Rhodes Hall After All These Years

Rhodes Hall was my first Pheonix Flies event this year. I'm embarrassed to tell you that it was my very first tour of the place. Shame shame.

A few years ago if you'd asked me if I like greenish Victorian era chandeliers with a fringe, I might have said no. Well, I'm starting to mature.

"Built in 1904, Rhodes Hall has been an Atlanta landmark for generations. While it was originally the residence of Rhodes Furniture founder Amos Rhodes, today it is a house museum and one of the most unique venues in Atlanta for social and corporate events. The upper floors of the "castle on Peachtree" are also headquarters for The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation." -the Georgia Historic Trust

We Atlantans know it as the Castle near where three of our Peachtrees join. That would Peachtree Street, West Peachtree Street, and Peachtree Circle if you are keeping peachtree score.


It's kind of foreboding, it's hard to park, and we're usually on our way somewhere else. That was my excuse.

Willlis Franklin Denny II designed Rhodes Hall. Mr. Denny died at 31 in 1905, youngest of Atlanta's died-too-young legendary architects. Neel Reid who worked for Denny died at 41. W.T. Downing died at 53.


So on a rainy Saturday morning I was the very first person at the very first Phoenix Flies event for 2011. This is Alan Kachur, my tour guide.


In 1904 this was the northern edge of civilized life in Atlanta. They must have had a great view from the porch. It's still a great view.


I fell in love on the porch. Each of the porch capitals is different.


Inside the bow is the grand staircase, lit by stained glass windows.


It's quite a sight.


Many brides have descended the stair.

This is quickly exceeding what my little brain and little camera can take in one day.


There is a glorious pink room that looks great with people.


There are fancy fireplaces.


There are green tile fireplaces.


Enough woodwork to please anyone.


The offices of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation are upstairs. It's nice up there. This is the small skylight.

I'd urge you to visit with a tour guide It's a great place. But you need to hear about the Rhodes family as well. Amos was certainly one of the most "useful men of his generation" in Atlanta.


Mr. Rhodes was kind enough to sit for this picture in the dining room.