The gorgeous Savannah townhouse where famed poet Conrad Aiken witnessed his parents’ gruesome murder-suicide has hit the market for $4.9 million.
Built in the 19th century, the five-bedroom brick home was where Aiken’s father shot his mother before turning the gun on himself in 1901.
The Georgia mansion has now undergone an expensive facelift and is set to sell for over $3 million more than it bought five years ago.
Not only will the new owners enjoy numerous luxury amenities in a classically designed home, they will also find themselves in the home of one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century.
Famed poet Conrad Aiken’s Savannah townhouse has hit the market for $4.9 million
To bring it to market, the house underwent an expensive facelift
The home could sell for over $3 million more than it was bought five years ago
Aiken lived in the house for two years until witnessing the gruesome murder-suicide of his parents
The famous poet Conrad Aiken wrote about his brief two-year stay at the home as a child
Aiken lived in the house from 1899 to 1901 when he was just 11 years old when he witnessed both of his parents being lost at the mansion.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet used the tragedy as inspiration, leading to the house being given a historic monument by the state in the 1980s.
Local businessman Josh Keller, who owns the home with his wife Kelly Keller, told the Wall Street Journal that the home’s renovation cost about $2.5 million.
But after acquiring it for just $1.15 million in 2018, the Kellers could soon be making a lucrative profit.
Aiken wrote of the murder-suicide in his autobiography, describing the event as follows: “After the desperate early-morning argument, there came the half-stifled cry and the sound of his father’s voice, counting three, and the two loud pistol shots, and he tiptoed.’ into the dark room, where the two bodies lay motionless and separate, and when he found them dead he realized that he was possessed by them forever.’
Aiken was just 11 years old when he witnessed the loss of both his parents at home
The current owners spent over $2.5 million renovating the historic mansion
The property received a historic marking from the state of Georgia in the 1980’s
The Kellers said that despite feeling the historic mansion was in need of a makeover, they’ve worked to maintain its classic look.
This applies in particular to the front façade, which was restored to its original masonry design in the course of the renovation.
Inside, all electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and ventilation systems have been replaced, making room for the installation of an elevator.
Other interior restorations included pine floors, medallions, crown molding and new marble fireplaces.
“We really tried to respect all of the original architectural details and put them back as they were,” said Josh Keller.
Multiple immaculate bathrooms, including a private suite, complete the stunning home
The luxurious amenities of the villa include an elevator
New marble fireplaces and pine wood floors were also added as part of the renovation
While retaining much of the home’s original design, the Kellers also added an addition to the rear of the home.
According to WSJ, the expansion increased the property by about 2,000 square meters, bringing the total area to about 6,000 square meters.
The new area at the back of the house includes the main kitchen, two bedrooms, the master suite and a second kitchen on the garden level.
“In this house, there are these two worlds, so to speak,” Josh said, noting the contrast between the extension and the century-old house.
An al fresco decking area leading to the garden completes the outdoor space.
After the home went on the market for $5.9 million, it will be among the most expensive for sale in the city, according to Seabolt Real Estate agent Staci Donegan.
Donegan added that despite the home’s gruesome history, it’s a city-wide tale and she didn’t expect it to turn a potential buyer away.
“People love a home with a story here,” she said. “I showed the house outside of the market to some friends and none of them were impressed with the story because everyone knows.”