The Twelve Oaks is the southern pre-civil war home that inspired the mansion seen in the movie Gone with the Wind. Since then it has been the location of filming many movies and TV series. It is considered one of the south's finest mansions and is listed on the register of historic places.
The mansion has been completely renovated and is now open as a bed and breakfast (and maybe soon for tours). One can choose from rooms with a luxurious spa tub or a room with a luxury copper bateau tub. To visit and even stay at another famous house from a movie, you can visit and stay at the farmhouse used in the movie The Conjuring.
The History Of The Mansion
Twelve Oak's history started in 1836 when Judge John Harris built the home as his townhouse. He owned a large plantation nearby (which was also pilfered by the soldiers of the Union in 1864 during Sherman's march to the sea).
- Built: 1836
- Plantation: Pilfered by Sherman's Soldiers In 1864
One can actually read both Harris' and Sherman's journal entries about Sherman's month-long stay at the Harris Plantation at the Atlanta History Center.
Following the destructive war, the property was sold for one thousand dollars to Robert Franklin Wright who renamed the house The Cedars. It was sold again in 1903 to an affluent cotton broker. It was renamed, Whitehall. He also expanded the mansion adding the third floor with its dormer windows and expanded the colonnade.
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Tours of the stunning antebellum homes like this one became huge draws for tourists from all around the nation. In 1948 William Bailey Williford described the flood of tourists to see the southern mansions as "one of the biggest invasions since Sherman’s army marched through theses streets to the sea."
Its Role As The Inspiration For Gone With The Wind
For those who have watched the classic movie Gone with the Wind (1939), they will be familiar with Twelve Oaks - the home of the Wilkes family in Clayton Country, Georgia. In the novel, it is described as a "beautiful white-columned house that crowned the hill like a Greek Temple" with true southern charm and whimsy.
The author of the novel, Gone With The Wind, was Margaret Mitchel. After seeing the house in the Atlanta Journal, Margaret Mitchell sent the clipping to Hollywood (which was working on the sets of Gone With The Wind), and stated, "I like this for Ashley’s home.” So they designed the plywood and paper-mâché facade "Tara" based on Twelve Oaks.
Staying At Twelve Oaks
Today Twelve Oaks has been renovated and is now open as a bed and breakfast and an event facility just a thirty-minute drive from Atlanta. For those wanting to visit a haunted house, check out the Winchester Mystery House in California.
Administration Hours
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Weekends: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Here is a selection of some of their suites - they have more. Prices may vary by season. Check their website for more information and availability.
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The Salvator Brothers Study Suite
This suite is on the first floor and was once the estate's study. It boasts stunning mahogany woodwork throughout and an original fireplace (now working by remote control). It has an original tile, tub, and shower and the antique fixtures make it feel like one is going back in time.
- Cost: $325 Per Night
- Bed: Queen Bed
In The Heat Of The Night Suite
This is a bright and sunny room located on the second floor. It has antique French doors and an enclosed private porch. The bath is an antique clawfoot tub
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- Cost: $265.00 Per Night
- Bed: Queen Bed
Breakfast At Tiffany's
A cozy room on the third floor, it boasts great views of the garden and has an antique ladies writing desk in the dormer window.
- Cost: $275.00
- Bed: Queen Bed
Frankly Scarlett Junior Suite
Located on the first floor with great views through the massive columns, this room has a grand antique canopy bed.
- Note: Minumum Stay Two Night For This Room
- Bed: Queen Bed
Twelve Oaks Master Suite
Located on the second floor and is full of luxurious accommodations. Two original fireplaces and has a beautiful queen-size antique canopy bed. The master bath is very large with double vanity, double shower, and a claw-foot tub.
- Cost: $573 Per Night
- Bed: Queen Bed
Tours Of Twelve Oaks
On their website, they state "tours are coming spring 2020" and that tours are not offered at this time. It would seem that they have not updated their website - perhaps the tours have been delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. See their tours page for up-to-date information.