This is a historic gem! AND well located in the historic district, walking distance to the downtown square! The Stovall-Vaughan Home, built circa 1915, is a stunning example of the American Four-Square style with predominant Prairie and Craftsman influences. Sitting on a half-acre lot just off the main thoroughfare, this beauty fronts West Central and the driveway is off Kolb St. Custom designed by Leila Ross Wilburn, one of Georgia’s first female architects, the original blueprints still hang in the office, a testament to the home’s rich history. A charming picket fence and inviting sidewalks lead to the expansive wraparound front porch, complete with rocking chairs, swing and eating area-an idyllic spot for relaxation. Inside, double parlors with elegant pocket doors and original light fixtures, hand-selected by the home’s original owner, Frank Stovall, exude timeless character. Gorgeous hardwood floors flow throughout, complementing the seven fireplaces with their original surrounds. The main floor is bathed in natural light and features a separate dining room, office, a spacious kitchen with a cozy keeping area, and a primary bedroom suite for convenient main-level living. A carport off the kitchen provides easy access. Upstairs, four additional bedrooms and two baths offer ample space, while a delightful sleeping porch off the master bedroom adds to the home’s charm. This home blends architectural significance with modern livability, making it a rare find in a prime location. Partial basement with concrete flooring & inside/outside entrance, Tool shed. All information deemed reliable and accurate, but buyer should verify during due diligence.

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Property Details

The Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts House, built circa 1845, is Valdosta’s oldest home and a significant piece of the city’s history. Situated on a spacious 4-acre lot, this Folk Victorian/Queen Anne-style home spans approximately 4,589 square feet and is a contributing building to the Fairview Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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Property is sold “As-Is, Where-Is” meaning that it cannot be moved or demolished, and it is the buyer’s responsibility to make improvements that are compatible with the historic character of the property. Properties sold through the Revolving Fund program have conservation easements in place to ensure the historic integrity of the property is retained. Additionally, buyers are required to sign a Rehabilitation Agreement and all work done to the property must abide by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Photos

History of Property

The Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts House, built between 1843 and 1845, is Valdosta’s oldest home and a vital piece of the city’s history. Predating Valdosta itself, this landmark has played a key role in telling the story of the community’s development. Located in the Fairview Historic District, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Early History (1840-1863)
Built between 1843 and 1845 by William Wisenbaker, the house originally began as a simple four-room dogtrot cabin on a brick pier foundation. Wisenbaker, an influential figure in Valdosta’s founding, played a key role in selling the land that would later shape the town. Over time, the structure was expanded into a two-story Plantation Plain house, reflecting the architectural trends of the era.

Mid-19th Century (1863-1891): The Peacock & Wells Families
In 1863, William Peacock purchased the property, but ownership quickly changed hands again in 1866 when Jeremiah Wells acquired the home. Wells, who would later serve as the mayor of Valdosta, became a prominent figure in the community, adding to the home’s historical significance.

Transformation (1891-Present): The Roberts Family & Preservation Efforts
In 1891, the house found a new owner in John Taylor Roberts, another future mayor of Valdosta. Under his ownership, the home underwent a major transformation in 1895. Architect Stephen Fulghum renovated the house, incorporating Folk Victorian and Queen Anne-style elements that added charm and elegance to its structure. The Roberts family remained stewards of the home for nearly a century until it was sold in 1982.

A Legacy of Preservation
In 1996, two of John Taylor Roberts’ granddaughters purchased the house with the intent of preserving its history. Three years later, they donated it to the Valdosta Heritage Foundation (VHF), ensuring its protection through specific deed restrictions. The home had suffered neglect during the 1980s and ’90s, but thanks to grants secured by VHF, restoration efforts began.

Tragically, just as restoration work was nearing completion, an electrical short ignited a devastating fire on January 26, 2011, leaving much of the house in ruins. Undeterred, VHF remained committed to its preservation, dedicating years to developing a plan for its future. Phase I of the restoration focused on rebuilding the compromised framing, installing key fire suppression and HVAC systems, repairing sections of the roof, and completing essential infrastructure upgrades. Now, it awaits a new steward to help shape its next chapter.

About Valdosta

Incorporated in 1860, Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County and a hub of South Georgia’s history and culture. Known as the “Azalea City,” it boasts a rich architectural heritage, from grand Victorian homes to mid-century landmarks. Located just 15 miles from the Florida border, Valdosta has long been a center for agriculture, rail commerce, and education, home to Valdosta State University. Its historic downtown features vibrant shops, restaurants, and beautifully preserved buildings. With a population of approximately 55,000, Valdosta continues to blend Southern charm with modern growth.

About The Georgia Trust

The Georgia Trust is a nonprofit statewide preservation organization.  The Revolving Fund program was established to provide effective alternatives to demolition or neglect of architecturally and historically significant properties by promoting their rehabilitation and monitoring their preservation in perpetuity. All properties sold through this program have conservation easements in place to ensure the historic integrity of the property is retained.  Additionally, buyers are required to sign a Rehabilitation Agreement and all work done to the property must abide by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Copies of these documents will be provided by The Georgia Trust for review. An FAQ about this program with more details is available here. 

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VACATION RENTAL. Historic vacation home on St. Simons Island, Georgia with private pool and garden. Six bedrooms sleep up to 16 with extra daybeds & trundles for kids. Spacious dining room and living room work well for family meals prepared in professional grade kitchen and big outdoor grill. Yard big enough for golf putting, or family tournaments of badminton or bocce ball. Easy stroll to the beach, the fishing pier, the historic lighthouse, or the village shops and restaurants. Great base for day trips to Savannah, Jekyll Island, or the Okefenokee Swamp. Weekend and weekly rentals available year-round. Featured in Coastal Living magazine and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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This beautiful two-story Greek Revival style home was built in 1832 and contains 5 bedrooms and two and a half baths. Constructed with a granite foundation, the home has a central hallway with stairs leading to the upstairs and 5 fireplaces. Large kitchen with an addition added to the kitchen for a large washroom. Old servant quarters is now a workshop or garden shop. Beautifully sits on 2.42 acres.

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Story 

Built in 1926 by the Georgia Railway and Power Company, this substation played a crucial role in powering downtown Atlanta. In 1966, it was acquired by Georgia State University (GSU), which repurposed the building for various uses, including as a workspace for the university’s photography department. The structure is a key part of both the local Martin Luther King, Jr. Landmark District and the national Martin Luther King, Jr. Preservation District, underscoring its historic significance.

Threat 

Despite its self-evident connection to the locality, GSU has proposed demolishing the building to create a surface parking lot. The university, along with the Georgia Board of Regents, asserts sovereign immunity, exempting it from the historic preservation zoning ordinances that would typically protect the site from demolition. With a demolition permit signed by Governor Kemp, GSU continues discussions about the destruction of this contributing building in an already threatened National Register District.

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

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Story

Built in 1938 for Dr. Nathaniel H. Collier, an esteemed African American dentist and civic leader in Savannah, and his wife, Nancy, this home served as a gathering place for social and educational events that contributed to the local community. Following their passing, the house was purchased by Janie R. Toomer, Savannah’s first African American female real estate broker, further adding to the property’s historic significance.

Threat

The house has been vacant since 2016, leading to significant deterioration from neglect. In early 2024, the property owner sought a zoning change to convert the site from residential to commercial, with plans to demolish the building. Although public opposition successfully blocked the zoning request, the property remains at risk with no historic designation or local protections in place. If no action is taken, the property will fall into further decline.  

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

Photos by Paul Meacham/Abandoned Coastal Georgia

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Story 

This building is one of the few remaining examples of a Rosenwald School in Georgia. These schools were established in the early 20th century to provide education to African American children in the rural South and were funded by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington, often with additional contributions coming from the local community. The Crossroads School, constructed in 1927, was a two-teacher facility that served students from 1st through 8th grade, playing a vital role in the education of the local African American community during a time of segregation and limited resources.

Threat 

The building is at risk of demolition by neglect, having been abandoned for many years. Situated in a rural area, the property suffers from both low visibility and a lack of funding for necessary repairs and preservation. The community is actively seeking ways to restore and repurpose the building, with hopes of ensuring its long-term sustainability and honoring its historic significance.

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

Photos by Gittel Price

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Story 

Built in 1827 on land ceded by the Creek Nation in 1821, this historic home was constructed by Daniel Orr for his son Burrell and his wife, Betsey Hendrick. Over the years, the property changed hands several times, but it was ultimately purchased by its namesake, George Columbus Gaissert, in 1906. The two-story portico was also added around this time. The home remained in the Gaissert family for generations, continuing a tradition of farming and community service deeply rooted in the area’s history.

Threat 

Following the recent passing of the last family member without heirs to inherit the property, it was sold to a developer. The developer’s plans to transform the site into a commercial development threaten to erase the property’s historic integrity and its longstanding connection to the local community.

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

Photos by Halston Pitman/Motor Sport Media

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Story 

Constructed around 1900, this barn was originally part of the Miami Valley Fruit Farm, a thriving peach operation owned by J.E. Davidson, a senator and a key figure in establishing Georgia as the heart of “peach country.” The barn remains one of the few intact relics of the early 20th-century peach industry, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s agricultural past and its pivotal role in shaping Georgia’s agricultural legacy.

Threat 

The barn has not been in active use for many years and is in a state of deterioration. In addition to natural decline, a major industrial site is being developed in the surrounding area, with thousands of acres recently sold to the county for future industrial expansion. While the barn’s eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places may protect it from the current development plans, growing development pressure in the area poses an ongoing threat. Encroaching development could further isolate the barn, impact its historic setting, and create long-term preservation challenges.

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.

Photos by Anthony Cantrell

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