Callanwolde Virtual Tour

THE FIRST FLOOR


Entrance Foyer
As you enter the house from the front entrance you will enter from the terrace into the Entrance Foyer. The coved ceiling is anchored by a single lantern-style chandelier. A stone archway frames the foyer as it leads further into the Great Hall. The elaborate, pierced tracery above the archway conceals pipes of the mansion's Aeolian organ. On the outside, the massive walnut doors open onto the spacious front terrace that lead around the house to the side porte cochere. From the entrance foyer, sets of double doors on either side lead to the Music Room and The Library. Click on images for larger view.




The Great Hall
The Great Hall measures 50 feet long by 30 feet wide and is paneled in walnut obtained by Mr. Candler through his friend Mr. W.M. Healy of The Southern Railway Company. The wide paneling was used in Pullman cars at that time and is un-obtainable today. The ceiling rafters are also of walnut . The weddings of both the Candler daughters were held in the Great Hall, and it is frequently used for weddings today. The Console of Callanwolde's Aeolian Organ is located in the Great Hall near the entrance to the Courtyard. Click on images for larger view.






The Library
The Library was the favorite Candler family gathering place on the first floor. A portrait of Charles Howard Candler hangs above the mantle. The room features a large bay window that overlooks the front terrace and lawn, and double French doors on the north end of the room which lead to the Sun Porch. The Library is used today for classes such as Kindermusik and movement and for cultural events such as poetry readings. Click on images for larger view.






The Dining Room is a creative example of the use of Renaissance ornament, with its square columns and pilasters, light decorative cornices, paneled wainscotting and plaster ceiling medallion. The room features a tall white Italian marble fireplace which was not used due to the hearth's shallow depth and delicate interior tile design. Original family furnishings included a long mahogany dining table, sideboard and Chippendale chairs. During a period of redecoration by the family, the original chandelier was replaced with a Waterford crystal chandelier, which now hangs at Wesleyan College. The original silver Tiffany chandelier, a focal point of the room, was returned to Callanwolde in 1976 and is one of only two original chandeliers remaining in the mansion. The other being in the Billiards Room. Today the Dining Room is often used for classes and is a popular space for rental. Across the Great Hall from the Dining Room is The Breakfast Room. This small room (far right) features a fireplace of antiqued wood trim and teal tile which made the room cozy for family meals. The room features a lovely crystal chandelier and French doors that lead to the covered Courtyard. Click on images for larger view.




Access to the mansion's kitchen was through the Butler's Pantry. In 1972, when Callanwolde was being saved from destruction, the original gas stove and refrigerator were still in The Kitchen. The first project of the Callanwolde Guild was to put the stove and refrigerator in working order. The cabinets were also stripped and the kitchen repainted. When the cabinets were stripped for refinishing, it was discovered that they were stainless steel and had been painted over at some time after the family moved out. The kitchen has since been updated with new appliances for use during special events at the mansion. The Back Porch, located behind the kitchens, was the scene of much activity, including the churning of milk for butter. This porch, as well as the kitchen and the Butler's pantry continue today to be used as service areas for the arts center. A stairway from the back porch leads down to The Basement, which originally featured a one-lane bowling alley. Today, the basement is the home to the art center's pottery department. Click on images for larger view.



The Courtyard
Callanwolde's Courtyard has undergone significant changes from its original design. Historically, the wings of the house formed a three-sided arcaded courtyard. Early photos show that the courtyard was originally planted in grass with perimeter plantings of boxwood. Following the property's purchase for use as an arts center, the inner courtyard was paved with brick in a herringbone pattern. Crape myrtles and underplantings of ground cover and bulbs were planted in the four square planting pockets to provide shade and color. The area was used to handle overflow crowds from the main rooms. This re-design of the courtyard was dedicated in December 1974. During the same period the area around the fountain was also renovated. The V-Shaped flagstone path was retained. Boxwoods were planted in a simple style based on evidence from existing historic photographs. The small original fountain was also repaired. The original pineapple sculpture that topped the fountain was lost over the years, but a replacement ornament made of cast concrete was added at this time. In the 1980's the inner courtyard was completely enclosed to provide more space for special events at the center. The enclosed courtyard is frequently used for performances, meetings, receptions, and other special events. Click on images for larger view.



The Living Room
The Living Room, also known as the Winter Living Room, features a large limestone fireplace. The original floors are of white oak planks, unlike the flooring in the other public rooms on the ground floor, which are of walnut. The 20 ' beamed ceiling of the living room encompasses both stories of the house in this wing, and houses two panels through which music from the Aeolian organ can be piped. The room is the largest of the original rooms in the house and is currently used as a dance studio. Click on images for larger view.



The Billiards Room
With its simulated leather walls, imposing Romanesque fireplace, and impressive stained glass windows, the room achieves a stately old European charm. Featured in the design of the window is the Candler Family crest with the motto "Faithful Unto Death." The room's brass chandelier is one of only two original chandeliers in the mansion (the other being in the dining room). The handcarved limestone fireplace displays medieval heraldic scenes. The walls are of simulated leather, and feature built-in cabinets located on either side of the fireplace, which were used for storage of game materials. Today, the Billiards Room is used for Board meetings and intimate social events. It is also used for coat storage during large receptions and is a versatile space which can be used for workshops and other small classes. Click on images for larger view.



The Grand Staircase
The large staircase connecting the upper and lower halls has bronze balustrades curving to the left and to the right from the landing. Another feature of the staircase is the stained glass window covering the wall at the landing and the intricately designed pre-cast masonry grill work on the ceiling above. The pierced tracery conceals the pipes of the Aeolian organ. It is the masonry tracery image of the ceiling that has become the symbol of Callanwolde. It appears in Callanwolde's distinctive logo and in marketing materials. Click on images for larger view.




The Music Room
With its Asian motif wall coverings, the Music Room reflects the French taste for Far Eastern exoticism. The room was designed with elaborate moulding on the walls and ceiling. One of the main features of the room was a Steinway grand piano. Although Mr. Candler did not play the piano, he held a deep appreciation for music and many of the family's parties were centered around music. Guests to the house included grand opera singer Rose Ponselle and light opera star Irene Dunne. Low cabinets were built in for storage of records and music. Today the room is used for voice classes, music classes and as an exhibition and performance space for intimate art shows and recitals. Click on images for larger view.