. This house is uniquely named after the beehive structure on the top of the house. Eventually, the house became too small for Young’s overwhelming family size, but it still holds as one of the most unique pieces of architecture to this day.
After it ceased being a private residence, the home operated as a boarding house for young women, run by the Mormon Church. In 1961 the house was restored to its original look and opened as a museum. Also in Utah: Iconic Butch Cassidy’s childhood home is a popular tourist attraction, as his parents were some of the state’s first Mormon settlers.
California - Postcard Row
One of the nation’s most photographed homes is Postcard Row, located in San Francisco. Designed between the years 1892 and 1896, these seven homes were developed by a single person. Nicknamed the “seven sisters,” these homes might be familiar to you, as they were famously photographed for the show "Full House." Unfortunately, you cannot visit these homes, as they are all privately owned.
The houses symbolize the California gold rush. People were accruing wealth rapidly and wanted to boast their newfound wealth. Also in California: The Winchester Mystery House located in San Jose is a beautiful Victorian mansion that was once the home of Sarah Winchester. It’s historic for its unique and captivating architecture.
Mississippi - Longwood Plantation
Longwood Plantation is home to America’s largest octagonal-shaped house. Historians jokingly refer to this home as “Nutt’s Folly” because the estate was the dream home of Haller Nutt. Nutt was a nobleman who unfortunately passed away from pneumonia before the home could be fully completed. But the rest of his family lived in the finished basement.
It also boasts the Byzantine onion-style dome at the top of it, along with its ornate decorations. For a house built in 1864, it stands very impressively today. Also in Mississippi: The two-room house where Elvis Presley was birthed and spent his childhood in is along the Mississippi Blues Trail.