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The Waldburg

Overall Impression Ideally located across from Forsyth Park, Savannah’s own Central Park, The Waldburg was a lovely Queen Anne home meticulously restored to its Victorian charm. The cornflower blue clapboard exterior was enhanced with gleaming white trim. Coral accents drew the eye to the deep cornice and ornate brackets supporting the roof overhang. The large bay windows of the façade were topped by a polygonal attic cupola. Sitting on a small corner lot at the edge of the Historic District, the $1 million property was surrounded by lush, artfully landscaped borders contained within a lacy low wrought iron fence. Under an arch of gently undulating palms, a few moss-cushioned brick steps led to the entrance porch and solid oak front door. It was a house that instantly gave me a sense of homecoming.

The interior was equally inviting. The two-story home originally built in 1889 as the residence of a local physician, Dr. George Hummel, was divided into two apartments. Mine was the spacious two-bedroom/two-bath Lower Waldburg that occupied the entire first floor. The décor was an elegant blend of contemporary flair and Victorian accents. Both bedrooms as well at the living room had retained their period fireplaces and polished walnut hardwood floors. Tall picture windows soared toward the 14 foot (4.2 meter) ceilings to give the rooms a cool, airy atmosphere and offer a sweeping view of the park. A genteel, superbly comfortable home with the grace of a bygone era, in one of the most privileged locations in the city, would have been reason enough to make The Waldburg our Savannah home on a recent girlfriends’ weekend.

However, what made our visit a truly exceptional experience was the outstanding concierge service provided by property manager Jeanne-Marie Everson. She has developed an impressive array of intriguing a la carte indulgences to tempt even the most demanding guests. We happily succumbed. Transportation from the airport? Nothing as mundane as hailing a cab for us. An owner-driven fire-engine red vintage Cadillac convertible became our transportation of choice, not only for airport transfers but also for a private guided tour of the famed historic Bonaventure Cemetery, a few miles east of Savannah. Wonder how Savannah got the moniker of most haunted city in America? We found the answer on a night-time hearse tour of the city’s spookiest spots. Curious about local cuisine? Jeanne-Marie arranged for a private chef to materialize in our kitchen on the first morning of our visit and produce a hardy “flavors of Savannah” breakfast before we set off on our walking exploration of the Historic District. And we were grateful for the masseuse who showed up at our door on the last afternoon of our stay to rejuvenate our weary tourist bodies before we headed to a lovely dinner at one of the trendiest restaurants in town (also a Jeanne-Marie recommendation).

Not only did The Waldburg welcome us to a refined urban nest, it also brought Southern hospitality to new heights to ensure we experienced to the fullest the very essence of the city. I have already recommended The Waldburg to a couple planning a special anniversary celebration in Savannah, and suggested it as a mandatory stop to friends arranging a tour of the historic South.

Location The Waldburg was located at the corner of Drayton and Waldburg streets, immediately across from Forsyth Park, a few steps away from the Savannah Historic District.

Owned Geoffrey Albert and Roman Arnold

Managed Jeanne-Marie Everson

Year open/renovated The property opened for guests in September 2008 after a yearlong complete renovation.

Class of accommodation Upscale city apartment

Size The two-story 3,000 square foot (280 square meter) Victorian home housed two apartments. The two bedroom, two bath Waldburg Lower, where we stayed, occupied the 1,300 square foot (140 square meter) first floor of the house.

Handicapped access No

Language English, German and Spanish

Décor The apartment was decorated in an eclectic style that harmoniously blended contemporary and Victorian furniture and accessories to create an elegant city retreat. Throughout the house, the plastered walls were painted in bold Victorian colors, offset by white-lacquered original Victorian wood trim. All the windows were draped in tan chenille. In every room a contemporary brushed stainless steel ceiling fan complemented the central air-conditioning.

Lobby and common areas A long entrance corridor led from the frond door to the central foyer. The walls were antique gold, enhanced by two large framed antique prints. Two contemporary runners with tan background and striped multi-colored borders covered the hardwood floor. The foyer opened onto the living room and kitchen on the right and the master bedroom on the left.

In the 225 square foot (20 square meter) living room, walls were olive green with thin gold borders. The outer wall featured two tall, extra-wide sash windows that overlooked a small private courtyard. Double French doors led to the front bedroom. Contemporary overstuffed love seats upholstered in celadon green suede were angled on either sides of the door. They faced a round walnut coffee table and beyond it, the rustic wooden faced fireplace and the television resting on the mantelpiece. A square, dark wood dining table and four matching chairs were tucked in the corner between the fireplace and one of the windows. Wall hangings were framed contemporary collage prints.

Behind the living room, the spacious 165 square foot (15 square meter) kitchen retained its Victorian atmosphere, with a large white porcelain double sink set in black countertop, white painted kitchen cabinets and wainscoting. However, the side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator, ceramic top kitchen stove, microwave oven and stacked washer and dryer were definitely 21 ^st century, as was the ceiling track lighting. A bar-height table and two stools were a convenient place to sit for breakfast and snacks. Flooring was light brown rustic tile.

Rooms My 300 square foot (28 square meter) master bedroom and adjoining bath occupied the entire left side of the house. The walls were cornflower blue with gold trim. The queen size bed, bedside tables and double dresser were ebony wood. The bed faced a tall white-lacquered ornamental Victorian fireplace. Bedside lamps were swirling metal bases holding white silk shades. A black leather armchair with matching ottoman and a small art deco round wooden table with two lattice back metal chairs completed the décor. Throw rugs in multicolored geometric design on tan background surrounded the bed. Wall hangings were a variety of Victorian and contemporary prints in ornate gold frames.

On the right front side of the house, the 270 square foot (25 square meter) second bedroom was a striking Venetian read with haint blue (a light blue traditional in Savannah) accents. The queen size sleigh bed, bedside tables and bureau were mahogany. A large fireplace was centered on the wall opposite the bed. It was topped by a framed, rectangular mirror. A small round glass-top writing table and two wooden chairs sat in front of the picture window. Several African-inspired prints in wooden frames decorated the walls. Throw rugs and bedside lamps were identical to those in the master bedroom.

Bathrooms The 80 square foot (7.5 square meter) master bath was en suite to the master bedroom. Walls were tan paint over white wainscoting. The two pedestal sinks and commode were white porcelain, while the oversized walk-in shower was tiled with travertine marble. The sinks were topped with rectangular wall mirrors. The second bathroom was off the central corridor. It featured an oversize shower tiled in travertine marble, a white porcelain commode and single pedestal sink with an oval mirror. It served as a powder room as well as bathroom for the second bedroom.

Cleanliness Excellent

Amenities The kitchen was thoughtfully stocked with basic staples, including coffee, creamer, sugar, tea, oil and vinegar, crackers and a bottle of wine. The refrigerator had bottled water, cheese, paté and a tray of grapes.

Bathroom amenities included an abundant supply of generously-sized bath towels in white thick cotton; hair dryers; a pump bottle of hand soap on each sink and a dispenser of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel in each shower.

Connectivity Complimentary wireless Internet connectivity was operational throughout the apartment.

Service Excellent. Property manager Jeanne-Marie Everson and owner Geoffrey Albert couldn’t possibly have been more gracious or attentive to our comfort or enjoyment of the property and the city.

Others The Waldburg offered complimentary private off-street parking a few steps away from the property.

Length of stay Three nights

Date of review August 2009

Would you stay there again? Yes

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