Classic Georgian by Neel Reid protégé formally requests $1.4M in South Tuxedo Park

1950s Buckhead residence in the “Jeffersonian Classical Revival” style occupies a large lot

By Josh Green@JoshGreen1234 Oct 15, 2019, 9:23am EDT

A classic style house of brick set back on a huge green lawn with trees on all sides. — The ionic columns, sweeping driveway, and primped lawn at 3340 Chatham Road NW.

Tucked a few doors in from West Paces Ferry Road, in tony South Tuxedo Park, this 1953 Buckhead residence carries its own moniker—The Tusquitee—and a variety of architectural influences.

The pedigree is interesting, in that the classic Georgian home of red brick was designed by Atlanta architect Lewis “Buck” Crook—a Neel Reid protégé—in a style that’s been called “Jeffersonian Classical Revival,” or as the AJC once described it, a “classically untraditional home.”

Famous for his classicist designs that melded styles such as Italianate, Greek Revival, and Colonial, Reid is considered among the most prestigious residential architects in city history.

This work by Reid’s pupil has been owned by the same businessman, whose equestrian lifestyle is reflected in aspects of the interior design, since the 1980s, per listing agent David M. McCulloch.

“It’s a very historic home and very original in almost everything,” McCulloch wrote to Curbed Atlanta via email. “It’s really cool down to the detailed velvet wallpaper and door knockers on every door. [The owner] has some really cool documents and history about the home that adds to the intrigue and character.”

But all of that could be for naught, given the lot’s size (1.32 acres) and location.

A large room with a fireplace and ornate detailing with white walls and ceiling. — A grand gathering place with ornate detailing off the sunroom.

The listing describes the land’s size as “sprawling” with a huge, relatively flat front yard and long driveway, a rose garden, and courtyard.

The latter perk is connected to the home via a trompe l’oil sunroom—that is, painted in a way to deceive the eye—leading to an interior where the grandiosity continues in both proportion (the kitchen excluded) and style.

The home spans a surprising 5,375 square feet with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. It listed in late September for $1,395,000 with Tin Roof Realty.

The listing suggests three options: applying TLC to what’s here, restyling and updating, or scrapping the house and using the acreage “for your dream home!”

Obviously, none would be cheap. But which is the wisest path?