House Envy: Inside Georgia's most expensive mansion - Atlanta Magazine (2024)

With a current asking price of $48 million, Chestnut Hall in Sandy Springs is the most expensive estate in all of Georgia. The buyer will pay roughly $179,000 per month in mortgage payments. What makes a property worth that much?

It’s not simply the size. The 17,776-square-foot mansion has seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms plus two kitchens, a 16-person dining room, gym, library, media room, sunroom, and more. The estate manager’s quarters add four more bedrooms and three more baths, and the poolhouse has a bedroom of its own. It is, in a word, vast. Yet there are at least 15 other homes that size or larger on the market in Atlanta right now, and even the priciest of those asks $25 million—about half of Chestnut Hall’s price. It’s not just the generous 18.6-acre lot either. Several of the aforementioned behemoths boast similarly sized lots.

It is a combination of unique architectural elements, such as decorative dining room doors sourced from a 19th century English monastery and an extensive collection of priceless art that was called “one of the most notable collections of art and antiques in America today” by Coldwell Banker Previews International President Betty Graham. It also helps that the estate sits in the 30327 ZIP code, Atlanta’s most exclusive, according to Forbes magazine. The home that the listing calls a “private estate custom-crafted for the ultra-affluent” is also available sans art and antiquities for the relative bargain price of $37.5 million.

For either amount, the buyer of the limestone-and-brick mansion will enjoy features such as a 1,000-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar and a 77,000-gallon saline swimming pool. They will enter their manor through 19th century Parisian doors before taking in an entrance gallery with ceilings, moldings, and columns inspired by Borromini’s gallery at the Palazzo Spada in Rome, the Braccio Nuovo at the Vatican Museum, and the Hôtel de Béhague in Paris. Then they can enter their 1,700-square-foot, three-room fitness studio through French Art Deco doors, work out in the expansive gym, and relax in a spacious spa complete with steam room, eight-person sauna, double shower, and chaise lounge capable of converting into a massage table. Kids will adore the full playground, baseball field, and children’s kitchen equipped with a snow-cone machine.

Luxurious finishes and lavish materials abound: Venetian plaster walls, custom silk draperies, intricately carved marble fireplace mantles, and custom mahogany doors. Irish Waterford crystal chandeliers from 1830 hang over French herringbone hardwood floors. An onyx bathtub features an 18K gold-plated tub filler. Even the closets have hardware made from 24K gold and Swarovski crystals.

Then there is the estate’s immense array of museum-quality paintings and sculptures, irreplaceable tapestries, and rare antiquities from around the world. It includes original Picasso watercolors, an Arabian funerary stone stele dating back to the 5th to 3rd century B.C.E., and a pair of 19th century jardinières from the gardens of Versailles. A mosaic from the floor of a Roman villa dates back to the year 450, and original paintings from artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Kees Von Dongen, Maurice Utrillo, Edouard Vuillard, Raoul Dufy, and Jean Dufy line the halls.

For more information on Chestnut Hall, visit its website or contact Marc Castillo of Coldwell Banker at 404-705-1570.

Advertisem*nt

As an expert in luxury real estate and architectural valuation, I can confidently attest to the intricate details and unique features that contribute to the staggering $48 million price tag of Chestnut Hall in Sandy Springs, currently the most expensive estate in Georgia. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to dissect the various elements that make this property exceptionally valuable.

The property's sheer size, spanning 17,776 square feet, with seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, is only the tip of the iceberg. While there are comparable-sized homes in Atlanta, Chestnut Hall stands out due to its combination of distinctive architectural elements and a collection of priceless art. This residence is not merely a structure; it's an embodiment of opulence and exclusivity.

What truly sets Chestnut Hall apart is its incorporation of unique architectural elements. The decorative dining room doors sourced from a 19th-century English monastery showcase a commitment to historical elegance. The entrance gallery, inspired by architectural marvels such as Borromini’s gallery at the Palazzo Spada in Rome, the Braccio Nuovo at the Vatican Museum, and the Hôtel de Béhague in Paris, sets the tone for an unparalleled living experience.

Moreover, the estate's 18.6-acre lot in the prestigious 30327 ZIP code adds to its allure. Forbes magazine has recognized this ZIP code as Atlanta's most exclusive, elevating the property's status even further.

The interior of Chestnut Hall is a testament to luxury, with features such as a 1,000-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar, a 77,000-gallon saline swimming pool, and a 1,700-square-foot fitness studio. The lavish finishes and materials, including Venetian plaster walls, custom silk draperies, intricately carved marble fireplace mantles, and custom mahogany doors, contribute to the overall grandeur.

The inclusion of rare antiquities, museum-quality paintings, and sculptures further enriches the property's value. Original Picasso watercolors, an Arabian funerary stone stele from the 5th to 3rd century B.C.E., 19th-century jardinières from the gardens of Versailles, and a mosaic from the floor of a Roman villa dating back to 450 A.D., are just a few examples of the remarkable collection.

The attention to detail is exemplified even in the smallest features, such as closets adorned with hardware made from 24K gold and Swarovski crystals. Every aspect of Chestnut Hall reflects an unparalleled commitment to luxury and sophistication.

In conclusion, Chestnut Hall's asking price is not solely based on its size or location but is a culmination of its unique architectural elements, extensive amenities, and a collection of priceless art and antiquities that position it as a true masterpiece in the realm of luxury real estate. For those seeking the epitome of opulence, Chestnut Hall undoubtedly stands as a symbol of unparalleled affluence and exclusivity.

House Envy: Inside Georgia's most expensive mansion - Atlanta Magazine (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6556

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.