The streets of Savannah, Georgia’s Historic District are lined with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, alongside row after row of meticulously restored historic homes. Among them, a Greek Revival mansion on Lafayette Square—spanning over 7,000 square feet on an 80-foot-wide lot—stands out for its exceptionally generous proportions.

Originally constructed in 1855, it was built by John Scudder for Catherine McMahon and remained in her family for two generations. The McMahon clan was one of Savannah’s most civically active families, and they had strong philanthropic ties to the community. More recently, the home was used as a filming location for the 1995 film Something to Talk About, starring Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid, and Robert Duvall.

“This residence is one of those extraordinarily rare properties where architectural integrity, provenance, and scale come together in a way that is uniquely Savannah,” Corinne Cunningham Brown, the listing agent at Corcoran Austin Hill Realty, said in a statement. “Its setting, architectural completeness, and rich history, including its use as a filming site, contribute to a legacy that is truly unmatched.”

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Stepping into the three-bedroom main residence, you can see and feel those 170-some years of history. The elegant living room includes not one, but two fireplaces; another is found in the adjacent dining room, which is wrapped in a soft eggshell-blue shade. The eat-in kitchen has been updated with modern appliances, but it’s surrounded by old-school wood-paneled windows, while stately wood columns frame a sun-filled breakfast nook.

Three colorful en suite bedrooms are clustered on the second floor, accompanied by a versatile den or office space featuring yet another fireplace. On the garden level, a sitting room that can double as a bedroom, a wood-clad utility room, and a wine cellar complete the layout, all connected by an elevator spanning the three floors. The property also includes a two-car garage and a carriage house with a half-bath, easily convertible into a private office or gym.

The $5 million estate offers plenty of spots to soak up Savannah’s warm sunshine. A side garden and elevated side porch—framed by wrought-iron railing that echoes the home’s black shutters—invite relaxation, while a large deck provides an ideal setting for outdoor dining or lounging, perhaps with a glass of sweet tea in hand. 

Click here to see all the photos of the historic Savannah home.