A Neel Reid Historic Home in Atlanta Restored

Historic preservation is a passion of mine, and this circa 1919 Buckhead home designed by Neel Reid, one of Atlanta’s most renowned residential architects, truly speaks to my heart. The Charles Case House, also known as Eagle House, was modeled by Reid after the Tintinhull House in England. However, throughout the 20th century, the house was subjected to a series of modifications that were not always in keeping with Reid’s original aesthetic.

The current owners brought in Atlanta interior designer Liza Bryan, architect Keith Summerour, and contractor Jim Eiland of C&E Remodeling to ensure a historically accurate restoration. The house was remodeled with materials appropriate to the time of the original construction. Plaster walls, proper hardware, and carefully researched paint colors lend historic authenticity throughout the house.

This feature ran in the March 2015 issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, written by Suzanna Cullen Hamilton with photography by Emily Followill.

The clients’ extensive collection of antiques and decorative arts dictated the interior design, while their collection of period Turkish carpets determined the color palette. As a nod to the home’s name, Bryan added dramatic eagle finials cap drapery rods in the living room. A large platter from the owners’ collection of Royal Crown Derby china rests on a custom water-gilt eagle sconce above the fireplace.

A tall case clock and Queen Anne tea table accent the sweeping staircase. The chandelier is from Edgar Reeves.

The owners’ dining chairs were reupholstered in leather to bring color to the dining room.

A George III looking glass and pair of oil landscape paintings are balanced by a contemporary sofa pillow made from a silk screen by the owners’ son.

A William and Mary side chair and pair of Regency planters.

Interior designer Liza Bryan

Architecturally, the house needed considerable changes to accommodate a new kitchen and family room. Summerour added an 18-foot addition across the entire back of the house, creating significantly more space while preserving the original architectural footprint and maintaining a seamless blend with the original structure.

A comb-back Windsor chair in the breakfast room.

The master bedroom features floral fabric, a tole chandelier, a carved English secretary, and an early 20th century Turkish carpet.

The master bedroom closets were handcrafted by Jim Eiland.

The attic was opened to expose an original window and add light to the office and foyer.

The Charles Case House is often referred to as the Eagle House due to the original limestone eagles that flank the front entrance.

The exterior of the house needed only minimal modifications. After cleaning the original limestone exterior, Bryan brought in lighting designer Joanne Sims, who created new lanterns based on Regency patterns.

Thanks to the commitment of both the homeowners and everyone involved in the restoration, the Eagle House will remain a treasure for generations to come. To read more, please visit Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Comments

Cynthia Lambert says

January 2, 2017 at 2:32 pm

Looks like the house found good stewards. It's a pleasure to see a restoration done properly. Love the herringbone fire brick in the breakfast room and the pagoda pelmets are delightful.

Dean Farris says

January 3, 2017 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for sharing Andrea! Happy 2017!
I used to drive by that house when I was living in Atlanta- it's a beauty!