Other, Victorian

Turn of the Century charm! The Ashford Manor Estate consists of the Manor home, adjacent cottage, terraced gardens, all on over 4 acres of property presiding over Main Street downtown Watkinsville. Built in 1893, this Queen Anne Victorian home was originally built for AW Ashford and his family. The house maintains much of the original character envisioned by architect, Nathanial Richardson: elaborate exterior moldings, trims, and gable fans as well as 12 foot ceilings, heart pine floors, numerous fireplaces and 13 triple sash window/doorways that open to the wrap-around veranda. A rich and historical property, today the home is one of Watkinsville's beloved landmarks which has played host to thousands of visitors in the past as it was recently operated as a popular bed and breakfast and event facility. Now, this historic home can be your family homestead or a special haven to house your business. Bright and Airy. Two words that describe the entire home, especially the foyer and entry/sitting room. The custom designed curved room enhances the unique characteristics in the home and provides a soft touch to this side of the estate. Completed by a pristine and crisp white fireplace, this area of the home provides that first touch of charm as you enter. As you move out of the foyer, the main floor is completed with a large parlor/living room as well as the banquet sized dining room that has a beautiful soaring ceiling with large medallion which highlights the formality of this room. And the fireplace adorned with original custom tiles adds to the overall magic. There are 6 bedroom, 6 bath full bedroom suites that are each unique and generously sized - a main floor Garden bedroom suite, a suite accessed on the back patio, 4 additional suites on the 2nd floor. Accessed from the back of the home is a set of 3 half baths and there is an additional half bath on the patio. Each space has its own personality and is ready for the furnishings that will make each room shine. The entire home is full of custom features. Like the original commissioned tiles on the dining room fireplace depicting the three Ashford daughters of the original Ashford owner. And the ornately carved trim on the staircase with finials on the banisters as well as mirroring finials hanging below the stairwell ceiling. A hidden gem is a stained wood spire that catches your attention as you go up the stairwell to the attic/Penthouse Suite. There are details all throughout the property that show the amount of attention that was given to making this home a true showpiece. And a feature not to be missed is the gazebo that predates the 1893 construction of the home, which was used as a cover for the builder and the house plans as the property was being constructed. In addition to the Manor, the 1860s built Georgian Revival cottage with Craftsman accents boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a large renovated kitchen with fireplace, living room with fireplace, large deck with awning, covered front porch that runs the full length of the home, and a quaint English pathway around the front and sides of the home that lead to the terraced gardens. One bedroom and bath (with built in kitchenette) have been used as an efficiency apartment recently. It has a separate side entrance with patio area for private entertaining space. Built over a cellar basement, the cottage sits perfectly on the beautiful property surrounded by stunning mature trees. And the views of the terraced gardens to the side are just priceless. The grounds of the Manor cannot be rivaled. Stretching over 4 terraces, the gardens feature open lawns surrounded by custom floral and greenery beds, a stunning pool terrace with separate bubbling water feature, and brick terrace walls with built in porticos as you descend. A true "Secret Garden" feel. Present day Watkinsville consists of restaurants, shops, art galleries, churches, museums, bakeries, wine shops, coffee houses, a 6 acre nature preserve (Watkinsville Woods) and more.