In Druid Hills, discounted Philip T. Shutze ‘gem’ keeps hearing crickets at $2M

Old-world design by celebrated Atlanta architect meets modernized interiors, but buyers haven’t bitten

By Josh Green@JoshGreen1234 Aug 8, 2018, 1:03pm EDT

A home for sale in Atlanta built by famed architect Philip T. Shutze. — For enthusiasts of slate roofs, ancient stone, and ivy on East Lake Road.

Harkening the Irish countryside, this handsome, ivy-covered stone relic in Druid Hills is far from typical Atlanta design.

Built in 1929 (then refurbished and expanded much later), it’s the work of noted local architect Philip Trammell Shutze, one of the most prolific classical architects of the 20th century. Shutze left his mark on the city with a multitude of buildings, including the Swan House, the Temple on Peachtree Street, the Academy of Medicine, and Grady High School.

But as for this old-world, four-bedroom “gem,” buyers have yet to be dazzled enough by the pedigree to bite—after five months on the market.

It stands sentry over a deep, hilly lot of 1.5 acres, tucked off Ponce de Leon Avenue between the Fernbank Museum and downtown Decatur, without much beyond parks in the way of convenient walkability.

Originally listed in March, it’s now asking a hundred bucks shy of $2 million, following a $200,000 discount in May.

Inside, the aesthetic is surprisingly restrained, even simple, the arches notwithstanding. Surprises continue with the metal-framed windows and herringbone brick in the large sunroom (topped with a patio), a definite highlight.

At this price point, however, Atlantans can crave multiple outdoor areas for hanging out, and beyond the expansive paved parking area, this place has but one—albeit a very attractive space. The kitchen might lack a sufficient wow factor, as is. And square footage isn’t provided, which can be a red flag.

Around the corner, however, a much newer, similarly stone-faced Decatur property listed for $2.4 million has gone under contract, so maybe there’s hope yet.

Nearby, it’s worth noting, Shutze also designed the Mediterranean-influenced “Rainbow Villa” for a Coca-Cola heiress. Unfortunately, at least one other residential example of his work has met the wrecking ball in recent years.