
A piece of Bulldogs history is up for grabs in Athens, where the University of Georgia’s presidential mansion has officially hit the market for the first time, with a listing price of $5.12 million.
“As a UGA alum, I am honored to represent this distinguished landmark,” says Bonneau Ansley, who holds the listing at 570 Prince Ave. with Holly Purcell, both of Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International Real Estate. “I’ve always marveled at the grandness and stately presence it has on nearly 5 acres in downtown Athens. It’s exciting that someone is going to breathe new life into this icon.”

As first reported by UGA Today, the property is being sold because it has become “increasingly costly and challenging to maintain.” All proceeds from the sale will be used to support student success initiatives at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, according to a press statement. In addition, “No longer having to provide maintenance, security and support for the property will allow that money to be better spent on other campus needs.”
Built in 1856 by railroad executive John T. Grant and sold a year later to attorney and politician Benjamin H. Hill—hence its nickname, the Benjamin H. Hill House—the Greek Revival-style mansion was acquired in 1883 by First National Bank of Athens founder James White and then bequeathed upon his death that same year to his daughter, Mrs. W.F. Bradshaw. Purchased by the University System of Georgia (USG) in 1949 with donated funds, it’s housed seven presidents and was listed in 1972 on the National Register of Historic Places, where it’s described as a “veritable museum piece.”

Resting on roughly 5 acres of land that’s hosted numerous events through the years, the fenced and gated estate is centered around a white clapboard structure featuring a little more than 10,800 square feet of “meticulously maintained and updated” living space on two levels, plus a raised basement. There are a total of five bedrooms and seven baths, as well as period details mixed with modern amenities like an elevator.
Once inside, the stately columned home greets with a wallpapered entrance hallway displaying an ornate staircase and a vintage crystal chandelier dangling from a ceiling medallion. Dual crystal chandeliers and white marble fireplaces adorn a double parlor, and there’s also a fireside dining room enhanced with a landscape mural and a large kitchen sporting a center island, newer stainless appliances, and a butler’s pantry. Upstairs, the primary suite has its own balcony. And outdoors, the grassy grounds host a spacious brick courtyard lined with roses, a formal garden, an expansive wraparound porch, a gazebo, a guesthouse, and a two-car garage.
Per UGA Today, the USG has already sold off its Atlanta chancellor’s residence and the homes of the Georgia State University and Augusta University presidents. The only other presidential home in the USG on the Georgia Tech campus is currently unoccupied.
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The sale of the UGA president’s mansion highlights the unique market for luxury properties in Athens. For those considering a high-end purchase or even selling a property, understanding the market dynamics is crucial. A useful resource for navigating such transactions is the Cash Home Buyer Guide, which offers insights into selling homes quickly and efficiently. With the right approach, buyers and sellers can maximize their opportunities in this competitive market, especially with properties as iconic as this one.
For those interested in the real estate market, whether it's luxury homes or more affordable options, there are always interesting properties to explore. If you’re looking to make a move or just curious about the market, checking out the latest listings on your favorite website can give you a good sense of what’s out there. Real estate is definitely full of surprises!
We gotta get this right. The Taylor-Grady House is already in new hands with good ideas for the future. This is almost certainly too grand and high-maintenance for a single family, but there are Clubs and businesses who could make it work. Family lore says that my great great grandmother leased this house in the late 19th century and hosted double weddings for four of her 11 sons. Maybe.... probably not.