Twelve Oaks: the Gone with the Wind house is for sale
Selznick International Pictures
Going, going... Gone with the Wind
A bona fide literary classic, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind was a runaway success, topping the American fiction bestseller charts upon its release in 1936. Later adapted for the silver screen, the Civil War-era epic went on to become one of America's biggest blockbusters. Now, you could own a piece of cinematic history, as the stunning Greek Revival house from the film goes under the hammer.
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Hollywood heritage
With a starting bid of $1 million (£825,555), you may recognise the elegant Antebellum estate as the home of Ashley Wilkes, Scarlett O'Hara's love interest. When Selznick International Pictures scored the film rights to Gone with the Wind, author Margaret Mitchell shied away from involvement, however, when it came to this captivating property, she made her thoughts known.
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Inspired architecture
Margaret first stumbled across a picture of the 1836 plantation-style house in the Atlanta Journal. Enchanted, she immediately cut out the image and sent it to the film's producer, David Selznick, explaining that it was precisely the house she had imagined in her novel.
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A change of fortune
After the palatial property's glittering appearance in the film in 1939, the house, known as Twelve Oaks, fell into disrepair. Seeing its sorry state, the current owners bought up the forlorn dwelling, intent on restoring it to its former glory.
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Restored and revived
The historic home has since undergone a spectacular $2 million (£1.7 million) restoration and is said to be in an even better condition than when Margaret Mitchell first spotted it back in the 1930s. As well as restoring the property to its Antebellum heyday, the owners have also decked it out with every modern convenience that today’s house buyers expect.
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Silver screen steal
While the current owners have done a stellar job, they're now ready to embark on a new project, listing Twelve Oaks for auction last month. Frankly my dear, considering the costly renovations, we think the price tag of $1 million (£825,555) for a piece of Hollywood history is a pretty good deal!
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Grand entrance
Inside, the grand mansion offers a staggering 10,000 square feet of luxurious living space. Stunning period details abound, from hardwood floors to chandeliers and sweeping staircases. If you're searching for a grand place to entertain, this heritage home ticks all the boxes – just look at those staggering 11-foot ceilings!
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Style and substance
Elsewhere on the ground floor, there's a formal parlour and large dining room, both decorated in a sensitive period style that still manages to look fresh. As well as the classic decor, the renovation also included plenty of practical upgrades like new electrics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
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Updated amenities
Completed in 2017, the careful renovation also saw the installation of a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, complete with a range-style oven, double butler sink and an ornate central island. Just look at that intricate woodwork!
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Sympathetic renovation
Despite the modern updates, the kitchen hasn't lost the charm of its past life. The coiffured ceilings have been beautifully restored, while the updated cabinetry is still in keeping with the home's 19th-century roots. The property also benefits from three laundry rooms that'll help make housework a breeze.
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Slumber in style
With no shortage of space, the property comes with an enormous 12 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, so it's ideal for hosting visitors. Some of the grand bedrooms even come with fireplaces – there's a total of 12 throughout the property – so you'll be toasty and warm even in the winter months. In a modern twist, each of the hearths is remote-controlled, which sounds more James Bond than Gone with the Wind, but we’ll take it!
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Majestic master suite
While all the bedrooms are opulent, the master suite takes luxury to the next level. Our favourite touch? The personal library, nestled inside back-lit wooden alcoves. Just imagine snuggling up with a classic novel in front of a crackling fire...
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Bathe in luxury
If you think the bedrooms are swanky, just wait until you see the bathrooms. Two of the home's bathtubs cost a whopping $14,000 (£11,557) each! One of the bathrooms also features an antique circular shower, fitted with 360-degree jets that's said to be one of just a few in the world.
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Cinematic hotspot
Ideal for soaking up the afternoon sun, the rooftop balcony offers stunning views of the estate's rolling grounds. Aside from Gone with the Wind, Twelve Oaks has also featured in 15 other films, including Life of the Party, The Family That Preys, Halloween II, Southern Fried Homicide and In the Heat of the Night.
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Decadent grounds
Nestled in the property's landscaped lawns, you'll find an inviting swimming pool flanked by a historic pergola. There are plenty of covered porches for escaping the hot southern sun and over three acres of gardens. There’s even a four-car carriage house that has Tesla and Copper Creek charging stations for both cars and golf carts.
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Historic landmark
We can just imagine Ashley Wilkes sipping a cool drink beneath the shade here, staring wistfully into the distance as the music swells. Members of the general public can experience the silver screen setting for themselves, as the property holds a permit as a historic site and is licensed to offer tours.
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Limelight location
The home's cinematic status is far from a rarity in the town of Covington, Georgia, where over 125 films and TV shows have been filmed, earning it the moniker of 'The Hollywood of the South'. While the estate looks as though it's set amongst a rural idyll, this is no remote retreat – the town square with its array of restaurants and shops is just three blocks away.
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Healthy income
If you're after a property that can earn its keep, look no further. For seven years, Twelve Oaks has functioned as a successful bed and breakfast, winning Southern Living’s Best of the South Award in 2018. It’s also a thriving events venue, having picked up WeddingWire's Couples' Choice Award for four consecutive years.
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Take a chance on this Southern belle
A spectacular home with a fascinating history, this enchanting estate is truly one of a kind. Fancy snapping up a piece of silver screen royalty? It's currently listed with Target Auction, with a starting bid of $1 million (£825,555). Now pass us a cool lemonade while we snag the best spot on the veranda…
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