Historic Georgia Mansion Inspired by a Dream
Harville House | Bulloch County, GA | c. 1894
Even in its current condition, I think it’s still evident that this remarkable Georgia mansion is one of a kind. And believe it or not, it started as a one-story house that was expanded after its owner was inspired by a dream.
In 1892, Keebler Henry Harville married Hester Byrd and set out to build a homestead for his new wife.
So, he bought acreage from the estate of his father, Samuel Winkler Harville, who had been a delegate at the 1861 Secession Convention. Samuel Harville had purchased this 754-acre farm in the 1860s and raised a large family here before it was passed to his son, Keebler.
In 1894, Keebler finished building the first rendition of his home, which was constructed of lumber that was sawn from timber trees on the homesite.
Ten years later, in 1904, Keebler awoke from a dream that impacted him so much that he felt called to expand and dramatically alter the shape, size, and design of the home. With the addition of the second story, the Harville house now had 14 rooms, which was necessary to accommodate the 11 children that he and Hester would raise here.
Despite his ambitious skills as a homebuilder, Keebler’s spent most of his work life farming his family’s homestead where he became the first in Bulloch County to commercially sell peanuts. At its height under Keebler, the Harville Farm had grown from 754 acres to 2800 acres and supported 10 families who farmed as tenants on the land. Back then, the property had its own sawmill, grist mill, syrup shed, smokehouse, ice house, and commissary.
In 1946, Keebler passed away and his wife Hester followed him the following year. Two of their adult daughters, Naomi and Nan, were the last to live in the home until their deaths in 1967 and 1976, respectively.
The large home has fallen into disrepair but is still loved dearly by the family who hopes to be able to bring her back to her former glory someday. In fact, descendants of Keebler Harville still own and farm the land today and keep a close eye on the house, which is a county landmark and Georgia Century Farm.
THIS HOME IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND UNDER SURVEILLANCE.
IT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE FAMILY.
DO NO TRESPASS HERE!
Thanks for the history I love it
Thank you for the story it is very nice to hear the story.
Hester Byrd is related to me…in my Byrd family,,,Elmer S Byrd,my Grand-daddy..This is wonderful.
Thank you…such beautiful history of home & family. I, too, love it! I’ve visited many plantations on River Road in Louisiana & am always emotionally touched by the stories & the homes…
What an awesome story! That family should raise money to restore that home by selling private tours and sharing their cool family history. I’d definitely go.
Thank you for your photos and historical information. It would be wonderful if a historical group could build that house back for the public to visit.
absolutely beautiful, I would love to do the work you are doing, keep moving forward there is so much to explore !!
I can just fusion with this look like before it went into disrepair.
What is shame it wasn’t Kept up.
I love this site thank you so much for putting so much information on these old homes.
The family cemetery is across the street from the house and down a dirt road.
I dearly love the fact that you do this!! I would love to do and go to “Forgotten and abandoned places” BLESS you for doing this!!
Love this site,Thank you!
I loved the family pictures and story behind their large farmstead!! Thank you for letting me feel the family’s pride!
Wonderful site. I love the history of how many people worked hard to provide for their families and their communities. True American history
Bob