From The Archives

Experience the charm of Georgia past . . .

Experience the charm of Georgia past, as you visit this turn of the century fabulously maintained Edwardian Mansion which sits amidst noble old mansions, churches, and massive oak trees in the heart of Brunswick’s Historic District on the corner of Union & Albemarle Streets. Built in 1902 by shipping magnate Frank Duncan MacPherson Strachan (Brunswick’s first millionaire), the original home was a lovely example of Queen Ann style Victorian architecture. However, about 1915, Strachan enlarged the house, changed the style to Edwardian and added the brick veneer, transforming it into the current 8,400± square-foot mansion. And to this day, it remains a well known landmark. Only a few miles from Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Sea Island, this elegant home conveys a feeling of true Southern hospitality and the effusive gentility of a time when life was slower. Ascend the granite steps to knock on Mahogany front door and from the warm greeting upon entering the grand foyer with its hand-blocked Chinese wall paper, to standing before the ca. 1900 mantels and fireplace surrounds imported from London, to a twilight stroll in the illuminated, gated gardens; a profusion of majestic oaks, magnolias, sour orange trees from Cumberland Island, and colorful, fragrant seasonal flowers. You will be transported into a wistful world of serenity and relaxation, the last ever to be seen of Knights and their ladies fair. “Look for it only in books for it is no more than a dream remembered, a civilization gone with the wind." And yet, here it is. Waiting for you to call it home and make it your own. The first floor of the home is handicap accessible with a large parking area and lift. The current owner offers this account of the fireplace: “The massive fireplace was purchased by FDM Strachan in Florence while he was on tour in Italy. He visited a villa which was being razed and bought 2 stone fireplaces. One was placed in this house which was under construction, the other was installed in his offices on Bay Street. “The fireplace is very much like the ones I saw in the Doge’s Palace in Venice. (I have pictures.) It was likely carved in the 1400s. We are told the bas relief carvings are of crusaders who went to fight in religious wars. Interestingly, the cartouche on the center front has not been carved – however, this is also true of some of the ones in the palace as well. Also notice that some of the flowers have smooth centers, this also can be seen on the fireplace motifs in the Doge’s Palace as well. I believe the fireplace is quite valuable on its own.” Amenities include: > 2 en suite master bedrooms (with original walk-in closets and fireplace) > 5 more en suite guest bedrooms (most with original walk-in closets and fireplace) > 7 full baths, 2 half baths > 7 fireplaces total (many functioning) > Veranda and 3 large porches > Spacious entrance hall with a grand Mahogany Staircase > Ladies’ parlor with ca. 1900 stone mantel and fireplace surround imported from London > Dining room with ca. 1900 stone mantel and fireplace surround imported from London > Enormous gentleman’s room with quarter sawn oak beams and a 15th century fireplace mantel & surround from Florence Italy > Quarter-sawn oak and heart pine floors > Granite window sills > Butler's pantry & wet bar > Updated kitchen > Three income producing apartments with separate private entrance > The original stable and tack room currently used as laundry and storage > Many fixtures & chandeliers original to the Strachan era house > Front & rear stairs > Mature landscaped gardens with specimen camellias