Exploring Savannah, Georgia, on foot is one of the best ways to truly experience its rich history and vibrant present. The city’s streets are lined with whimsical trees, ornate buildings, and charming Victorian homes, each seemingly holding countless stories. Every step feels like an invitation to uncover a new tale, leaving you eager for more. Savannah’s history is so immersive that leaving too soon feels bittersweet, sparking an immediate desire to return and continue the journey.
On our last visit, we stayed at Queen Anne’s Retreat, a beautiful Airbnb hosted by Ling, a warm and welcoming culture teacher at the local university. Ling’s touch makes this Victorian house feel incredibly special from the moment you step inside.
Queen Anne’s Retreat is a beautifully preserved 1900s Victorian home that radiates the architectural charm of Savannah’s historic neighborhoods. Its soaring 14-foot ceilings and original wood floors serve as a stunning tribute to the craftsmanship of the era, capturing the essence of Victorian houses. The intricate grain and rich patina of the hardwood floors tell their own story, bearing the marks of over a century of history and adding to the home’s inviting character.
For a photographer and interior design enthusiast like me, staying here was a dream come true.
The hallways, lined with vintage paintings and prints, feel like a charming step back in time—a classic touch in any Victorian house. Their narrow design got me wondering how women in the 1800-s and 1900-s managed to move around, especially with those huge crinolines.
I could just picture them carefully holding their skirts and taking slow, deliberate steps. It’s little things like this that make staying in historic homes so fun—every corner has a way of sparking your imagination about the past.
Ling has masterfully combined the elegance of Victorian design with elements of Chinese interior design, creating a unique space that tells a story about her heritage. Each decor choice invites curiosity and discovery.
For example, the tea room’s fireplace features delicate female statues, while the resting room showcases a zheng (also known as the guzheng), an ancient Chinese string instrument dating back to the Han Dynasty (200 BCE). In ancient China, music was believed to purify the mind, and it’s easy to see why. This instrument, along with a few others, holds a place of honor in the house, adding to its serene ambiance.
The resting room is such a peaceful and beautiful space. When the sunlight pours in through the tall windows, everything in the room—from the decor to the little details—seems to glow with energy. The way the Victorian charm blends with the Chinese-inspired interior design makes Ling’s home feel so unique and special.
The tea room at Queen Anne’s Retreat (Savannah, GA) is a delightful mix of culture and comfort. With its warm atmosphere and decor inspired by Chinese heritage, it’s a space that invites you to unwind, sip tea, and appreciate the thoughtful details that make this home so special.
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We stayed in the Earl Grey Room, which felt both grand and inviting. The room features a fireplace at its center, two large casement windows on one side, and a bay window on the other, flooding the space with natural light throughout the day. The effect is a room that feels open, airy, and filled with character.
The shared bathroom in this Victorian house continued the vintage theme with a classic bathtub perfectly positioned near a bay window. Thick curtains ensured privacy while still allowing a hint of natural light to enhance the room’s cozy charm.
If you’ve ever wondered how Victorian homes can beautifully incorporate Chinese interior design, Queen Anne’s Retreat is a must-visit. Ling’s thoughtful decor and the home’s historical elegance create an environment that connects you not only with her cultural heritage but also with Savannah’s unique Southern charm.
It’s a place that leaves you inspired and eager to return for more.
All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!
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Hi, there! I’m Elena Sullivan, a fine art photographer, and creative adventurer. My first joyful experimentation with a camera extended into a passionate relationship where harmony represents a constant flow of elegant devotion. I follow my intuition and curiosity in search of eternal connections in nature, then use my camera to reveal it and share it with you! Every of my photo is curated with love and artistic excellence.