The first official event of our Gathering weekend is the Friday night kickoff party, held at one of Savannah’s most classic, yet unique, locations: The Gingerbread House. I thought today we would share some more information about this very special place.

The Asendorf House (now known as the Gingerbread House) is located in Savannah’s Victorian District, south of the Historic District beyond Forsyth Park. In the late 1800's, as the population of Savannah grew and the Historic District became crowded, the Victorian District developed as Savannah's first suburb. This 50-block area features beautiful, exuberantly detailed Victorian and Queen Anne Victorian frame houses, mostly contructed between 1870 and 1910. The streets are lined with oak and mulberry trees. This neighborhood has been designated a National Register Historic District since 1974, and in recent years many homes in this area have been restored.

Built in 1899, The Gingerbread House is considered one of the most outstanding examples of “Steamboat Gothic gingerbread carpentry” in the United States. Soon after its construction, local residents began calling the house, The Gingerbread House because of the elaborate gingerbread arches and spindles adorning the front porches and side balcony. The house is one of the most photographed homes in Savannah and has been featured in magazines and movies.

Jan, Leslie and I visited The Gingerbread House this past January and met with the owners, Herb and Jan Galloway. The minute we walked in the front door, we knew this was the ideal place for our Slow Travel group. We like the fact that it’s a real house and has indoor and outdoor spaces—not a sterile banquet hall. It’s unique and interesting and definitely Savannah.

We’ll have the exclusive use of the house for our kickoff party: entrance foyer, parlor, dining room, 2000 square foot conservatory, mezzanine, and large landscaped courtyard. The Gingerbread House has been lovingly restored inside and out, including the addition of a conservatory that blends perfectly with the original house. There are three fireplaces, a beautiful wooden staircase, and extensive wood trim. Many of the furnishings are antiques of the original period. (I especially liked the elaborate English pub bar in the conservatory.) The courtyard is extremely private and attractively landscaped, with areas for sitting and mingling. There’s a gazebo and even a small waterfall.

The property has had only three owners during its 108 year history and has been a venue for private parties, weddings and receptions for over 25 years. The house was recently put up for sale and Herb and Jan are retiring at the end of this year. (The listing price is $2,595,000, in case you're interested!) Herb said in a letter to us: “Your event is the only booked event for 2008, but we will enjoy coming out of hibernation for one final party.” Our Slow Travel group event is the last they expect to host. It will definitely be a night to remember!

Learn more about The Gingerbread House:

The Gingerbread House website

The Gingerbread House: A Legacy of Elegance Touches Three Centuries - a detailed article about the history and restoration of the house

Victorian architecture

Join us for The Great Slow Travel Gathering - Savannah, Georgia - April 4 to 6, 2008.

Kathy

I think we are the PERFECT group to get the Gingerbread House "out of hibernation". We will do its history proud. I can't wait to see this place! What a last hurrah...Slow Travelers at a party!

Having been in the trio that originally explored the various locations, I just have to chime in here.

What I loved about the Gingerbread house, like Kathy said, is its feeling of hominess, as if one of us lived in a lovely old place that could accomodate 125 people.

And, you all have got to meet Herb and Jan (not me)--they are as charming as the architecture.

Can't wait to see everyone (I imagine, with drink in hand and a big smile) there.

jan

Hello All,

As one of the original trio that visited that the property, I thought I would chime-in as well.

The Gingebread House exudes warmth and hospitality from the moment you step through the door. I thought it was perfect from the very first moment.

It is going to be a wonderful venue for our first night GTG and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Looking forward to Savannah!

All the Best,